I will be building a small LAN in downstate Illinois, complete with file server, email/internet server, connection to ISP via T1 and Cisco router. I would then like to connect this LAN to another LAN already setup in Chicago. I would need something fast,reliable, and always on. Any ideas?

It is not that teribly difficult... I am 90% of the way there. You would need at least a dsl or dial-up on demand connection. Since you have a Cisco router you can do a VPN to your remote location. I would sugest keeping the same OS on your servers that are youe DC's in both locations (that is the problem I am having). basicly all you have to do once you get the VPN connection in the routers established is just make the two domains trust each other. Ussualy this invols using WINS or DNS for name resolution, and having control of both domain countrolers at once so you can make changes. I use VNC W/ SSH it is secure easy to set up and easy to remove once you get everything rolling. Like I said it is not incredibly difficult but if it was easy every one would do it.