It took the state long enough, but finally after several years of lengthy discussions followed mostly by inactivity, both the House of Representatives and Senate approved a gaming bill this past weekend that allows for a casino to be built at Walker's Bluff in west Williamson County.
It is a project that could very well lead to great job growth and an economic surge.
At least that's the plan, as well as the hope.
Walker's Bluff owners Cynde and Dave Bunch were ecstatic with the news Sunday. All that was needed was Gov. JB Pritzker's signature for the legislation to become law in Illinois. He was expected to sign the measure this week.
This isn't just a win for Bunch and Walker's Bluff as our reporter Holly Kee pointed out in her front-page story Tuesday -- it could be a win for the entire region.
Bunch estimates that turning Walkers Bluff into a full-scale destination resort will create 1,200 construction jobs and another 900 full-time jobs when completed.
The $175 million, privately funded Resort at Walker's Bluff would include two hotels, a full-scale concert and convention center, an indoor water park, restaurants and the casino.
Bunch has remained dedicated, arguing their research validates their confidence that bringing a destination resort to Southern Illinois will dramatically enhance the local and regional economy, and, as a result, the overall quality of life.
"It's not just for Williamson County," she added, "it's a destination point for all of Southern Illinois."
Well, let's hope so. That would be the kind of shot in the arm this region so desperately needs after losing so many coal mining and factory jobs in recent decades.
The Bunches vow to get the ball rolling immediately on this project. And Pritzker seemed excited, as well.
"Legalizing sports betting and expanding gaming will create jobs up and down the state, from Rockford to Chicago to Walker's Bluff, where communities hungry for employment will see 10,000 new jobs," he said.
Missing an old friend
I'd like to take a minute to pass along my condolences to the family of Jack Morris, who passed away a couple of weeks ago at the age of 69.
Jack and his wife, Cathy, met in Texas and eventually moved to Southern Illinois where they raised four sons -- Zach, Casey, Brodie and Taylor. All were stellar athletes who I had the privilege of covering when they competed at Herrin High School. Jack spent a lot of time in the newspaper business -- mostly in sales with The Southern Illinoisan and also in management, serving as publisher of both the Herrin Spokesman and Marion Daily Republican.
Jack was a big man in size and spirit and will be missed tremendously.
