Business

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Urbana building's foundation set to go in this week

URBANA – Footings and foundations for the Gateway Center retail/office complex at Lincoln and University avenues are scheduled to be laid this week, with completion of the project scheduled for March 2009.

When finished, the three-story, 31,000-square-foot building will house the University of Illinois Office of Continuing Education on its second floor and part of its first floor, said David Cocagne, president and chief executive officer of the building's developer, Vermilion Development.

Dutch firm to move operations to Streator company

STREATOR – A Streator company founded by Champaign native Douglas Grunnet has been sold to a Dutch firm that plans to move some of its manufacturing to the U.S.

Automotive Lifts and Machinery Corp., which has a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Streator, recently announced it sold its stock to Stertil BV, which makes lifts and dock levelers in Kootstertille, Netherlands.

Water leak a suspect in slope's slide

DANVILLE – Dr. Bhirom Buranakul and a local contractor are speculating that a recently discovered water leak in a building on North Logan Avenue may partly be the cause of a landslide on the bluffs overlooking Ellsworth Park.

But Steve Wegman, manager of utility engineering for Aqua Illinois, said it's extremely premature to connect the leak in the house with the slippage along the bluff.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Charleston drive-in bringing back the magic

CHARLESTON – As I drove into the entrance of the Stardust Drive-In for a showing of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," one of the first faces I saw was the theater's owner, Mark McSparin.

On most nights McSparin is selling tickets at the front gate.

Piano bar tuning up for opening

URBANA – Lincoln Square Village promises to be a livelier place at night with the opening of the 88 Broadway piano bar this week.

The bar, which has scheduled its formal opening for Friday, will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. weekdays and from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturdays. It's located on the east side of the mall's high court, where the entrance to Bergner's used to be.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

It's your business: New owners of pie shop cooking up additions

There are more than 40 kinds of pie made at Pies by Inge in Monticello.

But the new owners, Jennifer Johns and her mother, Redda Lively, can think of a few more kinds they'd like to add to the menu, starting with buttermilk and raisin cream pie.

Friday, July 4, 2008

New name for developer, marketer of sports tours

CHAMPAIGN – Look for a new sign – and a new name – to be going up outside the Dodds Athletic Tours office on South Neil Street.

Ken Bruce, the executive vice president, said the business will use the name "Premiere College Sports, together with Dodds Athletic Tours."

Entrepreneurial speaker series starting

CHAMPAIGN – EnterpriseWorks is launching "Startup Cafe," a new monthly entrepreneurial speaker series, next week, with the first speaker being author and angel investor Teresa Esser.

Esser will speak at noon Tuesday in the atrium of EnterpriseWorks, 60 Hazelwood Drive, C.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Rantoul firm's work on display from museums to battlefields

RANTOUL – When the kids point out the "hairy elephants" on a trip to St. Joseph, Mo., later this year, you will know.

A museum guide might say they are woolly mammoths that most likely came from the Arctic or the areas that now are Europe and Siberia.

FutureGen studies receive $2 million in support

CARBONDALE – An Illinois board devoted to exploring the clean use of coal decided Wednesday to spend about $2 million on studies to move FutureGen forward.

Southern Illinois University's Clean Coal Review Board, made up of legislators and coal industry officials, voted unanimously Wednesday to make good on last year's $2 million pledge to the plant proposed for Mattoon.

WEFT gets full power from new transmitter

CHAMPAIGN – WEFT 90.1FM is back to broadcasting to its full coverage area in East Central Illinois at the station's licensed power of 10,000 watts, station Manager Mick Woolf said on Wednesday.

"After nearly five weeks, we are back at full power, being heard throughout the many communities of East Central Illinois," he said. "We are excited about broadcasting a more clear and reliable signal to our listeners."

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Coal board to discuss uses for $2 million FutureGen pledge

CARBONDALE – Southern Illinois University's Clean Coal Review Board today will discuss spending the $2 million it had pledged to support building the clean coal-burning FutureGen plant in Mattoon.

The board, which is composed of Illinois legislators and coal industry officials, will discuss using that $2 million as a matching grant to the FutureGen Alliance, a group of 13 international power companies hoping to build in Mattoon. The money will go toward engineering studies needed to keep the project going until a new administration takes the White House, said Clean Coal Review Board chairman Rep. Dan Reitz, D-Sparta.

Rantoul chamber director stepping down effective Sept. 1

RANTOUL – Rantoul Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joe Bolser is stepping down on Sept. 1.

"I've really enjoyed working here, but it's time to move on," Bolser said on Tuesday. "It's time for somebody else to do their thing."

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Freedom says fuel tanks not to blame for station closing

TOLONO – Freedom Oil Company officials say its fuel tanks played no role in the closing of their Tolono location last week and that the decision to close it was the result of their trying to sell it without success.

According to Freedom president and owner Michael Owens, the company bought the store at 101 N. Watson St. in August 1993.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Minneci brothers' secrets: Food, friendliness, respect

CHAMPAIGN – How do two couples work together daily for 25 years without killing each other, divorcing each other or splitting up the business?

"We respect each other. We talk about it," said Maria Minneci, who works at Minneci's Ristorante with her husband, Pete, and his brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Mary. "Communication is the best way to run a business."

It's your buiness: T.J. Maxx remodeling to deliver improvements

Expect to see changes at the T.J. Maxx store in Champaign, if you haven't been there in a while. A full remodeling job has been under way at the store at 21 E. Marketview Drive, and was nearly done as of late last week, the company said.

Some of the changes: A new checkout area designed to be faster, new dressing rooms and an expanded home department to add more furniture, according to Thea Houghton, a spokeswoman for the Framingham, Mass.-based chain.

Indoor course puts golf in a new light

CHAMPAIGN – As a grandmother of two, Elisa Testory could see there just weren't enough places in Champaign-Urbana to play when the weather's not so nice.

So she and her husband, Dave Bolt, have created such a place – an indoor, black-light miniature golf course – at one of their two Champaign bowling alleys, Arrowhead Lanes.

Transmitter upgrade doubles radio station's wattage

FARMER CITY – A power upgrade long in the works is now a reality at radio station WWHP-FM 98.3, better known as "The Whip" in Farmer City.

The upgraded transmitter now effectively doubles the station's power, from 3,000 watts to 6,000 watts. The boost now allows the station and its advertisers to reach much larger markets, from Bloomington-Normal to the northwest to Champaign-Urbana in the southwest.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

New 'green' dining area ready to go up

URBANA – Construction of an environmentally friendly dining area and lounge should begin soon at Hendrick House in Urbana.

The private residence hall at Green Street and Lincoln Avenue has embarked on a $3 million construction and renovation project that includes remodeling the existing dining area and installing a geothermal heating and cooling system, according to Betsy Hendrick, president of Hendrick Dorms Inc.

Developer has eco-friendly plans in mind for subdivision

URBANA – In Debbie Insana's vision of a subdivision, you don't just buy a lot but a way of life.

Insana is the force behind the new Brickhouses Road Subdivision, located about 5 miles northeast of Urbana near Airport and High Cross roads.

Developer hopes to start building in fall

RANTOUL – A Rantoul developer said he expects construction to begin this fall on a new residential subdivision and a new commercial subdivision south of the Rantoul Wal-Mart SuperCenter.

Developer Joe Warner said he will proceed with the projects along South Murray Road following Thursday's vote by the Rantoul Village Board to create a tax-increment-financing district.

Arthur board to visit business to see flooding damage

ARTHUR – The Arthur village board will visit a local business on Monday to see damage caused by recent floods firsthand.

The board will hold a special meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at Masterbrand Cabinet, 217 S. Oak St., Arthur.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Douglas County pipeline construction to start soon

TUSCOLA – Construction on the newest pipeline to run through Douglas County is expected to start soon.

The Rockies Express Pipeline will funnel natural gas 1,679 miles, from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to eastern Ohio.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Meeting stresses benefits of 'green' industry

DANVILLE – At first, Danville resident Robert Isaac dismissed the notion of "green" jobs, thinking they were nothing more than a fad. Then he heard that a once-idle steel mill in Gary, Ind., had called back 250 laid-off workers to manufacture steel for wind turbines.

"The opportunities are here, and they're growing. We need to be a part of it," said Isaac, a Bunge Milling employee and vice president of United Steelworkers Local 972. "Danville's had a lot of plants shut down. This is a chance to bring jobs back. ... And we can do something good for the environment."

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Former Motorola building gets new owner

CHAMPAIGN – Fox/Atkins Development has acquired the former Motorola building in the University of Illinois Research Park and plans to lease it out to several tenants, the company said Monday.

Fox/Atkins, which developed virtually all the other buildings in the research park, said it's talking with two large companies in the research park that are planning to expand.

Tolono gas station removing leaky tanks

TOLONO – Owners of a Tolono gas station that suddenly closed Friday have told state environmental officials they have hired a contractor to remove tanks that apparently leaked.

Signs were taken down from the Freedom Oil Co., 101 N. Watson St., on Friday, and handwritten notes on the door read, "Sorry closed."

Monday, June 23, 2008

Hotel, eatery start hiring spree

CHAMPAIGN – Wanted: More than 100 people looking for a job in Champaign.

Day and evening hours available.

Salaries in the $9- to $18-per-hour range.

Sound good?

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Tall campus-area buildings nearly set for occupants

CHAMPAIGN – The walls are still open-air, the floors bare concrete and the elevator a rickety construction lift.

But the views from the penthouse level are pretty spectacular.

The nine-story M2 development downtown topped out in April, and two shades of brick already cover much of the eastern facade. The project is on target for a November completion date, despite none-too-friendly weather conditions during the early part of this construction season.

