By Kristi Eaton
Illinois Statehouse News
Illinois is again looking to the lottery to pump millions of dollars into the beleaguered state budget. Powerball is now available in Illinois. Starting today, you'll be able to purchase tickets for both Powerball and Mega Millions.
“Here in Illinois, we are estimating an additional $54 million annually in net proceeds from the sale of this game to benefit Illinois,” said acting Illinois Lottery superintendent Jodie Winnett in a statement. “Plus, retailers will have the potential for even more sales commissions.”
That potential is one reason Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, thinks the addition of Powerball is a good move for the state.
“Oftentimes people will buy their lottery tickets at a convenience store or a grocery store or a pharmacy, and better to have them do that in Illinois because, perhaps, they’ll purchase other things while there,” he said.
Although the money may bring in profit for stores, Lang said he doesn’t think it’ll solve the state’s budget problems.
“I don’t think it’s going to be incredibly lucrative,” Lang said. “That would be my guess. Some may disagree. But I do think it will be helpful.”
Anita Bedell says the state shouldn’t expect a windfall from power ball. She says history has shown the lottery is a bad gamble, for players and governments.
“It promises more than it delivers,” said Bedell, executive director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems. “When you’re talking about Powerball, the lottery will get even less money that they do from selling Illinois lottery tickets, so it’s a huge gamble for this state and promises more than it delivers.”
Bedell said the timing of powerball is interesting.
“Gov. Quinn, when he was the lieutenant governor, came out against a massive expansion of lottery by Gov. Blogojevich. He said he didn’t want an expansion.
Drawings for Powerball will be Wednesday and Saturday at 9:59 p.m., beginning Wed., Feb. 3, 2010, with a starting jackpot of $20 million.
Contact Kristi Easton at 217-960-1332. Illinois Statehouse News is a non-profit journalism organization committed to writing for the betterment of society.
About Me
- Bob Bong
- I have more than 40 years in the news business and have successfully evolved into an electronic journalist. Comings & Goings and Southland Savvy track news about businesses in Chicago's Southland.
You @#$*$, don't light up my life
Maybe Barry Galloway thought the guy in the truck behind him was "winking" at him. A flashing of headlights in the drive-thru lane of an Oak Lawn fast-food restaurant on 111th Street last week apparently enraged the manly Galloway, who decided he could not sit idly by for any "winking" or "blinking" or headlight shenanigans.
Cops say the 38-year-old Galloway got out of his car and threatened the driver behind him -- with a stick. The truck driver told police he turned his lights off because they are too bright and usually bother people in the drive-thru. Galloway, of Chicago, was charged with assault.
South Side's St. Leo High School home to 'a gathering and a mission'
The Southland is full of St. Leo High School alumni, some of whom head back to the old neighborhood to check up on the school and its teams. Chicago News Cooperative sports writer Dan McGrath highlights such a moment in his piece "At Leo High, a Gathering and a Mission."
A full house of 800 turned out for Friday’s Catholic League showdown with Brother Rice. The makeup of the crowd was as remarkable as its size — it included about 200 white folks, Leo graduates on an alumni outing, most of them bused in from a Knights of Columbus Hall in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood roughly six miles away, probably as many whites as have been inside the school since the 1980s.Over the last 40-odd years, Bob Foster has made it his "life's mission" to keep St. Leo open. Check out McGrath's take on the lifelong venture.
Just A Pizza opens in Tinley Park
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Just A Pizza Chicago Style, which opened Jan. 24 at 7108 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park, is a family affair. The pizzeria is owned by three siblings – Tony Rojas, Al Rojas and Rose Siegel – and Siegel provided all of the recipes.
Tony Rojas, of Worth, said food has been the family business for a while.
“My brother owned a beef stand in Wisconsin for years, and my sister used to sell homemade cheesecakes online,” said Tony Rojas, adding he’s been in the business with his brother for the past six years.
Rojas said the siblings chose Tinley Park for their venture because “it’s a growing community and the people are outgoing.”
Just A Pizza serves thin crust, stuffed and deep dish pizza, wings, sandwiches, some pasta dishes and Eli’s cheesecake.
The restaurant offers carryout and delivery to the Tinley Park area. Hours are Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The phone number is 708-429-0400.
