Bob Butler

In case you missed the news, longtime Marion mayor Bob Butler passed away yesterday, about a year after he opted to not run for another term. From the news, he had moved into an assisted living facility after leaving the office. 

Small Maker's Market

In case you want to pick up some items from local crafters and artesians:

Blink Small Maker’s Market is designed to help support and celebrate local artists, crafters, and vintage sellers with monthly pop-up small maker’s markets in downtown Carbondale.

Carbondale, IL May 5^th, 2019: Blink: Small Maker’s Market will host its inaugural pop-up market in downtown Carbondale on Sunday, May 5th, 3pm-6pm featuring arts, crafts, vintage, music and more. The market will be held at 101 W. Monroe Street in Carbondale, next to the Old Train Depot and the Cellar.  Blink will be held on the first Sunday of every month in various downtown locations in Carbondale.

The first pop-up market in May will feature local artisans: Brianna Pay, ART Cougar, Kelly Sparks Salchli, Samantha Ronketto,  ILH Studios;  Heady Yeti, Nanna’s Notions, GraceNote Metalworks, and Twisted! By Lisa; and local vintage sellers: GeekBetty Vintage and Goodbirger.

Ellie Burkey will be discussing essential oils during the pop-up and offering an assortment of simple blends, roller balls and rubs.  Twisted! By Lisa will offer a DIY bracelet tutorial for only $5 (ages 10+).  ILH Studios will offer personalized sketches and caricatures.  Shaad Schubert will be playing an acoustic set of original songs.

Free to attend. For more information, email blinkcarbondale@gmail.com

Hwy 127 Open

Highway 127 reopened south of Alto Pass, but only one lane. ITOT has put in place a one lane bypass with a traffic light while the reshoring and rebuilding of the main road takes place. Apparently the rain caused part of the road to start cracking and sliding into the valley below

What Students Want in a University

I have taught at SEMO for about 20 years and every semester I have made a point of asking my student why they chose to attend it. Admittedly, this is a non-random sample but the overwhelming reason is

Program--students choose to attend SEMO because it offers a particular program or major.

Secondary reasons include:
financial aid package
scholarship
location--either close to home or (less often) far away from home.

I have never had a student yet cite the appearance of the campus or any sports teams or facilities (except those attending on an athletic scholarship) as a reason to attend.

New Businesses In Downtown

Looks as if there are 4 new businesses open or opening soon in downtown Carbondale. As new Crossfit studio has opened in the location vacated by the previous one, just south of the new Reema's location. In the small shopping complex across the street, 2 clothing boutiques have opened and a hat shop has a sign in the window "Opening soon".

Protestors Calling for Henry's Resignation

A small group of about 25 protesters gathered in City Hall yesterday to call for Mayor Henry to step down following additional information coming out about the incident that took place at the Mayor's home just before the election. Saw another small group of about a dozen outside city hall this afternoon with one of them getting interviewed by someone from Channel 3.

Hibachi Grill

It appears that, according to a post on FB, that SIUC just bought a hibachi grill for one of the dining rooms. Yes, food is important but making sure all of your programs get funded probably takes priority. I think the the students would get along with out grilled food just fine, not so sure about programs.