Council Meeting

Well, that was a comparatively short council meeting. Mayor Cole chose not to put the chicken ordinance on the agenda so, since the next council meeting focuses on the budget, chickens likely won't come up for discussion again until after the election. Tom Egert's request for a special use exemption for his property on Springer Ridge Road was approved after he withdrew the request for an additional three cabins and submitted a request for the city to just approve the three already standing there.

City Council

Apparently the city expects a large turnout for tonight's meeting as seating has expanded to twice the normal space. Guess lots of people want to weight in on the Cabin by the Lake zoning and the chicken ordinance.

The Southern Moving

As noted on the Beetlejuice blog, the Southern Illinoisan is closing its Marion office and consolidating all operations in Carbondale. It is my understanding that the expansion to Marion in 2007 was part of a larger plan to de-emphasize Carbondale coverage and focus more on Marion and the rest of southern Illinois. The feeling at the time was that Carbondale coverage (and subscriptions) was saturated while Marion and surrounding areas provided more opportunity for growth. The opening of the Marion office signified an expanded focus on Marion with a commensurate growth in subscriptions and advertising. Apparently that didn't work.

American Tap Lot

In case you are interested in the American Tap lot, next to El Greco's in downtown C'dale, the city's asking price is $150,000, which covers acquisition and demolition of the property. Assistant city manager Kevin Baity says the city will entertain other offers "especially if there is job creation and development included".

Being for the Benefit of....

And a benefit event too.

Benefit to support Ranchhod Hospice and Orphan Care Center, Kabwe Zambia

Emma's Revolution Concert and Silent Art Auction (sponsored by Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship and Cousin Andy's Coffeehouse)

Saturday, March 5, 2011, 7 p.m. Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship

Admission at the door: $18 for adults, $10 students

Meet the Candidates

Upcoming forums for various candidates for various local offices:

League of Women Voters of Jackson County forums:

March 9, 7-8:30: Candidate Forum for Mayoral Candidates at Civic Center

March 21 7-8:30 Candidate Forum for half of Council Candidates at Civic Ctr

March 23 7-8:30 Candidate Forum for half of Council Candidates at Civic Ctr

International Viewpoint

Nice article on SIUC and Carbondale from an international student's viewpoint.