See the Who To Call Chart at bottom of today's Blog.

Illinois Sales Tax News

A new rule that took effect January 1, 2015 expands the definition of out-of-state retailers that must register in Illinois with the Department of Revenue and collect sales taxes.  The new rules dropped the word "internet" and now covers mail-order and similar retailers, along with online sellers.  It has been estimated by the National Conference of State Legislatures that Illinois lost $1 Billion in unpaid sales taxes in 2012.  Quite a large sum that could help the budget woes here in the state of Illinois.  Not sure how much more revenue that would have meant to the City of Carbondale, but every little bit helps in balancing the city budget.

 

Outdoor Aquatics Center Progresses Past Half-Way Mark

Bathhouse and Concessions Building

ABOVE - Zero Depth Entry Pool which will include spray features and toys.






LEFT - Eight-Lane Competition Pool is in far background near tree line which will  accommodate lap swimming and a diving board.
Framing for the Lazy River is in the far left background of photo. 

St. Patrick’s Day “Splash of Luck”

A Fundraising Raffle and drawing is the next part of the ongoing efforts to bring the Super Splash Park Outdoor Aquatic Center to Carbondale. The “Splash of Luck” raffle will run from November 20, 2014 – March 17, 2015 and will feature a number of exciting prizes supplied by area merchants. Tickets can be purchased at several locations including: the Hickory Lodge, the LIFE Community Center, Hickory Ridge Golf Course and other Park District locations. Tickets cost $10 each or can be purchased in groups at a value of 3 for $25, 6 for $50 or 15 for $100.

Raffle ticket holders will be entered into a drawing on March 17, 2015 at Hanger 9 in Carbondale where they could win a variety of prize packages which include:

* A Chicago Hotel Trip: Winners will enjoy a two-night stay at the historic Hilton Hotel on South Michigan Avenue plus round-trip tickets for two on Amtrak from Carbondale and continental breakfast at the hotel.

* See Southern Illinois from the Air: One winner (and up to three guests) will enjoy an airplane tour from the Southern Illinois Airport. Riders will travel within a 25-mile radius of the airport.

* Hot Air Balloon Ride: The lucky winner will float on the breeze over Southern Illinois for 1 hour with a licensed hot air balloon pilot. Package courtesy of Mark Gindlesparger.

* Macy's Fragrance Gift Basket: A winner will enjoy the sweet and spice of life with a his-and-hers fragrance gift basket from Macy's Department Store at the University Mall.

  * Power Up with Lowe’s: A lucky winner will receive a Power Tool Package from Lowe's in Carbondale.

  * Outdoor Kayak Adventure: A lucky winner will be ready for an outdoor adventure with the Old Town Sit-On-Top Kayak - the perfect kayak for a beginner or intermediate paddle. Package provided by Shaffner and Associates.

 * Splash Pass: A winner will receive a one-year pass to the new Super Splash Park in Carbondale courtesy of the Carbondale Park District.

Questions about the “Splash of Luck” fundraising raffle should be directed to the Carbondale Park District at (618) 549-4222.

Construction Exceeds $53 Million Mark Thru November 2014 of Fiscal Year 2015 in Carbondale

Large construction projects on the south and north ends of the Downtown area helped to spur construction growth in Carbondale during the months of 2014 (FY 2015).  More projects are scheduled to get underway in the upcoming months of calendar year 2015.

These two photos of the EvolveAtSIU Building from early December 2014 to middle of January 2015 show the construction progress in the Downtown Carbondale area.  Building is to be ready for the Fall 2015 Semester.

Memorial Hospital of Carbondale Construction Site

Construction Crane at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale being used to move materials in the multi-million dollar project to expand space and services at the hospital.  Weather has cooperated thus far this winter for construction projects in the area.




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