Wetzel Hall

In The Tri States

Rich Egger — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 18:27:04 +0000

A look back at the top stories and features from the Tri States Public Radio news department from July 2012.

During the month, a Keokuk man was found guilty of murdering his mother, a judge tossed out a lawsuit filed by a western Illinois hog farm, and the Tri States Public Radio family lost a good friend.

A Perfect Implosion of Wetzel Hall

Rich Egger — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 00:09:46 +0000

Wetzel Hall at Western Illinois University no longer exists -- except in the hearts and memories of those who lived and worked there.

The 13-story building was imploded July 14 during an event that drew hundred of spectators. Many took part in a tailgate-style party in the sprawling parking lot known as Q-lot, which is just west of Wetzel. Many others gathered in the parking lot for the University Services Building, which is northeast of Wetzel.

At 7:00 am, WIU Senior William Schmidt pushed down on the ceremonial plunger to start the implosion.

Wetzel Hall Demolition Ready to Roll

Rich Egger — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 22:37:15 +0000

Contractors are making final preparations for the implosion of Wetzel Hall at Western Illinois University on Saturday, July 14 at 7:00 am.

They have been going door-to-door in the neighborhoods near the building to talk about what to expect and to review evacuation procedures.

James Santoro of Controlled Demolition, Inc said the implosion might sound like a loud thunderstorm to those near the site when the building comes down. It might sound like a car backfiring to those a bit further away.

A $270K Piece of Paper

Rich Egger — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 23:08:02 +0000

It's been said the devil is in the details, and that's certainly the case as Western Illinois University prepares to tear down an old dorm.

The lowest bidder for the demolition of Wetzel Hall -- Dore & Associates Contracting, Inc of Bay City, MI -- is registered with the state of Illinois. But instead of filing a copy of that certificate as required by the bidding process, the company filed a copy of the cover letter that came with the certificate.