Will Rogers Theatre

Unfortunately, The Will Rogers Theatre was not on the list of grant recipients.

Gov. Pritzker Awards $106 Million in Grants through Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program 

Grants for 50 communities across Illinois represents the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment focused on community revitalization 

​ALTON — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $106 million in capital grants awarded to revitalize 50 commercial corridors and main streets throughout Illinois. In addition to the $106 million in state funding, projects offered an additional $109 million in matching grant funds, for a total investment of $215 million. The historic Rebuild Illinois (RBI) Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program represents the largest-ever RBI investment focused on community revitalization. 

Launched through Rebuild Illinois State capital funds and further expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the grants support projects that will revitalize commercial hubs, beautify and modernize downtowns, address critical infrastructure needs, boost jobs and improve the quality of life for residents. 

"I am thrilled to announce that we are doubling last year's investment in our Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Grant program to include over 50 communities throughout Illinois to modernize downtowns, address long-awaited infrastructure needs, and boost local economies — in turn, bettering the quality of life for our state's residents," said Governor JB Pritzker. "With that upgraded infrastructure comes economic opportunity: more jobs, more business growth, and more money pouring into the communities that need it most — and that's what Rebuild Illinois is all about." 

"Our administration knows that the road to recovery must include economic opportunities for our most vulnerable so we may all move forward together," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "The Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets grants invest in communities that have for too long been disinvested, creating a pathway to make needed improvements that uplift residents and revitalize regions across the state." 

The state originally allocated $50 million in funding for this project in 2021. However, due to the high quality of applications and ongoing need, as well as the number of projects eligible for federal COVID relief funds, funding for the program increased by $56 million for a total of $106 million in investments benefiting 50 total communities. The increase in funding allowed the state to support an additional 29 community revitalization projects. 

The RBI Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program is designed to support local commercial corridors, with concentrations of businesses that experienced difficulties during the pandemic due to declining foot traffic, tourism, and business from downtown offices. The program drives investment in infrastructure and public amenities that continue to fuel economic activity as more Illinoisans patron their local town centers. 

Grants awarded through the program are located in a commercial center or downtown area and include a variety of projects, such as the restoration of historic buildings, parking and street improvements, construction or improvement of outdoor venues or plazas for public use, sustainability upgrades, structural repairs and other projects benefitting the larger community. Grants range from $398,552 to $3 million in funding. 

"Today's announcement illustrates why the General Assembly continues to prioritize Rebuild Illinois every year," said Speaker of the House Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside). "We have proven that we can be fiscally responsible and make groundbreaking investments in our communities." 

"The Southland has long been neglected and suffered from disinvestment, but today's announcement shows us that the tide is turning," said State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin (D-Olympia Fields). "With Richton Park's revitalized Town Center anchored by our Metra stop, we are showing the region what it means to create a community people want to work, shop, and raise their family." 

"Edwardsville and Collinsville both have amazing opportunities ahead of them, and this Rebuild Illinois grant sets them up for success," said State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville). "I couldn't think of a better use of grant dollars than investing them in high traffic areas used by all." 

"Residents depend on reliable, safe transportation to prosper in their communities and spur economic development in the region," said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). "The $1.2 million investment in the Village of Fairmont City will create jobs for residents to maintain roadways, design streetscape and improve drainage infrastructure." 

"Today is a great day for the Metro East region," said State Rep Jay Hoffman. "This is needed funding that will create jobs, spark investment and enhance the quality of life for residents in our communities. I appreciate that our governor has made this area a priority for state investment and look forward to working together on projects that further enhance our region." 

"Broadway Avenue is at the heart of our Aurora community, and it is time for a makeover," said State Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora). "Thank you to Governor Pritzker for investing in our downtowns, where people come from all over to work, live and play." 

"Because of Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets, Rockford is expected to receive over $5 million for our downtown area," said State Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford). "This means more opportunities for building trades on the projects and ultimately workers in the businesses. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for putting Rockford to work." 

