Christian Comedian Chonda Pierce will be in concert Friday, Oct. 12, at the Williamson County Pavilion as part of a benefit for the Williamson County Child Advocacy Center.
Tickets can be purchased in the Williamson County Tourism Bureau's office at the Pavilion from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
General admission tickets are $15, Preferred Seating - $20 and Artist Circle Seating - $25. Tickets can also be ordered online ($1 processing fee added to each ticket).
General Admission - $16 each
Preferred Seating - $21 each
Artist Circle Seating - $26 each
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Marion to St. Louis Air Service to Resume Nov. 4
The Southern Illinoisan is reporting that air service between the Williamson County Regional Airport and St. Louis' Lambert Field will resume November 4. This will end eight months of no flights to St. Louis after the Federal Aviation Administration shut down RegionsAir.
Great Lakes Airlines took over the contract in June but was unable to secure the planes necessary to make the flights.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin made the announcement yesterday.
Besides the service to St. Louis, Williamson County also hosts flights by Mesa Airlines to Chicago Midway.
Great Lakes Airlines took over the contract in June but was unable to secure the planes necessary to make the flights.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin made the announcement yesterday.
Besides the service to St. Louis, Williamson County also hosts flights by Mesa Airlines to Chicago Midway.
Monday, September 10, 2007
New Developments Break Ground
Marion's west side continues to develop with nearly $8 million new building projects breaking ground this summer.
JWL Properties broke ground late last week for a new strip shopping center immediately north of the old Barnett Furniture building between Wal-Mart and the Illinois Centre Mall.
This is a $1.3 million construction project that should provide about another 20,000 square feet of retail space and possibly another restaurant. The address will be 2801 Civic Circle Drive on the inside loop around the mall.
Building permit applications show $4 million for the new Marion Toyota dealership on Route 13 across from Heartland Regional Hospital. The dealership will move the Toyota operation to the new site and keep the other automotive lines at the existing location.
On West Main Street the Bank of Herrin's new $1.8 million facility has started on the the steel work above ground. The new bank is beside its current facility (the originally TCBY building) across from Pepsi Mid-America and next to Comfort Suites.
At the corner of Route 13 and Halfway Road, Newcomb Oil Company's new $770,000 convenience store is will on its way as well. They buried the fuel tanks last week and the building will soon be fully enclosed. It's a very impressive design so far.
We're hoping there will be some more announcements soon as well, particularly in the travel side of the business.
Meanwhile what we do know is that Farmers State Bank is still presumably looking at building a new facility in front of Wal-Mart (they bought the land last winter) and Russell Oil Company may be looking at a new station on East DeYoung St. They took out a building permit earlier this year on a $285,000 project at 309 E. DeYoung, but haven't started construction.
JWL Properties broke ground late last week for a new strip shopping center immediately north of the old Barnett Furniture building between Wal-Mart and the Illinois Centre Mall.
This is a $1.3 million construction project that should provide about another 20,000 square feet of retail space and possibly another restaurant. The address will be 2801 Civic Circle Drive on the inside loop around the mall.
Building permit applications show $4 million for the new Marion Toyota dealership on Route 13 across from Heartland Regional Hospital. The dealership will move the Toyota operation to the new site and keep the other automotive lines at the existing location.
On West Main Street the Bank of Herrin's new $1.8 million facility has started on the the steel work above ground. The new bank is beside its current facility (the originally TCBY building) across from Pepsi Mid-America and next to Comfort Suites.
At the corner of Route 13 and Halfway Road, Newcomb Oil Company's new $770,000 convenience store is will on its way as well. They buried the fuel tanks last week and the building will soon be fully enclosed. It's a very impressive design so far.
We're hoping there will be some more announcements soon as well, particularly in the travel side of the business.
Meanwhile what we do know is that Farmers State Bank is still presumably looking at building a new facility in front of Wal-Mart (they bought the land last winter) and Russell Oil Company may be looking at a new station on East DeYoung St. They took out a building permit earlier this year on a $285,000 project at 309 E. DeYoung, but haven't started construction.
