Drones Downtown

 A couple of drones flew over downtown shortly after 6 p.m. releasing some sort of spray in their wake.  Hoping this has something to do with Homecoming but the spray was grey colored rather than SIUC shades.

City Council Meeting

 Here are the minutes from the Sept 29 council meeting at which changes to downtown parking were discussed.  Here is the section summarizing the feeling of the council:

"Councilmembers gauged the consensus for a host of suggested Ordinance and Resolution

amendments. Those that gained majority support included free Saturday parking except for the

SIMMS lot and Lot 14; changing the proposed up-to-seven-day overtime ticket to $10; and

maintaining the Downtown Employee Parking permit fee at $15.00 for six months, Resident

permit fees at $25.00, and Senior Permit as it currently stands. The Ordinance and Resolution

will be brought back with the proposed amendments incorporated, in addition to the cleanup of

the language."

However, the resolution was not brought back for a vote at this past Tuesday's council meeting, leaving the parking situation remaining as it has for now.

Homecoming Help Schedule

 Here is the Schedule of help needed for this Friday's Homecoming event.  Register here

Artist Hospitality set up: 8am-12pm

Work with the Events team to prepare backstage/artist areas with water, snacks, tables, and chairs. Ensure spaces are welcoming, stocked, and labeled for each performer.

Signage placement/Banner placement/ Trash and recycling placement: 8:00am-12:00pm

Place directional, informational, and promotional signs and banners around event areas. Ensure visibility and secure installation (must be gentle with the metal sign frame).

Litter Pick up 10:00am-12:00pm

Walk the strip & parking lots to collect trash and recyclables to ensure a clean event space before attendees arrive. Supplies provided (gloves, bags, grabbers)

Event Set up 10:00am-3:00pm

Setting up tents, putting up tables, merch, other event set up tasks as needed

Event Runner 2:00pm-11:00pm

Work directly with Events team to help run various tasks such as relaying messages to event team, landing vendors, grabbing office supplies, helping monitor media and stage access, social media coverage, bands runner

Event Tear Down 10:00pm-12:00am

Help pick up parking signs, trash, recycling, tear down easy up tents, coolers, etc.

Stage

 I see the city and SIUC plan to shut down Illinois avenue for the Homecoming Concert this Friday.  Funny, I thought the city built a brand new stage over on Washington Ave. so that it did not have to put up portable stages again. I guess the city and SIUc are hoping to resurrect the feeling alumni had when closing down the Strip at night was a regular weekend thing.  

Be that as it may, if you want to volunteer to help out this Friday, here's the link.

City Jobs

 If you are looking for a job with the city, there are currently four positions open:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARBONDALE - 

The City of Carbondale is actively seeking applicants for the following positions:        

Facility/Event Support Worker 

City Hall, IL 
Full-Time - $18.00 - $19.00 Hourly 
Category: Building & Safety / Building Maintenance / Customer Service / Building & Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance
Department: Civic Center

Lead Facility/Event Support Worker 

City Hall, IL 
Full-Time - $19.00 - $20.50 Hourly 
Category: Building & Safety / Building Maintenance / Maintenance / Customer Service / Grounds & Landscaping / Building & Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance 
Department: Civic Center 

Mental Health Advocate 

Police Department, IL 
Full-Time - $25.50 - $27.00 Hourly 
Category: Mental Health / Public Safety / Professional / Customer Service / Counseling / Community and Social Services
Department: Police Department 

Vacant Building/Property Inspector 

City Hall, IL 
Full-Time - $28.76 Hourly 
Category: Administration / Building & Safety / Building Maintenance / Code Enforcement / Safety / Maintenance / Community Development / Customer Service 
Department: Community Development 

City Limit Residency Boundary Requirement 

The City of Carbondale requires its employees to live within a 20-mile radius starting from the intersection of West Walnut Street and South Illinois Avenue in Carbondale. The 20-mile radius is outlined in GREEN. Please zoom in to accurately check for addresses that are within a 20-mile radius. To check a residence located near the boundaries of the radius, please contact Planning Services. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEOE) 

The City of Carbondale is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Carbondale to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, veteran status, marital status, sex, national origin, age, based on genetic information, or the existence of a physical or mental disability. 

City of Carbondale Core Values 

As a responsive and caring community, Carbondale's success is not just based on "what we do" but also "how we do it." Our core values define the behaviors important in our interactions with residents, visitors, and one another. These are the values that guide our work: accountability, integrity, fairness, communication, honesty, and teamwork. 

Those interested may apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/carbondale 

Massage Parlors

It is a small thing but I have noticed that the names of almost all of the massage parlors in Carbondale have changed their name to "Something Spa"  . there are at least 4 in town that I know at those have all became spas over the last coupld of months. makes me wonder if they are all owned by the same person or company.

City Council Meeting 9/29/26

 Stopped in at this week's city council meeting.  A number of supporters of Anna's Choate Mental Health Center spoke during public comments, asking the council to go on record supporting Choate remaining open, which the council seemed inclined to do, saying it would bring up a proclamation at a later date. Speaking of proclamations, the council issued another one in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

A public hearing with no comments from the public followed, asking for comments on the sale of property along East Highway 13 to IDOT so the state may continue work on 13 in the Crab Orchard area.

