SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has set June 13 through 16 as Illinois free fishing days for 2025. During these four days, anglers can fish without purchasing a fishing license, salmon stamp or inland trout stamp in Illinois. The goal is for non-anglers to discover or rediscover the fun of fishing and to introduce children to the activity.

Groups and organizations that need fishing equipment and educational materials can complete the online form and IDNR will furnish materials while supplies last. 

Outside of the free fishing days, Illinois requires anyone over the age of 16 to have a fishing license to fish. Exclusions apply to active-duty military and people with disabilities. Standard fishing licenses can be purchased for $15 at vendors throughout Illinois or online. Learn more about fishing in Illinois at ifishillinois.org.

In a significant historical breakthrough, Dr. Helaine Silverman, co-author of the University of Illinois Mythic Mississippi Project, has dedicated a new marker at Union Miner’s Cemetery in Mt. Olive, Illinois, revealing the original burial site of legendary Irish-born labor leader Mother Jones. The marker was unveiled on May 4th, commemorating her early resting place before her remains were transferred to her monument’s base.

The monument itself, dedicated on October 11, 1936, honors Mother Jones and four local martyrs from the Mt. Olive area who tragically lost their lives during a shootout with Chicago/Virden Coal Company guards on October 12, 1898. The discovery of her initial burial site was made possible through historic photographs from coal mining historian Jim Alderson’s collection in Gillespie, Illinois.

Mother Jones holds an enduring place in American labor history, and her connection to the region is a vital part of the Mythic Mississippi Project. This research initiative, led by Silverman and co-author Devin Hunter, PhD, aims to document the rich history of coal mining activities in mid and southern Illinois, emphasizing the importance of the Mississippi River as a conduit of regional development and labor struggles.

This discovery not only sheds new light on Mother Jones’ life but also enriches the broader narrative of coal mining history in Illinois. The complete study and ongoing research can be accessed at https://mythicmississippi.illinois.edu.

Following a lengthy discussion and a brief executive sessions, Benld City Council members voted Monday night to table action on a zoning ordinance amendment to tighten the  definition of “agricultural use,” and an ordinance amendment to place restrictions on the type and number of animals permissible on lands within the city limits that are zoned for agricultural use.

The issue is centered on property owned by Jerry and Sheila Springmeyer on North Eighth Street. Jennifer Zippay, who lives with her husband Mike on Meadowlark Drive that back’s up to the Springmeyer property, appeared at last month’s council meeting to voice concerns about Springmeyer’s plans to put horses on his property, which is zoned for agricultural use.

The current city code prohibits “livestock” within the city limits except for property zoned for agricultural use.

On Monday night, Springmeyer told the council that it will be a two-year project for him to erect fencing, build sheds and plant grass for his horses. He said the shed will be removable and will go with them if they sell the property in the future.

Springmeyer said he did everything “by the book,’ and objected to changing the ordinance after he announced his intentions for the property. He also objected to the possibility of limited the number of animals permitted. Assuming his horses are “grandfathered,” he would be unable to replace a horse that dies if the ordinance allows fewer animals than he has on his property.

Springmeyer previously told city officials he planned to have up to three horses on his far east side land.

Zippay said she and her husband want more clarification on the number and type of animals permitted on property zoned for agricultural use.

Ald. Dustin Fletcher asked why the city council was considering the issue rather than the Zoning Board. City Attorney Rick Verticchio replied that the council would have final say on amending the ordinance regardless of whether the question was considered by the Zoning Board. Verticchio said he would write up whatever the council wants after Fletcher noted that limiting the number of animals would be an “easy fix.”

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The council then entered into a brief executive session, after which the council agreed to refer the issue of whether to amend the ordinance to limit the number of animals allowed on agricultural property back to committee for further study and a recommendation to the full council. Likewise, the council referred to committee the issue of amending the zoning ordinance to define “agricultural use.”

Fletcher announced that whatever happens, the Springmeyers use of their property will be governed by current ordinances which do not limit the number of animals or the type of livestock allowed on agricultural land. If the property sells, however, it will be subject to whatever new requirements the council approves and codifies into ordinance.

LOCK BOX RENTALS

After a brief discussion, the council voted to have Verticchio draft a rental agreement subject to council approval in regard to renting lock boxes left in place in the new City Hall building. The best offer the city was able to confirm for selling the equipment was $250 for all of the boxes left behind by the bank that previously owned the building.

The rental agreement Verticchio was directed to draft will include provisions banning firearms from being stored in the facility, and acknowledging the boxes will be subject to random inspections by drug sniffing dogs. Mayor Jim Kelly suggested requiring a deposit for lock box keys in case the city has to replace keys and drill out locks when a renter fails to return keys.

MCGRADY PROPERTY

Charlie McGrady appeared before the council to ask the city to drop a nuisance complaint against his property since a derelict shed on the parcel has been torn down. McGrady said no decision has been made whether to raze a building on the property or replace the roof.

Kelly told McGrady the city could not move forward without hearing from both McGrady and Brian Page, who co-owns the property with McGrady. Kelly invited both owners to attend an upcoming committee meeting on June 2.

In other action, the council agreed to have Verticchio to contact the property owners at 306 Park Avenue and Ald. John Balzraine to contact Macoupin County Animal Control regarding a number of feral cats in the garage at the residence.

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