Route 66 Mother Road Festival drives in - After repairs, the show runs smoothly into its 20th year - Illinois Times
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
21 CONTEST | Best of Springfield 19 BOOKS | Upheaval in Alton 28 MUSIC | Hipbone Sam Band
FREE September 23-29, 2021 • Vol. 47, No.9
Route 66 Mother Road
Festival drives in
After repairs, the show runs smoothly into its 20th year September 23-29, 2021 | Illinois Times | 1
ROUTE 66 | Tom Irwin
2 | www.illinoistimes.com | September 23-29, 2021
NEWS
CWLP looks to solar State energy bill lays out the end of coal
ENERGY | Kenneth Lowe
City Water, Light and Power (CWLP)
has begun formulating a plan to add
significant solar-power generation in light of
forthcoming changes due to a measure signed
into law by Gov. JB Pritzker last week. It sets
Illinois on track to end the use of coal for
electricity by 2045.
CWLP chief utility engineer Doug Brown
said between now and the plant’s eventual
closure, Springfield will likely need to look
toward more than just existing renewable
energy models to meet demand.
“I still have concerns about reliability,”
said Brown. He said renewable energy sources
are not a complete solution to meeting the
energy needs Springfield is anticipated to
have in 2045 in light of removing coal plants.
“Until solutions come to the forefront that
provide the reliability that coal and natural
gas units can do, I will continue to have those
concerns.”
The result of the controversial, long-
in-the-works law will mean the eventual
shutdown of all of CWLP’s coal-fired
power. CWLP’s plants had been a point
of controversy in early iterations of the
legislation, along with another union-
staffed coal-fired facility, the Prairie State Over the years, CWLP has built seven generators. PHOTO BY TERRY FARMER
Energy Campus in the Metro East area,
due to conflicts between unions and
environmentalists. already done so with the retirement of three decades into the future may be hard to tell. components of the Clean Energy Jobs Act,
The current agreement provides that of its coal-fired generators, Dallman Units 31, Previous projection models that predicted the precursor to the eventual agreement,
CWLP must be carbon-free by 2045, with 32 and 33. Springfield’s coal-fired plants meeting more began three years ago. Portions of the law that
emissions reductions of 45% by 2035. If The remaining plant, Dallman Unit 4, will demand did not prove true, with usage falling provide considerations for people or areas
CWLP’s plants can’t come into compliance need to be retired by 2045 under the new law, significantly during the economic recession of highly affected by environmental policy, such
within three years of 2035, they would need Brown said. 2008, Brown said. In the immediate future, as low-income and minority populations,
to shut down some operations under the new The challenge that the law poses to he said CWLP is putting together a plan to spurred many members of the coalition to
law. But Brown said, in practice, CWLP has meeting the energy needs of Springfield bring before the Springfield city council that support it.
would add more solar power generation to But, Heideman said, it’s more than that.
replace the shuttered plants. The equity component “was the driving
Brown said that type of renewable power force, I think, behind the Faith Coalition
Editor’s note generation best fits Springfield’s needs getting behind it and continuing to support
Social media put out word Monday that there was a “heavy police presence in Harvard Park,” in part because the peak hours of solar it,” Heideman said. “The other thing is I’m
but it was a joke. Turns out a half dozen cops showed up to serve hot dogs at the Harvard power generation also happen to be when a grandma with 10 grandkids. I’m thinking
Park Neighborhood Association meeting, which drew 30 or so residents. City council members Springfield is consuming the most power. about my grandkids’ future.”
