Thomson prison closes Friday

In order to be sold, the prison must be considered surplus, which means that it must be vacant before the sale.

All of the inmates being housed at Thomson were moved to the East Moline Correctional Center on April 16, according to IDOC spokesperson Shyran Elman.

The Thomson facility was built in 2001, but never fully opened because of state budget cuts. The 200-bed minimum-security unit was opened in 2006, but the 1,600-bed maximum-security portion has never been utilized.

The Next Step

Congress has yet to start negotiations for the facility. But the government still maintains that it hopes to have the appropriations by Oct. 1, 2010, the start of the fiscal year, according to Assistant Attorney General Lee Lofthus in a statement on Feb. 1.

There will be three appraisals of the prison to determine its value — two on behalf of the state and one from the federal government.

 

Click on the following for more details:  Thomson prison closes Friday - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard

Belvidere adds 2 cameras to fight gangs, graffiti

It’s a practice that began last year with the deployment of two cameras.
The newest cameras have been added to a problem area frequented by street gangs and vandals.

The city ended the year with 53 people ticketed, 45 arrests and 588 documented gang contacts from March 13 through Nov. 1, according to the department’s 2009 annual report.

Belvidere adds 2 cameras to fight gangs, graffiti - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Our View: Benefit trim a start for DeKalb | Daily Chronicle

In a 6-1 vote Monday, the council agreed to bring back an ordinance that would eliminate life and health insurance for aldermen.

Click on the following for more details:  Our View: Benefit trim a start for DeKalb | Daily Chronicle

Poplar Grove close to losing one Boone County deputy

The last time I hear Poplar Grove was three months in he rears on  payment.  Has that been settled?

Beginning Saturday, that contract will expire and month-to-month service will begin — and one less deputy will be visible from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. The department won’t cut the deputy until it is forced to do so.

Poplar Grove close to losing one Boone County deputy - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

Metra probes, puts head Phil Pagano on leave | Greg Hinz | Crain's Chicago Business

Boone/Winnebago County officials want Metra trains.  Everyone should take a look with what comes with the train.

Executive Director Phil Pagano may have gotten an unauthorized $56,000 bonus late last summer….   Mr. Pagano, who is paid $269,625 a year in regular salary, has held Metra's highest staff job for two decades

  "Metra does not pay bonuses. Metra pays (only) annual salaries. We are looking into the matter you asked about," she said. "We are thoroughly investigating the matter."

Mr. Pagano "is currently not conducting any Metra business." That is "at the request" of Metra board Chairwoman Carole Doris, the spokeswoman said.

Metra was hit with a huge scandal four years ago, when former director Don Udstuen pleaded guilty to shaking down Metra contractors for kickbacks. He received an 8-month prison term after cooperating in the government's prosecution of former Gov. George Ryan.

Click on the following for more details:  Metra probes, puts head Phil Pagano on leave | Greg Hinz | Crain's Chicago Business