Porcelain Products Decides To
Close Macomb Factory
Even after the City of Macomb and McDonough
County officials offered an incentive package of around $-1million,
Porcelain Products Company in Macomb will move its
operations to Knoxville, Tennessee. The plant that
employs 171 people in Macomb will close by mid-February.
Macomb Area Industrial Development Corporation Executive
Director Kim Pierce says ever since PPC made the
announcement on November 5th, the scramble started to try
and keep the plant open.  Pierce added that she felt the
city was caught off guard as she had spoken to PPC in
August about building a warehouse and expanding in Macomb.
Mayor Tom Carper says the headquarters had to be forced
to even consider anything that Macomb could offer. In
1999, PPC Insulators had purchased the Macomb plant on
East Pierce Street from Cooper Power Systems. A workforce
development board has been set up to help the workers try
to find new employment.4-Hers Honored
McDonough County 4-Hers were honored during the annual
Achievement Program. Jillian Royer from the Gin Ridge
Clovers was given the Secretary of the Year Award. Ashley
Yeast of the Sandhill Toppers was awarded the Treasurer
of the Year. Forty-five 4-H members and seven clubs were
recognized for Standards of Excellence Achievement. This
year the McDonough County 4-H Committee named Pam Kelso
as the Friend of 4-H Award. Kelso has been a strong
supporter of 4-H through her family, her volunteerism,
and her business.
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WIU Football Players Arrested,
Suspended
Two twin brothers that were starting defensive backs on
the WIU football team were arrested early Sunday morning
on burglary and criminal damage charges. Macomb Police
were called to Bently Park Apartments on Linden Lane to
the report of someone kicking in doors. Officers noticed
one man allegedly running and caught him. He was later
identified as 21-year-old Vinceson Campbell. As the
officer was walking back to his squad car he spotted
Vinceson's brother Victor Campbell. 21-year-old Victor
also allegedly ran from police. The Campbell twins were
lodged in the McDonough County Jail on charges of
burglary, criminal damage to property, and resisting
arrest. Victor was also charged with criminal trespass to
property. The two men live in the apartment complex and
allegedly had taken DVD's from another apartment. Pedestrian Struck By Car
A Sciota woman was struck by a car at the Good Hope Mini-Mart
last Friday afternoon. According to the accident report,
48-year-old Sharon Teter was walking from the mini-mart
and was crossing the parking lot when a car driven by
Jayson Nelson of East Galesburg struck her. Nelson was
driving through the parking lot attempting to get to the
gas pumps when he struck Teter knocking her onto the hood
then throwing her to the ground when he hit his brakes.
Teter received serious injuries and was transported by
ambulance to McDonough District Hospital where she
remains in fair condition. Nelson was citied for failure
to exercise due care.
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November 26, 2002