Developer Still Eyeing Perry County
Kevin McDermott of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is reporting today that the proposed Branson-like development targeted for Perry County appears to still be on the way.
Meanwhile the only official news release on the company's website dates back to Oct. 4, 2005 when the titular Toney Watkins was about to make a presentation to the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce on his MetroEast development project.
Some state lawmakers have expressed concern at the continued lack of hard information from the enigmatic company. But political leaders around Pinckneyville — a rural community of 5,400 about 60 miles southeast of St. Louis — remain optimistic.
"I really believe it's going to happen. They've spent so much time and money already. ... This is really going to go,'' said Perry County Board Chairman Jim Booker. He said company president Anthony Watkins met with him in nearby Du Quoin last week to assure him the company was still pursuing the project.
The company wants to build a $100 million convention resort complex in the vein of Branson, Mo., which would include music venues, golf, a BMX bike-racing facility and other amenities. The project could ultimately involve 5,000 acres of land — roughly 10 times the acreage of Six Flags amusement park in Eureka.
Meanwhile the only official news release on the company's website dates back to Oct. 4, 2005 when the titular Toney Watkins was about to make a presentation to the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce on his MetroEast development project.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Sign's Messages Shine Bright
The new sign for the Williamson County Pavilion is up and working at the intersection of Route 13 and Williamson County Parkway.
This was one of those projects that took a whole lot of effort over a very long period of time. Most of the credit goes to two of the board members of the tourism bureau and the Williamson County Events Commission, the entity that actually owns the Pavilion.
Jeanette Sollami took on the long-delayed project last fall when she served as the bureau's interim director. Bruce Troutman, the treasurer for the commission (as well as the county), stepped in when it came time to secure the land for the sign. Kudos for both.
Of course, none of it would have been possible without the generosity of Steak 'n Shake which donated the few square feet necessary in a lease in order for us to have a place to erect the sign.
We still have a few minor items to complete around the base of the sign before it's finished but most importantly the message board is working.
I did a quick check of the traffic count on IDOT's website www.GettingAroundIllinois.com. Some 21,200 vehicles a day pass along that stretch of Route 13 in front of Steak 'n Shake.
By the way, the website also showed that more than 11,000 vehicles get off Interstate 57 every day at Marion; 8,500 use Exit 54 at Route 13 and 2,650 use Exit 53 at Main Street.
This was one of those projects that took a whole lot of effort over a very long period of time. Most of the credit goes to two of the board members of the tourism bureau and the Williamson County Events Commission, the entity that actually owns the Pavilion.
Jeanette Sollami took on the long-delayed project last fall when she served as the bureau's interim director. Bruce Troutman, the treasurer for the commission (as well as the county), stepped in when it came time to secure the land for the sign. Kudos for both.
Of course, none of it would have been possible without the generosity of Steak 'n Shake which donated the few square feet necessary in a lease in order for us to have a place to erect the sign.
We still have a few minor items to complete around the base of the sign before it's finished but most importantly the message board is working.
I did a quick check of the traffic count on IDOT's website www.GettingAroundIllinois.com. Some 21,200 vehicles a day pass along that stretch of Route 13 in front of Steak 'n Shake.
By the way, the website also showed that more than 11,000 vehicles get off Interstate 57 every day at Marion; 8,500 use Exit 54 at Route 13 and 2,650 use Exit 53 at Main Street.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Right Attitude in Murphysboro
Last Thursday's Southern had a good article on state Rep. Mike Bost's recent presentation to the Murphysboro Chamber of Commerce where he talked up tourism and the region's growing wine industry.
Midway through the article Adam Testa inserted a quote by Barbara Dallas, Murphysboro's Tourism Commissioner, who noted that while help from the state was appreciated, "local relationships need to be improved before tourism can reach its full potential."
She's right on target!
Midway through the article Adam Testa inserted a quote by Barbara Dallas, Murphysboro's Tourism Commissioner, who noted that while help from the state was appreciated, "local relationships need to be improved before tourism can reach its full potential."
