SPRINGFIELD

Illinois governor urges coal states to back FutureGen

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is asking other coal-producing states to oppose changes to the FutureGen power plant.

Blagojevich wrote to the governors of Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming on Thursday seeking their support in stopping federal alterations.

FutureGen is a coal-burning power plant that will be built in Mattoon designed to keep greenhouse gases from escaping into the air.

The Energy Department's paying three-quarters of the cost and has said the project should be scaled back or broken up because of escalating costs.

The alliance of power and coal companies building the plant says it'll pay more of the cost to allay those fears.

CALUMET CITY

City and bar owners dispute continued

An ongoing lawsuit between Calumet City bar owners and the city over an ordinance that shortens hours on their liquor licenses will continue.

On Thursday, a hearing on a motion to dismiss the case was continued to Jan. 31, said Daniel G. Austin, an attorney representing the Calumet City Liquor License Owners Association. The city had not yet gotten back to him on the exact date, he said.

A hearing on a preliminary injunction against enforcing the ordinance is also scheduled for Feb. 4 and Feb. 6. in Chicago.

The Calumet City Liquor License Owners Association is suing Calumet City over an ordinance the Calumet City Council passed in May.

According to the ordinance, establishments with Class B licenses will be required to close at midnight. Class E businesses will be allowed to stay open until 2 a.m. Class E licenses allow entertainment and alcohol sales.

Chamber of Commerce seeks new members

From mom and pops store to big box retailers, the Calumet City Chamber of Commerce is looking for more members, said Janice Minton-Kutz, the Calumet City Chamber of Commerce vice president.

"We have 82 (members) right now," she said. "There are over 600 businesses in Calumet City, and we would certainly like to encourage them to join us."

For businesses with six or fewer employees, membership is $100. For businesses with more employees, the cost is $150.

For more information call (708) 891-5888 or visit www.calumetcitychamber.com.