Halloween on S. Glenview

 Once again, the city blocked off S. Glenview for Trick or treating on Halloween and the trick or treaters probably appreciated it. Estimates are that at least 1200 kids roamed the streets in the area seeking out candy. Some residents figured they spend about $250-$300 per year on treats for the kids.

City Council Candidates

 Here are the candidates for the 3 open seats on the city council.  LaCaje Hill and Ginger Rye Sanders are seeking a second term on the council. Jeff Dougherty opted not to seek re-election.

Fronabarger has served on the council previously but was defeated when he sought re-election. Colombo has run for mayor before but was defeated. Dawn Roberts recently moved back to Carbondale, I believe, after living elsewhere for a number of years.

Lottery - Nathan Colombo, 229 Hunt Road                          8:00 a.m., October 21

Lottery – Lee M. Fronabarger, 1140 S. Morningside Drive  8:00 a.m., October 21

Lottery - Dawn Roberts, 405 N. Allyn Street                        8:00 a.m., October 21

Lottery – Brian Stanfield, 604 W. Pecan Street                      8:00 a.m., October 21

5 – LaCaje Hill, 603 S. Skyline Drive                                    8:10 p.m., October 21

6 – Ginger Rye Sanders, 405 E. Willow Street                       10:52 a.m., October 21

7 – Jason M. Endicott, 707 N. McKinley Street                    12:37 p.m., October 28

8 – Dr. Ryan James Reed, Sr., 1704 W. Taylor Drive             3:57 p.m., October 28

Early Voting

 Early voting at the Civic Center has ended for this year. You can still vot early at the Student Center the rest of this week and at the County Clerk's office until Saturday 

County Clerk’s Office - Murphysboro

September 26 - September 27                        8:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

September 30 - October 4,                             8:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

October 7 – October 11                                  8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

October 15 - 18                                8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

October 21 - October 25                                 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

October 28 - November 1                              8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday November 2 8                                  8:00 a.m. - Noon

Monday, November 4                                     8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Student Center                               

October 17 and 24                                          9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

October 30 and 31, November 1                     10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Town Square

 The city has really increased the brightness of the nighttime lighting around the square. The lights are about 2 times as bright as they were a couple of months ago. Classical music playing on the east side of the square as well, though I doubt it has its intended purpose or running hangers-on off as it does not seem to bother the ones I saw there.

Italian Village Sold

 According to this Facebook post, local pizza place Italian Village has been sold, taking it out of the Bridges hands for the first time in over 60 years. New owners say they will have everything finalized in December. Will be interesting to see what, if any, changes the new owners make in the menu.

Jennifer Fuller

 Just happened to run across Jennifer Fuller on Linked In. Formerly the morning host at WSIU radio, she is now the broadcast director at Capital News Illinois

Trick or Treat on Main Street

Not sure how other locations did but Castle Perilous had over 250 Trick or Treaters through the door for Trick or Treat on Main Street today. I believe that is down a bit from previous years as I recall hitting numbers as high as 400. Still, glad to see so many kids and parents out, though I do wonder what they were giving them at PKs?

Plan Carbondale

 In case you want to get involved with developing a vision for the future of Carbondale , you can sign up here for the Big Ideas workshop on November 11. which will work on developing yet another comprehensive plan. The focus needs to be on SIUC and ways to grow attendance there. If SIUC grows, Carbondale grows.

Interurban

 For about twenty years, an electric trolley called the "Interurban" ran between Murphysboro and Carbondale, its tracks roughly paralleling old Highway 13. It started running in the early 20th century but, with the increased use of individual automobiles, ridership dropped drastically and it was taken out of service in the mid 1920's

so popular was the train that a station was placed midway along the route, approximately where Midland Inn is located now. Traffic was such that the owner of the property next to the station built a popular dance hall, skating rink and baseball stadium, with the stadium occupying part of the property currently owned by the Jackson County Country Club. Several profession teams of the era played there and the stadium was the home field of a local semi-pro team called the "Murdales". Showing that things never change, neighbors often complained about the noise generated by the complex.

