NPR report on proposed sale of Thomson prison

Today on Morning Edition, NPR News aired a David Schaper report on selling the Thomson Correctional Center to the federal government prior to a public meeting at 2:00 this afternoon at Sterling High School.

And here's a story by WVIK News Director, Herb Trix, which airs today on 90.3 FM in the Quad Cities area & at 95.9 FM in Dubuque.

Thomson Prison Hearing 12/22/09

Members of the Illinois General Assembly will hold a hearing this (tues) afternoon in Sterling on the future of the state prison in Thomson. The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability meets whenever a state facility might close.

Co-chair, state representative Rich Myers from Colchester in western Illinois' 94th District, says the commission can issue an advisory opinion on the proposed closing, but it's not binding on the governor and state government.

The commission may vote on a recommendation at the end of today's meeting, but Myers hopes it will wait at least a month to give members more time to consider the proposal, and more time for public comment.

The hearing begins at 2 pm at Sterling High School, and state police have issued some strict security rules - no backpacks or large bags will be allowed in the auditorium, purses and handbags will be searched, everyone attending will go through a metal detector, and no posters or signs will be allowed.

(copyright 2009 WVIK News)