Marion Cultural Center Nears Completion With 7.5 Million Budget
Marion officials celebrate a new cultural and civic center funded by a 1 million state gift and about 4.5 million from the city. Donations by residents and businesses keep fundraising active for the 1000-seat auditorium with room for a future elevator. The center promises diverse programs from operas to gospel, while downtown hopes for revival as older venues fade.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Peterson
Old Center
Derby field wide open as experts pick best trip
Derby observers call the race unusually open with 18 horses after scratches, citing diverse opinions on quality. Mike Battaglia and Becker compare the field to a parity filled season, while betting at University Teletrack in Carbondale anticipates about 1,000 attendees and strong wagering throughout Derby day. Becker recalls past Derby years and plans to watch from Altamont.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mike Battaglia
Churchill Downs
Becker
Wimbledon
St. Averil
Swale
Southern Illinois University
Altamont
du Quoin State Fair
Keeneland
Kentucky
University Teletrack
Carbondale
Tim Willis
The
Teletrack
Willis
Du Quoin seeks new high school amid aging facilities and space crunch
Du Quoin officials push for a new high school as aging facilities strain space, labs, and wiring. Teachers describe crowded classrooms, limited computer access, leaking roofs, asbestos tiles, shared restrooms, and ruined books. City leaders back a sales tax to fund the district's 3.5 million dollar share, with state aid likely for construction. Principal Lybrand Beard cites course growth and inadequate wiring as core drivers for a new building. Mayor John Rednour supports financing via sales tax over real estate taxes. Superintendent Gary Kelly notes plans evolved from additions to full replacement after studies revealed windows, roof, heating, and other system needs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Doris Rottschalk
Rottschalk
du Quoin
John
Rednour
Anders
Lybrand Beard
Gary Kelly
Du Quoin to Build New High School With State Aid Funding
Illinois lawmakers back Blagojevich plan to fund an $13.8 million, 80 000 square foot new Du Quoin high school around renovated gym and auditorium. The district would use a $10 3 million state grant, sell bonds for local share, and rely on a half cent sales tax already approved. Phase one includes razing and rebuilding, with final completion targeted for next year. Local officials stress no property tax increase for the new project.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Illinois
Rod Blagojevich
du Quoin
Kelly
Blagojevich
Lunsford-Baysinger
McCrary
Construction in Marion on Monday May 3 page one
Local Marion page one notes construction activity on Monday May 3. Report highlights traffic impacts and project scope in the downtown area with brief quotes from city officials. No injuries reported.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marion
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