Southland Savvy
Just A Pizza Chicago Style, which opened Jan. 24 at 7108 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park, is a family affair. The pizzeria is owned by three siblings – Tony Rojas, Al Rojas and Rose Siegel – and Siegel provided all of the recipes.
Tony Rojas, of Worth, said food has been the family business for a while.
“My brother owned a beef stand in Wisconsin for years, and my sister used to sell homemade cheesecakes online,” said Tony Rojas, adding he’s been in the business with his brother for the past six years.
Rojas said the siblings chose Tinley Park for their venture because “it’s a growing community and the people are outgoing.”
Just A Pizza serves thin crust, stuffed and deep dish pizza, wings, sandwiches, some pasta dishes and Eli’s cheesecake.
The restaurant offers carryout and delivery to the Tinley Park area. Hours are Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The phone number is 708-429-0400.
Southland hookah bars snuffed out
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Hookah lounges, which allowed patrons to smoke flavored tobaccos through waterpipes, have closed in the past few weeks in Worth and Palos Hills. In Worth, Friends Café and Lounge at 11015 S. Harlem Ave. and Havana Café at 7011 W. 111th St. closed after the village approved stricter smoking restrictions on businesses. In Palos Hills, Royale Lounge closed last month at 7205 W. 103rd St.
Yarning in Frankfort
Yarns to Dye For & More has opened at 19 S. Ash St. in downtown Frankfort. The shop features specialty yarns, jewelry and artwork. The shop also offers knitting and crocheting classes. There is no Web site. For more information, call 815-469-4906.
Doctor is out
TV Doctor, a shop that serviced and sold televisions, has closed after being open only a short time at 16745 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park.
Wine out of style
WineStyles has closed at 7301 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park. The shops are franchised and aim to educate people about wine. They have wine clubs and offer tastings. Not to worry wine aficionados, a WineStyles store is still open at 20290 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort. That store’s number is 815-469-9994.
Now open
Wise Buys Resale opened recently at 14205 S. Bell Road in Homer Glen. The shop carries men's, women's and childrens’ clothing, antiques, jewelry, books and collectibles. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.
For more information, call the shop at (708) 645-7200.
Southland Savvy
Hookah lounges, which allowed patrons to smoke flavored tobaccos through waterpipes, have closed in the past few weeks in Worth and Palos Hills. In Worth, Friends Café and Lounge at 11015 S. Harlem Ave. and Havana Café at 7011 W. 111th St. closed after the village approved stricter smoking restrictions on businesses. In Palos Hills, Royale Lounge closed last month at 7205 W. 103rd St.
Yarning in Frankfort
Yarns to Dye For & More has opened at 19 S. Ash St. in downtown Frankfort. The shop features specialty yarns, jewelry and artwork. The shop also offers knitting and crocheting classes. There is no Web site. For more information, call 815-469-4906.
Doctor is out
TV Doctor, a shop that serviced and sold televisions, has closed after being open only a short time at 16745 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park.
Wine out of style
WineStyles has closed at 7301 W. 183rd St. in Tinley Park. The shops are franchised and aim to educate people about wine. They have wine clubs and offer tastings. Not to worry wine aficionados, a WineStyles store is still open at 20290 S. LaGrange Road in Frankfort. That store’s number is 815-469-9994.
Now open
Wise Buys Resale opened recently at 14205 S. Bell Road in Homer Glen. The shop carries men's, women's and childrens’ clothing, antiques, jewelry, books and collectibles. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.
For more information, call the shop at (708) 645-7200.
Southeast Side to see more jobs
By Kevin Lee
Illinois Statehouse News
The Ford assembly plant on the Southeast Side will see 1,200 new car manufacturing jobs this year. Ford wants a second shift of Chicago union workers to help construct new Ford Explorers. The automobile company also plans to invest $400 million in the manufacturing facilities.
Ford has selected Illinois for new investment partly as a result of a new tax credit. Lawmakers passed and Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law last year a tax credit for auto manufacturers.
Mark Fields with Ford Motor Company says the new jobs will be implemented this year.
Fields adds that the production of the new Explorers in Chicago is scheduled to begin by the end of this year.
Contact Kevin Lee at 217-528-9604. Illinois Statehouse News is a non-profit journalism organization committed to writing for the betterment of society.
More news about Ford's finances from CNBC.