It's your business: B&B plans Sweet Dreams in Pesotum

When Cheryl and Fred Smitley retired and decided to return to Fred's native central Illinois, they also took on a second career as innkeepers.

The Smitleys are now the proprietors of Sweet Dreams Bed & Breakfast, which opened recently in a restored 1902 Queen Anne-style home at 300 E. Adams St., Pesotum.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Ethanol exec says credit crunch doomed projects

ROYAL – The president of Heartland Ethanol said the credit crunch – not the economics of ethanol – was the main reason his company abandoned efforts to build seven ethanol plants in Illinois, including one in Royal.

"The main issue was the ability to finance the project with bank loans," Heartland Ethanol President Walker R. Filbert said. "That came crashing down when the housing industry had its meltdown last August. We've been digging out from that for 10 months for all businesses, let alone ethanol plants." Heartland Ethanol had planned to build a 100-million-gallon ethanol plant on 65 acres north of Royal. But the company announced Monday it was pulling the plug on that project as well as projects in Griggsville, Vandalia, Gridley, Waverly, Ransom and Mendota.

WEFT working to have new transmitter by July 4

CHAMPAIGN – WEFT Radio, 90.1FM, expects to receive a new solid state transmitter just before the Fourth of July.

Station manager Mick Woolf said the new unit will be more reliable, with state-of-the-art technology, and will provide a better sound for WEFT's listeners.

Friday, June 20, 2008

Three area businesses to be part of ag expo in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD – Three area businesses will be represented at a state food and agricultural product expo this weekend in Springfield.

Country Cheese and More of Arthur, Hannah's Granna's of Charleston and The Homestead Bakery of Arthur are planning exhibits at the Illinois Department of Agriculture's 10th annual Illinois Products Expo.

Casual restaurant setting up shop in Campustown

URBANA – Sandella's Flatbread Cafe will open in the east campus area this fall.

Two franchisees from Bloomington-Normal have signed a lease with JSM Development to open a Sandella's at the new Gregory Place East, 700 S. Gregory, U.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Firm pulls plug on Royal ethanol plant

ROYAL – A Tennessee-based ethanol company has given up on its efforts to build an ethanol production plant in Royal.

Mike Craig, a spokesman for Heartland Ethanol, based in Knoxville, Tenn., announced Tuesday that his company has abandoned its proposal to build a corn-based dry mill ethanol plant at Royal.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

WEFT planning fundraiser for new transmitter

CHAMPAIGN – Community radio station WEFT-FM is reviewing options for paying for a new transmitter after its old one was damaged by storms in late May.

The volunteer-operated, listener-supported station at 90.1 FM still isn't yet back to full power, station manager Mick Woolf said. WEFT is sponsoring a fundraiser to buy a new transmitter from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Mike 'n' Molly's beer garden, 105 N. Market St., C – next door to the WEFT studio.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Danville native comes up with unique way to pacify your baby

People might not think a medical degree and a stint as a Tennessee Titan cheerleader would have prepared Danville native Monica Williams for her new career as an inventor, marketer and head of her own company.

While not using her medical education at this time, she has found that the principles are the same.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Wonder store now in Pioneer Plaza spot

Wonder where Wonder is? Wonder no more.

The Wonder/Hostess Bakery Outlet has moved from its longtime location at 301 W. Bloomington Road, C, to the east end of Pioneer Plaza at Prospect Avenue and Bloomington Road in Champaign.

Radio station WEFT regains some of its range

CHAMPAIGN – WEFT 90.1 FM, Champaign-Urbana's community-based radio station, is now broadcasting to about half its normal coverage area after officials successfully installed a temporary transmitter Saturday evening.

The station's 20-year-old, 10,000-watt transmitter was damaged by water and lightning on May 30, forcing it off the air for eight days. The temporary transmitter is effectively broadcasting at just under 2,000 watts, according to Station Manager Mick Woolf.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Vendors report slow sales this market season

URBANA – The frequent rains, gas prices and condition of the economy may all be affecting this year's farmers' market at Urbana's Lincoln Square Village.

The 100-plus vendor market draws people in search of a wide variety of fresh, locally grown, raised and made food, crafts from local artisans, fresh flowers and the music of local musicians. Like other farmers' markets around the country, it's been growing in size and popularity, said Market at the Square Director Lisa Bralts.

Friday, June 13, 2008

Auto dealer closing – this time it's for real

CHAMPAIGN – Joe Matthews Jr. says he's planning to close American Vanstand Auto Sales at 915 Bloomington Road, C.

If that sounds familiar, perhaps you're thinking of something you read 10 years ago in The News-Gazette's "It's Your Business" column.

From the Oct. 12, 1998, column: "American Vanstand at 915 Bloomington Road, C, will close as soon as its owner, Joe Matthews Jr., sells the property. Matthews, 63, says he wants to retire. He has grandchildren he'd like to spend time with, and he'd like to find out what people do on Saturdays other than work."

Doug Wilson's productions now include 'Guys,' Jibby's restaurant

SULLIVAN – Theatergoers Jean Jones and Janice Catolano of Springfield didn't realize until they arrived at the Little Theatre on the Square on Wednesday that television star Doug Wilson would be on stage in "Guys and Dolls" as Sky Masterson.

"We couldn't be more pleased," Catolano said during intermission. "We were just thrilled that he's here."

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Kleiss closes up greenhouses after 24 years

TOLONO – After 24 years in business, Linda Kleiss has decided to close Kleiss Nursery and concentrate on being a grandmother.

"It's a good time to change priorities," she said.

Wet spring a boon for some plants

Local produce growers, nursery owners and other horticultural businesses are dealing with a lot of mud and rain this growing season.

But when the sun comes, they are also looking forward to an abundance of berries and blooms.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Danville Goody's won't close until August

DANVILLE – People may be able to shop at Goody's at Danville's Village Mall for another 2 1/2 months.

Goody's Family Clothing Inc. officials said Tuesday they anticipate most of the 69 stores they're closing across the country, as part of a Chapter 11 reorganization, will stay open through the end of August.

Downtown Urbana bar won't reopen

URBANA – "The Office, Est. 1979," reads the sign above the downtown bar and restaurant.

But the longtime Urbana nightspot won't make it to its 30th birthday.

Advice to be offered on starting, expanding a business

CHAMPAIGN – Folks wanting free advice and answers about starting – or expanding – a business have a golden opportunity next Monday.

Representatives from at least seven organizations will be available to provide one-on-one counseling at the Champaign County Urban League office, 314 S. Neil St., C, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that day.

Cafe Luna sets up shop in new digs downtown

CHAMPAIGN – Moving to the San Francisco area didn't deter Iren Aikman from shifting Cafe Luna to a new location in Champaign.

The restaurant, which had been in the College Corner Mall at Fourth and Green streets since 2003, recently moved to the old Illinois Central train station in downtown Champaign. The space was last occupied by Tracks sports bar, which operated there from 2005 to 2007.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Goody's set to close store in Danville

DANVILLE – After less than four years as an anchor at Danville's mall, Goody's is one of 69 stores nationwide that Goody's Family Clothing Inc. will close in coming weeks as part of a Chapter 11 restructuring plan.

On Monday, the department-store chain announced that it has filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the federal Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

Music stores moving from downtown Champaign

CHAMPAIGN – Parking and customer convenience were the main reasons The Music Shoppe and Pro-Sound Center decided to move from downtown Champaign to Market View Shopping Center, an owner of the businesses said.

The stores, which have been at 114 S. Neil St. since 1995, plan to move at the end of July to the space at Market View formerly occupied by Dena's Hallmark. The card shop recently moved to a spot farther east in the shopping center.

"What we're doing," said Music Shoppe co-owner Terry Houchin, "is moving our retail operation and opening up a studio operation as well."

Sunday, June 8, 2008

It's your business: Nine-hole Legends golf course now open

The Legends of Champaign, a new nine-hole executive golf course at 4551 Nicklaus Drive, C, is now open.

Located near the intersection of Staley and Curtis roads, it has seven par-3s and two par-4s and three tees catering to kids, average golfers and those looking for more of a challenge.

Solving signal interference among jobs tackled by growing firm

CHAMPAIGN – If you've ever taken a commercial airline flight, you've heard the familiar warning to turn off all cell phones and electronic devices before takeoff.

The reason: The signals might interfere with the plane's electronic communications systems.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Gold's Gym spot becomes Truly Fit

URBANA – A new fitness center called Truly Fit has taken over the former Gold's Gym facility in Urbana.

The new center, operated by Jerommie Smith and Jim Maurer, opened Thursday at 1305 E. Colorado Ave., U. Both men had worked at Gold's under a previous franchise owner.

Canton man buys Buckley grocery store, plans to install new fuel pumps

BUCKLEY – Buckley is finally getting gas.

Tim Wells, an entrepreneur from Canton, said Thursday he has purchased Buckley's only grocery store and plans to install fuel pumps in the store's parking lot in the next several weeks, hopefully by Aug. 1.

Buckley, a town of about 600 people in southern Iroquois County, has not had a gas station in more than a decade, village board President Ardell Goetting said.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Danville bookstore destroyed in fire plans reopening

DANVILLE – Ten weeks after the fire that destroyed their bookstore, Richard and Marlene Garrison will reopen with new inventory in a new location with a new name.

The Dragon's Horde, at 101 N. Vermilion St., will open on Monday, just down the block from the site of the former store.

"I have really missed the people," Richard Garrison said. "I hope to fill up the shelves of the store quickly, but I am really looking forward to the return of my regular customers."

Judge delays decision on dismissing antitrust suit

URBANA – Christie and Carle clinics may have to wait up to a month to find out whether an antitrust lawsuit filed against them by state Attorney General Lisa Madigan will continue on its way to a trial.