The consent agenda passed without much discussion, authorizing the aforementioned sale of property as well as submitting grant proposals to IDOT and the Illinois EPA.

Most of the evening's discussion concerned changes to parking regulations in downtown Carbondale.  At the time I left, the council appeared leaning toward the following:

1.  two hours free parking with a charge of 75 cents per hour after the second hour.

2. a permitting system providing free parking in the SIMMMs parking lot for those travelling on Amtrak

3. unlimited free parking throughout downtown on Saturday and Sunday.  Current signage says only Sunday is free although there is no parking enforcement on Saturday either.

4.  Increased fines for overtime parking, somewhere in the neighborhood of $7 if paid promptly. Yearly parking permits will go up in price $10 to $15.

native Plant Sale

Native plant sale this Saturday at the Town Square Pavillion.  From 8:30 to 2 p.m.

Council Elections

 Potential candidates for mayor and city council can start picking up petitions at City Hall. Petitions are due between the 19 and 26 of October with the earlier you get your petition in, the higher you get listed on the ballot.

Notice is hereby given that the Carbondale City Clerk’s Office, located at 200 South Illinois Avenue, Carbondale, Illinois, will accept nominating petitions for one (1) four-year Mayoral term and three (3) four-year City Council member terms for the 2027 Consolidated Election held on April 6, 2027 (or the Primary Election held on February 23, 2027, if necessary). The dates and hours during which petitions will be accepted are as follows:

Monday, October 19.             8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm -5:00 pm

Tuesday, October 20             8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm -5:00 pm

Wednesday, October 21        8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm -5:00 pm

Thursday, October 22            8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm -5:00 pm

Friday, October 23                 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm -5:00 pm

Monday, October 26              8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm -5:00 pm

Candidate Meet & Question

 From several posts on social media

The League of Women Voters is hosting TWO virtual candidate forums next month for the upcoming election! First, next Friday, October 2nd we will meet with candidates for Illinois State Representative for the 118th District, Chip Markel and Scott Doody. Then on Monday, October 12th we will meet candidates for the First Judicial Circuit Court for Jackson County, Ben Reed and Jamie Snyder. Each forum will help us learn about each candidates' qualifications and the duties of each office.

Registration is required for each Zoom forum! The forums will also be streamed to the Carbondale Public Library’s YouTube channel and Facebook page for later viewing.

118th Illinois House District Candidate Forum

Friday, October 2nd at 6:00PM (on Zoom)

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../WN_eoYxJZwPS4m-Vhht3tbz1Q...

First Judicial Circuit Court for Jackson County Candidate Forum

Monday, October 12th at 6:00PM (on Zoom)

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_hoWQk7-ATQCEju8kE3Ld1Q

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Learn more on the library's website: https://carbondalepubliclibrary.org/series/lwv/

Heritage Motel Sign

  I wish the city would contact the owners of the Heritage Motel and offer a grant or some other co-operation to repair the sign.  The Heritage is the last remaining non-chain motel in Carbondale and its sign is a reminder of an era when local owners competed to have the most eyecatching sign in order to pull in traveling motorists.

Unfortunately, what is happening is that the sign is slowly deteriorating and, instead of stepping in to address the problem, the city will likely wait until the sign is past the point of repair and require the owner to remove it, which will also remove one more bit of Carbondale history.

Diederich Insurance Building

 SIH has pulled down yet another building, this time the Diederich Insurance building, which it appears the company sold when it combined its operations to one location in Marion.  More parking for Memorial Hospital?

Notifications

 If you want to get alerts from the city, here is the link to set up your profile as to what sor of noticies you will receive.

The City of Carbondale uses the CivicPlus Mass Notification System to send emergency and routine alerts and notifications to help you stay informed about what matters most, whether it’s a weather warning, a public safety update, or important community news.

You can choose how you want to receive alerts: by text, email, voice call, or mobile app. It’s fast, reliable, and designed to keep you connected.

Sign up today or modify your existing notification profile to include weather alerts at: https://www.explorecarbondale.com/939/Alerts-Notifications.

Trick or Treating Hours

 Good

Mayor Carolin Harvey has proclaimed Saturday, October 31, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. as the official "Trick-or-Treat" hours for Carbondale.

Residents wishing to welcome "trick-or-treaters" should illuminate their porch and exterior lights. It is recommended that "trick-or-treaters" wear reflective tape or clothing and that parents check all treats for potentially harmful objects.  

SIUC Parent's Weekend

 SIUC's Parent Weekend was pretty quiet this year. It took place the last weekend, the 11th and 12th and I did not realize it was Parent's weekend until about mid-day on Saturday, so little in town promotion was there. You would think the university would reach out to downtown and make certain there were signange and banners up announcing the event but, aside from a few posts on social media, I saw nothing until, as I said, late on Saturday.  Here is hoping Homecoming gets a lot more promotion.

Sales Taxes

 Got curious so checked the sales tax rates for Carbondale. Sadly, the 9.75% rate is now comparable to several other cities within the state.  Add a 9% hotel/motel tax and a 2% food and beverage tax and visiting Carbondale can get rather pricey 

Pure Pet

 Pure Pet will be closing its Carbondale location on the east side of town near Reed Station Road.  the Marion location will remain open. This indicates the Marion location is doing better business than Carbondale because, of course, if the Carbondale location was doing better, it would be the one remaining open.