"We need to get over Friday Night Fever," she said. "We need to realize it's not Murphysboro versus Carbondale versus Marion. The only way we're going to build tourism is regionalization."
She's right on target!
New Owners Serve Up Lick Creek General Store
This week's Carbondale Times has a nice story on the old Lick Creek General Store off of Interstate 57 at Exit 36, 18 miles south of Marion in northeastern Union County.
The store had been transformed into a unique restaurant some years ago, but had closed. Carbondale Councilman Lance Jack and Emily Taylor reopened the restaurant earlier this spring, but have held off on their grand opening until today for their Labor Day Party.
The restaurant is known for its unique nine course meals.
For more information contact them at 618-833-6360. They are located 1/8th of a mile east of the interstate on Lick Creek Road.
The store had been transformed into a unique restaurant some years ago, but had closed. Carbondale Councilman Lance Jack and Emily Taylor reopened the restaurant earlier this spring, but have held off on their grand opening until today for their Labor Day Party.
"Up until now we have been relying on word of mouth and calls from the past," Jack said. "We have done no advertising whatsoever until this past week. We have been passing out fliers. We were working on a soft opening to make sure that we had all of our ducks in a row. Emily and I have known each other for years now but we want to make sure we could work together.
"We have come to the conclusion that we can work together without killing each other," he joked. "She likes to call me the best husband she's never had."
The restaurant is known for its unique nine course meals.
For more information contact them at 618-833-6360. They are located 1/8th of a mile east of the interstate on Lick Creek Road.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Whew! Governor Doesn't Cut Tourism
After weeks of delay the state of Illinois apparently has a budget according to The Capitol Fax Blog.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich submitted his veto message to the General Assembly earlier today. It included major revisions, but none on page 252 in the line item that directly impacts certified tourism bureaus across the state.
Therefore, it looks like the 10 percent increase for local convention and tourism bureaus is protected and should result in at least a 10 percent increase in our state funding for the Williamson County Tourism Bureau.
The funding in this program has stayed the same since the 2004 budget. The new money was only added by the General Assembly in this last budget bill passed.
UPDATE 5:34 p.m. August 22
However the veto pen did take a bite out of the Illinois Wine and Grape Council, slashing their line item from $165,000 down to $150,000. Considering the impact the wine industry is having on tourism in the state that won't help.
UPDATE 8:55 p.m. August 22
Looks like state funding for the Illinois Main Street program was wiped out totally - all $204,000 that flowed through the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich submitted his veto message to the General Assembly earlier today. It included major revisions, but none on page 252 in the line item that directly impacts certified tourism bureaus across the state.
Therefore, it looks like the 10 percent increase for local convention and tourism bureaus is protected and should result in at least a 10 percent increase in our state funding for the Williamson County Tourism Bureau.
The funding in this program has stayed the same since the 2004 budget. The new money was only added by the General Assembly in this last budget bill passed.
UPDATE 5:34 p.m. August 22
However the veto pen did take a bite out of the Illinois Wine and Grape Council, slashing their line item from $165,000 down to $150,000. Considering the impact the wine industry is having on tourism in the state that won't help.
UPDATE 8:55 p.m. August 22
Looks like state funding for the Illinois Main Street program was wiped out totally - all $204,000 that flowed through the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Food Network to Focus on 17th Street's Ribs
Bon Appètit declares Southern Illinois' 17th Street Bar & Grill the best rib joint in America and you can watch the episode on the Food Network this weekend.
The show will air at 4 p.m. Saturday and repeat at 5 p.m. Sunday (CDT). The show is the Food Network's special, "Top American Restaurants: Bon Appetit Picks the Best".
More on 17th Street can be found on the web at www.17thstreetbarbecue.com.
The show will air at 4 p.m. Saturday and repeat at 5 p.m. Sunday (CDT). The show is the Food Network's special, "Top American Restaurants: Bon Appetit Picks the Best".
