Judy Ogalla lost to Adam Baumgartner in Tuesday's primary.<< MORE >>

Despite Senate approval, the Illiana Expressway may have come to a dead end in the Indiana House, or at least taken a detour.<< MORE >>

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport remains an unused boondoggle on the landscape of southern Illinois. It is the poster child for the state's desired airport near Peotone.<< MORE >>

Crete Township voters have an opportunity to vote for or against an airport near Peotone in the Feb. 2 primary election. << MORE >>

The Illiana Expressway moves forward in Indiana<< MORE >>

Happy New Year! Read on to see what 2010 means to the Peotone Airport project.<< MORE >>

While the Greater Kankakee Airport has been eyed as an economic development tool for southern Kankakee County, a recent announcement by the Illinois Army National Guard fits well into the city and county's plans to grow and expand the airport. << MORE >>

There may be no wall to tear down; no gate to unlock, but the out-of-court settlement between Chicago and Bensenville is huge for the Chicago area. The City of Chicago is now free to expand O'Hare International Airport<< MORE >>

Despite the $1 billion price tag, uncertain locations, and lack of funding sources; political support is lining up for the Illiana Expressway, at least on the Illinois side. << MORE >>

        

Thanks to Dane Placko and FOX 32 News for telling just one of the many stories related to the State's Boondoggle that is Peotone. << MORE >>

Are Illinois officials serious about turning the incredible shrinking airport planned in eastern Will County, Illinois, just 40 miles south of Chicago, into a cargo airport?<< MORE >>

Check it out: South Suburban Airport Fits Illinois 'Pay-to-Play' System

        

See an analysis of why the Peotone Airport won't go away.<< MORE >>

Today is the 21st Anniversary of the founding of RURAL, the first organized group to oppose the building of a new airport in the Chicago area. I offer this personal reflection. << MORE >>

More inaccuracies related to Peotone airport.<< MORE >>

With the signing of the State of Illinois' $31 billion "Illinois Jobs Now"bill Wednesday, Gov. Pat Quinn just rewound the clock on a project for which time should have long ago run out. The bill steers another $110.5million toward the third airport project, near Peotone. Read more.

        

The long-awaited report on the controversial Illiana Expressway has been released. It estimates the project at $1 billion and identifiesthree proposed routes. Read more.

        

When I started CH Blog, it was with the intention to self-publish stories in a timely manner. It often consisted of stories I wrote for the weekly paper in Peotone. I felt there was an urgency to the information for anyone who wanted to stay up-to-date on the topic. However, since I am no longer writing for the paper, that purpose no longer exists. I do plan to continue to provide airport-related news and information on this site. Who knows; this might be more fun?

For those who have subscribed to this blog, I appreciate your
dedication. Continue your subscriptions, because until ...<< MORE >>

I was saddened by the news of the death of John Callaway, one of Chicago's finest journalists. He leaves behind an enviable legacy. He was a good and decent man who excelled at the profession he loved, which allowed him to touch countless lives of people in all walks of life. I am privileged to have been one of them.<< MORE >>

Congressman Pete Visclosky today announced that
Gary Chicago International Airport (GCA) will receive $1,030,000 from
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that was authorized by the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. ...<< MORE >>

Since the late 1980's, Illinois officials have tried every available means to push a huge public works project to fruition, with a keen eye toward ensuring their own political futures and continuing cycle of self-enrichment. A successful airport can be a huge generator of economic development, bringing its sponsor untold benefits in the way of controlling jobs, concessions, and other revenue.

The project, a 23,000-acre airport three times the size of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, would, if approved, be located in a small farming community north of the Village of Peotone, about forty miles south of downtown Chicago. To read the rest of the story ...

        

In 1958 at the dawn of the commercial jet age, the federal regulatory agency - the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - was created by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

In its earliest days, about 53 million passengers boarded airplanes, compared to the 776 million in 2008. In 1958, FAA air traffic controllers handled about 26.6 million takeoffs and landings, a figure that has grown to around 44.1 million per year. The FAA's responsibility was defined as the safety, security, and efficiency of the national Air space System, according to an executive order in 2000 by President Bill Clinton. Read the whole story.

        

Writers on Helium.com have begun a debate about the need for a new airport. << MORE >>

Why would Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn consider perpetuating the folly of his predecessors? He said recently that he wants to spend $100 million to buy land for an airport that isn't and may never be approved.<< MORE >>

Reprinted from the Park Forest eNews, STAND (Shut This Airport Nightmare Down) sets the record straight on the Peotone Airport.