The Big Ditch

 Also from A History of the St. Louis Division and Carbondale IL, it turns out that downtown business resistance is not the reason there is not an overpass over the railroad tracks at the town square.

Placing the new depot further south on Illinois pulled passenger trains stopping in Carbondale further down the tracks, eliminating the problem of stopped passenger trains blocking Walnut and Main.

IN addition, freight traffic had declined significantly in Carbondale by the early 80s, with many branch tracks getting pulled up. However the city still had plans to put in a overpass on the square. The planning for this got pushed even moreso, when the Illinois Central announced plans to run six coal trains daily through the city. The city drew up plans for the overpass, arranged for contractors and even had construction equipment on site ready to go, when word came through that the IC's plans for the additional coal trains had fallen through and the city pulled the plug on the plan.

N. Billy Bryan

 I always mildly wondered who Billy Bryan was and why a street off West Sycamore was named after him. According to A History of the St. Louis Division and Carbondale IL, he was a brakeman and later conductor on the Illinois Central railroad, specifically the branch that ran from Cairo through East Cape, Murphysboro, Carbondale to Johnson City. So well liked and well known was he that the train he worked on became know as the "Billy Bryan". Bryan worked for the IC from likely the 1870s until his retirement in 1909, though the train that ran that route was known as the Billy Bryan until it stopped running in April of 1933.

If you want to pick up a copy of the book, it is available at the Station Carbondale Museum for $10

Bandana's

 According to their Facebook page, the Carbondale Bandana's will close on November 3rd. From what I have heard, the company tried to sell the restaurant a couple of years ago but no takers. Happily, for those who like BBQ, there is still plenty of it in the area.

Indigo Lounge

 From what I have heard, the police had to close down the Indigo Lounge the Saturday night of Homecoming weekend, due to overcrowding. Lines waiting to get in extended about a block east and west of the door at about 9:30 that night and the number of people inside made it a potential fire hazard. After the Indigo closed, the partygoers migrated over to a house party in the student district between University and Poplar but, again, so many people went there they were blocking streets and making so much noise that even other students complained, so the police got called again.

From there, the remaining group traipsed over the the Towers residence hall, making such a mess in the building lobby and overflowing to the grounds outside that the police got called yet a third time, finally getting the crowd to wander off early Sunday Morning.

Applebee's

 In case you missed it the Carbondale Applebee's abruptly closed last Thursday, without even giving a number of employees advance notice. According to several, they found when they showed up for work. From what I understand, the local Applebee's and IHOP will form what the company calls a "dual branded" restaurant, with Applebee's moving in next to the IHOP

Homecoming

 Quite a few people in town for Homecoming. I noticed lines a block long in either direction waiting to get into the Indigo Lounge on Saturday night. Not sure how busy the other bars were that night but town square parking was full both days.

Planning Commission Meeting

 Here is the agenda for next Wednesday's Planning Commission meeting

The main things of interest are the plans to shrink Wall Street from Main Street south to East Park, reducing the street from 4 lanes to 3, plus bike lanes. This plan was announced last year for implementation in 2024 but now  looks like 2025.

There is also a new business going into the old Yellow Cab location, which closed about 15 years ago. Going to be a combination motorcycle sales and gym/training facility. Certainly nice to see a new business opening in downtown.

1. Call to Order and Roll Call

2. Approval of Minutes: August 7th

, 2024 minutes

3. Citizen Comments and Questions

4. Report of Officers, Committees, Communications

Announcement from Staff: Public Input Meeting

There will be a public input meeting, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17th

,

2024, at Carbondale Fire Station 1, 600 East College Street, in Carbondale, Illinois, to

present and receive comments on the following project:

The City of Carbondale plans on rehabilitating Wall Street from Main Street to East Park

Street. The project will be a ‘Road Diet’ (four traffic lanes reduced to three lanes with the

addition of bike lanes), resurfacing and ADA improvements.

5. Public Hearings/Plan Review

PC 25-04: Daniel Presley, owner of Southern Illinois Syndicate, LLC, is requesting a

Special Use Permit for Motorcycle Sales, in the BPR, Primary Business District, for

property located at 215 South Illinois Avenue.