West Main Parking

 When West Main was made one way through the Arbor District, one of the selling points was that along with West Walnut, on street parking would be provided along one side of the street.  The section of West Walnut between Springer and Poplar does have on sreet parking on the north side of the street, however this never was put into place on the parallel section of West Main. At this late date, it would take some significant contruction to put that in place but it could help slow traffic down through that area.

Houses

 The city has razed about half a dozen houses so far this year.  From what I understand, they were taken for non-payment of taxes by the owners after multiple attempts to collect and were considered too unsafe or run down to allow occupancy.

Given the desire to get more people to move to Carbonale, instead of demolishing them, why not offer them to people for $1 plus a stipend equal to the cost of demolition on the condition that they rehab the house and occupy it for a minimum amount of time. If no one accepts the offer, then demolish it. Maybe I missed them, but I saw no indication that those buildings were up for sale or demolition. maybe there were notices posted online but that involves someone actively going online and searching for notification.  Putting a sign in the front yard at least catches the eye of people driving by.  Lord knows I am not an expert in the field but it seems demolishing the building makes it much harder to infill the space.

Bank of Carbondale Building

 The empty Bank of Carbondale building on East Main has either rented or sold as there is a large sign replacing the Bank of Carbondale sign proclaiming the building is now the Carbondale Elementary Schools Adminstrative Office building. Glad to see another empty building getting reused.

Lost Cross 40th Anniversary

A number of places are helping Lost Cross celebrate its 40th anniversary.  Indigo Lounge had a punk/industrial DJ playing vinyl and tape on Thursday night,  and PK's and Booby's both had shows last night as did the Robbie Stokes Memorial stage.   The Buckminister Fuller Dome Home had an event this afternoon and tonight West Elm is blocked off at the intersection with Beveridge for a concert going on late. Here are the events tonight and on Sunday

Attendance Up

 I see SIUC fall attenance is up over 12,000 this fall, reaching12,066.  While not historic, as the press release says and certainly a far cry from the rumored 2000 I heard last month. 281 students is still, as far as I am concerned,  within the standard deviation andnot large enough and not enough to be pointed to as evidence of a turnaround. After all, for a couple of decades, the university kept losing about that amount each semester and the administration said it was not large enough for concern.

Get an increase of 10% or better and the administration could point to their actions as having an actual effect.

Shooting Arrest Made

 Carbondale Police have made an arrest in the shots fired case in the Arbor District area over the weekend. Lalyn Frais, 19 of Carbondale, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and resisting a police officer. Happily, although there was damage to a building in the area, no people were hurt.

Saluki Way Tax

 Back around 2009, city council passed the Saluki Way tax, increasing local sales taxes by .25% to help fund the replacement of McAndrews Stadium, remodeling of what is now Bantera Arena and helping cover the cost of the Studnet Services Building (which is not currently named after anything). The tax is supposed to raise about $1 million a year to help with repaying the bods issued to pay for all the contstruction and is scheduled to expire in 2027 or 2029. 

I certainly hope the council does not pass a resolution keeping the tax in place. Our current sales tax rate is higher than about 90% of the other sales tax rates imposed by other communities throughout the state and I have heard from several local restaurant owners they have lost catering business to restaurants in Marion and Murphysboro due to their lower tax rates.

Off Premises Signage

 The city approved 6-1 an amendment to an ordinance at its last meeting allowing for the placing of off premises signage along East Main and East Walnut between Washington Street and Lewis Lane. However, the businesses wanting to place off-premises signage must have frontage along those right of ways.

The same ordinance was a major point of contention when the city was working to get Kohl's to open a storefront in Carbondale. One of the things Kohl's insisted on was an amendment to the same ordinance allowing it to place a sign on Highway 13 pointing towards the Kohl's location on Giant City Road.

Shots fired

 Apparently shots were here in the West Cherry, West College, South Forest area east of Poplar about 4 this afternoon. Officers were still in the area about 7 p.m. walking down West Elm, I gather to see if they could get any more information.

Harbaugh's Cafe

 I see by their social media posts that downtown staple Harbaugh's Cafe has opened a location in Marion and is currently holding a soft opening with a grand opening sometime in September.  Glad to see they are dooing well enough to have a second location.

Moka Coffeehouse

 Looks as if downtown Carbondale will get a new coffeehouse in the near future.  No opening date posted yet but signage is up for Moka Coffeehoue in the empty Geologic Oddities space in University Plaza on S. Illinois.

Property Taxes

 Given the hue and cry over Walker's Bluff Winery's recent announcement they were closing the facility due to high property taxes, here a basic overview of property taxes in Illinois and how they are calculated. With some exceptions, property taxes are assessed at 33% of the fair market value and, if oounties assess the value above or below that amount, an equalization factor kicks in to adjust the value back to 33% .  If you are not happy with property taxes, it is not all the fault of the country board.

Solar Bear

 Although I have not seen much publicity for it (granted I am not the target market either) but the annual Solar Bear event takes place this Friday and Saturday. It looks as if Levels has taken over from Pinch Penny as the main bar hosting Solar Bear drinking but there typically a lot of people congregate along West College between University and Poplar, with fraternities sponsoring a lot of house parties.  From what I have heard, last night was no busier than normal, though there were two stabbings on N. Washington near Washington and Main last night.

