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The Year In Review 2016

St. Louis Downtown Airport plans will take flight in ’17

By RITA DUCKWORTH    In 2016, St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia got one step closer to getting a crucial project off the ground. A federal grant has been issued and plans have been finalized for taxiway improvements that will provide a greater turning radius for larger aircraft.     “It will allow us to offer world-class…

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Contegra Construction puts up record revenue numbers in 2016

By ALAN J. ORTBALS    Thirteen-year-old Contegra Construction finished up its best year ever in 2016 with more than $220 million in revenue.    “It’s been a great year,” said company President Eric Gowin. The company cut its teeth building tilt-up concrete distribution centers in Gateway Commerce Center and did two more in 2016 with another one…

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Columbia sees return of interest in its new housing construction

By RITA DUCKWORTH    The city of Columbia, Ill.’s housing market seems to have finally recovered from the economic crisis of 2008.     “We had not seen much residential subdivision activity in recent years,” says City Administrator James Morani. “In 2016, we’ve had several new single and multi-family developments approved.” More than 40 building permits have…

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Development in Belleville is buoyed by volunteer spirit

By ALAN J. ORTBALS    The city of Belleville marked a strong year in 2016 with development occurring throughout the town, according to Mayor Mark Eckert.    The city completed construction of a new police station on 720 W. Main St. in the Downtown area and officially opened it this past November. Just before the end of…

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McKendree draws big names in The Hett’s first decade

By DENNIS GRUBAUGH    LEBANON — Hundreds of stellar names have appeared in the Russel E. and Fern M. Hettenhausen Center for the Arts, during the 10 years of its existence.    The McKendree University landmark is today recognized as a premier venue for dance, theater, music and culture — a hub of community life.    Director Peter…

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Poettker wraps big projects, has more on the horizon

By RITA DUCKWORTH    Since opening its doors in 1980, Poettker Construction Co. has enjoyed many successful years, and 2016 was no exception. The family owned and operated company has several large projects in various stages of completion.    The newly completed McKendree Metro Rec Plex, O’Fallon, Ill., is a privately owned recreation and entertainment center that…

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SCI Engineering tackles host of area environmental projects

By RITA DUCKWORTH    For SCI Engineering Inc., business in 2016 reflected its motto that customer loyalty is earned one project at a time.     “SCI is a unique firm that offers clients many different types of quality engineering and science services, not just one,” explains Executive Vice President Scott Harding. “Because of that, our customers…

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HSHS St. Joseph’s – Highland recognized for quality care

By ROBERTA CODEMO    HSHS St. Joseph’s – Highland is proud to be recognized for its dedication and commitment to quality patient care. In 2016,  the hospital was honored to receive three awards for its commitment to quality.      “This showcases and recognizes the hospital’s dedication to its mission to provide Christ’s healing love to all…

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Pembrook enjoys return home to take chancellor reins at SIUE

By ALAN J. ORTBALS    Dr. Randy Pembrook became the ninth chancellor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s history on Aug. 1, 2016. The Metro East native returned to the campus where he had earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He came to SIUE from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan.    “I am absolutely thrilled to be the…

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