PC 25-05: Applicant ECA Solar has submitted an application requesting a Special Use

Permit to develop a 5MW solar project on parcels 15-33-251-030 and 15-33-251-031,

south of Arnold Lane, which are zoned General Agriculture (AG).

6. Old Business

a. Update on City Council Business

b. Comprehensive Plan Update – staff

Turning Point Event

 Last's nights Turning Point event featuring Kaitlynn Wheeler attracted more protestors than it did event attendees.  From what I saw the ad hoc event counterprogramed at the Civic Center attracted far more people.

Street Closure Reminder

 Just a reminder that S. Illinois will be closed from College to Elm tomorrow from 11 a.m. until 2 a.m on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to noon from Cherry to the SIUC Student Center on Saturday

Please note Illinois Avenue, from College to Elm, will be closed from 11 AM on October 11 until 2 AM on October 12, and then again at 9 AM, Oct. 12, extending from W. Cherry all the way down to the SIU student center, for the SIU Homecoming Parade, which starts at 10 AM, and will last roughly until 11:30 AM. Starting at 7 AM on Oct. 12, E. Mill will be closed from S. Wall St. To Illinois Avenue and S. Washington from E. Grand through E. Mill Street will all be shut down for parade lineup. 

Alchemist's Brew

 Formerly 9 3/4 Expresso , Alchemist's Brew has opened (reopened?) in its old location in the E. Clair Salon Building at the corner of University and Walnut. The original business shuttered back in April 2023

Tom's Place

 The building that housed Tom's Place from the 1920s until 2023 and Big Nate's BBQ for a few months after that has been demolished. tom's Place started as a roadhouse designed so patrons could enter and dine without be observed by other customers and for the last 20 years was considered the finest place to dine in southern Illinois. I never ate there or even went inside but certainly sorry to see it razed.

Early Voting

 Early voting in Carbondale will take place the last week of October with the polling place open MWF in the Civic Center and Tues and Thursday and the following Monday in the SUIC Student Center. You can also go to the Jackson County County Clerks office in Murphysboro to vote or drop off a ballot as well.

Street Closure

 Street Closures for Homecoming this weekend

Reminder: We're Shutting Down the Strip for Special Homecoming "Off the Rails" Concert! 

Southern Illinois University’s Homecoming weekend kicks off with an epic Off the Rails concert on Friday, October 11, from 7-10 PM on the “iconic strip” in downtown Carbondale.  

The City of Carbondale, Carbondale Main Street, the SIU Alumni Association, and River Radio are going to be shutting down The Strip to host this special SIU Homecoming edition concert in the very heart of downtown. 

Long-time local legends, Jungle Dogs, will be taking the stage from 8:30-10:00 PM for their farewell show. Opening for Jungle Dogs are another regional favorite, Modern Day Saints, playing from 7-8:20 PM. Our emcee for the evening will be Steve Falat of River Radio, which is also a corporate sponsor for the concert.  Join us as we kick off the fun at 6:30PM with a special appearance from the Saluki Spirit Squad, some wise words from the event coordinators, and Touch of Nature’s very own Brian Croft! Join in for football game ticket giveaways and excitement as we amp up the crowd for the final farewell of Jungle Dogs!  

To celebrate Saluki Spirit, all guests can enjoy complimentary public transportation on the JAX Mass Transit Fixed Route Bus (formerly known as Jackson County Mass Transit).  

Free event parking can be found at many of the lots throughout downtown Carbondale such as lot 8, lot 24, lot 25,14, lot 16, and lot 11. Check out the interactive downtown Carbondale Map to get acquainted with the city layout.  

Businesses in the downtown entertainment district will have the opportunity to engage with concert goers directly outside of their establishments, and several of these venues will host after parties. Cristaudo’s will be set up outside offering drinks and football-shaped cookies! Be sure to check out the newly opened Neon Tiger Tattoo and newly relocated to the strip, Plaza Records & Mike’s Music. The Thrift Shopp will be offering 25% off on Friday and Saturday, Chango’s is offering a free side of queso with every purchase! Check out our social media and event page for more details about businesses deals & specials!  