"The Times Theater has a special place in Rockford's history, and thanks to a grant from Rebuild Illinois it will have a special place in our future as well," said State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). "Revitalizing our downtown and its historic buildings is not just for entertainment: projects like this tell visitors and residents alike that Downtown Rockford will remain a catalyst for economic growth throughout the region." 

"This funding will provide a vital boost to commercial centers in St. Clair and Madison County, where so many businesses have been hurt by the recent inflationary spike," said State Rep. LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis). "New infrastructure projects in our downtown area also improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of the local supply chain. These simultaneous benefits help build a stronger future for all Illinois families, and I thank the DCEO and Governor Pritzker for their good work." 

"Fresh and affordable food is critical for every family, no matter where they call home," said State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). "Funded in part by Rebuild Illinois, I'm thrilled to welcome the first community-owned grocery to DuPage County—Prairie Food Co-Op in downtown Lombard. This investment will help ensure families have access to healthy, sustainable food options." 

"I couldn't be prouder of AltonWorks and I look forward to seeing what they do with their Rebuild Illinois award," said State Rep. Amy Elik (R-Alton). "It is easy to see why their work is gaining attention across the State and I am glad the Governor is here to see it." 

"Take a walk or drive down any Main Street in the Metro East, and you'll be met with character, historic buildings and cultural history," said State Senator Kris Tharp (D-Bethalto). "The combined $7.6 million investments into Alton, Collinsville and Edwardsville will create jobs for residents, modernize infrastructure, and encourage patrons and visitors to explore their local downtown." 

"Main streets and downtowns across Illinois serve as hubs for businesses and economic activity but are also places where families and friends gather to create enduring memories," said DCEO Director Sylvia I. Garcia. "Governor Pritzker doubled the amount of funding for these grants in recognition of the critical role main streets play in creating jobs and improving quality of life across our great state. We're proud to be investing $106 million in 50 projects that include development of business incubators, a co-op community grocery store, revitalization of historic buildings, and other essential infrastructure improvements that will play a vital role in economic development and revitalize commercial corridors for generations to come." 