Read it here.

        

Current headlines scream "economic decline." The airline industry reports projected losses at $4.7 billion this year. They face losses greater than what was experienced after Sept. 11, 2001. Less people and goods are filling Chicago airport terminals. So why then, would Gov. Patrick Quinn choose to pour another $100 million into buying land for a new airport in eastern Will County near Peotone? << MORE >>

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn gives lip service to Peotone. So what!<< MORE >>

A second op-ed from NY Times writer Bob Herbert demanded a response. I sent one this morning.<< MORE >>

Today's buzz is a March 13 New York Times op-ed piece entitled "Flying Blind in Chicago" by columnist Bob Herbert. The piece read like a diatribe written by Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. or perhaps, his aide, Rick Bryant, who doubles as the Chairman of Jackson's self-appointed airport authority. The op-ed piece contains all the similar redundant propaganda about the wonders of an airport to serve Chicago in the cornfieldst near Peotone. Herbert claims the airport would be a great project for federal stimulus funds.<< MORE >>

CHBlog will no longer contain published stories. CH is unemployed, at least for now. No promises re: future content. No apologies either.

        

President Barack Obama has lent his support to high speed rail – both through the economic stimulus package and his first budget. << MORE >>

Following President Obama's very excellent address to a joint session of Congress, Tuesday night, Dana Bash, a CNN commentator, remarked that some congressmen got to the floor some 8 hours before the President's arrival. CNN's Anderson Cooper pressed her. She added that some representatives waited there all day, with their newspapers and their blackberrys. She explained that because there are no assigned seats, they wanted access to the President and to be seen on television.

"Don't they have anything better to do?" Cooper asked. He likened it to waiting in line to buy concert tickets, calling it "pathetic."

Bash identified two of the congressmen who had waited all day for a good seat. One was Eliot Engel, D-NY and the other was Jesse Jackson, Jr., D-IL.

I'm not surprised. I don't know Engel, but I do know Jackson. He seems to make a habit of getting that aisle seat — even during the President's inauguration. I have to wonder - if the two are such great pals, why does Jackson go to such measures to gain access to his friend? Perhaps he is trying to convince Obama to intervene in his pet project — pushing an unnecessary airport near Peotone, forty miles south of Chicago — a project that has stalled on the state's runway for the past forty years.

Jackson will go to any lengths, including lying to his colleagues about the airport's location (see http://chblog.ozarkattitude.com/2007/06/28/rep-jesse-jackson-needs-a-geography-lesson.aspx ).

Disgusting as it was to witness this display, Obama continues to inspire. This was an eloquent and thoughtful speech by our President. What a difference an election can make. (I've heard this man can even pronounce "nuclear.") Perhaps it is time to make similar changes in the congress.

        

Calls for Roland Burris to step down have come from both political parties. Who is to blame for this mess? << MORE >>

Despite changes: Governor, Pat Quinn; State Sen. Toi Hutchinson; U.S. Rep. Debbie Halvorson; U.S. Sen. Roland Burris; and President Barack Obama; the recurring nightmare continues for landowners whose property was designated more than forty years ago as the location for a new airport. Even with dire economic conditions, a state swimming in red ink, political turmoil, and no interest by airlines even when times were good, the state just can't let go of the project that has barely advanced in over forty years.<< MORE >>

The curtain has been drawn on airport rhetoric recently. That is, at least until the potential for an influx of federal cash to aid the O'Hare Modernization program took center stage this week. Now it is lights, camera, and action, as the U.S. Congress agrees on a $789 billion economic stimulus plan that could include funds for O'Hare. << MORE >>

The road to justice has been a long and winding one – both for convicted Ex-Governor George Ryan and the people of Illinois whom he defrauded.<< MORE >>

President Barack Obama has taken on numerous battles as he rounds out his first month as President of the United States. Partisanship has begun to reappear as Obama takes on some of the challenges facing the country. His approval rating, which remains high, has dipped from the 80's to the 60's. Monee's John Anderson, a Democratic Will County board member considers that just reality sinking in.<< MORE >>

Will County requests for funding for planning for a proposed Peotone airport. The government throwing money at this ill-conceived, unlikely-to-be-completed project might be described as Will County's own version of the 'Bridge to Nowhere.'Perhaps the project might be more aptly named, 'Flight to Nowhere.'<< MORE >>

Former Illinois Congressman Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, was chosen by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as the country's transportation secretary. Obama's choice of the former GOP congressman for a cabinet position demonstrates his interest in creating a bi-partisanship administration. But, his appointment took transportation leaders by surprise. << MORE >>

Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete was among the new members of the 111th Congress sworn in when the session convened Tuesday morning. Halvorson was among 54 new members of the House of Representatives. She replaces ex-congressman Jerry Weller, R-Morris, who admid ethical questions, decided not to seek re-election.<< MORE >>

Toi Hutchinson, 35, of Olympia Fields will fill the senate seat formerly held by Illinois Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, Crete.<< MORE >>

Politically speaking, 2008 was a year to remember. It began and ended with anticipation of replacing an unpopular president as well as a long-serving congressman who retired under a cloud of ethical questions. With primary contests in February, and a general election in November, local, state, and federal candidates geared up early for an exciting election season. << MORE >>

A federal judge threw out a lawsuit this month against Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow. The suit was in retribution for Glasgow doing his job – as is his duty – “to investigate facts and determine whether an offense has been committed,” according to the court.<< MORE >>

Recent news reports have indicated that Jesse Jackson, Jr. has long been cooperating with federal prosecutors’ investigation of Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s alleged “pay-to-play” schemes. Jackson was identified as ‘Senate Candidate 5’ soon after the criminal complaint in accordance with Blagojevich’s arrest was released last week. The complaint alleged that ‘Senate Candidate 5’ was implicated in Blagojevich’s alleged plot to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. But Jackson has vehemently denied he was involved in trying to buy the position, despite his immodest effort to win the appointment.<< MORE >>

I'm looking for comments on an ABC 7 News report that indicated Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. may not only be in the clear involving Gov. Rod Blagojevich's scheme to sell the senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama that Jackson was aggressively seeking, but Jackson may have been working WITH the feds since last summer. << MORE >>

Isn't it interesting that George Ryan has now apologized for his crimes against the people of Illinois. I may be living in another state now, but I was an Illinois resident and taxpayer during Ryan's tenure as Illinois governor. Weren't we foolish not to elect Glenn Poshard?<< MORE >>

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has asked the Illinois Supreme Court to remove Rod Blagojevich from his duties as governor. She is asking for a motion for a temporary restraining order and/or preliminary injunction preventing Blagojevich from exercising the powers or authority of his office.<< MORE >>

Referred to in the criminal complaint against Gov. Rod Blagojevich by only a cryptic identification — Senate Candidate 5 — U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. has found himself implicated in the governor’s scheme to sell the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder. Jackson has been an immodest contender, soliciting support for the position. And though he was not named in the complaint sworn out against Blagojevich, Tuesday, Dec. 9, it has since been confirmed that Jackson has been identified as Senate Candidate 5. And Jackson admittedly met with Blagojevich the day before Blagojevich’s arrest. << MORE >>

The man who was elected by claiming he would reform Illinois government — Gov. Rod Blagojevich — was handcuffed and led away by FBI agents in the early morning hours Tuesday, Dec. 9, from his home on Chicago’s north side. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, the same federal prosecutor who put another Illinois governor into jail, said at a news conference following Blagojevich’s arrest that the 40th governor of the State of Illinois “has been in the middle of what we can only describe as a political corruption crime spree.” << MORE >>

What are U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Gov. Rod Blagojevich thinking? Are they really considering asking President George W. Bush to commute the sentence of former Illinois Governor George Ryan?<< MORE >>

I couldn't help myself. This L.A.Times piece should be seen. This is not a person I want to lead this country! And, just like W, she can't pronounce nuclear!!!<< MORE >>

The Republican National Convention may be over, but its effects may be felt for a very long time.<< MORE >>

Just because the South Suburban Airport hasn’t made headlines lately, doesn’t mean there aren't still efforts to keep it alive through the planning process.<< MORE >>

History was made in Denver, Coloradowhere the first African-American candidate – Barack Obama – was nominated by a major political party to run for President of the United States.<< MORE >>

Biosolids applied to the land for the purpose of enriching the soil is being touted as free fertilizer for farmers. But some question the real cost - the long range implications of land application of sewage sludge - or biosolids. The practice of trucking sewage sludge from municipal and city sewage treatment plants to apply onto farm fields has been going on for years. Land applications are generally made in the spring, fall, and after the wheat crop is harvested. << MORE >>

There will never be another Myrtle Beeson. For those who knew her, that statement needs no justification. But for those who didn’t, suffice it to say that she was a truly remarkable character. Myrtle Beeson, 87, died Monday, July 28 in a Joliet nursing home. << MORE >>

There are as many airport authorities proposed to govern a new airport south of Chicago, as there once were rural locations on which to build a new airport. That number is three.<< MORE >>

Penske Racing and Ryan Newman have mutually agreed to move in new directions at the conclusion of the 2008 season.<< MORE >>

The Alltel Dodge comes to Arkansas

While y'all were enjoying some great racing at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, watching Ryan Newman, driver of the #12 Alltel Dodge, I was back home in Arkansas having my own racing experience.