Update:  West College between S. University and S. Poplar is currently blocked off for Solar Bear partying.

Job Search

Seeing posts on social media from people looking for work certainly struck me when I was chatting with a restaurant owner earlier today. They have a number positions open and had open interviews a couple of weeks ago. They interviewed 30 people and called back 8 of them to offer them a position.  Of those 8 who apparently were still looking for a job, only 3 showed up.

SIMMS Grand Opening

 The southern Illinois Multimodal station has its official grand opening on August 28th.  I guess the bus stops there but not at the times I pass by as I have not seen any picking up or disgorging passages.  Originally, there was supposed to be taxi pickup there but with the ubuiquity of Uber and otehr car services, I do not know if there are any active taxi services in the city.

The City of Carbondale will celebrate the official grand opening of the Southern Illinois Multimodal Station (SIMMS) with a Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at 401 South Illinois Avenue in Carbondale.

The completion of SIMMS represents a major milestone for Carbondale and the Southern Illinois region. Affectionately known as the “Jewel of the Southern Line,” the new station serves as a modern regional transportation hub, connecting multiple modes of travel and bringing together Amtrak, Greyhound, FlixBus, JAX Mass Transit, regional transit providers, bicycle and pedestrian connections, and Southern Illinois University’s Welcome Center within one facility.

Made possible through more than $23 million in federal and state grant funding, SIMMS reflects years of planning and collaboration among the City of Carbondale, the State of Illinois, the federal government, transportation providers, regional organizations, and community partners.
In addition to strengthening transportation connectivity throughout Southern Illinois, the station represents a significant investment in the future of downtown Carbondale. SIMMS is expected to improve access to the region for residents, students, and visitors while supporting economic development, tourism, and downtown revitalization.

“This is a historic moment for the City of Carbondale and the entire Southern Illinois region,” said City Manager Stan Reno. “The Southern Illinois Multimodal Station represents years of vision, collaboration and investment. We are excited to officially open a facility that will strengthen regional connectivity, support economic development and serve as a welcoming gateway to our community for decades to come.”

The August 28 ceremony will open with a performance by a SIU Brass Ensemble and include remarks from elected officials, project partners, and transportation leaders, followed by the ceremonial ribbon cutting. SIU Cheerleaders and the Saluki Shakers will help commemorate the occasion with the Saluki Fight Song.

Walker's Bluff Winery closing

 According to this post on their Facebook page, Walker's Bluff Winery will close permanently in the near future.  The owners blame the increase in property taxes by about $8000 this year to around $400,000. The owners also says the winery has not made a profit in the past 2 years.

I had not heard anything about the winery since Walker's Bluff Casino has opened and was under the impression it had closed down with the opening of the Casino as all the focus of the company, at least promotionally, was on the casino. Incidentally, the closure does not affect Walker's Bluff Casino, which will remain open.

City Council Agenda

 Here is the agenda from last week's city council meeting. Council voted to impose a fine for sleeping or camping on public property of $25 for the first offence, increasing with subsequent violations, with a 48 hour notice before the city will clear a campsite.

Council also voted to continue discussing increasing free public parking in downtown but that has been under discussion since 2020 so I doubt anything will get decided quickly.

Carbond-alien Off the Rails Concert

 I swung by tonight's off the rails concert just before the last band ended their performance.  According to one of the vendors I spoke with sales were really slow early in the day.  apparently no one wanted to come out in 95+ F degree weather. Crowd seemed a bit sparse too but it was still pretty muggy and warm even at 8:30 in the evening.  Hopefully the weather is cooler for the August 29th event.

SIUC Attendance

 From what I have heard from a member of the SIUC staff, unoffical numbers put fall attendance up about 2000 students from last fall. That is certainly a good number but on average about 45% of them will drop out before they graduate. the unviersity is currently at about 12,000 with a goal of 15,000 by 2030. That seems like a highly reachable number.

Hangar 9

 Hangar 9 is scheduled to reopen this Thursday.  For those that do not get downtown that much, the music venue/bar has been closed for remodeling since May so a lot of people are looking forward to what the interior looks like.

Bike lanes

 I really like the bright green bike lane in front of the SIMMS (Southern Illinois Multi Modal Station). it really stands out and makes the lane visible.  I hope the city, over the next few years, applies a similar bright paint scheme to other bike lanes throughout the city.

Lighting

 I see new lighting has been installed and turned on in the alley next to Aban Kitchen, to adi with customer pickups and in Friendship Part at the intersection of Mill and Illinois.   If I remember correctly, the plan is to install similar lighting next to Rips' Pizza and in the alley between So Ill Syndicate and Yesteryear's Tobaccoist, making an outside dining spot for Cristaudo's.

Recycling Locations

 The city has updated its recycling drop off locations. There is still one in the Exodus Church Parking lot on S. Oakland and the one on East College is now in the parking lot half a block east of the fire station.

Stix

 It looks as if Stix may reopen sometime later this year.  I see work done on the outside and Dyvx on the outside and I remember seeing an application before the Liquor Control Commission earlier this year for a transfer of a liquor license to the location.