Recipients & LocationProject DescriptionFunding 
AltonWorks, AltonRestoration of historic buildings for the Wedge Innovation Center incubator.$3,000,000 
City of AledoRoadway & streetscape improvements, including public plazas.$3,000,000 
City of AnnaDowntown streetscape & water/sewer improvements.$812,930 
City of ArcolaDowntown infrastructure improvements, including sanitary & stormwater sewer. $1,040,000 
City of AuroraBroadway Ave. corridor street & streetscape improvements.$3,000,000 
City of Calumet CityBurnham Ave. corridor improvements.$686,000 
City of CarbondaleDowntown Arts & Entertainment District improvements.$2,055,040 
City of CarrolltonCourthouse square improvements.$1,900,000 
City of CollinsvilleSt. Louis Road & Collinsville Road corridor initiative.$1,828,350 
City of DanvilleWalnut Street corridor reconstruction.$3,000,000 
City of EdwardsvilleWater/sewer & streetscape improvements on Main Street.$2,869,031 
City of FloraCity grants for businesses making repairs/enhancements in commercial corridors. $1,273,268 
City of GalesburgSimmons Street streetscape improvements/reconstruction$2,082,494 
City of GreenvilleNew downtown public plaza, including pavilion & visitors center.$1,900,000 
City of JacksonvilleSouth Main St. reconstruction (continuation of Downtown Turnaround Project).$2,975,161 
City of JolietConstruction of "City Square" on Chicago St. corridor.$3,000,000 
City of KewaneeDowntown streetscape improvements.$2,954,460 
City of LitchfieldRehab of historic downtown building. $398,552 
City of MattoonDowntown lighting, parking and accessibility improvements.$525,000 
City of Moline7th Ave. reconstruction & connector project.$3,000,000 
City of MonmouthDowntown Square revitalization.$3,000,000 
City of OttawaConstruction of an outdoor riverfront amphitheater$3,000,000 
City of Peoria Public WorksWisconsin Ave. corridor project.$3,000,000 
City of PittsfieldMonroe Street reconstruction/streetscaping. $2,842,129 
City of Quincy6th Street Corridor reconstruction/ streetscaping$2,400,000 
City of RochelleDowntown parking construction & rehab.$1,151,794 
City of Rock FallsAcquisition and redevelopment of the abandoned Micro Industries property.$2,200,717 
City of RockfordMadison St. corridor reconstruction and utilities improvements. $2,087,966 
City of TaylorvilleDowntown square/business corridor streetscape and infrastructure improvements.$ 3,000,000 
City of WenonaDowntown streetscape improvements, including sidewalks, lighting and charging stations.  $969,580 
City of WoodstockWoodstock Opera House renovations.$2,964,553 
Deeply Rooted Productions, ChicagoConstruction of South Side Center for Black Dance and Creative Communities in Chicago's Washington Park neighborhood.$2,999,414 
E. G. Woode, L3C, ChicagoRenovating a property to create a food hub/incubator in Englewood.$1,164,683 
GT Partners, LLC, RockfordHistoric theater Times Theatre renovation.$2,999,996 
Historic Champaign Holdings, ChampaignMulti-use redevelopment of historical downtown buildings.$3,000,000 
Long Family Management LLC, DeKalbAcquisition/rehab of vacant commercial property.$566,500 
Prairie Food Co-op, LombardConstruction of community grocery store in downtown Lombard.$807,835 
Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, Rock IslandDowntown Rock Island Revitalization (multi-faceted)$3,000,000 
Re:PurposeDevelopment LLC, CentraliaWinery Block Downtown renovation for mixed-used.  $ 1,000,000 
Village of BourbonnaisBourbonnais Community Campus and Village Green improvements.$3,000,000 
Village of BradleyRoute 50 corridor improvements.$ 3,000,000 
Village of Davis JunctionCommercial development and infrastructure improvements.$ 3,000,000 
Village of Fairmont CityCookson St. corridor roadway, streetscape & drainage improvements. $1,270,696 
Village of LansingBusiness district sidewalk replacement.$875,000 
Village of Maywood5th Avenue and Lake Street Business Corridor enhancements.$2,252,000 
Village of NilesImprovements at civic center, including plaza development.$1,800,000 
Village of North UticaRedevelopment of vacant lot, including utilities & commercial space for small businesses. $ 1,249,969 
Village of PeotoneDowntown Street reconstruction and streetscape.$2,458,071 
Village of RantoulDowntown Master Plan implementation and overall Downtown revitalization including infrastructure improvements. $3,000,000 
Village of Richton ParkRedevelopment of Town Center properties.$734,933 

Sources of funding for the RBI Downtowns and Main Streets Capital program include Rebuild Illinois– an historic $45 billion plan enacted by Governor Pritzker, and the state's first comprehensive capital plan in more than a decade. DCEO has been charged with spearheading several Rebuild Illinois programs, including investments to modernize public infrastructure, boost tourism, and accelerate business development and jobs for communities statewide.

Group spruces up Madison Theater Saturday 

by: Austin Schick 

Posted: Mar 26, 2022 / 05:11 PM CDT 

Updated: Mar 26, 2022 / 10:51 PM CDT

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A group of volunteers aimed at restoring one of Peoria’s oldest theaters spruced up the place Saturday morning. 

The Madison Theater Preservation Association held a spring workday on the historic building Saturday. Volunteers grabbed paintbrushes and gave the restaurant part of the building a fresh coat of paint, while others swept and tidied up the theater area. 

Madison Theater donated to preservation association by owner 

Cody Giebelhausen, the secretary of the Madison Theater Preservation Association, said the goal is to reopen the theater for tours this summer. 

He said there’s still a lot of work to be done before it fully reopens and welcomes acts through its doors once again. 

“The theater will look and feel much like it does right now with the beautiful plaster, but it will have all new mechanicals, all new electric,”Giebelhausen said. “Some of the plaster will be restored, the paint will be refinished. 18 months of work and $35 million worth of stuff need to be done.” 

