Illinois Quick Hits: Tax credits fuel Voortman expansion in Monee

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(The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity joined Voortman Steel Machinery leaders on Thursday for the opening of the Netherlands-based company’s $51 million expansion project in Monee.

The state’s agreement with Voortman includes an estimated tax credit of $1.8 million and a target of 51 new jobs to be created.

COOK COUNTY JUDGE ASSIGNED TO STATE APPEALS COURT

The Illinois Supreme Court has announced the assignment of Cook County Circuit Judge Thomas More Donnelly to the First District Appellate Court, effective Oct. 16.

Donnelly has served as a circuit judge since 2021 and previously served as an associate judge in Cook County for 19 years.

MAN GETS 25-YEAR SENTENCE FOR SEX TRAFFICKING A MINOR

A Park Forest man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for sex trafficking and abusing a 16-year-old girl.

Prosecutors said Ruben Carter, 39, caused the girl to engage in commercial sex acts over a four-month period in 2019, beat the girl and threatened to kill her if she did not comply with his demands. 

Carter pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of sex trafficking a minor. 

METRO EAST CRIME SUPPRESSION DETAIL NETS ARRESTS

Illinois State Police say a recent Metro East violent crime suppression detail netted nine arrests, plus the recovery of four firearms and one stolen vehicle.

ISP conducted the operations Tuesday and Wednesday in Madison and St. Clair counties, with a focus on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities.

NEW I-CASH AUCTION OPENS ON FRIDAY

A 1926 British Sovereign gold coin bearing the image of King George V, three Egyptian leather jewelry boxes, and baseball cards of Chicago legends Ryne Sandberg and Frank Thomas are among the treasures available at the state’s online I-CASH auction from Friday until Oct. 4.

A total of 100 lots will be auctioned from the catalog on the HiBid website. The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is the custodian of unclaimed property, including lost bank accounts, insurance policy proceeds, unpaid rebate cards and the contents of safe deposit boxes.