Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar » 2004

Tuesday, Dec 14, 2004 - Posted by Rich Miller

Vandalia and Fayette County haven’t had the greatest year. First, the governor tried to kill off the local state prison, now the region appears to be losing out on a lucrative coal/power deal.

VANDALIA, Ill. (AP) Two years after a Kentucky-based company promised to build a huge coal mine and power generating plant in Fayette County, the company is $225,000 behind in its lease payments to the county and in danger of losing the project.

Clean Coal Power Resources Inc. failed to pay a six-month lease payment despite receiving a two-month extension in July. Another $225,000 is due Jan. 1.

County Board Chairman Dean Black said he was confident the board would vote Tuesday to send Clean Coal a letter declaring the company in default of its lease agreement. […]

In 2002, Clean Coal said that building the coal mine would mean 250 jobs and another 4,000 to build the gasification and power plants. Larry Emerick, the board chairman at the time, said the lease called for $17 million in yearly royalty payments once the plant was fully operational around 2012.

Have any of the dozens of ambitious plans to revitalize Illinois coal ever succeeded? I’m hard-pressed to think of any at the moment.

4 Comments

Coolest. TV. Ever.

Saturday, Dec 11, 2004 - Posted by Rich Miller

I’m not much of a TV fan, but when I do replace my set, I think I want one of these

The science and romance of the Predicta legend has been resurrected and continued by Telstar.

What is the price of a Predicta TV?

Telstar Predicta is actually priced less than the original Philco Predicta of 1958 (indexed for inflation). Of course the Predicta with its complexity, cabinetry and unique features, is not priced with the cheapest TV you can find. Predicta TV is priced to be comparable with the average high-end TV you would find in your local TV store. For more information on prices and dealers near you, please contact us at 262-392-3366. info@Predicta.com

Do you do custom finishes and designs?

Yes. In fact, it is our desire to be involved with the client on every purchase of a Predicta including those done through dealers and distributors. We enjoy the creative process with our clients and feel customer needs are best met if they can communicate directly with the people who build the product.

Are you the only one making Predicta TVs?

Yes. “Predicta” is a registered trademark of Telstar Electronics, and therefore is the only company that can produce, label and represent a television or monitor under the Predicta name. It is unlawful for any other company to represent a TV as a “Predicta,” “Predicta Replica,” “Retro Predicta,” etc. There are others out there who attempt to do what we do, and we encourage our clients to compare those products as there are many differences in appearance and quality.

Will Predicta TV work with my cable and VCR?

Absolutely. Despite its very exotic look and picture, it was Telstar’s intent to keep the unit simple and compatible with VCRs, cable, and satellites. It has a standard antenna (RF75) input as well as video and stereo inputs. We thought it was in the best interest of Predicta TV and our clients to make it compatible with other products.

3 Comments

Springfield loses commercial flights to Chicago

Saturday, Dec 11, 2004 - Posted by Rich Miller

I truly despised ATA, so I wasn’t sad to seem it go bankrupt. Shoddy service, long lines and unhelpful employees totally turned me off.

Unfortunately, no airline is stepping in to provide service between Chicago and Springfield. I flew that route a few times, usually in the winter. I only have one car, a Z-3, and it’s definitely not snow friendly.

ATA Chicago Express, the low-fare carrier credited with resurrecting passenger service at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, will end service to the Springfield market on Jan. 4.

Gary Marsh, president of the commuter airline run by bankrupt carrier ATA Airlines Inc., delivered the news during a visit to Springfield Friday.

The announcement coincided with the bid deadline for ATA’s bankruptcy auction. […]

Eric Frankl, executive director for the Springfield airport, said he believes another carrier will fill ATA’s place for local travelers. But neither AirTran nor Southwest is likely to offer alternate access to the increasingly popular Midway Airport, he said.

“From the time (ATA) entered bankruptcy, I’ve stepped up my talks with other airlines. And I’m encouraged we’ll have an opportunity to fill those shoes,” Frankl said. “AirTran and Southwest don’t have feeder service. We have an opportunity, but it’s not likely to be Midway.

“It’s possible, but very slight.”

Maybe they can convince Hooters to take ATA’s place.

Comments Off

Mike Bost for LG?

Saturday, Dec 11, 2004 - Posted by Rich Miller

The Southern reports that GOP Rep. Mike Bost is considering running for lieutenant governor:

Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said earlier this week he is weighing his options for a potential run at Illinois’ lieutenant governor’s seat in 2006.

The idea falls far from a promise or even definite interest at this point, the 10-year state legislator said.

“It’s really just the case where someone asked me about it, and I said I’m not closing that door,” Bost said.

Rumor surrounding Bost’s potential climb came after fellow legislator and friend, Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, R-Elgin, announced his intention to run for governor in 2006.

Bost, a state representative since 1994, and Rauschenberger, a state senator since 1993, share the same house in Springfield when the general assembly is in session.

Bost is an incredibly hard worker, and it’s a good idea for him to get his name out early. I just think it’s a mistake to align himself with Rauschenberger, who demonstrated little campaign ability in the US Senate primary this year and showed poor judgment when he came up with the idea of putting Alan Keyes on the ballot.

Comments Off

« NEWER POSTS