He said the roof has been patched and, for the first time in 10 years, there’s no longer water leaking inside the building. 

Right now, the complete renovation is on time and expected to be completed by the summer of 2024. 

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Beyond Description. . . 

Flatstock is a touring poster exhibition of gig posters featuring artists from around the world! One of the main stops is South By Southwest, an annual conglomeration of film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences organized jointly that take place in mid-March in Austin, Texas. We had an opportunity to talk with a few of the artists at this year's Flatstock at South By Southwest. These artists contributed artwork for some of the Grateful Dead's official releases. 

The Set List. . . 

Sugar Magnolia 8:45 
1972-11/18 HOFHEINZ PAVILION, Houston, Texas 
Record Store Day Black Friday 2014 

Box Of Rain 4:54 
1972-11/17 CENTURY II CONVENTION HALL, Wichita, Kansas 
Dave's Picks Vol. 11 

West L.A. Fadeaway 12:44 
Live In Colorado 
Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros 

Jack Straw 5:53 
1974-06/23 JAI-ALAI FRONTON, Miami, Florida 
Dave's Picks Vol. 34 

Row Jimmy 10:54 
1990-07/19 DEER CREEK MUSIC CENTER, Noblesville, Indiana 
Dave's Picks Vol. 40

News 

Rialto getting $5 million state grant 

State Rep. Walsh will announce details of the grant on Friday 

By Bob Okon 

Expand 

The Rialto Square Theatre is located in downtown Joliet. (Gary Middendorf - gmiddendorf@shawmedia.com/Gary Middendorf) 

 March 16, 2022 at 4:13 pm CDT 

State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., D-Elwood, will announce details of a $5 million state grant for the Rialto Square Theatre on Friday. 

The funding marks the second major grant in two years for the Joliet theater, which received a $1.4 million federal grant in 2021. 

“The Rialto Square Theatre is a cultural center in greater Will County, as well as an important historic building,” Walsh said in a written statement announcing a Friday news conference about the grant. “I recognize the theater’s continued success is essential to the area for cultural and entertainment programming for our 86th District, as well as for jobs and the vitality of downtown Joliet

Find WRWO 94.5 FM in the app store

Beyond Description. . . 

We get into a show which has been recently released - Baltimore '77. 

Photographer / author, Lisa S. Johnson, has a new book: "Immortal Axes." Armed with a macro lens, an incredible eye for detail, and a truly inspiring vision, Johnson takes the world of fine art photography on a rock and roll joyride. Each intimate photograph is accompanied by a touch of musical history, an anecdote or personal storytelling moment. 

We talk with Eric Mlyn at Duke University about the school's new course: “Long Strange Trips: The Grateful Dead and American Cultural Change.” 

Happy Lunar New Year! About a quarter of the world, including much of East Asia, is celebrating Lunar New Year, and the beginning of the Year of the Tiger. From '79 to '89, Jerry Garcia's main axe was named Tiger. We hear some Tiger driven guitar tracks! 

Less than 500 copies are left of "Listen To The River: St. Louis '71 '72 '73" , a 20-CD box set. The copies are also numbered for the LP release of Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 12-10-71, a 5-LP set. 

The Set List. . . 

Samson And Delilah 7:22 
1977-05/26 BALTIMORE CIVIC CENTER, Baltimore, Maryland 
30 Days of Dead 2016 

And It Stoned Me 6:14 
1987-08/29 FRENCH'S CAMP ON THE EEL RIVER, Piercy, California 
Electric On The Eel 

Jack Straw 5:27 
1973-09/08 NASSAU VETERANS MEMORIAL COLISEUM, Uniondale, New York 
Dave's Picks Vol. 38 

Good Lovin' 22:12 
1971-12/10 FOX THEATRE, St. Louis, Missouri 
Listen To The River: St. Louis '71 '72 '73

I have told this story before.  It was told to me every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember.  I hesitated in telling it again this year.  Dad has been gone since 2001.  Since I lived with it every year of my life, so must you.  I carry the torch. 