I have seen Jimmy Johnson's #48 Lowes car, Tony Stewart's #20 car, and Mark Martin's #6 car, but none compared to the thrill of seeing Ryan Newman's #12 Alltel Dodge. This car is special. Ryan Newman is by far my favorite driver.

        

It is always eventful when the NASCAR race circuit cycles through to the Chicagoand Speedway at Joliet. I watched this track being built. << MORE >>

A July 3 broadcast of WTTW-Chicago’s News Hour program chronicled the plight of small regional airports in the Midwest, due to the economic woes in the airline industry. Crowning that downslide is the increase in fuel costs. While there was no mention of a new airport at Peotone in the report, anyone familiar with the twenty-years of debate associated with Peotone couldn’t help but notice the read-between-the-lines scream of no need for a new airport.<< MORE >>

Don't just take my word for it. Check out the links at left - Making the case - to see what other people are saying and writing about an airport at Peotone.

        

Leadership in Illinois seems to miss a point or two as the harping continues about an ill-fated proposal to control a new airport near Peotone.<< MORE >>

Attorneys for Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow will return to federal court Monday, June 30 to defend him against charges of malicious prosecution.<< MORE >>

The Gary/Chicago International Airport can move ahead with its runway expansion plans.<< MORE >>

Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., D-Chicago, accused Senate Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson of cavorting with criminals, in a story that has, in a short time, already received as much play as a well-worn Elvis Presley record. This is not the first time that Jackson has attacked a fellow Democrat who disagrees with him on his ambitious agenda for a new airport near Peotone.<< MORE >>

Three Eastern Will County Township Supervisors are calling for the Illinois General Assembly to finally answer the question of need for another area airport. And, they are asking that the study be done by an independent organization.<< MORE >>

Today's Chicago Tribune printed this little nugget of wisdom in its Voice of the People. It refers to just one of the myths about the Peotone airport, that if it is ever built it would be the region's third airport. Do the math! << MORE >>

Short of a Presidential pardon,ex-Governor George Ryan will remain in prison to serve his 6 1/2 year sentence for corruption.<< MORE >>

There has been a change in sponsorship in the Illinois House on a bill to create the South Suburban Airport Authority. The bill, passed last month in the Senate would establish a seven-member board, with a majority of members from Will County. It was pushed through the Senate by Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, D-Crete, who also happens to be running for congress in November. << MORE >>

A Senate bill to create the South Suburban Airport Authority, which would put control of an airport at Peotone in the hands of Will County if an airport is ever built, has gained sponsorship in the Illinois House.<< MORE >>

U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement filed a brief Friday, April 25 stating that the U.S. Supreme Court should refuse to hear the appeal of convicted ex-Governor George Ryan.<< MORE >>

Martin Ozinga, III, 58, has been officially named the candidate who can best help the GOP hold onto the 11th district congressional seat long held by U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller, R-Morris.<< MORE >>

Legislation to give Will County local control and to develop and operate the long-proposed South Suburban Airport was passed by the state senate Thursday, April 17.<< MORE >>

Rocquin Van Guilder, of Lowell, Indiana, the former property manager for Hanson Professional Services based in Springfield, has filed a civil rights lawsuit against Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow.<< MORE >>

There was something about that property. The house at 28541 Kedzie Ave. in eastern Will County has been a sore spot for local residents for a very long time.<< MORE >>

When the 8:04 p.m. Skybus Airlines flight departed the Gary/Chicago International Airport Friday night, it also departed the airline business, just 18 months after it started. Friday night marked the last flight at Gary for the airline that ended all of its nationwide flights. The airline served Gary for only 23 days.<< MORE >>

Just one week after the inaugural flight of Skybus Airlines flew into and out of the Gary/Chicago International Airport, service cuts have been announced. << MORE >>

The Gary/Chicago Airport has long marketed itself as the third Chicagoland Airport. Another step toward illustrating that reality was taken with the start of an official airport shuttle service.<< MORE >>

While it may have been an encore presentation, supporters of the Gary/Chicago International Airport are treating the recent introduction of airline service as a novel event.<< MORE >>