Illinois Statehouse News
The Ford assembly plant on the Southeast Side will see 1,200 new car manufacturing jobs this year. Ford wants a second shift of Chicago union workers to help construct new Ford Explorers. The automobile company also plans to invest $400 million in the manufacturing facilities.
Ford has selected Illinois for new investment partly as a result of a new tax credit. Lawmakers passed and Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law last year a tax credit for auto manufacturers.
Mark Fields with Ford Motor Company says the new jobs will be implemented this year.
Fields adds that the production of the new Explorers in Chicago is scheduled to begin by the end of this year.
Contact Kevin Lee at 217-528-9604. Illinois Statehouse News is a non-profit journalism organization committed to writing for the betterment of society.
More news about Ford's finances from CNBC.
Casablanca's Steak House closes
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Casablanca Steak House, 17344 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, became the latest restaurant casualty of the economy when it closed on Jan. 1.
The former Bogart's Charhouse was renamed Casablanca after it was reacquired by the Nolan family in February 2009.
A manager at Bogart's Charhouse, 18225 Dixie Highway in Homewood, said the Tinley location "just wasn't doing enough business to keep it open."
Bogart's in Homewood remains open for anyone wanting to try their luck at the Bogie Sirloin AKA "The Big One."
The corner at 173rd and Oak Park Avenue will also soon be losing My Bike of Tinley Park, which shared the building with Casablanca.
Owner Brian Poncin said he's moving four blocks south to 17747 Oak Park Ave. Poncin said it was time to move.
"We're paying three times the rent we should," Poncin said. "The landlord didn't want to work with us, so we decided to leave. I'll be paying half as much in rent and have 1,000 more square feet of space."
Poncin said he's working on renovating the new location, which used to be home to Rosemary's Garden, a flower shop that relocated to 171st Street.
"We're in limbo for the next couple of months," Poncin said. "We'll be going back and forth." He suggests customers call first to make sure someone is around.
Poncin said he's contemplating a name change, as well. "I may change the name to My Bike Tinley Schwinn. We sell a lot of Schwinns and it might make sense to incorporate that into our name."
For more information, call Poncin at 708-444-2453 or visit My Bike Tinley.
Mokena gets new Eggcetera
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Eggcetera Cafe, a popular breakfast and lunch restaurant at 19709 Mokena St. in Mokena, is branching out. A second location is expected to open by the end of the month next to El Cortez Mexican restaurant in the 10100 block of West 191st St. in Mokena.
The new location looks to be a lot bigger than the original restaurant, which is right next to the railroad tracks in downtown Mokena.
Eggcetera is well known for its friendly staff and good food.
Villa Rosa screams for ice cream
Villa Rosa Pizza has added an ice cream parlor at 7717 W. St. Francis Road in Frankfort Square.
Coming soon
A Mattress Zone outlet store is coming soon to 16010 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.
Closet closed
Magical Closet has closed its door at 12228 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights.
Catching up
Barb's Place, a restaurant that features fast food such as tacos and hot dogs, opened a few months ago at 5201 W. 167th St. in Oak Forest in the old Deputy Dog hot dog stand. The phone number is 708-321-1490. The eatery is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Southland Savvy
Eggcetera Cafe, a popular breakfast and lunch restaurant at 19709 Mokena St. in Mokena, is branching out. A second location is expected to open by the end of the month next to El Cortez Mexican restaurant in the 10100 block of West 191st St. in Mokena.
The new location looks to be a lot bigger than the original restaurant, which is right next to the railroad tracks in downtown Mokena.
Eggcetera is well known for its friendly staff and good food.
Villa Rosa screams for ice cream
Villa Rosa Pizza has added an ice cream parlor at 7717 W. St. Francis Road in Frankfort Square.
Coming soon
A Mattress Zone outlet store is coming soon to 16010 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park.
Closet closed
Magical Closet has closed its door at 12228 S. Harlem Ave. in Palos Heights.
Catching up
Barb's Place, a restaurant that features fast food such as tacos and hot dogs, opened a few months ago at 5201 W. 167th St. in Oak Forest in the old Deputy Dog hot dog stand. The phone number is 708-321-1490. The eatery is open from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
New home decor store in Frankfort
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Sissy's Home Decor, which specializes in home furnishings, has opened at 637 N. LaGrange Road in Frankfort. The phone number is 815-469-5339.
