Museum's contractor sues for millions in unpaid bills
PAST DUE
More bad news has clouded the future of Chicago's Museum of Broadcast Communications.
With construction stalled for two years on the museum's new home at State and Kinzie, the project's general contractor has filed a foreclosure lawsuit over $4.5 million in unpaid bills plus interest and legal costs.
(John H. White/Sun-Times file)
Pepper Construction Co. said it was paid only $2.9 million after doing $7.3 million in work when it shut down construction in 2006. The job was contracted for $14.34 million, according to Crain's Chicago Business.
Bruce DuMont, founder and president of the museum, said he was disappointed by the news, but remains hopeful he can raise the money needed. He's also still waiting for millions he said he was promised in state funding.
"We continue to seek a resolution to the state funding stalemate," DuMont said Monday. "In addition, we are aggressively seeking alternative funding sources, including commercial development of our first and fourth floors. Those new partnerships will allow us to meet our fiscal obligations for past work and allow us to restart and complete our project."
DIALING:• • Heartfelt condolences to Paul Harvey on the passing of his beloved wife and guiding light, Lynne "Angel" Harvey.
More than his astute business partner and producer, she also was a pioneer for women in radio and an influential figure in her own right for decades.
Mrs. Harvey died of leukemia Saturday at their west suburban River Forest home. She was 92.
Services will be at 1 p.m. today at Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, 126 E. Chestnut.
• • Without warning, northwest suburban Harvard lost its radio station after 53 years on the air.
Kovas Communications pulled the plug Saturday on WMCW-AM (1600), which most recently had been airing business news.
The move was the latest step by Kovas to free up the top of the dial and reduce interference for its WONX-AM (1590) in north suburban Evanston.
Kovas' west suburban WKKD-AM (1580), which simulcast WMCW's signal, is expected to return to the air with some other version of talk. It's slated to move from Aurora to Silvis, Ill.
• • Roland Martin, morning star of Midway Broadcasting's news/talk WVON-AM (1690) and a regular commentator for CNN, was named one of the 50 most influential political pundits in the U.S. by the London Telegraph.
• • Nine casting calls and an onstage competition culminated Saturday in the selection of the 2008 Loop Rock Girl for Emmis Communications' classic rock WLUP-FM (97.9).
Kelly Campbell, the winner from west suburban Lombard, will represent the Loop at promotions throughout the year.
• • Mark Grote, sports anchor at CBS Radio all-news WBBM-AM (780) is living up to the adage that the show must go on.
Although his jaw has been wired shut for six weeks while he recovers from a bike accident, Grote continues to deliver his sportcasts on "Newsradio 780" as if nothing happened.
"You really can't even tell," one colleague marveled. "It's quite a feat."
TRACKING:• • Jane Lynch, the Second City-trained actress who's been a standout in Christopher Guest films, has been signed to host a documentary about Chicago's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
"Out & Proud in Chicago" will premiere June 3 on Window to the World Communications' WTTW-Channel 11.
• • "Speaking Truth: A Town Hall Meeting on Violence" airing from 10 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday on CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 and "Newsradio 780," will be held at Building U at Kennedy-King College, 740 W. 63rd St.
• • Someone you should know: Harry Porterfield, the revered Chicago newsman and role model, will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association of Black Journalists here in July.
After 21 years at Channel 2, Porterfield joined ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 in 1985.