The concert event space will offer local vendors such as Jared Davey with Tree House Printing, Carla’s Unique Bling, Steezy Streetwear, and more! Local food trucks such as Taste & Live, Get Dipped, Haute Wheels, and more!  

With our open container ordinance in the downtown entertainment district, visitors are welcome enjoy public consumption of alcohol in non-glass containers. Drinks may be purchased from bars and taken outside to enjoy the vibrant musical culture of Carbondale on the iconic strip (just as long as the drinks are in a plastic cup) between Jackson and Mill Street and University Ave and Washington. Carbondale Main Street will also be serving beer on site. Remember to bring your own chair and enjoy the food trucks and vendors as you take in the music and lively atmosphere. 

This night of Carbondale legends doesn’t end with our “Off the Rails” concert- once our show is done head on over to Hangar 9 to catch the local blues icons, Tawl Paul & Slappin’ Henry Blue! Chicago artists, Off with Their Heads and St. Louis’ Yard Eagle will keep the party going in PK’s.  

Please note Illinois Avenue, from College to Elm, will be closed from 11 AM on October 11 until 2 AM on October 12, and then again at 9 AM, Oct. 12, extending from W. Cherry all the way down to the SIU student center, for the SIU Homecoming Parade, which starts at 10 AM, and will last roughly until 11:30 AM. Starting at 7 AM on Oct. 12, E. Mill will be closed from S. Wall St. To Illinois Avenue and S. Washington from E. Grand through E. Mill Street will all be shut down for parade lineup. 

To learn more stay tuned to the Carbondale IL Tourism FaceBook page for more details! 

Nomination Petitions

 The city starts accepting nomination petitions for the three open City Council seats on Oct 21. From what I understand, Councilman Doherty will not run again, leaving an open seat. Also, I have heard former mayoral candidate Nathan Colombo and the daughter of former councilwoman Jane Adams, Dawn, will both seek a council seat. 

Announcing that the Carbondale City Clerk’s Office, located at 200 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, Illinois, will accept nominating petitions for three (3) four-year CityCouncil member terms for the 2025 Consolidated Election held on April 1, 2025 (or the Primary Election held on February 25, 2025, if necessary).

This election will be for the seats presently held by Councilmembers Jeff Doherty, LaCaje Hill, and Ginger Rye Sanders.

Informational documents and petition forms are available in the City Clerk’s Office; these same forms and other useful information are available in the 2025 Candidate’s Guide, which can be found on the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Signed, completed forms are to be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office during the statutory filing period of Monday, October 21 through Monday, October 28, 2024 (circulation and filing dates amended by Public Acts 103-0586 and 103-0600).

Candidates should carefully examine the 2025 Candidate’s Guide available through the Illinois State Board of Elections’ website at www.elections.il.gov and are strongly advised to obtain legal counsel regarding their qualifications for office and how to correctly circulate, complete, and file their petitions.

The dates and hours during which petitions will be accepted are as follows:
Monday, October 21 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 1:00 pm -5:00 pm
Tuesday, October 22 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 1:00 pm -5:00 pm
Wednesday, October 23 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 1:00 pm -5:00 pm
Thursday, October 24 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 1:00 pm -5:00 pm
Friday, October 25 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 1:00 pm -5:00 pm
Monday, October 28 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 1:00 pm -5:00 pm

Simultaneous Petition Filing Lottery:
If a lottery is required due to two or more petitions being filed simultaneously at 8:00 a.m. on
Monday, October 21, or if two more petitions are filed between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on
Monday, October 28, such lottery will be held in the foyer of City Hall at 3:00 p.m. on
November 5. Lotteries are open to members of the public.

Golden Corral

 I hear someone is looking at the shuttered Golden Corral building on the east edge of town. Possibly looking at putting another Chinese buffet in the location.

Plaza Records

 Plaza Records will move back to Illinois Avenue this Friday. Long time Carbondale residents will remember that years ago Plaza/Wuxtry Records was located on South Illinois in the section where Harbaugh's Café is. The business moved about 20 years ago to its East Main location and is now moving back next to Cristaudo's . From what I understand, the eventual plan is to move the business into the old Walnut Street Baptist Church location, once renovations to the building get completed.