At a hearing Wednesday morning, Champaign County Judge Richard Klaus declined to rule immediately on a motion by the clinics' attorneys to dismiss the complaint, saying he would issue a written decision within 30 days.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Unemployment figures decline in April but rise over '07

Area unemployment rates, for the most part, dropped from March to April but remained higher than a year ago.

Champaign County's unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in April, down from 4.5 percent in March but up from 3.6 percent in April 2007. Vermilion County's rate was 6.3 percent in April, down from 6.9 percent in March but up from 5.7 percent in April 2007.

Leases secured on 2,400 acres for wind farm

PAXTON – One of the two wind-energy companies interested in bringing 180 turbines to Ford County has secured long-term leases with landowners for about 2,400 acres of farmland east of Paxton.

"We have signed over 2,400 acres and expect another 2,000 in the next two or three weeks," said Joe Borkowski, development manager for E.On Climate & Renewables, which is targeting the east side of Paxton for the development of 100 wind turbines.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

This Is It Furniture making return to Danville

DANVILLE – This Is It Furniture is returning to towner, towner, towner.

Owner Mike Namoff plans to open a furniture store this summer in downtown Danville in the former Rhodes-Burford building, 103 E. Main St.

Flash index at lowest point since late 2004

CHAMPAIGN – The University of Illinois flash economic index dropped to 102.3 in May, its lowest point in nearly four years.

That suggests a continued and substantial slowing of the Illinois economy, according to UI economist J. Fred Giertz, who compiles the monthly index.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

It's your business

Looking out for the environment is nothing new for a natural foods store like Strawberry Fields.

But when a major remodeling job was finished this spring, the store management decided to take a new stand for a healthier planet – making Strawberry Fields a nearly plastic grocery bag-free zone.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Urbana recommends against landmark designation

URBANA – City planning staff and Mayor Laurel Prussing are recommending against designating the Historic Lincoln Hotel as a local landmark, saying it could hinder the new owner's chances of establishing a viable downtown hotel.

The landmark issue will come up for consideration at Monday's city council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at the Urbana City Building, 400 S. Vine St.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Danville bank offers free shredding service

Got some old documents you want to get rid of, but you worry about identity theft?

A Danville bank will offer free shredding for three hours Saturday morning.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Illinois Disciples Foundation plans to sell building

CHAMPAIGN – A fixture in the University of Illinois campus area – the Illinois Disciples Foundation building – will be sold to a private developer with plans to turn it into store and office space.

The foundation said it has arranged to sell the three-story building at 610 E. Springfield Ave., C, to JSM Development.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

It's your business: Gregory Place East done ahead of schedule

Another big new apartment/retail development in the University of Illinois campus area, Gregory Place East, is finished two months ahead of schedule.

"We started moving some residential tenants in on May 10," said Jill Guth, director of development for JSM Development.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Urbana council OKs Boneyard Master Plan

URBANA – Allen Strong says he's heard a lot of talk over the past 18 years about beautifying the Boneyard Creek in Urbana.

But so far, the owner of Silvercreek Restaurant and Courier Cafe in downtown Urbana said he's seen precious little action.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Campustown development plan on Champaign agenda

CHAMPAIGN – A plan that will guide the development of Campustown is set for final approval Tuesday by the city council.

The proposed University District Action Plan "sets goals and strategies and a framework for the future developments near campus," said Terry J. Blakeman, a city planner.

Even with higher diesel expenses, district holding up well

URBANA – While the rapid increase in fuel prices might be boosting ridership, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District is also being squeezed by rising diesel fuel costs.

The district's most recent purchase of diesel fuel was at $3.83 per gallon. Spending on fuel this fiscal year, for the first nine months through March 31, stands at $1.5 million. That's $373,000 more than the same period last year, and $115,000 more than the district had budgeted, according to MTD Managing Director Bill Volk.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Tourism bureau touting quick trips around Illinois

CHAMPAIGN – How much of a bite will gas prices take out of tourism this summer?

It's anyone's guess, but the Illinois Bureau of Tourism is promoting inexpensive, close-to-home traveling just in case.

It's your business: Board Boutique is ready to roll

If you skateboard, or have kids who do, the Board Boutique might be your kind of store.

A new skateboard shop at 702 S. Neil St., C, it sells colorful skateboards from about 40 companies, plus urban streetwear (clothes for the young and hip) and shoes.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Spaghetti Shop serves up last pasta

SAVOY – A longtime fast-food option is no longer available in Champaign County due to the death of the local franchisee. The Spaghetti Shop in Savoy served its last bucket of pasta last Saturday, and the property is for sale.

Lee Johnston, who acquired the store in 2006, died April 13, and his family was no longer interested in pursuing the business, said one of his sons, Jeffrey S. Johnston.

Kraft gets slice of new building for pizza project

CHAMPAIGN – A development company is planning to build a 40,000-square-foot business center on Country Fair Drive, with 6,000 square feet to be leased to Kraft Foods' pizza division.

Becknell Development ex-pects to build the Parkview Business Center on a 4-acre tract at 901 N. Country Fair Drive, said Paul Thurston, a manager for the development company. The portion built for the pizza division is expected to be ready for occupancy by Oct. 31.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Sale of biodiesel plant completed

DANVILLE – A new group of investors has completed its purchase of the biodiesel plant next to the Bunge milling plant, and the facility is expected to be producing biodiesel fuel by the fall.

Blackhawk Biofuels LLC, based in Freeport, announced Thursday the completion of the sale from Biofuels Company of America LLC to Blackhawk, a group of about 600 investors in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Blackhawk will own the plant but lease the land from Bunge North America.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Solo Cup posts profit for fourth consecutive quarter

URBANA – Solo Cup Co.'s sales are down and interest expense on debt remains high – but the company has reason to be happy. It showed a profit for the first quarter of 2008 – its fourth straight quarter of profitability after four years of losses.

In reporting the results Tuesday, President Robert M. Korzenski said Solo is benefiting from performance improvement initiatives. He cited "meaningful improvements" in manufacturing and distribution.

Tech crews work to restore WCIA-TV analog signal

CHAMPAIGN – WCIA-TV is struggling to restore the analog signal for Channel 3 after equipment at its transmitter site in Seymour was damaged by lightning.

Some viewers who normally get the station over the air, rather than through cable or satellite, have been unable to get a clear signal for several days, said Russ Hamilton, WCIA's vice president and general manager.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Name to change to Wendl's amid other changes

URBANA – Now that the off-track betting parlor has moved out, The Brickhouse in Urbana plans to change its name to Wendl's – a variation on the TK Wendl's name it used until 2005.

General Manager Chris Corres said the north side of the establishment at 1901 S. High Cross Road will be renovated for a dance floor and banquet hall that will accommodate 100 to 200 people, while the south side will remain a restaurant and bar. Corres said the renovations will probably take until late June to complete.

Owner: Future of downtown Danville fire site is unclear

DANVILLE – Building owner Tenley Lippie would like to rebuild at 105-109 N. Vermilion St., where a March 26 fire tore through two businesses in downtown Danville. But the decision to rebuild hinges on funding.

Everyone's first choice, said Lippie of Fort Wayne, Ind., is to save the facade and reconstruct the building. But the question is whether that can be funded reasonably, she said.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Mattoon-based company reports drop in net income

MATTOON – Consolidated Communications Holdings had a 20 percent drop in net income and 27 percent drop in earnings for the first quarter of this year, compared with the same quarter a year ago.

The Mattoon-based telecommunications company on Thursday reported first-quarter net income of $3.7 million, compared with $4.6 million a year ago. Earnings amounted to 13 cents per share, compared with 18 cents per share a year ago. Revenues were up a healthy 27 percent, and after operating expenses were deducted, the company enjoyed an 11 percent increase in income from operations.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

It's your business: Shop for babies, moms-to-be opens soon

Bella Bambini, a new store featuring baby and maternity clothes and gift items, will open this week at 2213 S. Neil St., C, in the Shoppes of Knollwood.

The store is taking over the space recently vacated by Rubens Chocolates.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

April home sales slump in Champaign County

CHAMPAIGN – The extent of the housing slump in Champaign County became more apparent in April, with home sales down more than 30 percent from April 2007.

Statistics released by the Champaign County Association of Realtors' Multiple Listing Service showed 177 homes were sold and closed on in April. That was down from 263 in April 2007, a drop of 32.7 percent.

Barfly under new ownership

CHAMPAIGN – There's a new owner at Barfly in downtown Champaign, and he's planning some changes.

Chris Knight, who also owns The Blind Pig pub downtown, closed on his purchase of Barfly at 120 N. Neil St. a week ago.

Schnucks olives recalled

ST. LOUIS – Mario Camacho Foods has launched a voluntary recall of Schnucks brand Spanish olives in the 5.75-ounce jar size.

All Schnucks customers are urged to check for olives with this UPC code: 04131819003, and a date of "best by" 02/06/11, the grocery chain said.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Forging site may absorb laid-off workers

DANVILLE – Although ThyssenKrupp will close its Voorhees Street machining facility next month and lay off workers there, company officials plan to rehire some of those employees at its forging facility that's under expansion.

The closure of the Voorhees plant in the midst of a $19 million investment project at the forging facility along Lynch Road is part of ThyssenKrupp Crankshaft Co.'s overall plan to consolidate its crankshaft machining and forging operations at one site and invest in new machining and forging technologies.

Lincoln Hotel owners don't want historic tag

URBANA – The new owner of the Historic Lincoln Hotel agrees that the 78-year-old hotel is, well, historic and probably deserving of local landmark status.