Lightning Detectors

 The city has installed lightning detectors  at various locations throughout Carbondale. Superblock, Evergreen Park and the New Era Events Plaza will provide sirens and strobe lights to alert visitors when lightning is detected within 10 miles of the location.  There is also signage at Poplar Camp Beach with a QR code visitors can scan to find weather and lightning information for that location.  Poplar Camp Beach's warning system is set to detect lightning strikes within 15 miles of the beach.

I guess it is useful but I thought that was what the city's storm warning sirens were for. This will give warning of a specific type of danger though.

The City of Carbondale Office of Emergency Management has implemented the Perry Weather automated lightning detection system to enhance public safety at designated City facilities and event locations. The system provides accurate, real-time lightning detection using atmospheric data to identify hazardous conditions and deliver timely notifications when lightning threatens the area.

Below is information on where these detection systems are located and how they can be utilized.

Monitored Sites with Notification Hardware (“Hard Sites”):

The following City locations are equipped with Perry Weather notification hardware that provide automated alerts:

• Superblock
• Evergreen Park
• New Era Events Plaza (Robbie Stoke Memorial Stage)

These locations are equipped with:

• Audible warning sirens
• Voice public address (PA) announcements
• Visual warning strobes
• Informational signage with QR codes that provide real-time weather information, safety recommendations, and all-clear countdowns

“Soft Sites”:

The City also monitors designated "soft sites" that do not have installed notification hardware. The only soft site currently equipped with official signage is Poplar Camp Beach, while there are other locations being identified to be monitored and designated with signage with further project development. 

At soft sites:

• Site signage with a QR code that provides:
  • Site-specific weather conditions
  • Lightning information
  • Safety recommendations
  • A countdown to the all-clear
• City staff can receive real-time Perry Weather alerts.
• If City Staff are present, they are responsible for notifying the public when hazardous weather conditions exist.

Additional locations where City staff are not routinely present may also include QR code signage. These locations provide public access to site-specific weather information only and do not include audible or visual notifications.

All sites (excluding Poplar Camp Beach) detect lightning within a 10-mile radius. Poplar Camp Beach is set to detect lightning within a 15-mile radius.  

Alley Lighting

 Remember the T-Mobile grant Carbondale Main Street got last year to upgrade lighting in some parts of downtown Carbondale?  Judge Services finished work on the first project, the alley running just north of Aban Kitchen, criss crossing overhead strings of lights from Illinois Avenue to Pickle's Alley. Have not seen them turned on yet so have no idea how bright they are.

Aban Kitchen uses the alley as a pick up location for their to-go orders adn the new lighting will make it brighter for customers waiting in the alley and safer for staff members bringing out the orders. There are two more locations in town scheduled for similar upgrades.

Hiring

 Both Thai Taste and Big Chill are looking for additional staff. Due to staff shortages, Thai Taste will close for lunch on July 29th and dinner on July 30th.

off the Rails Schedule

 Here is the schedule for the fall slate of Off the Rails Concerts. While I see the August 15 as a welcome back concert for SIUC students, I just hope the summer heat does not drive away attendance. After all it is starting at 3 in the afternoon.

The City of Carbondale is excited to announce the return of the Off the Rails Concert Series, bringing five unforgettable nights of free live music to downtown Carbondale from August through October 2026. For the first time in the series' history, our concerts will take place on the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage at the New Era Events Plaza (200 S. Washington Street), marking a new era for one of Southern Illinois' favorite live music traditions.

Following the successful debut of the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage during this summer's Sunset Concert Series, Off the Rails now has a permanent home in the heart of downtown. The series continues its mission of showcasing an eclectic mix of nationally touring artists, regional favorites, and emerging local talent while creating memorable community experiences that celebrate Carbondale's vibrant music culture.

"Off the Rails has always been about creating opportunities for people to experience incredible live music in the heart of downtown Carbondale," said Dena Haun, Tourism and Special Events Coordinator for the City of Carbondale. "This year feels especially meaningful as we bring the series onto the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage for the very first time. Robbie dedicated so much of his life to supporting musicians and building Southern Illinois' music community. It's incredibly fitting that this stage will now host artists from across the country while continuing to shine a spotlight on the amazing talent we have right here at home."

The 2026 season kicks off with the CarbondAlien Music Festival, celebrating Southern Illinois' thriving local music scene before welcoming nationally recognized artists throughout the fall. All events are free, family-friendly, and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy local food vendors while experiencing live music in downtown Carbondale. Public consumption of alcohol is permitted within the Downtown Entertainment District in accordance with City regulations. Guests may purchase beverages from participating establishments or bring their own in non-glass, single-serve containers.

2026 Off the Rails Concert Schedule:

Saturday, August 15 // CarbondAlien Music Festival // 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Features: The Hornworms, City of Soul, Tawl Paul & Slappin' Henry Blue, Tr!cks, Stay Here and the Southern Illinois Soul Jazz Coalition!

Saturday, August 29 // 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Features: Marcella Simien & Family Soul Band

Friday, September 4 // Lost Cross 40th Anniversary // 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Features: Didjits & Acumen

Saturday, September 19 // Hemp, Hops & Shrooms // 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Features: Hot Like Mars & MoonShroom with programming from the SIU Cannabis Science Center and the SIU Fermentation Science Institute

Friday, October 2 // SIU Family Weekend // 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Features: Kyle Tuttle Band & Special guest Chris Housman

Petitions

 Nominating petititons for the 3 open city council seats and mayor's office are available for pickup starting July 28th. Clare Killman has said she will not run for another term, leaving her seat open.  No word yet on Mayor Harvey or Councilpeople Loos and Maxwell.

