Saving Illinois Beach State Park’s shoreline

Located in the northeast corner of the state in Zion, the Illinois Beach State Park has unfortunately suffered from beach erosion and loss of habit for three costal bird species over the years, including the piping plover, common tern and Caspian tern.

To protect the state’s last remaining natural shoreline, major investments were made into an impressive and historic shoreline stabilization project that was recently completed in October. The $73 million investment allowed for the necessary construction of new offshore stone breakwater structures to shelter the Lake Michigan shoreline from wave energy.

The park – located roughly 50 miles north of Chicago – is a major source of tourism for the area. In 2015, 1.2 million visitors came to the park to enjoy boating, hiking, swimming and more along its 4,160 acres. The shoreline stabilization project was also selected for the 2024 Best Restored Beach award through the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association. 

Read more …

Anniversary of Chicago Cubs World Series Victory

• Sports
• Baseball

Eight years ago Saturday the Chicago Cubs broke their 108-year-long World Series drought. A great memory in the minds of many Illinoisans, the Cubbies defeated the Cleveland Indians four games to three, cementing their first World Series win since 1908.

The Cubs won the National League Central Division with 103 wins and 58 losses. The World Series matchup was highly anticipated as the Cubs and the Indians had the longest World Series title droughts at that time. The Cubs title drought was attributed to the “Curse of the Billy Goat” in local folklore, which lasted from 1945 to 2016. After being down one to three games against the Indians, the Cubs managed to win three games in a row with a final nail biter game seven going to the 10th inning.

In the aftermath of the Cubs game seven victory, the city of Chicago hosted millions of fans from across the state. Fans of the ball team were ecstatic to see the Cubs win the Series within their lifetime. The celebration and parade following the Cubs victory would draw five million people making it the seventh largest gathering in history.

Artist of the Month: Dijon Barrett

• Arts & Culture
• Chicago

Dijon Barrett is a Chicago artist born and raised in the city that inspires much of his work. Barrett wants to share his imagination with the world, creating a fictitious rock band and lots of creative artwork.  Barrett joined Project Onward in 2017, which he feels is his home.

Project Onward is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide a space for artists with disabilities to tap into their creativity without concern for cost. Founded in 2004, Project Onward seeks to promote artists with disabilities and their work to the broader art community and the general public. Project Onward provides a safe and supportive studio environment with professional guidance to many talented artists with disabilities.

Barrett’s art incorporates striking gradients and strong shapes done in colored pencil. Many of his works feature intriguing landscapes, interesting characters and beautiful coloring. His imagination and skill has produced a unique style that you can peruse and purchase on the Project Onward website. 

Information about Barrett and Project Onward can be found here.

Murphysboro: Barbecue Capital of Illinois

In a small rural community in Southern Illinois, a passion for barbecue stretches back over 100 years and houses two out of 18 total Barbecue Hall of Famers in the nation. In 2015, the Illinois House of Representatives designated this town, Murphysboro, as the “Barbecue Capital of Illinois” in recognition of their rich barbecue history and success.

Murphysboro not only hosted national competition teams and locally produces its own Cairo Bar-B-Q Sauce, but it also is home to two famous barbecue national competitors. The House resolution recognizes both hall of famers, Mike Mills and Pat Burke, as the inspiration for the 17^th Street Barbecue and Pat’s BBQ. Both gained attention for their Apple City Barbecue Team, with Burke competing in over 255 competitions and winning 185 grand championships – “more than any other living person” according to the resolution.

This fall, the town kicked off their 37^th annual Praise the Lard Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off, welcoming a record 119 teams from 20 states. This marked the ninth year of 17^th Street BBQ’s successful partnership with the Steak Cook Off Association and expanded the competition to include taco and appetizer cook-off ancillaries.

Read more …