But the Normal-based company that bought the hotel in March doesn't want the designation, contending that just the prospect of being declared a local landmark is driving away hotel brands that could turn around the hotel's fortunes.

Mattoon official encouraged after FutureGen hearing

David Wortman got his first taste of the nation's capital Thursday – but he wasn't exactly a disinterested tourist.

Wortman, Mattoon's public works director, headed to Washington on his own dime to advocate for building FutureGen in Mattoon. After a Senate subcommittee hearing on the topic, he still feels pretty good about the prospect.

Investment firm now Granite Hill Partners

CHAMPAIGN – Sports Venture Partners, a private-equity investment firm with an office in Champaign, has changed its name to Granite Hall Partners to reflect more accurately the firm's wider investor base.

The firm was founded in 2000 to provide professional athletes and sports executives the opportunity to invest in a diversified group of private equity firms. It now serves a broader range of individual and institutional investors.

Red Cross closing its office in Danville

DANVILLE – The American Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter will be closing its Danville office next month, although services will continue in Vermilion County, officials said.

The office, at 320 N. Franklin St., also housed United Way until that organization moved to the Robert Thornton building just this month.

Centrue Bank's Ashkum branch to close

ASHKUM – Centrue Bank plans to close its branch in the Iroquois County community of Ashkum on June 27, according to Thomas A. Daiber, president of the bank's holding company.

That company, Centrue Financial Corp., recently disclosed plans to close the Ashkum office, at Main Street and U.S. 45, in its first-quarter earnings report.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Amish rub shoulders with 'English' at Otto Center in Arthur

If Arthur had a convention center, this would be it.

The cavernous Otto Center, about a half-mile south of the touristy town that straddles Moultrie and Douglas counties, hosts everything from benefits to reunions to trade shows. And because the events are so varied, it's commonplace to find Buicks parked next to buggies in the parking lot and throngs of Amish rubbing elbows with the "English" inside.

Mahomet commission recommends zoning change

MAHOMET – Commercial growth is what Mahomet area residents want, and commercial growth is what they will get if the Mahomet Village Board approves a unanimous recommendation from the Plan and Zoning Commission this month.

The commission voted 4-0 Tuesday to recommend approval of a zoning map amendment for the Blackstone Group from a R-3 residential, multiple-family district to a C-2, general commercial district at 706 and 708 E. Main St. and at part of 703 E. Franklin St.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

C-U Linens 'n Things not among 4 closing

CHAMPAIGN – The Linens 'n Things store in Champaign will remain open, but the ailing retailer says it will close four other stores in Illinois to help streamline itself at a time consumers are spending less on home furnishings merchandise.

The chain's parent company, Linens Holding Co., filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code late last week and named 120 stores that will be closed in connection with its restructuring plan.

Mattoon official making trip to Capitol Hill for FutureGen

In an effort to bring a $1.8 billion clean coal-burning plant to Mattoon, one city official is heading to the nation's capital.

Public Works Director David Wortman is heading to Washington, D.C., for a Senate subcommittee hearing Thursday about the Department of Energy's decision to restructure FutureGen.

Car detailer wins zoning permit

DANVILLE – It took nearly 10 months and two requests, but Anthony and Nicole Dye will be able to open their automotive detail shop.

The city council voted 10-1 Tuesday to approve the Dyes' zoning petition to change 104 Porter St. from single-family residential to highway business. Aldermen Dale Brandenburg, Ron Candido and DeMarko Wright were absent.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Owner of Jillian's property says right operator could succeed

CHAMPAIGN – Doug Larson said he hasn't heard anything from the operators of Jillian's since the restaurant and entertainment center closed last Sunday.

Louisville, Ky.-based JBC Entertainment, which operated the restaurant at 1201 S. Neil St., closed it after a 15-year run. JBC President Tyler Warfield said last week that the restaurant had "a tough run" the last 12 to 18 months and needed a large reinvestment "to stay relevant."

It's your business: Pia's site to house Mexican restaurant

The former Pia's Sports Bar property on U.S. 136 East in Rantoul will be put to use as a Mexican restaurant.

Victor Fuentes, one of the owners of El Toro and El Torero restaurants in Champaign-Urbana and St. Joseph, said he plans to open a new El Toro at the former Pia's by the end of June.

Lincoln Square piano bar to offer food, drinks, entertainment

URBANA – It's still two months away from opening, but already the 88 Broadway piano bar at Lincoln Square Village is beginning to take shape.

The piano bar, located inside what used to be the west entrance to Bergner's department store, is in a pivotal position in the mall – facing the mall's "high court" and across from longtime tenants International Galleries and Dena's Hallmark.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Zoning panel reaffirms favor for petition

DANVILLE – The Danville Area Planning and Zoning Commission approved once again a petition for a zoning change for 104 Porter St. from single-family residential to highway business.

Owners Anthony and Nicole Dye plan to convert the vacant building into an automotive detailing shop if the city council gives final approval next week.

State's economy growing – slowly

URBANA – Slower and slower ... that's how the Illinois economy is growing, according to the University of Illinois flash economic index.

The index dropped to 102.8 in April, down from 103.4 in March, said UI economist J. Fred Giertz, who compiles the statistic for the UI's Institute of Government and Public Affairs.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Tuscola honor sisters for restoring a town tradition

TUSCOLA – Flesor's Candy Kitchen has brought national recognition to Tuscola, and now the women behind it are being recognized, too.

Ann Flesor Beck and Devon Flesor Nau have been named this year's Tuscolians of the Year for restoring the historic business and attracting the national spotlight to their East Central Illinois town.

'Build Urbana' adds activities for children

URBANA – Looking at new homes and scouting out neighborhoods is usually something that appeals to adults, not kids.

But this year, the sponsors of "Build Urbana" have thrown in attractions that should appeal to the whole family.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

AT&T installing cabinets for video services

CHAMPAIGN – AT&T plans to install 100 utility cabinets throughout the city to bring video services to many residents.

The telephone giant has already obtained city permits to install 33 of the cabinets, which will link new fiber optic cable with traditional copper telephone wire to provide video services similar to those of cable television.

New baker features Hispanic goods

CHAMPAIGN – A new international bakery lives up to its name with Chinese-American owners.

To add to the ethnic flavor, it specializes in Hispanic baked goods.

Wendy's back in business on N. Prospect

CHAMPAIGN – All those suffering from Wendy's withdrawal can once again get a Frosty fix on North Prospect.

The Wendy's Old-Fashioned Hamburgers store at 2033 N. Prospect Ave., C, reopened Tuesday after an 18-month absence.

Company set to start construction on new water tank

DANVILLE – Aqua Illinois is ready to begin construction is on a new million-gallon water tank in the Denvale area soon.

Aqua Illinois officials said the new $1.5 million tank will improve water pressure in that area and provide additional storage for fire protection.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Hamburg Distributing closing doors after 75 years

CHAMPAIGN – The Hamburg Distributing warehouse in Champaign will close this summer after 75 years in business.

The closing, which affects 89 employees, comes as the result of two big wine-and-spirits distributors forming a joint venture and consolidating facilities.

Jillian's on Champaign's South Neil Street closes

CHAMPAIGN – The Jillian's restaurant and entertainment center on South Neil Street has closed, with its Louisville, Ky.-based operator saying the Champaign facility had run its course.

"We had a fantastic 15 years in Champaign. We really liked the market quite a bit, but it just ran the cycle," said Tyler Warfield, president of JBC Entertainment. "The downtown has gone through such a resurgence, and we were just enough off the path that it became a tough pull for us."

Homer Discount Mart getting ready to open

HOMER – Shoppers for discounts on general merchandise will soon have a new, local alternative. The Homer Discount Mart is scheduled to open at 110 S. Main St., next door to the Homer Auction, on May 10.

Business owner Bill Marietta of Danville has been stocking shelves and getting the store ready.

Danville United Way moving to new home

DANVILLE – Next month, United Way of Danville will move from the Red Cross building to new offices in the Robert Thornton building in downtown Danville.

The move saves money for the United Way and boosts its visibility, according to Jeanne Mulvaney, executive director of the agency.

Danville Health Club building sold

DANVILLE – A Canadian businessman has bought the Danville Health Club building in downtown Danville and hopes to attract a restaurant and bakery to the site.

George Gill with KKG Investments of Toronto closed early this month on the property, 125 N. Vermilion St., which was previously owned by Chad Bryant.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Couple again pushing zoning change

DANVILLE – A couple whose zoning petition failed last year at the city council is seeking second consideration.

Anthony and Nicole Dye are requesting a zoning change for 104 Porter St. from single-family residential to highway business.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

It's your business: World Harvest expanding its home, offerings

How many different items do you suppose an international foods store would need to have on the shelves to fill all its customers' needs?

World Harvest International & Gourmet Foods at 519 E. University Ave., C, has – believe it or not – more than 600 kinds of tea, more than 100 different coffees and more than 200 kinds of olive oil. In fact, the store has 10,000 different food items, but owner Mohammad Al-Heeti says customers still ask for things he doesn't have.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Jobless rate down from last month, up from 2007

DANVILLE – March unemployment rates were down from February's in most counties of East Central Illinois, the state Department of Employment Security reported Thursday.

But the March rates tended to be about a point higher than they were a year ago.

Strike over at Paris plant

PARIS, Ill. – The 17-day strike at a Paris auto parts plant has come to an end – but with no contract resolution.

ZF Boge Elastmetall announced Thursday that it has accepted the offer of United Auto Workers Local 2343 to return to work.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Busey's first-quarter earnings per share down 22%

URBANA – First Busey Corp.'s first-quarter earnings per share were down 22 percent from a year ago, the Urbana-based bank holding company announced Tuesday.

