Reporter Kyle MounceTHOMSON, IL - For five years, the new state-of-the-art prison in Thomson, Illinois sat empty.
Now, the first group of prisoners has arrived, something the economy in Thomson has been counting on.
In May, Illinois lawmakers earmarked $7 million in the state's budget to open the prison.
Many business owners came to the area, looking to benefit from people working at the prison, but some couldn't stick around for it to open.
"I had a couple friends that re-built their businesses right down the road," said Randy McGinnis. "Tore their business down and re-built, with anticipation of all the business coming to the area. Now, they're at another job site."
As for McGinnis, his future is looking even brighter. He's talking with prison officials about supplying their fresh fruit.
