Illinois Summary - 11/1/11

Logan, Lincoln Officials Hopeful Of Positive COGFA Recommendation

(Lincoln, IL)  --  Officials in Lincoln say they're hopeful the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability will reject Governor Quinn's plan to shut down Logan Correctional Center.  Michael Maniscalco, with the Lincoln Logan Economic Development Partnership, says Quinn doesn't have a plan beyond simply closing the facility which will have a 73-million-dollar impact on the community.  Maniscalco says they're trying to reach out to the governor to discuss other options to keep Logan open but the governor hasn't been responsive.  COGFA rejected Quinn's closure plan for four of the slated facilities last week.  Quinn says the plan will go forward despite the COGFA recommendation if lawmakers don't give him more money.

Illinois Agriculture Company Adds New Product Line

(Quincy, IL)  --  Prince Agri-Products in Quincy is adding a new animate product line, but company officials say they don't know if they'll put the plant in Illinois or Nebraska.  President Dean Warras says Illinois' corporate income tax structure is just one of the factors that will play into the final decision.  He says they'll put

the plant in the location that offers the most adequate space and the best workforce.  The new animate line is just one more step in its growth process.  The company is looking to incorporate at least two more lines in the near future that deal with pigs and poultry.

Visitation For Pekin Marine Today

(Pekin, IL)  --  A visitation is being held today for fallen Marine Lance Corporal Jordan Bastean.  The Pekin native was killed in action in Afghanistan on October 23rd.  The visitation is at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes from 4 to 7 p.m.  The funeral is tomorrow at First Baptist Church at 10 a.m.

Low-Income Families May Qualify For Heating Assistance

(Springfield, IL)  --  Low-income families that need help heating their homes this winter can start applying for LIHEAP assistance today.  Potential clients will need to show proof of income, a copy of a current heating and electric bill, and proof that they're receiving TANF or other benefits, such as Medical Eligibility or SNAP assistance from the Illinois Department of Human Services.  For details go to LiheapIllinois.com.

SIU Carbondale Celebrates Native American Culture

(Carbondale, IL)  --  It's Native American Heritage Month at at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  There are plenty of events planned for the community to celebrate the Native American culture.  That includes specially prepared meals, dances, films, a farrier clinic, and a bison cookout.  The Native American Student Organization is sponsoring the event.  Anyone who'd like more information or wants to attend any of the events should contact Student Development-Multicultural Programs and Services at (618) 453-5714.