"We have continued to experience deterioration in our loan portfolio, primarily in southwest Florida," First Busey President and Chief Executive Officer Van A. Dukeman said in a letter to shareholders.

Company trimming number of shareholders

SAVOY – Paris-based First BancTrust Corp., which has banking offices in Savoy and Rantoul, plans to cut the number of its shareholders so it will no longer have to file periodic reports with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

The company – which operates First Bank of Savoy and First Bank of Rantoul – announced Monday that the increasing costs of being an SEC-registered, Nasdaq-traded company aren't justified by the benefits, given the company's limited trading activity.

Residents cruise Arcola grocery store's aisles

ARCOLA – The steady beep of groceries crossing a cash register was music to Arcola residents' ears as they checked out their new grocery store, Arcola Family Foods, on Wednesday.

"Every town needs a grocery store," said resident Beverly Pryor.

Legal advice free Saturday

Have a question that you think a lawyer could help with? Saturday is your chance to call a lawyer without getting billed.

Lawyer volunteers will answer phones at three locations around the state from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Illinois residents can call toll-free to 800-252-8908 for a free phone consultation.

Arthur nursing home seeks donations for landscaping

ARTHUR – As an Arthur nursing home nears completion on a $6 million expansion project, home leaders have launched efforts to raise money to provide new landscaping for the property.

David Eversole, administrator of the Arthur Home and Eberhardt Village, said Wednesday that the facility is launching a drive to raise $100,000 to pay for landscaping improvements for the facility.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Local home buyers taking time on decisions

CHAMPAIGN – Home sales in Champaign County are down 8 percent from where they were a year ago.

Statistics from the Champaign County Association of Realtors' Multiple Listing Service show 476 homes were sold during the first three months of this year. That compares with 519 homes sold during the first quarter of 2007.

Shop offering formal gowns to open in Tuscola

TUSCOLA – For women and girls looking for the perfect formal gown, the search is about to get easier.

Sandy Hoke, longtime director of the Miss Moultrie-Douglas Pageant, will soon open a dress shop in Tuscola. She'll call it Dazzle Me Dresses. It'll be at 708 E. South Line Road in Tuscola, along U.S. 36.

Hoke hopes to open the store in May, and will sell pageant, prom, homecoming and wedding dresses.

Fuel, insurance costs driving up Danville's ambulance rate

DANVILLE – Medix Emergency Medical Services Inc. is set to increase its ambulance rates this May.

Increasing diesel fuel and insurance costs are driving the move, President Stephen Sparrow said.

Arcola Family Foods opening Wednesday

ARCOLA – After more than a year, Arcola will soon have an in-town grocery store.

Arcola Family Foods will open at 7 a.m. Wednesday in the former Arcola IGA building.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

It's your business: Apparel store to target teens, 20s

A national apparel chain catering to teenage girls and women in their 20s is coming to Champaign's Market Place Mall.

California-based Charlotte Russe is building a store in two recently vacated mall spaces that were combined to provide enough room for the new tenant, according to Dennis Robertson, the mall's general manager. The store will open in the Bergner's wing, he said.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Alliance, local group buying land for FutureGen plant

MATTOON – Funding for FutureGen may be stalled, but the groups behind it are buying land for the clean-burning power plant by August.

The FutureGen Alliance and Coles Together will split the cost of the $6.5 million land northwest of Mattoon, announced Roger Gilchrist, the alliance's executive director of project development. He said the alliance wants to show that it is serious about building the state-of-the-art, clean-burning power plant. The news came at Coles Together's annual meeting Friday.

Quake gives FutureGen fresh study data

MATTOON – Throughout the process to identify sites for the FutureGen clean-coal plants, alliance officials stressed the importance of finding a location that was safe from earthquakes.

When the FutureGen Alliance announced in December it had chosen Mattoon for its near-zero emissions power plant, FutureGen Chief Michael Mudd said the low level of seismic activity made Coles County ideal.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Discount bread store in Urbana closes doors

URBANA – It was the high price of gas vs. the high price of bread, and apparently gas won out.

The Dolly Madison thrift shop in Urbana closed last week after more than 15 years in business. It was a haven for people looking for deals on bread. Loaves sold for no more than $1.45, compared with $2, $3 or $4 prices in grocery stores.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Vermilion County Airport adopts new name

DANVILLE – What's in a name? Vermilion County Airport officials think misconception can be, as well as visibility and viability.

For those reasons, the board that oversees the local airport has changed the name from Vermilion County Airport to Vermilion Regional Airport to reflect the facility's position and status in the area. The airport authority board officially changed the name Tuesday at its monthly meeting.

Arcola resort to employ about 200

ARCOLA – A planned resort of more than 60 acres will cement Arcola's position as a tourist destination, developers say.

Two Indianapolis developers told the Arcola Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday that they plan to break ground on a 63.5-acre resort, hotel and conference center in Arcola within the next 40 to 60 days.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Developer plans 60-acre resort in Arcola

ARCOLA – A planned resort of more than 60 acres will cement Arcola's position as a tourist destination, developers say.

Two Indianapolis developers told the Arcola Chamber of Commerce today that they plan to break ground on a 63.5-acre resort, hotel and conference center in Arcola within the next 40 to 60 days.

OTB parlor searching for a new home

URBANA – The off-track betting parlor in Urbana will close May 4, and Inter-Track Partners says it's looking for a new location in Champaign-Urbana or Danville.

For the past 2 1/2 years, the OTB has been located at the Brickhouse on Illinois 130 between Washington Street and Windsor Road. The betting parlor has been operated as a joint venture between the Brickhouse owners and Inter-Track Partners.

FutureGen delegation pleads case in U.S. House

WASHINGTON – Members of the Illinois delegation aren't done fighting to bring a $1.8 billion, clean-burning power plant to Central Illinois.

The House Science and Technology Committee heard from Illinois Congressmen and the chairman of the FutureGen Alliance on Tuesday. All lobbied to build FutureGen in Mattoon, though the Department of Energy insists it wants to help pay for smaller projects better geared to selling electrical power.

Bank exec: C-U faring better than many other communities

CHAMPAIGN – Ed Scharlau points to picture after picture of new buildings going up in Champaign-Urbana, and marvels at how much they all cost.

Just 20 of these big construction projects combined are worth more than $1 billion, he said this morning at Busey Bank's annual economic seminar.

Scrap metal drop-off site to open

DANVILLE – From the driver's seat, you can buy a meal, pick up a prescription, get cash, pay a bill – and now, you can drop off aluminum and other scrap metal for recycling.

Next week, Mervis Industries will open Advantage Recycling, a new 60-by-80-foot center at the corner of Henning Road and U.S. 150 west of Danville that features a covered drive-through area where people can drop off metal recyclables, including aluminum, brass, copper, scrap iron, stainless steel and batteries.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Companies drop suits against each other

URBANA – Champaign-based Sports Publishing has voluntarily withdrawn a suit it recently filed against InnerWorkings Inc.

The suit, filed March 31 in U.S. District Court in Urbana, alleged the Chicago-based print services broker and six other defendants engaged in fraud and racketeering in an effort to gain control of Sports Publishing.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

New farmer's market director promises same old tasty treats

URBANA – Lisa Bralts describes herself as a Market at the Square geek. Now she's more than that – she's the person in charge.

Bralts left her job earlier this year as director of marketing and development for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank to take a position with the city of Urbana as an economic development specialist and director of the Market at the Square. It runs from May 10 to Nov. 8 this year.

It's your business: Mommy Mixer helps moms, sitters connect

Ask any hard-working mom, and she'll tell you finding just the right baby sitter is a challenge.

Texas-based Mommy Mixer aims to make it easier for moms and college-age baby sitters to find each other at a series of networking events, and it's coming to Champaign-Urbana.

Friday, April 11, 2008

Job recruiters offer cautionary tales

CHAMPAIGN – In job interviews, some things are better left unsaid.

But try as she might, Denise Forshier couldn't get that point across.

Dodds Athletic Tours changing hands

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign-based Dodds Athletic Tours has been acquired by Chicago-based North America Sports Media.

But Christy Bruce, president of the tour company, said Dodds will keep its identity and its office at 308 S. Neil St., C. Noting the business has been in Champaign 45 years, she said she hopes it will be here another 45.

Church relocates banquet center to assist grocery store

DANVILLE – The Save-A-Lot grocery store on Griffin Street will be moving north later this month to a newly renovated building in Heavenly Square on the city's northeast side.

John Lamkin, vice president of merchandising for Kirby Foods in Champaign, said the hope is that the new location will serve a broader customer base.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

New Heartland branch going up on Philo Road

URBANA – Heartland Bank and Trust plans to build a new branch office on Philo Road this year, Executive Vice President Steve Drake said Thursday.

The bank has acquired property at 1812 S. Philo Road, just north of the CVS Pharmacy and in front of the former Jewel food store.

FutureGen official touts Mattoon site to Senate panel

WASHINGTON, D.C. – FutureGen Alliance Chief Executive Officer Michael Mudd still believes building one nearly zero-emission clean coal-burning power plant is an answer for global warming.

Mudd testified to a Senate subcommittee Wednesday that he believes regardless of the climate change policy approved by Congress, using carbon capture and sequestration will be necessary. And the quickest way to start using such technology is to build FutureGen in Mattoon, he said.

Paxton restaurant expanding into old building

PAXTON – A restaurant is expanding into a turn-of-the century building in downtown Paxton that was once used as the law office of a former Ford County judge and previously as a dry-cleaning business operated by a former mayor.