More on 17th Street can be found on the web at www.17thstreetbarbecue.com.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Developers Eye Gun Creek at Rend Lake
Today's Southern Illinoisan has an update on Rend Lake Conservancy District's efforts to attract private investors to develop the Gun Creek area northwest of Exit 77 on Interstate 57.
Hopefully the district will take one of the three proposals for tourism development rather than the residential development. I've got a problem with using eminent domain for what would be a luxury subdivision.
A mixed use development would provide additional lodging, sales tax and attractions that would bring in even more tourists.
The latest figures released earlier this summer showed Franklin County with the second worst rate of growth of any county in the state when it comes to tourism expenditures. As home of one of Illinois' Seven Wonders that shouldn't be the case.
To see what you're missing at Rend Lake, check out this video from YouTube.
Three of the proposals call for the land to be developed into a resort or resort-type complex that could include such amenities as an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, hotels, shopping, cottages, condominiums, marina and a nature center.
A fourth group has proposed a residential housing complex for the site. [RLCD Manager Keith] Thomason said the group would like to construct 140 villas.
Hopefully the district will take one of the three proposals for tourism development rather than the residential development. I've got a problem with using eminent domain for what would be a luxury subdivision.
A mixed use development would provide additional lodging, sales tax and attractions that would bring in even more tourists.
The latest figures released earlier this summer showed Franklin County with the second worst rate of growth of any county in the state when it comes to tourism expenditures. As home of one of Illinois' Seven Wonders that shouldn't be the case.
To see what you're missing at Rend Lake, check out this video from YouTube.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Burden Falls Flows on YouTube
One of the Shawnee National Forest's hidden gems isn't hidden as much now with this user created video on YouTube taken last New Year's Eve.
Burden Falls is located in northern Pope County near Bell Smith Springs.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
New Visitor Center Operating in Equality
Carolyn Baltimore, one of the volunteers with Gallatin County Tourism and the Ohio River Scenic Byway Visitor Center in Equality dropped by the office yesterday.
I've driven by the new facility which is located in downtown Equality, but not while it was open. It was funded with a transportation enhancement grant matched with another grant.
It's open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays from April through mid November to catch the deer season.
The address of the facility is 101 W Lane Street (which is the tip end of Route 142), Equality IL 62934.
Gallatin County is working on a brochure now and has a new website at DiscoverSoutheasternIL.com.
I've driven by the new facility which is located in downtown Equality, but not while it was open. It was funded with a transportation enhancement grant matched with another grant.
It's open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 3 p.m. on Sundays from April through mid November to catch the deer season.
The address of the facility is 101 W Lane Street (which is the tip end of Route 142), Equality IL 62934.
Gallatin County is working on a brochure now and has a new website at DiscoverSoutheasternIL.com.
State Tourism Funding Up in Air
The budget passed by the Illinois General Assembly last week included a 10 percent increase for local tourism and convention bureaus, the first increase in four years.
That amount was up from what the governor proposed this spring and what the House of Representatives passed in their budget earlier this summer.
It's not clear though if the governor will use his line item veto to reduce the amount as he has threatened to do on other items.
The final budget is House Bill 3866. The appropriations are found in Senate Floor Amendment #1.
That amount was up from what the governor proposed this spring and what the House of Representatives passed in their budget earlier this summer.
It's not clear though if the governor will use his line item veto to reduce the amount as he has threatened to do on other items.
The final budget is House Bill 3866. The appropriations are found in Senate Floor Amendment #1.
MMA Cage Fight Set for Saturday at Pavilion
The family that fights together, smites together.Five sibling fighters, including the big sister will be competing Saturday at the Cage of Fury MMA event Saturday night at the Williamson County Pavilion.
The Marion Daily's Tom Kane took the photo on the left. Clockwise from the front, the five Holmes Family fighters are Detsonie Davis, 28 and 119 pounds; Zach Holmes, 15 and 145 pounds; Derrick Holmes, 23 and 155 pounds; Edward “Bubba” Holmes, 26 and 165 pounds; and Austin Holmes, 18 and 130 pounds.