On April 6, 2027, the City of Carbondale will hold an election to select one Mayor and three City Councilmembers for four-year terms. Informational documents and petition forms will be available in the City Clerk’s Office beginning on July 28; these same forms and other useful information are available in the 2027 Candidate’s Guide that can be found on the Illinois State Board of Elections’ website. Signed, completed forms will be filed in the City Clerk’s Office during the statutory filing period of Monday, October 19 through Monday, October 26, 2026 (circulation and filing dates amended by Public Acts 103-0586 and 103-0600). 

This election will be for the seats presently held by Mayor Carolin Harvey, and Councilmembers Clare Killman, Adam Loos, and Nancy Maxwell.  

Assistent City Manager Position

 Think you can run Carbondale better than the people now doing it?  Here is your chance. The city has an assitant City Manager positon open and is accepting applications with the first review of them starting August 21st:

The City of Carbondale is accepting applications for the position of Assistant City Manager, seeking a highly qualified and strategic professional to join the City's executive leadership team. The position will work directly with the City Manager to enhance organizational capacity, improve interdepartmental coordination, and advance key City priorities.  

The Assistant City Manager will provide leadership on strategic initiatives and special projects while supporting day-to-day municipal operations. Responsibilities include coordinating major City initiatives, overseeing grant development and administration, supervising public relations and communications, tourism and community promotion, and violence prevention programs, while fostering partnerships that enhance the quality of life for Carbondale residents. 

Parking

 I keep harping on this and I will bring it up at the next city council meeting I attend but the city needs better signing pointing out the parking behind the buildings on the East side of South Illinois. There is as much parking in downtown at there was before Storyboard nee Evolve took over the 710 parking lot but it is not nearly as visitble and there is little signing pointing it out.

CommuniTEA Social Hour

 At the Civic Center until 2 p.m.  About a dozen local not-for-profits are set up to provide information about themselves and what services they offer. Finger food and door prizes as well

Rip's Pizza For Sale

 Just after announcing the business was shifting to 2 nights a week, the owner posted yesterday that they have found some other business opportunities and is putting the pizzeria up for sale. That makes 2 restaurants with good name recognition in town available:  Rip's and Thai Taste. Anyone buying Rips would have to compete with at least 7 other pizza places in town while there is only one Thai restaurant.

Ryan Livingston Murder

 July 13, 2006, Ryan Livingston was murdered on the south side of West Walnut in the 300 block. For a number of years, flowers were left and the sidewalk chalked at the location but as years have passed, the memorials stopped.  As the article notes, the case gets revisited from time to time and is not closed but barring someone coming forward, it is unlikely to ever be solved.

Mint Indian Restaurant

 Mint Indian Restaurant has opened in the space formerly occupied by Tandoor and Tadka. Here is hoping it lasts longer than the former did. When I get a chance, I need to compare it and Bombay Olive since I have not heard much about the Olive in recent years.

SIMMS

 Do you have any idea what SIMMS is?  If you are not familiar with downtown Carbondale, you probably do not but someone thinks emough people are familar enough with the acronym to put it on a directional sign (Southern Illinois Multi Modal Station) pointing east from S. University along West Cherry/ Buckminiser Fuller Way. I am glad the same sign points toward the Amtrak station as more people will know what Amtrak is than SIMMS and are likely looking for the same location.

Parking

 One way the city could make downtown more welcoming is getting rid of the parking kiosks. Parking meters were originally put into downtown to stop students from parking close to campus, leaving their cars all day and avoiding the need for a parking sticker.  With the loss of large parking areas in downtown (farewell 710 Bookstore parking lot), and the drop in student population, the original need for them has vanished and parking meters are now just another revenue source for the city. I wonder if the new parking kiosks even generate enough revenue to pay for the cost of putting them in and maintaining them.

Fraud Conviction

 Dean Amley, owner of Egyptian Corner, located at the corner of Wall and Main Street, was sentencd yesterday to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay over half a million dollars in restitution for fraudulently accepting SNAP benefits. From my reading of the release, between 2014 and 2020, Amley and his employees would buy SNAP benefits from recipients  for less than face value, paying them in cash and using the fraudlently acquired SNAP benfits to purchase inventory for the store or allow them to purchase prohibited items such as tobacco and alcohol. USDA OIG and the FBI all co-operated in the investigation.

I am bemused by the reference to the Truump administration created National Fraud Enforcement Division at the end of the release, implying it has some impact on the case which, given that Amley pled guilty in March of 2025, over a years before the creation of the Division, is just not so. Still it is good to fraud prosecuted, no matter who does it.

Thai Taste

 Downtown staple Thai Taste went on the market today for $580,000.  Price includes the restaurant, equiptment and building with two upstairs apartments.  20% down payment with a 30 mortage at approximately 6%. In business since 2004. The current owner wants to move on but has no plans to close the restaurant.

One of my favorite sit down restaurants in Carbondale.

Buckminister Fuller Way

 The Stretch of West Cherry running from S. Illinois to s. Oakland has been honorarily named Buckminister Fuller Way. this does not mean anything officially so residents along the street still live on West Cherry but now West Cherry Street signs have a Buckminister Fuller Way sign below them. Selecting the street runnng between the Buckminister Fuller Dome Historic Site and the Buckminister Fuller Visitors Center is a nice touch.