It must be spring. All the signs are there, including the latest version of gotta-have-an-airport and gotta-have-it now. << MORE >>

While the Illinois Department of Transportation finally delivered its preferred layout plan for the proposed Peotone airport to the Federal Aviation Administration, it assumed the acquisition of Bult Field, the newly-renovated general aviation airport in eastern Will County along Kedzie Avenue. That was news to the airport’s owner Jim Bult, who said he knew nothing about IDOT’s plan to acquire and incorporate his airport into the state’s airport.<< MORE >>

Despite IDOT’s failure to meet a March 1 deadline imposed last December by State Sen. Majority Leader Debbie Halvorson, state transportation officials didn’t miss it by much. << MORE >>

When the results of the congressional primary trickled in, Terry Heenan was exhilarated. He recently learned that Tim Baldermann, the primary winner, has decided to drop out of the race. Heenan, the second highest vote-getter three weeks ago, is definitely interested in having his name on the ballot.<< MORE >>

In what promised to be one of the most closely-watched congressional races in the country, has already proven to be. In the 11th congressional district – Republican Tim Baldermann announced Friday that he was dropping out of the race.<< MORE >>

Does it get any better than this? My congratulations to Ryan Newman. I knew you could do it! And, I can't wait to watch you do it again. << MORE >>

Did Jesse Jackson, Jr. get wind of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce support of Will County? Is that what prompted an email by Chamber President Lisa Ziegler?<< MORE >>

Roc Van Guilder and his son Lee were acquitted Friday of misdemeanor criminal trespassing and criminal damage to property.<< MORE >>

What  an  incredible waste!  Take a  look at what the
Illinois  Dept.  of  Transportation  did  to  this  lovely
country home.

        

IDOT’s antics do not pale by time or distance. Despite my home address being more than 500 miles away, I find that some things back home still gall me.<< MORE >>

An ironic twist to the airport debate took place recently when the past chairman of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, Bill Frank, and the chamber’s board of directors broke ranks with other southlanders.<< MORE >>

      Terry Heenan

An  airline  pilot  for  30
years, Heenan opposes
building  a  new  airport
at Peotone. To read on,
click on:
Candidate for congress opposes Peotone airport

        

Terry Heenan, one of three Republican candidates for 11th Congressional District has taken a firm and official stand against an airport at Peotone.<< MORE >>

The trial of Rocquin (Roc) and Rocquin L. (Lee) Van Guilder has concluded. Will County Associate Judge Marilee Viola will rule on the case February 8 after having heard four days of testimony.<< MORE >>

This farm property owned by Mark Baugh,  rural Beecher, was cros-
sed  by heavy equipment,  not only without the owner's  permission,
but  against his orders on  Dec. 1.  IDOT agents just  couldn't seem
to wait  for better  road conditions to  demolish  homes in the  foot-
print of the proposed airport near Peotone. Stories *(NEW)* about the trial of 
Roc  and  Lee Van Guilder, of  Hanson  Professional  Service, who
have  been  charged with  criminal  tresspass and criminal damage to
property are below.

        

Times Staff Report

JOLIET

Property damage jury hears closing arguments

Attorneys on Thursday delivered closing arguments in the trial of Roc and Lee Van Guilder, two Lowell men charged with misdemeanor criminal trespassing and criminal property damage in March.

Will County Judge Marilee Viola is scheduled to render a decision at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 8.

Both sides spent the last four days calling witnesses to the stand in an attempt prove or disprove the two men, then employed with Hanson Professional Services, were responsible for the decision to drive an 80,000-pound backhoe across private property in the footprint of the proposed Peotone airport.

Viola heard prosecutors argue the theory of accountability in trying to convict the Van Guilders, and cited the men's knowledge of property lines, accused them of not contacting a property owner for permission and their willingness to pay for the damage as proof that the men were not only guilty but principally responsible for the act.

Defense attorney Dave Carlson fired back, saying the evidence, as it was presented, would not allow the theory of accountability to hold up in this case. He said the Van Guilders were not responsible for ordering the heavy equipment operator to cross private property.

        

Again, thanks to the NWI Times for this play-by-play. << MORE >>

I hope the truth comes out — that IDOT and its agents will stop at nothing to further their ill-conceived scheme to take property from innocent people to build an unneeded, unapproved, unwanted airport in the cornfields of eastern Will County. And let us not forget, as government employees, they work for us! Thanks to the NWI Times for covering this trial.<< MORE >>

This is the first story I've seen about the Van Guilder trial - The Northwest Indiana Times - a paper I once worked for.<< MORE >>