Terra Hendrix, owner of the Tin Pan restaurant, 125 S. Market St., plans to open a banquet hall called "Tin Pan Alley" this spring in the 103-year-old building next door at 117 S. Market St.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Old National Bancorp bracing for $17 million loss

DANVILLE – Old National Bancorp says its first-quarter earnings will be affected by $17 million in possible loan losses associated with a former loan officer in its Indianapolis market.

The former loan officer is being investigated for misconduct, a news release from the Evansville, Ind.-based bank holding company said.

UAW members in Paris strike after contract ends

PARIS, Ill. – Workers at a Paris auto-parts plant plan to meet with management later this week to try to resolve a strike that started Sunday.

Members of United Auto Workers Local 2343 voted to go on strike at the ZF Boge Elastmetall plant after their contract expired Saturday.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Rubens Chocolates closes; owner will keep making candy

CHAMPAIGN – For Chris Thurston, a painful accident in February was a wake-up call:

It's time to slow down and enjoy the chocolate.

Thurston, the master chocolate maker with a Belgian accent and longtime owner of Rubens Chocolates, has closed her store at the Shoppes of Knollwood.

Jeweler's liquidation sale offers major markdowns

DANVILLE – Friedman's Jewelers at the Village Mall has marked down its inventory as much as 30 to 70 percent as part of the jewelry chain's court-ordered bankruptcy liquidation.

Jake Murphy, sales associate at the Danville store, 2917 N. Vermilion St., said the liquidation started during the weekend after corporate officials informed employees of the bankruptcy liquidation order.

Couple plans again to offer Amish dinners

SULLIVAN – Lorene and Oba Herschberger of rural Sullivan are going to return to the business of offering Amish dinners in their home. It is located east of Sullivan and about 12 miles south of Arthur.

Lorene said she plans to offer guests their choice of pies, which could be pecan, cherry, apple, peach or other fruit, and meals could include ham, mock ham loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, noodles, a lettuce salad, and brown and white homemade bread.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Size, profitability and strength of area banks

Listed below are area banks, along with their assets, income, return on assets and risk-based capital ration:

All 75 banks with area presence well-capitalized; 4 showed loss

If the sudden downward spiral and sale of the Bear Stearns investment bank has you worried about the condition of your local bank, breathe easy.

Reports filed with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council indicate you don't have cause for concern.

It's your business: Warming up to more signs of the season

A sign of summer inching closer: more garden center and ice cream news.

Just opened in Paxton is the new Ivy Garden Center & Landscaping at 632 S. Market St.

Second company interested in constructing wind farm

PAXTON – A second wind-energy company is in the race to build Ford County's first turbines east of Paxton, adding to the community's excitement about economic growth.

"They're bringing people to work here, and some may even want to come and live in Paxton," Mayor Bill Ingold said.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Danville's new jobs come at Ohio's expense

DANVILLE – Though champing at the bit to announce the good news of 200 new jobs at ThyssenKrupp Crankshaft Co., Vicki Haugen of Vermilion Advantage said the company needed to inform employees of its Fostoria, Ohio, plant of its closing first.

The Danville facility will consolidate the company's crankshaft machining work to the Danville International Drive location. The two machining plants produce crankshafts for the North American heavy-duty automotive, truck and engine markets.

Firm aims to auction as many as 60 units in Urbana condo sale

URBANA – At least 10 and as many as 60 condominiums at Capstone Quarters will be auctioned off April 19 as the developer of the Urbana condominium complex seeks to scale back sales operations there.

Municipal electric utility gets a hearing in Gibson City

GIBSON CITY – City officials and businessmen are using their energy to talk about the future of energy.

The city council's 11-member Energy Task Force heard Phillip "Doc" Mueller of the Illinois Municipal Utilities Association in Springfield outline the concepts of a municipally-owned electric company at its first meeting Thursday.

Common Ground members raise $250,000 for Urbana move

CHAMPAIGN – Common Ground Food Co-Op has raised $250,000 in loans from members to help support its upcoming move to Lincoln Square Village in Urbana.

The sum was raised in less than two months and will be used as leverage to get further financing to build out and stock shelves at the new location, according to a news release from the organization.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Two hundred new jobs headed to ThyssenKrupp

DANVILLE – Though chomping at the bit to announce the good news of 200 new jobs at ThyssenKrupp Crankshaft Company, Vicki Haugen of Vermilion Advantage said ThyssenKrupp needed to inform employs of its Fostoria, Ohio plant of its closing first.

The Danville facility will consolidate the company's crankshaft machining work to the Danville International Drive location. The two machining plants produce crankshafts for the North American heavy-duty automotive, truck and engine markets.

Development group to get interim leader

CHAMPAIGN – John Dimit is expected to be hired as interim executive director of the Champaign County Economic Development Corp,

Dimit, 59, who retired in November as executive director of the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, stepped down from the economic development group's board of directors last fall. He continues to serve on the Urbana school board.

Employers, job hunters pack Parkland gym

CHAMPAIGN – Bernard Malemba was laid off from his job at Guardian West on March 3. Figuring he needed to find other work, he and some buddies from the auto parts plant headed to the Parkland Job Fair on Thursday.

Malemba liked some of the opportunities he found. Looking for jobs in manufacturing, production or warehousing, the Champaign resident said he was particularly interested in Hobbico, a distributor of radio-controlled vehicles.

Local Baker's Square closes doors

CHAMPAIGN – No pies for you!

The Bakers Square restaurant in Champaign closed Wednesday night in connection with its parent company, Vicorp Restaurants Inc., filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy Thursday.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Building damaged by overnight fire

URBANA – Fire officials are continuing to investigate the cause of a fire at an Urbana pizza parlor early today.

Urbana fire Division Chief Brian Nightlinger said firefighters were called to the Papa John's Pizza, 1307 E. Florida Ave., at 1:38 a.m. today.

Economic index at lowest mark in three years

URBANA – The University of Illinois flash economic index has dropped to its lowest level in three years.

The index, considered a barometer of the Illinois economy, fell to 103.4 in March, its lowest level since February 2005.

Electrical fault ruled out in fire

DANVILLE – One insurance investigator has ruled out electrical causes for the fire that destroyed a downtown building last week, but fire officials have not been able to pinpoint what did ignite the blaze, according to Deputy Director Bobby Lillard of the Danville Fire Department.

Lillard said investigators know where the fire started – close to the back door of Danville Book World, 107 N. Vermilion St. – but can't determine the cause, which will likely officially be listed as "undetermined after investigation."

Lincoln Hotel gets new owner

URBANA – The Historic Lincoln Hotel has a new owner with plans to restore the 128-room downtown hotel to prominence.

Global Hotel Management of Normal closed on a deal to purchase the hotel on March 21 from its owner, Marine Bank of Springfield. Marine Bank had foreclosed on the prior owner, Jay Bhaghavan.

Record number of businesses at expo

CHAMPAIGN – A record number of vendors turned out for the East Central Illinois Business Expo, according to the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce.

About 125 businesses sponsored booths at Wednesday's expo, the fourth consecutive year it was held at the University of Illinois Assembly Hall.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Soggy weather delays community-supported ag programs

MAHOMET – Normally this time of year Lisa Haynes is upbeat about the growing season ahead.

But this year, trudging through late March fields turned to bogs by winter snow and rain, Haynes is pessimistic even though she knows in her heart that spring will eventually come, fields will dry out, and crops will eventually grow in them.

Bank's parent company trying to pay off $40 million debt

CHAMPAIGN – Central Illinois Bank's parent company is planning to pay off $40 million in debt so it won't have to sell off the company.

The parent company, Wisconsin-based CIB Marine Bancshares, released a long-awaited report Tuesday to the Securities & Exchange Commission showing the company suffered a net loss of $13.8 million in 2007.

Plans for old JBJ building move forward

CHAMPAIGN – The old JBJ antique store and craft mall building will soon be getting a new life as Whiteline Market.

The city council Tuesday night approved a development agreement with Janet and Barry Bubin, owners of the popular Ko-Fusion restaurant at 1 E. Main St. They plan a $3.2 million renovation of the building at the northwest corner of Neil and William streets.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Champaign getting 2 new hotels

CHAMPAIGN – Developers are planning to build about 200 additional hotel suites in Champaign, all catering to visitors planning longer stays.

Construction will start this spring on two new extended-stay hotels – one to be a Candlewood Suites at 1917 Moreland Blvd., and the other to be a Value Place hotel at 1212 W. Anthony Drive.

Organic blueberry yogurt recalled

Organic yogurt maker Stonyfield Farm has launched a voluntary recall of its organic fat-free blueberry yogurt in six-ounce cups coded with the following dates: April 13, 14 and 15 and April 25 and 26, 2008.

The recall is in response to consumer complaints of "tiny beads the size of mustard seeds" in these yogurt batches, according to Schnucks, one of the grocery chains accepting the yogurt cups back for refunds.

Wind causes power outages in Gibson City, Piper City

GIBSON CITY – Customers in Gibson City and Piper City were still without power Tuesday morning due to the wind taking down 25 utility poles west of Gilman.

Leigh Morris, spokesman for AmerenIP, said there were a number of small outages due to the weather, but the two major areas would be restored as soon as workers can install new poles. Linemen were working this morning with hopes of having all power restored sometime during the day.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Champaign company looks to animation as well as illustrations

Over the years, the number of textbook publishers has shrunk due to consolidation, and the demands put on vendors have grown.

Today, for example, Precision Graphics provides not only illustrations for textbooks but also animation and three-dimensional work for companion products.

Mellander sees 2009 finish for downtown project

CHAMPAIGN – Work on the historic Metropolitan Building in downtown Champaign has been going on for months, and developer Jeff Mellander hopes it'll be ready for occupancy in early 2009.

