MACOMB, IL — Due to the extreme summer temperatures and high humidity that will affect the region this week, two of Western Illinois University’s residence halls and the University Union are designated as cooling centers for area residents.

Corbin and Olson commons will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 17 through 8 p.m. Sunday, July 21 for anyone in need of a place to cool off. Drinking water refilling stations are located on the first floors of Corbin and Olson halls.

The University Union is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday. The Union is closed Sunday. A drinking water refilling station is located near the University union Bookstore entrance and on the first floor near the Office of Student Activities.

Burger King is open in the University Union 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Sodexo will also have food available for purchase in the Corbin-Olson Dining Center (hours subject to change). for dining hours, visit wiu.edu/student_services/dining/index.php.

Beginning Wednesday, July 17, 2019, Waste Management will be starting their routes one-half
hour earlier than normal, due to the severity of the heat index. The starting time will be 5:30 a.m. This schedule will continue until further notice.

Waste Management suggests residents place their carts at the curb the night before their scheduled pickup day.

We appreciate the cooperation of our residents during this heat advisory.

Contact: Office of Community Development
City of Macomb
309-833-4944

From the Office of Community Development:

Starting July 1, 2019 the Office of Community Development will begin charging building permit fees to all applicants in the Enterprise Zone who choose not to apply for an enterprise zone abatement. That is, only those projects that apply for the material sales tax abatement would have their building permit fees waived.

From the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation:

The Macomb/Bushnell Enterprise Zone offers distinctive local incentives to enhance business development efforts. Local incentives include a nearly 100% property tax abatement on the total assessed increased valuation of improvements, waiver of permit fees, streamlined building code and zoning requirements, and access to local revolving loan funds (RLF). Additionally, the state permits a sales tax exemption on all permanently affixed building materials when purchased from a qualified retailer.

The City of Macomb and Western Illinois University announced that final plans have been made for the 2019 annual Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 4, 2019. Events will take place in Q-Lot, on the Western Illinois University Campus. Q-lot is located on University Drive on the east side of Western Hall. Gates will open at 5:00PM. All activities will take place in “Q-lot” and in addition to the Macomb Municipal Band, The King Graffiti Band from Macomb, Il, will provide musical entertainment. The “presentation of the colors” will be conducted by the combined Honor Guard from Macomb American Legion Post #6 and The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1921. Folks attending are encouraged to park in Qlot, bring lawn chairs and enjoy the entertainment and food vendor. The food vendor this year is Hy vee and Boss Food Truck, which will be set up on the south side of Q-lot. The entertainment stage will be placed in the southwest corner of Q-lot. “Bring your family and friends and enjoy the Macomb Municipal Band, The King Graffiti Band, and food before the fireworks display,” Mayor Mike Inman said. “Entertainment will begin at 5:30PM this year and will go until 9:00PM,” Inman added. The fireworks display will start at approximately 9:15PM. In the event of rain, the fireworks display will take place on July 5th, same time and location.

“We are grateful for the partnership we have with WIU and the use of their facilities,” stated Mayor Inman. More information can be found at Facebook\downtownmacomb or at www.cityofmacomb.com

Enterprise Zone Information

From the Office of Community Development:

Starting July 1, 2019 the Office of Community Development will begin charging building permit fees to all applicants in the Enterprise Zone who choose not to apply for an enterprise zone abatement. That is, only those projects that apply for the material sales tax abatement would have their building permit fees waived.

From the Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation:

The Macomb/Bushnell Enterprise Zone offers distinctive local incentives to enhance business development efforts.  Local incentives include a nearly 100% property tax abatement on the total assessed increased valuation of improvements, waiver of permit fees, streamlined building code and zoning requirements, and access to local revolving loan funds (RLF).  Additionally, the state permits a sales tax exemption on all permanently affixed building materials when purchased from a qualified retailer.

Join your fellow WIU Leathernecks for Purple & Gold Day April 24. From 5-7 p.m. April 24, alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends are invited to attend the Macomb Purple & Gold Day at the Sports Corner in downtown Macomb.The tradition of celebrating Purple & Gold Day at Western began April 24, 2000, with the close of the University’s 100-year celebration. The date in 2000 marked the 100-year anniversary of the day in 1899 when the Illinois Legislature approved the creation of what would become WIU.

The City of Macomb’s Yard Waste site located on Tower Road will open on Thursday, April 4, 2019 with hours of operation of Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

If you need additional information, please contact the Public Works Department at 309.833.2821.

The City of Macomb’s Spring “No Sticker Required” yard waste pickup will begin on Monday, March 25, 2019 and continue through Thursday, May 2, 2019 (6 weeks).

If you need additional information, please contact the Public Works Department at 309.833.2821.

Waste Management will not operate on Wednesday January 30, 2019 due to the expected wind chill conditions. Service for the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday will be delayed by one day.

Severe Winter Weather Forecast for Macomb and Surrounding Area

City Announces Warming Centers Available

Due to the Severe Winter Wind Chill Advisory issued for Macomb by the National Weather Service (NWS), Mayor Michael Inman along with ESDA Director Edgar Rodriguez announced that the Community Room located on the first floor of City Hall; 232 E. Jackson Street will be open as a warming center for area residents beginning immediately. It will remain open to the public, during normal business hours, which are MONDAY through FRIDAY 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. City officials are also grateful to announce there are other facilities in the City that are available, to the Public, as warming centers, too. They are:

At Western Illinois University:
– University Union, 700 West Murray St.
Hours: 7 am – 11 pm, Monday-Friday
7 am – 12:30 am, Saturday
8 am – 10 pm, Sunday
– Corbin Hall (the Common areas on the Main Floor) 410 N. Western Ave.
– Olson Hall (the Common areas on the Main Floor) 400 N. Western Ave.

Macomb Public Library, 235 S. Lafayette St.
– Phone: (309) 833-2714
– Hours: Monday-Tuesday 9 am-6pm,
Macomb Salvation Army: 505 N. Randolph
– Phone: (309) 837-4825
– Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am-12pm & 1 pm-3pm

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YMCA of McDonough County: 400 East Calhoun St.
-Phone: 309-833-2129
-Hours: Monday-Friday 5am-9pm, Saturday 6am-6pm, Sunday 12noon-6pm

Should anyone need emergency shelter, during a time outside the operating hours of the warming centers, please contact the McDonough County 9-1-1 Center for assistance.

Officials will monitor the weather forecast and should the need continue, consideration will be given to extending the Warming Centers through next weekend.

“Be sure to dress appropriately, stay hydrated and check on neighbors, children, the elderly, and pets during this extreme winter weather period,” stressed Inman.

As a reminder, the Go West bus transportation system will be running during these hours and can be used for those who may not have transportation.