Drainage

 I drove though a few of the spots that have been problematic in heavy rains during this afternoon's downpour and was happy to see no flooding.  Either the rain was less than in the past or the city has improved the drainage system in those area.

Flags

 It is unfortunate the Lions Club flags get vandalized so often. From what a member of the Club tells me, Marion and Carterville put out similar flag displays with even larger numbers of flags with no problems.

Flag Vandalism

 If you drove through downtown Carbondale this past weekend, you should have noticed the flags lining Illinois and Main Street, courtesy of the Lions Club.  Someone, or someones, vandalized 5 of the flags on North Illinois, near the intersection of Illinois and Washington.  5 of the flags were cut from their staffs and stolen. 

The Lions Club is offereng a reward for information leading to the recovery of the flags and/or arrest of the vandals.  Contact the Carbondale Police Department at 618-457-3200 if you have any information.

Carbondale Fireworks

 As of 7:45, the concern about inclinent weather  has passed and Carbondale's fireworks are scheduled to go on as planned, although the musical programing will start later than scheduled. Of course, nothing about the weather has stopped people in town from setting off fireworks starting shortly before 6 p.m.

Bald Knob Cross 250

 In case you want to see lots of fireworks from several different communities, the Bald Knob Cross is offering evening viewing hours tomorrow night starting at 7 p.m.  I am not sure if other events are planned for the Cross, such as music, but the Visitors Center will be open with food available.

Carterville Water

A damaged valve on a large water main has meant all water in Carterville has been shut off while repairs are made. The city does not indicate when water service will return but a boil water order is in place until the morning of July 4th.

In all my years in Carbondale, I have never heard of the city issuing a boil water order for any part of the city.  People complain a lot about Carbondale but its water quality and service is far superior to the communities surrounding us

City Council Meeting Canceled

 Must be a slow summer as there is no business before the council for the entire month of July. i guess, after stopping an influx of data centers into the city for the next year, they decided to call it a month.

Notice is hereby given that the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026, has been canceled as there is no business for deliberation on this meeting date.

 

Please Note: The next regular City Council Meeting will commence at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

 

Piles Fork Greenway

 The city will start work on the next stage of the Piles Fork Greenway sometime in the near future. this means the homeless encampment located next to the Greenway on East College will get relocated, though the city does not indicate as to where. It has been located back behind University Mall and further south on the Greenway in the wooded area near Levels at various times but I think both of those are private property so the city would have to get permission from the property owners should it want to move them to either location.

Recycling Drop off

 Following up on recycling drop off locations within the city, the city confirms the bins on both East Grand and East College have been removed with no indication as to when or if the city will relocate them. That means all of your reccyling has to go to the location behind the old University Baptist Church, now Exodus Church, to Southern Recycling, or in your bins for weekly pickup if you have residential pick up.

Amazon Hub Delivery

 Amazon Hub Delivery  has opened in Marion. I keep getting notices asking me or my staff to particpate and we always decline.  The problem is, delivery people get paid about $1.60 per package and make 50 to 70 deliveries per day within a three mile radius, meaning about $116 per day. With that many stops, the car's gas milage drops by about 25% and the wear on the car increases significantly, negating the entra money the delivey driver makes.

Flooding

 I was talking with a friend this evening about the (much needed) rain and she commented the city had not seen much flooding in recent years.  In the past, if it rained hard, the city could expect to see flooding at the intersection of 51 and West Mill, in front of the Varsity Theater and at the intersection of North 51 and Willow.  I have not seen any flooding at those three locations in several years and am not sure if that is due to the city having improved sewer and drainage systems or if his area does not the get heavy, short term downpours that we used to receive wherein we would received 2-3 inches of rain in less than an hour.

Signs

 Here is hoping we get the promised wayfinding/directional signs sometime this year.  I often see people cycling on the sidewalks on Illinois and University who appear to have no idea there is a safer bike path from the town square all the way to the university. Part of the T-mobile grant the cit received was to go for additional signage but I have not heard anything more about it since the announcement of said grant.

Recycling Drop Off

 According to the city map, Carbondale has three locations, besides Southern Recycling, where residents can drop off recyclable materials:  parking lot at the now closed University Baptist Church, East College across from Victory Dream Center and behing the Grand Avenue Mall.  I took a look at all three spots this week and only found recycling bins at the University Baptist Church location.  If the others have been moved to new locations, the city should update its map of their locations.

Carbondale Times

 Paddock Publications has been sold to the Chicago Tribune, which is owned by venture capital firm Alden Media Group. The new owner has decided to shut down the Harrisburg Register, Gallatin Democrat, Marion Republican, Vienna Times, Monday’s Pub, and the McLeansboro Gazette, leaving only the Carbondale Times,  Franklin Co Gazette, and the Anna Gazette Democrat publishing. The Carbondale Times will also move back to a Wednesday release date from its current Friday.

July 4th fireworks

Carbondale will host its annual Independence Day fireworks display at the SIUC baseball fields with parking in the Bantera Cener parking lot. There will be a concert starting at 7:45 with the fireworks beginning at 9:15.