The three-story building at the southwest corner of Church and Neil streets is being renovated for loft apartments, with 12 units planned for the upper two stories.

Old public health offices to be converted for Estate Sale

CHAMPAIGN – What could be a more appropriate home than a French estate for a business called The Estate Sale?

That's what Bob Grossman says the former Champaign-Urbana Public Health District headquarters will look like, once the building at 710 N. Neil St. has been renovated.

Philo man helps Casey's start computer repair drop-off service

PHILO – Dan Ault had driven seven hours to get to Ankeny, Iowa.

The Code4pc managing partner and his operations manager, Wyatt Scheiding, arrived at the corporate headquarters of Casey's General Stores, a structure roughly the size of Champaign's Kraft Foods facility.

It's your business: Mexican restaurant headed to Champaign

Taco Loco, a fast-food Mexican restaurant in Mahomet, is expanding to Champaign.

Owner Sandro Cuellar said the new restaurant will open in June at 523 Town Center Blvd., next to the Regency Beauty Institute.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Brothers want space for computer business

DANVILLE – Two brothers plan to petition the Danville Area Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday to rezone 502 Forrest St. from family residential to highway business.

If approved, city residents Corey and Paul Jiles plan to construct a 600-square-foot building on the vacant lot by summer, said City Planner Chris Milliken.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Couple's site lets readers read, chat and network

Book lovers and English majors who went on to train early in producing interactive multimedia content and then work as Web developers in Silicon Valley, Travis Alber and Aaron Miller were moving to New York, stopped to visit family here and were at the Esquire Lounge in Champaign when they continued an old conversation.

Electronic books were an interesting idea, the thread went, but there was no real good way to read them, let alone share and talk about them with other readers.

Credit union plans April opening for Champaign office

CHAMPAIGN – Community Plus Federal Credit Union plans to open an office in Champaign in late April, the credit union's president/manager said Thursday.

Michael Daugherty said the Rantoul-based credit union has signed a 10-year lease for an office at 1005 W. Bloomington Road. The credit union will take one of three spaces in a retail/office complex recently built in front of the County Materials showroom.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Towns slated to receive broadband service

CHAMPAIGN – Rural residents in seven area communities could get broadband Internet service within the next five years.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Undersecretary Thomas Door announced Wednesday that Open Range Communications, based in Denver, will receive a $267 million loan from the Department of Agriculture to provide broadband service to 518 rural communities in 17 states.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Plan for North First retail plaza gains OK

CHAMPAIGN – North First Street will likely be getting a convenience store in coming months, after the city council gave its tentative approval to a proposal to develop a small retail plaza with three upstairs apartments.

Council members voted 8-0 Tuesday night to direct city staff to negotiate a development agreement for 306 and 306.5 N. First St. with Robert Hambrick Sr.

Free, daylong seminar will demonstrate Mathematica program

CHAMPAIGN – Business owners and researchers will get a chance to see how to run gridMathematica on the Windows HPC server at a free seminar next Tuesday.

The daylong seminar, hosted by the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, will demonstrate how those systems work together to solve numeric and symbolic problems in science, engineering, finance and research. It's targeted toward anyone interested in learning how parallel computing can benefit those fields.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Vermilion County car dealership moving, merging

DANVILLE – Next week, the Vermilion Chevrolet Cadillac dealership will leave its longtime north Danville location to merge with Royal Buick Pontiac GMC in Tilton.

Shapland Automotive LLC, owner of Vermilion Chevrolet Cadillac, 3533 N. Vermilion St., Danville, has reached an agreement to buy the Royal dealership at 1615 Georgetown Road, Tilton.

Centrue headquarters set to relocate

OTTAWA – Centrue Bank's parent company, Centrue Financial Corp., plans to move its corporate headquarters from Ottawa to St. Louis, the company announced Monday.

Company President Thomas A. Daiber, who spent much of his banking career in the St. Louis market, called that market Centrue's most promising for growth.

Monday, March 24, 2008

OK sought from Champaign council for plaza on North First

CHAMPAIGN – A businessman from Champaign is seeking a city council nod to develop a small plaza on North First Street with three upstairs apartments.

Robert Hambrick Sr., 67, who operates the Hambrick & Son Funeral Home, 203 N. Market St., C, with his son, Robert Hambrick Jr., has approached city planners about developing what would be called Hambrick Plaza at 306 and 306.5 N. First St.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Gold's rise has jewelers making changes in business

CHAMPAIGN – Jewelers say the public's appetite for gold jewelry hasn't abated, even though the price of gold has climbed from $600 an ounce a year ago to $1,000 an ounce earlier this month.

"We're still selling – it's amazing to me," said Jim Greenfield, president of Spritz Jewelers in downtown Champaign.

It's your business: Personnel service changing hands

After 15 years of operating the Express Personnel Services office in Champaign, Del and Elaine Angelo are turning over the reins to a former employee and retiring in Florida.

The Angelos have sold their franchised agency to Lynn and Richard Yoerk, who will be taking over at the end of March.

Family businesses made a mark in Illinois

Decorative sheet metal embossed with fleur-de-lis and morning glories, majestic cast-iron columns, metal facades that mimicked quarried stone ... the handiwork of the Mesker brothers helped make Illinois.

"The Meskers made a huge impact in Illinois," said Darius Bryjka, Main Street Designer with the Preservation Services Division of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. "Both companies had over 54,000 installations nationwide, and there are nearly 7,000 in Illinois. Illinois was the leading purchaser because of its location, with Indiana No. 2 and Missouri No. 3."

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Builders eye vacant corner in Urbana

URBANA – A Danville company is planning to construct a new 31,000-square-foot, three-story retail and office building at the southwest corner of University and Lincoln avenues.

Urbana officials say the building will be built in an urban style, close to the northern sidewalk, and will provide an attractive gateway to the University of Illinois.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Biodiesel plant may be leased out

DANVILLE – A new group of investors is planning to take over the biodiesel production plant that was recently finished adjacent to Bunge's milling operation in Danville.

Deb Seidel, director of communications for Bunge North America, based in St. Louis, said an asset purchase agreement is being worked out between Biofuels Company of America LLC and Blackhawk Biofuels, a group of about 600 investors, including farmers and businessmen.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Analysts: Expect regulation, but not credit crunch

CHAMPAIGN – The collapse and sale of Bear Stearns may lead to more regulation of investment banks, but it's not likely to result in less credit being available to local consumers, financial professionals say.

"How it affects people here in Champaign-Urbana is minimally," said Ron Kiddoo, chief investment officer for Cozad Asset Management in Champaign.

Developer sees future for Bresee

DANVILLE – On more than one occasion, chunks have fallen from the cornices of this early 1900s building, a historic landmark that stretches high above other rooftops in a small downstate town.

First National Bank once filled the first floor, but eventually, all of the building became vacant and neglected and started seriously deteriorating. Demolition seemed like the only option.

Hearing response only a trickle

CHAMPAIGN – Champaign County residents might be concerned about a proposed 60 percent increase in water rates requested by Illinois American Water Co.

But they sure didn't show it Wednesday night.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Urbana country club property to be leased

URBANA – The Urbana Golf & Country Club has agreed to lease the club's 130-acre property in north Urbana to Flex-N-Gate Corp. President Shahid Khan, with the expectation that the facilities will be upgraded.

Terry Rathgeber, president of the club's board, said Khan agreed to lease the property, effective April 1, with an option to buy.

Popular Homer gathering spot to close

HOMER – Loyal customers of the Homer Emporium say they're disappointed the bottled-soda and antique shop will close its doors for good on March 29.

Since it opened over the July 4 weekend in 2003, Christine Cunningham, co-owner with her husband, Ray, has been welcoming customers of all ages into the shop to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a bottle of soda with friends.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Group to host 'clinic' on phone bills

CHAMPAIGN – It just amazes Jim Chilsen how many people pay for things on their phone bills that they never use.

He was even one of those people once.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

It's your business:Garden shop, ice cream stand open

Longing for warmer weather to get here?

Here's a recent opening that will get you thinking about warmer days and yard work ahead.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

277 acres near Wal-Mart sell for $4.19 million

URBANA – When it came to bidding, the Los were high.

About 275 acres of farmland less than a mile east of Urbana's Wal-Mart sold at auction Friday afternoon for $15,250 an acre, with Adolf and Renee Lo the successful bidders. That yielded an overall price of $4.19 million.

Nearly 100 people turned out for the auction at Urbana's Holiday Inn, with four bidders entering the fray at one point or another.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Plastipak expanding in Europe

CHAMPAIGN – Plastipak Packaging is increasing its presence in Europe with the acquisition of two corporations in Italy.

The Plymouth, Mich.-based company, which operates a plant in Champaign, acquired full equity interests in Europe Preforme and Preforme Sud in a deal that closed Feb. 29. Those corporations have facilities in the Italian cities of Verbania and Anagni.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Solo Cup turnaround evident in income gains

URBANA – Solo Cup Co. showed improvement in results for the fourth quarter and full year, giving credence to its recent winning of an award for "Industrial Turnaround of the Year."

The Highland Park-based company, which has a plant in Urbana, reported Tuesday that net income for the fourth quarter of 2007 was $98.5 million. That compared with a $34 million loss in the fourth quarter of 2006. The fourth-quarter results for 2007 were boosted by a $77 million gain on the sale of discontinued operations.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Two asphalt companies join forces

URBANA – The owners of Champaign Asphalt and MACC of Illinois are forming a new company, Open Road Paving Co., that will manufacture and place bituminous hot-mix asphalt.

The new venture will take in all the asphalt plants owned by Champaign Asphalt and MACC of Illinois, said Joe Lamb, president of both Champaign Asphalt and Open Road Paving.