Peppy in Oak Lawn
A new Pep Boys auto store opened last month at 4143 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn. The phone number is 708-423-4408.
Tasty update
Tasty Bites and Treats, a Polish deli and bakery, is now open at 47 E. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort. The phone number is 815-464-4660.
Jameson's update
Jameson's Pub at 9545 St. Francis Road in Frankfort finally has a phone number and is now expected to open by the end of January. The number is 815-469-0500.
Southland Savvy
Sissy's Home Decor, which specializes in home furnishings, has opened at 637 N. LaGrange Road in Frankfort. The phone number is 815-469-5339.
Peppy in Oak Lawn
A new Pep Boys auto store opened last month at 4143 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn. The phone number is 708-423-4408.
Tasty update
Tasty Bites and Treats, a Polish deli and bakery, is now open at 47 E. Lincoln Highway in Frankfort. The phone number is 815-464-4660.
Jameson's update
Jameson's Pub at 9545 St. Francis Road in Frankfort finally has a phone number and is now expected to open by the end of January. The number is 815-469-0500.
New grocer comes to Evergreen Park
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
Pete's Fresh Market, a South Side-based supermarket chain, is expected to open its latest store next week at 3720 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park. The 55,000-square-foot store will open Jan. 15 in the former Frank's Nursery and Crafts store, which the village bought after that retailer went bankrupt a few years ago.
Pete's Fresh Market has four stores on the Southwest Side of Chicago, a store in the East Side community and another one in Calumet City that opened last year. The Evergreen Park store was originally expected to open last summer and then in October.
When it opens, Pete's will be the only true supermarket in the village.
The new store will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information on the chain and to check its weekly ad, visit Pete's web site.
Juiced for a grand opening
Juiced Nutrition will hold its grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at 2056 Ridge Road in Homewood.
The store is dedicated to fitness and nutrition. Owner Jim Taliano said there will be food and vendors who will hand out free samples.
At present, the store carries vitamins and nutritional supplements, but Taliano said he will be adding personal trainers, massages and a smoothie bar.
For more information, call 708-799-6160. Taliano said a Web site is in the works.
House of Brews closes in Oak Forest
Chicago's House of Brews appears to have closed at 15426 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Forest. The phone has been disconnected, and its Facebook page has nothing new since late September. The establishment opened in February 2009.
This is one of those locations that seem to be cursed despite being on a busy street (Cicero Avenue) in a nice town (Oak Forest). House of Brews was preceded by a couple of Mexican restaurants and another one that was Eastern European, I think. None of them lasted very long.
In contrast, nearby eateries such as Beggars Pizza, Mrs. O'Brien's Pub and Durbin's seem to be thriving.
Now hiring
Fajitas, a Mexican restaurant expected to open in March at 167th Street and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park, is accepting applications. To apply, call the location in Countryside at 708-352-8226.
Southland Savvy
Pete's Fresh Market, a South Side-based supermarket chain, is expected to open its latest store next week at 3720 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park. The 55,000-square-foot store will open Jan. 15 in the former Frank's Nursery and Crafts store, which the village bought after that retailer went bankrupt a few years ago.
Pete's Fresh Market has four stores on the Southwest Side of Chicago, a store in the East Side community and another one in Calumet City that opened last year. The Evergreen Park store was originally expected to open last summer and then in October.
When it opens, Pete's will be the only true supermarket in the village.
The new store will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information on the chain and to check its weekly ad, visit Pete's web site.
Juiced for a grand opening
Juiced Nutrition will hold its grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at 2056 Ridge Road in Homewood.
The store is dedicated to fitness and nutrition. Owner Jim Taliano said there will be food and vendors who will hand out free samples.
At present, the store carries vitamins and nutritional supplements, but Taliano said he will be adding personal trainers, massages and a smoothie bar.
For more information, call 708-799-6160. Taliano said a Web site is in the works.
House of Brews closes in Oak Forest
Chicago's House of Brews appears to have closed at 15426 S. Cicero Ave. in Oak Forest. The phone has been disconnected, and its Facebook page has nothing new since late September. The establishment opened in February 2009.