Of course, you could just wait around the town square as Carbondalians will shoot off fireworks in the neighborhoods to the northeast and northwest of the Pavillion

Flag Day

 Drove though the northwest side yesterday and, aside from the Lions Club display on Illinois Avenue,  I did not see a single American flag on display at any home. Certainly a decline from my youth when nearly every house would have a flag out.

Pride on the Strip

In case you are interested, here is the schedule for Pride on the Strip today. have not seen any actual schedules  printed up anywhere.

Robbie Stokes Stage

The Way Down Wanderers will perform the inagural conccert at the Robbie Stokes Memorial Stage on June 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. It will be nice to see how well the new space functions as a perfromance venue. It would also be nice, though I doubt if they did, if the city had installed audience accessable bathrooms in the facility rather than bringing in portable toilets.

University Baptist Church

 According to the signs outside the building, the University Baptist Church building is now occupied by "Exodus Church" which looks like another version of Central Community Church, targeting young people and families.  At least someone sees Carbondale as an area of growth.

Citywide yard Sale

 I only heard about it a couple of days ago but there is a citywide yard sale taking place this Saturday.  Here is a link to the list of locations participating

Emergency Exercise

  Do not be worried if you see a number of emergency vehicles on the south side of Carbondale on June 9th  as a number of emergency reponse groups are particpating in a tornado response exercise that will probably last most of the day. From the email:

Emergency response agencies from across Jackson County will participate in

the Jackson County/Carbondale Tornado Response 26 Full-Scale Exercise designed to evaluate

and enhance the community's ability to respond to a major tornado disaster.

The exercise, scheduled for June 9, 2026, will simulate the aftermath of a severe tornado

impacting multiple areas on the Southwestern side of Carbondale. Participants will include Local

Emergency Management, Fire Departments, Law Enforcement Agencies, Emergency Medical

Services, Public Health Officials, Hospitals, Public Works Departments, Volunteer Organizations, and Private-sector Partners.

Water Office Closed

 Water office closes at 2 p.m .this Thursday for training

The City of Carbondale water office will be closed on Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 2:30-5:00 PM for department wide training. In person payments and other services will not be available at this time.   

Accident at Main and Illinois

 Accident at the corner of Main and Illinois this evening.  This corner, the corner of Main and University and the intersection of 13 and Giant City Road are the places most likely one will get into a wreck in Carbondale.  It appears so bad that the city has installed camerals at the Main and Illinois and Main and Universtiy locations.  Not sure if they have one at the Giant City location but, given the number of accidents there, I would be suprsied if they do not.

Chick-fil-A

 SIUC's Chick-fil-A closes tomorrow, which if I remember correctly, leaves only Starbuck's as the sole national chain in the Student Center. Fear not, though, as the 1868 Grill will open later this year.

7 Brew

 Article on 7 Brew, which just opened a Carbondale location, has only been around since 2017 and follows the Scooter's Coffee business model more than the Starbuck's one. 7 Brew's business model focuses on drive through and walk up and keeping prices low while Starbuck's is refocusing on atmosphere and recreating the local coffee shop vibe of its early days.

Stix

 From the agenda for this week's city council meeting, it looks as if the owner is planning to do work on the long shuttered Stix building. I certainly hope so as that would be one fewer building getting dilpaidated in the downtown area.

Also on the agenda is a similar request for a TIF agreement at 213 N. Washington, just south of the  WDBX radio station. and for 108 East Oak, which is the WDBX station.  Since these TIF requests are all part of the consent agenda, unless a council member requests an item get considered individually, they will all get passed with one motion. 

Memorial Day

 For those wanting to attend tomorrow's Memorial Day celebration at Woodlawn Cemetary, here are the specifics.

Silver Bicycle Friendly Award

 The City has received the Silver Bicycle Friendly Business Award from the League of American Bicyclists.  I have questions:  1) is there a Gold Bicycle Friendly Business Award or is the Silver one the highest we can get?  2) I can see being a Bicycle Friendly Community but what is meant by A bicycle Friendly Business Award. Do we have bicycle friendly businesses? If so, what makes a business "bicycle friendly"?

Today, the League of American Bicyclists recognized Carbondale Civic Center/City Hall with a Silver Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) award, earning it a place alongside more than 1,100 businesses across the country contributing to the movement to build a more Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. 

SauSea's

SauSea's Seafood was scheduled to open yesterday. However, according to this post on their Facebook page, soem internal problems have caused them to postpone the reopening until next Wednesday, May 27.

Postcards

 Every once in awhile I get a customer in looking for Carbondale postcards.  I found a very few at the Carbondale Main Street office.  I imagine ther are some in the Univeristy Bookstore but one would think the city could print some up and make them available in the Civic Center and the Multi Modal station for incoming travellers.  heck, put some stamps on them and have a post office drop box in the station so that people can fill out the card and drop it off while waiting for the train or but.

Oak Street Closure

 Oak Street and the sidewalks near the tracks will close next week from the 18th through the 22 to allow for repairs to the tracks.Access to the parking lots on either side will not be affected. According to the press release, there are no repairs scheduled to the street, just to the tracks

Starting Monday, May 18 through Friday, May 22, Oak Street and the sidewalks will be closed on either side of the railroad tracks for railroad repairs.  

The closure will not impact access to the parking lots for businesses in the area.