Other local fighters on the fight card are Kenny Mayhall, Bill Irby and Robert “Bucky” Neal of Harrisburg; Darrell Coleman, Andrew Trammel and Steven Campbell of Marion; Dustin Bloodworth and Damian Jeffro of Herrin; Jason Hobbs of Desoto; Aaron Essary of Johnston City, Brian Sanders of McLeansboro, Jill Fickes of Carbondale and Hayeley Weintz of Christopher.
Saturday night’s fights start at 8 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets prices are $125, $75, $55, $45 and $25 and may be purchased at the Williamson County Pavilion, Bookworm in Carbondale or S&M Fitness in Harrisburg.
To place an order for tickets, or for more information, call the Williamson County Tourism Bureau at (618) 997-3690.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
ATA Grand American Heats Up — Literally
The American Trapshooting Associations Grand American event kicked off Monday at the World Shooting and Recreation Complex up near Sparta.
This is one of the largest events to take place annually in Southern Illinois.
The Southern Illinoisan has good coverage so far:
This is one of the largest events to take place annually in Southern Illinois.
The Southern Illinoisan has good coverage so far:
Monday, August 06, 2007
Talent Search Begins for Southern Illinois Opry
It's time for the region's would-be country singers to start warming up.
Rick Johnson's Southern Illinois Opry will be conducting a talent search on Saturday, August 18, at the center court of the Illinois Centre Mall.
The top four or five singers will get to perform with a live band at the inaugural show of the Opry on Saturday, September 29, at the Williamson County Pavilion in Marion.
Tickets for the shows on the 29th will be $12 for table seats and $10 for general admission.
Tickets can be ordered online by credit card through PayPal.
Rick Johnson's Southern Illinois Opry will be conducting a talent search on Saturday, August 18, at the center court of the Illinois Centre Mall.
The top four or five singers will get to perform with a live band at the inaugural show of the Opry on Saturday, September 29, at the Williamson County Pavilion in Marion.
"We feel there is a lot of talent in this area," [Illinois Centre Marketing Director Penny] Strobel said. "There are a lot of people in this area who have beautiful voices that do not get the opportunity to sing. It's a chance to let our area know we appreciate all the talent here."
Johnson said he would like to showcase and bring forth local talent.
"There is going to be a lot of good times and it's going to be a good show for everyone," he said.
The event will also feature the Jackie Martin Band and the doo-wop group Blend.
Tickets for the shows on the 29th will be $12 for table seats and $10 for general admission.
Johnson said. "People can come out and have a good time without spending a fortune. I'm trying to keep the prices as low as I can for the people of Southern Illinois."
Tickets can be ordered online by credit card through PayPal.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Williamson Shoots for Third Airline
The Southern Illinoisan's new Williamson County reporter Megean Sexton broke the story this morning of a possible third carrier coming to the Williamson County Airport.Airport Manager Doug Kimmel told her that the airport and Allegiant Air are "very near an agreement" to provide air service from Marion to such vacation destinations as Orlando and Las Vegas.
Allegiant specializes in flights two or three times a week from smaller markets to major vacation destinations. They currently fly out of MidAmerica Airport on I-64 near Mascoutah.
"We do believe there is an opportunity in this market for our brand of non-stop, low-cost jet service to vacation destinations like Las Vegas and Orlando," [Allegiant Air Spokesperson Tyri] Squyres said. "We generally start (flights) at two to four times a week — keep the seats full and that ensures we can keep our fares low."
Unlike the smaller planes used in the flights to Chicago (and soon again St. Louis), Allegiant's planes can carry 150 passengers.
The possible deal with Allegiant puts pressure on the airport now to replace its out-dated and soon to be too small terminal which is around 30 years old.
The Federal Aviation Authority awarded the airport a $1 million grant last month for three projects, one of which would pay for a terminal design study.
As to the grounded St. Louis service, no word yet when flights will resume.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Southern Illinois Opry Set for Sept. 29
Rick Johnson's Southern Illinois Opry is set to debut Saturday, September 29, at the Williamson County Pavilion in Marion with a blend of country music and family-friendly comedy.