The 82ND Airborne had hastily been sent into battle without winter clothing and without being resupplied.   Most had been on leave after Operation Market-Garden.  My Dad recounted riding into battle on the back of a truck filled with gas cans for Patton’s tanks covered with blankets.  They picked up ammunition from retreating troops on their way in. 

Whenever the weather turned cold and snowy here in Illinois, Dad would comment about how someone was suffering from the cold.  I knew he was remembering those he had lost during the war.  He once told me that while heading to the front with a message, he had come across a soldier dead frozen over a machine gun, and he wished that he were him.  He said “His troubles were over.  Mine were still ahead of me”. 

77 Years ago, on Christmas Eve, in the Ardennes Forest of Belgium, My Dad, Bob Dumke was serving with the 82Nd Airborne, 2Nd Battalion 505 Head Quarters Company.  Dad was a runner who went from Battalion Headquarters carrying messages to men, his friends, on the front line.  He was in the Ardennes  Forest near the three river bridges at Trois – Ponts in Belgium.  

My Parents business was Dumke’s greenhouse and flower shop in Ottawa, Illinois. Dad made grave blankets that he delivered to the cemetery (he made sure there were grave blankets on some young men from our community killed during Vietnam).  Mom would make the most beautiful wreaths and roping.   By Christmas, they were often tired and pretty worn out.  We didn’t have material things living in three rooms behind the greenhouse.  There was much love and many visitors.  Our door was always open to friends. We often added a plate for a visitor at the dinner table. 

Our family celebrated on Christmas Eve.  Dad would fondly talk about his Mother Emma, a Swedish immigrant to the USA. How, when he was a child, they would decorate the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve with candles.   How beautiful it would be.  He had a deep love for his mother, who was gentle and kind.  She had passed away when he was just 16 from Tuberculosis.  

We put up our tree on Christmas Eve.  Our tree had the big multi-color bulbs.  As we celebrated, Dad would get quiet.  You could tell, his thoughts would be someplace else.  He would pull me up on his lap and whisper in my ear.  His big rough hands would pat my legs, full of gentle kindness.  He would tell me how, during the Battle of the Bulge in WWII, he along with Battalion Headquarters would be moving forward.   

They had to move a family out into the cold and snow on Christmas Eve.  There was a mother, father, and two small children.  82ND Battalion Headquarters would use their home.  The home would be near the front line of battle soon.  It would not be safe.  They had to leave their home with only what they could carry on Christmas Eve, out into the snow and bitter cold.  Dad’s voice would crack, with a lump in his throat.  His eyes would well up, and he could hardly get the words out. Tears would stream down his face.  I can still feel his pain.  Every Christmas Eve, for as long as I can remember, he mourned for that family who was displaced by war on Christmas Eve during the Battle of the Bulge in the deep cold Ardennes winter.  

Dad had gone to the front, sent guys out on patrol, crawled into a Fox hole to sleep while they were out. The guys threw their blankets and tree branches over him. A phosphorus grenade hit, and he threw the blanket and tree branches off (which he said saved his life) his arms and face were burned, and he was evacuated from the battle. 

He rejoined his unit and was with them when they liberated Wobblin Concentration Camp in Ludwigslust, Germany. He told me he saw men alive, and dead stacked like cord wood for as far as the eye could see. Never take freedom for granted. 

The past year (or two) have been difficult with Covid as our enemy and deep divisions among people and their political views. I remind you we have more in common then not.  If we take time to let compassion into our hearts and heads the world will be a better place.  Talking to each other and finding our common ground beats doing battle. 

I am grateful to be a “descendant of Airborne nobility” per remarks made to me by General John Vines a few years ago.  

We will soon gather as best we can with our loved ones. May we remember our soldiers who are away from home, some in harm’s way  

Please be safe and hold the memory of our Paratroopers close.  Let not what they fought for be in vain. 

Join me and pray that there be peace and love on earth and joy in all our hearts. 

Merry Christmas, 

Katie Dumke Troccoli, a Paratrooper’s Daughter