Judge: Suit against bank company can proceed

URBANA – A shareholders' lawsuit against the parent company of Central Illinois Bank is a step closer to going to trial.

In a case filed in 2005, several shareholders filed suit against CIB Marine Bancshares and its former president, J. Michael Straka, claiming they were misled about the bank holding company's financial health when they bought shares of its stock between 1999 and 2004.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Aqua Illinois: Local water is routinely tested for safety

DANVILLE – Aqua Illinois customers have no need to worry about their drinking water, company officials said Monday.

An Associated Press investigation found various pharmaceuticals in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million people.

Unemployment rates up across area

Unemployment rates in East Central Illinois increased sharply in January, with many rates rising by more than a percentage point.

Vermilion County's rate increased to 8.2 percent, up from 7.1 percent in December and up from 6.5 percent a year ago. Employment declined in manufacturing and leisure/hospitality over the year, but increased in construction, wholesale trade and professional/business services. Danville's rate increased to 8.5 percent, up from 7.3 percent in December.

Vermilion Advantage chief to be guest on Internet radio

DANVILLE – Economic development in Vermilion County will be the topic today on a nationwide Internet business radio program.

Vermilion Advantage President Vicki Haugen will be a special guest and talk about a new grassroots effort, called Vermilion Valley Pride.

Bank reports net income drop in 2007

PARIS, Ill. – First BancTrust Corp., which has banking offices in Savoy and Rantoul, reported a drop in net income, not only for the fourth quarter of 2007 but also for the whole year.

"The year 2007 will linger in our memories as one of the toughest years we have experienced," said President Terry J. Howard, who noted First Bank & Trust recently closed one of its offices in Rantoul.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Home expo attendance down a bit, but interest high

DANVILLE – This year's AMBUCS Home and Business Expo brought four times the interest over last year for Frank Wright and his heating and air service.

"The main thing they're going to want is higher efficiency and better air quality than ever before," Wright said, pointing to a low-cost, high-efficiency heating system that kills germs with an ultraviolet-light attachment. "You don't have to have a high bank account to enjoy high-quality comfort."

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Area firms win advertising honors

Several area firms took honors at the recent American Advertising Federation of Central Illinois Addy Awards event in Springfield.

Surface 51, Champaign, took the best of show award for its entry, "OJC – Lunchbox Kit."

Wolfram giving away software in push into China

CHAMPAIGN – There probably aren't many companies in Champaign-Urbana that do a greater percent of their business overseas than Wolfram Research does.

"Way over half" the sales of the Champaign-based computational software company occur outside the United States and Canada, said Conrad Wolfram, the company's director of strategic and international business development.

It's your business: New boutique on its way to Old Farm Shops

A women's clothing store called Findings Boutique will open at Old Farm Shops, at the corner of Kirby and Mattis avenues in Champaign, next month.

The owner, Ali Simpson, is a 2004 University of Illinois graduate in consumer and textile marketing who formerly worked for Bella Mia Boutique in Champaign.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Cancer, microfluidics projects win Cozad event

URBANA – Business ideas based on cancer-detection devices and microfluidics claimed top honors in the annual V. Dale Cozad Business Plan Competition on the University of Illinois campus this week.

SA Microsystems took the top prize of $10,000 in the commercial venture division. The student team of Adam Sawyer and Kurt Adair proposed a business that would provide universities and research laboratories with easy-to-use workstations for analyzing microfluidic devices.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Plans for Ogden Dollar General store placed on hold

Even with more than half a million dollars in incentives over 20 years lined up for the developers who had planned to build a Dollar General store in Ogden, the project has been put "on indefinite hold due to the economics of the deal," according to a recent letter to the mayor from a representative of one of the real estate firms involved.

Bob Elkan of the Westmore Realty Group in St. Louis sent the e-mail message last Friday to Mayor Jack Reidner. Earlier in the week, Reidner said, he had been given the impression that the deal was still on and simply awaiting approval from the lawyers on some language in the contracts.

Zoning change for Teepak Credit Union could set precedent

DANVILLE – If Teepak Credit Union is allowed a storage building, Anthony and Nicole Dye may be allowed their detail business.

The Danville Area Planning and Zoning Commission approved a request from Teepak Credit Union on Thursday night to change the zoning of 102 Porter St. from single residential to highway business.

Economic Development group to hire interim leader

CHAMPAIGN – The Champaign County Economic Development Corp. plans to hire an interim executive director, probably within the next month.

The organization, which works to attract and retain business in Champaign County, has been without a director since November, when Jeanne Gustafson resigned. Gustafson had served in that role for three years.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

States join Illinois' call for original FutureGen plan

Members of the Illinois congressional delegation have gotten some help in urging President Bush to continue FutureGen as it was originally planned.

Representatives from Illinois and other states, such as Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin and West Virginia, sent a letter to the president on Wednesday, highlighting the importance of building the clean-burning power plant in Mattoon.

Arcola grocery given loan, will begin remodeling

ARCOLA – Arcola Foods Inc. now has a green light to start remodeling the old IGA building into a new grocery store. The town has been without a grocery store since early 2007, when the Arcola IGA closed.

The city has agreed to a $140,000 loan to the owners of Arcola Foods Inc., brothers Mark and Brian Maggio, to get the store up and running.

Survey: Jobs becoming plentiful in Vermilion County

DANVILLE – Some big and small developments in the aviation industry are keeping Danville Metal Stamping busy enough that the company has hired 20 employees since the first of the year.

"We've got a number of new projects as well as a significant increase in our base business," said Judd Peck, president of Danville Metal Stamping, 17 Oakwood Ave., which produces a variety of metal components for the aerospace and gas turbine industries.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Covenant receives tax refund from Champaign County

URBANA – Less than a week after a judge suggested Champaign County wasn't going to prevail in a lawsuit with Provena Covenant Medical Center, the county decided to refund five years' worth of the hospital's property tax payments, plus interest.

County Treasurer Dan Welch on Tuesday said he issued a check for $6.1 million to Covenant, covering $5.8 million in taxes the hospital paid under protest and $315,849 in interest.

Urbana business buys new location in Danville

DANVILLE – Almost three years ago, the Urbana-based Ohana Pools Spas and Billiards store opened a new location in Danville. The expansion has been a success, so Ohana has bought a new site in Danville.

"We leased, because we didn't know how the store would go. But we have built up a pretty good client base over there. We're happy with everything," said Ginger Spillers, president of Ohana, which has its main location at 105 E. University Ave., U, and a third store in Mahomet.

Company starting work on new campus grocery

CHAMPAIGN – It's taken the owners of County Market groceries some time to design a smaller-than-average store that will cater to students and families alike, plus have something hard to come by in the heart of the University of Illinois campus area – a parking lot of its own.

And they're sure looking forward to seeing it open.

Cable rates to increase in April

URBANA – Comcast Cable customers in East Central Illinois can expect to pay 6 percent more for expanded basic cable, beginning April 2, the company said today.

The rate for the 69-channel expanded basic package will rise from $49.75 a month to $52.75 a month, according to Melody Brucker, director of Comcast's Champaign-Urbana District.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Flash index show recession hasn't hit Illinois yet

URBANA – The University of Illinois flash economic index in February rose for the second straight month after six months of decline.

"It appears the recession hasn't arrived in Illinois," said economist J. Fred Giertz, who compiles the index for the UI's Institute of Government and Public Affairs.

Round Barn mail site set to close

CHAMPAIGN – After more than 20 years of operation, the postal facility at Round Barn Centre appears destined to close.

March 12 is the last scheduled day of business for the postal contract station, which has been serving customers in west Champaign since 1983.

Alliance reiterates its belief in FutureGen

The FutureGen Alliance has responded to the Department of Energy's request for ideas about alternate clean-coal technologies.

But the alliance's proposal reiterates that it still believes one carbon-sequestering plant in Mattoon is the way to go.

Revenue decline in forecast for Danville

DANVILLE – NAPA Auto Parts owner Dale Fathauer has seen a "surprising" increase in sales, given the current state of the economy.

Business was up 9 percent last year, Fathauer said, and revenues have increased 15 percent over last year so far.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Vermilion County being considered for wind farm

DANVILLE – A Houston-based company that's building wind farms in Central Illinois is researching whether Vermilion County might be a good spot for energy-generating wind turbines.

Dwight Farber, a Horizon Wind Energy project manager based in Bloomington, said the company is in the very initial stages of evaluating sites in Vermilion County for construction of wind turbines. The company has contacted county officials to make them aware of their interest in the county. Farber said he couldn't provide more details, because the company is in the research phase.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Company working on marine uses for its 'self-healing' coating

CHAMPAIGN – Scott White is impatient about a few things.

One is how long it takes new technologies to get into the marketplace.

Celebration puts the spotlight on innovation

CHAMPAIGN – Eleven people were honored last week for encouraging technological development in Champaign County, either through their own innovations or their support of others' efforts.

Winners at the annual Innovation Celebration – an event sponsored by the Champaign County Economic Development Corp. and several entities at University of Illinois – included:

It's your business: Ham shop franchise has its eye on C-U

The HoneyBaked Ham Co. wants to open a shop with a cafe in Champaign-Urbana.

The Atlanta-based chain known for its spiral-sliced, smoked hams with a sweet/crunchy glaze already has some company-owned shops in and around Chicago.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Downtown eatery's owner sells building to bank

CHAMPAIGN – The Great Impasta, a longtime anchor in the Champaign restaurant business, will leave downtown Champaign in less than a year.

The restaurant's owner, Harold Allston, finalized a sale of his property at 114 W. Church St. on Thursday to Paris-based First Bank, which plans to add a third Champaign County faci