Tickets are $12 for table seating and $10 for general admission. Seating is first come, first served, except for parties who purchase a table of eight in advance.
Tickets may be ordered online, in person at the Williamson County Tourism Office in the Pavilion at 1602 Sioux Drive behind the Illinois Centre Mall, or at the door the night of the concert. Please note that a $1 service fee will be added to cost of tickets ordered online.
Buy your tickets now — online with PayPal.
Table Seats ($12 + $1)
General Admission ($10 + $1)
Tickets purchased online may be picked up at the Will Call booth the night of the performance or in advance at the Williamson County Tourism Bureau office.
For more on the Opry check out the Marion Daily Republican's Conversation with Rick Johnson.
Tickets are $12 for table seating and $10 for general admission. Seating is first come, first served, except for parties who purchase a table of eight in advance.
Tickets may be ordered online, in person at the Williamson County Tourism Office in the Pavilion at 1602 Sioux Drive behind the Illinois Centre Mall, or at the door the night of the concert. Please note that a $1 service fee will be added to cost of tickets ordered online.
Buy your tickets now — online with PayPal.
Table Seats ($12 + $1)
General Admission ($10 + $1)
Tickets purchased online may be picked up at the Will Call booth the night of the performance or in advance at the Williamson County Tourism Bureau office.
For more on the Opry check out the Marion Daily Republican's Conversation with Rick Johnson.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Cat Show & Martial Arts Classic Goes Well
The Southern Illinoisan, the Marion Daily Republican, WSIL-TV and KFVS-TV all gave us excellent coverage this weekend of the Southern Illinois Feline Fancier's Cat Show and the International Southern Illinois Open Martial Arts Classic held at the Williamson County Pavilion.
I really like Ashley Wiehle's opening paragraph in today's Southern.
We weren't completely certain everything would work out when we booked both events for the same weekend but it worked out fine with the cats up front and the martial arts in the back. Next year we'll push for separate weekends.
Here's a wrap-up of some of the press coverage.
It looks like we had about 3,500 people in the building this weekend.
Cat show organizers noted they had 128 cats registered which brought about two people on average per cat, plus 700 to 800 spectators. The martial arts classic saw around 700 competitors and 1,800 spectators.
I really like Ashley Wiehle's opening paragraph in today's Southern.
MARION - What do you get when you mix martial arts with fluffy Persian kittens? A packed weekend at the Williamson County Pavilion, for starters.
We weren't completely certain everything would work out when we booked both events for the same weekend but it worked out fine with the cats up front and the martial arts in the back. Next year we'll push for separate weekends.
Here's a wrap-up of some of the press coverage.
- Williamson County Pavilion Hosts Busy Weekend - The Southern.
- 'Catty Competitors' - The Southern.
- Martial Arts Competition at Pavilion This Weekend - Marion Daily Republican.
- Feline fanciers from around the country coming to Marion - Marion Daily Republican.
It looks like we had about 3,500 people in the building this weekend.
Cat show organizers noted they had 128 cats registered which brought about two people on average per cat, plus 700 to 800 spectators. The martial arts classic saw around 700 competitors and 1,800 spectators.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Nice Article About Rend Lake & The Miners
Chicago-area outdoor writer Don Dziedzina had a nice write-up last week about his trip to Rend Lake that included a nice plug for Williamson County and the Southern Illinois Miners as well.
Oh, and the fishing was great too.
Don writes for the Sun-Times suburban papers as well as produces outdoor shows for both radio and cable television. He has more on his website, IllinoisOutdoors.com.
Franklin County has a lot to keep you busy when you're down south for a summer vacation. With everything being so close, that really helps too. Just about 15 minutes south of the resort, down Interstate 57, is the town of Marion in Williamson County, and this year they have their very own minor league baseball team, the Southern Illinois Minors. Any trip that you may make down south during the summer should include a baseball game at the Minors' new $15 million field. It's great!
Oh, and the fishing was great too.
Don writes for the Sun-Times suburban papers as well as produces outdoor shows for both radio and cable television. He has more on his website, IllinoisOutdoors.com.
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