This is one of those locations that seem to be cursed despite being on a busy street (Cicero Avenue) in a nice town (Oak Forest). House of Brews was preceded by a couple of Mexican restaurants and another one that was Eastern European, I think. None of them lasted very long.
In contrast, nearby eateries such as Beggars Pizza, Mrs. O'Brien's Pub and Durbin's seem to be thriving.
Now hiring
Fajitas, a Mexican restaurant expected to open in March at 167th Street and Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park, is accepting applications. To apply, call the location in Countryside at 708-352-8226.
Little Caesar's opens in Tinley Park
By Bob Bong
Southland Savvy
A Little Caesar's pizza parlor has opened at 16022 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park. The phone number is 708-429-0081. Despite being so close, a Little Caesar's will remain open inside the Super Kmart store that is less than three blocks south of the new restaurant.
Spinclub opens in Mokena
A new kind of fitness center opened this week at 9960 W. 191st St. in Mokena's Mokena Crossings Business Park. Spinclub Cycling Studios offers indoor cycling with trained instructors.
For more information, call 708-479-4455 or visit their Web site at SpinClubMokena.com.
New music school to host open house
The Music Station, which opened last week in the former digs of the World Music Company at 1808 W. 103rd St. in Chicago's Beverly community, will host an open house from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Co-owners Mike Vanier and Ivan Martirena are both graduates of the Berklee College of Music. The new school specializes in lessons, group classes, children’s classes, instrument repairs, rentals and outreach programs.
For more information, call 773-840-3005. The Web site is the-music-station.com, and they also have a Facebook page.
Downstate bank eyes Oak Forest
As if there aren't enough banks in the Southland, Carlinville National Bank plans to open a temporary facility this month at 5459 W. 159th St. in Oak Forest with a branch to open later in the year. In case you're wondering, Carlinville is about 65 miles east of St. Louis.
Fox quits Frankfort
Fox Lumber has closed its longtime Frankfort location at 1 N. White St. and sold the property to the village for $795,000. Village officials hope to develop the site, which is smack in the downtown district. Fox still has its Alsip location, which was rebuilt last year after a fire.
Ebel closes stores
Ebel Ace Hardware has closed its stores in Oak Forest and Chicago Heights, but is keeping open its store in Homewood.
Deal of the week
Culver's restaurants in Tinley Park, Matteson, Homewood and Frankfort have introduced guest loyalty cards. Customers can get the card stamped when they buy a value basket meal and the eighth purchase is free.
Southland Savvy
A Little Caesar's pizza parlor has opened at 16022 S. Harlem Ave. in Tinley Park. The phone number is 708-429-0081. Despite being so close, a Little Caesar's will remain open inside the Super Kmart store that is less than three blocks south of the new restaurant.
Spinclub opens in Mokena
A new kind of fitness center opened this week at 9960 W. 191st St. in Mokena's Mokena Crossings Business Park. Spinclub Cycling Studios offers indoor cycling with trained instructors.
For more information, call 708-479-4455 or visit their Web site at SpinClubMokena.com.
New music school to host open house
The Music Station, which opened last week in the former digs of the World Music Company at 1808 W. 103rd St. in Chicago's Beverly community, will host an open house from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Co-owners Mike Vanier and Ivan Martirena are both graduates of the Berklee College of Music. The new school specializes in lessons, group classes, children’s classes, instrument repairs, rentals and outreach programs.
For more information, call 773-840-3005. The Web site is the-music-station.com, and they also have a Facebook page.
Downstate bank eyes Oak Forest
As if there aren't enough banks in the Southland, Carlinville National Bank plans to open a temporary facility this month at 5459 W. 159th St. in Oak Forest with a branch to open later in the year. In case you're wondering, Carlinville is about 65 miles east of St. Louis.
Fox quits Frankfort
Fox Lumber has closed its longtime Frankfort location at 1 N. White St. and sold the property to the village for $795,000. Village officials hope to develop the site, which is smack in the downtown district. Fox still has its Alsip location, which was rebuilt last year after a fire.
Ebel closes stores
Ebel Ace Hardware has closed its stores in Oak Forest and Chicago Heights, but is keeping open its store in Homewood.
Deal of the week
Culver's restaurants in Tinley Park, Matteson, Homewood and Frankfort have introduced guest loyalty cards. Customers can get the card stamped when they buy a value basket meal and the eighth purchase is free.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)