Kristin DiCenso and Shawn Gregory share the neighborhood, so each spoke to the group, their That still won’t provide a reliable, all-day- And, Brown said, one of CWLP’s goals as
main message was they are accessible so call about anything, but don’t ask for speed bumps, long base of power generation, however. And a public utility company is to push for greater
or new stop signs, or complain about loud music unless you’ve tried to work it out with your nuclear power, Brown said, isn’t situated to sustainability.
neighbor first. Police spoke next, saying it’s going to take awhile to solve recent homicides make up the difference for Springfield. “The history of CWLP has always been
so be patient, they’re trying to identify the kids who have been vandalizing the church’s mini- The new law had one strong group of trying to do better for the environment,”
pantry, and they’re excited about their new computer technology that uses algorithms to draw Springfield supporters in the Faith Coalition Brown said. He said CWLP is planning to
boxes on a map to tell them where to patrol. Residents complained that police dispatchers for the Common Good, which held a brief the city council on expanding solar
are rude and dismissive, but police said dispatchers don’t work for the police department, so presentation last week on the benefits of power generation within the next two
there’s little control. There was discussion of speeding cars, weeds and trash in alleys and providing more electric-powered public months.
abandoned houses. The problems of Springfield’s older neighborhoods aren’t difficult, but they transit. Speaking after the presentation,
need more of the city’s attention and care. –Fletcher Farrar, editor executive director Shelly Heideman said Contact Kenneth Lowe at
listening sessions regarding the various klowe@illinoistimes.com.
September 23-29, 2021 | Illinois Times | 3
4 | www.illinoistimes.com | September 23-29, 2021
NEWS
Michelle Popp, workforce development training
program team member, at the Creative Reuse
Marketplace. PHOTO BY KAREN ACKERMAN WITTER
Women’s fund
tops $1 million
CAP CITY Karen Ackerman Witter
The Women’s Fund at the Community
Foundation for the Land of Lincoln recently
reached $1 million. This accomplishment is
Year-long waits for FOID cards
made possible by local philanthropic women
pooling their resources through the Women
for Women giving circle. Established in
2006, the Women’s Fund is an endowment,
Auditor general expected to issue report critical of ISP providing a permanent fund for annual
grantmaking. In total, the Women’s Fund
GOVERNMENT | Scott Reeder has awarded $434,252 in grants to local
organizations that improve the lives of
women and their families.
Brent Urfer is a man who follows the rules. from the state police that I had applied for shows things are getting better, I won’t Assisting women who are recovering
He’s an upstanding citizen who teaches a renewal. I went back the next day and believe it,” Rose said. “My office receives from poverty, addiction and homelessness.
school, pays taxes and obeys the law. showed it to them. Then they were willing to way too many calls from constituents having Educating children about healthy food.
The Christian County man never has sell to me,” Urfer said. problems in this area for me to think there Launching the Creative Reuse Marketplace
been convicted of any crime. Nonetheless, he An informal survey of Springfield-area has been an improvement.” to repurpose materials that would have been
was turned away when he attempted to buy lawmakers found that FOID card and Richard Pearson, president of the Illinois thrown away while concurrently providing
ammunition from a Springfield farm supply concealed carry license processing are the Rifle Association, said the state police are job training for disadvantaged women.
store. No. 1 constituent complaints they receive. doing a better job but they are still not Helping deaf women who are victims of
Why? His Firearm Owner’s Identification, “This isn’t something that I deal with in compliance with the law. He said his domestic violence. These are just some of
or FOID card, had expired. And although he once a day. It’s something I deal with several association is taking a two-pronged approach the issues the Women’s Fund is helping to
applied for a renewal, the state was slow to times a day,” Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, to addressing the problem. address.
process his application. R-Jacksonville, said. “We want to make sure the FOID law Over 100 Women for Women members
“It took them one year, four months But the Illinois State Police, which we have is better to work with,” he said. donate $1,000 per year to the Women’s
to process my FOID card and one year, oversee gun permits for the state, have not “At the same time, we are challenging its Fund. Grants are awarded annually from
two months to process my concealed carry been abiding by the law. A staffing shortage, constitutionality in court. Ultimately, we will investment earnings on the endowment,
permit,” Urfer said. more first-time gun owner applications, have to get a case before the U.S. Supreme along with a portion of each member’s
The state law mandates that FOID cards an antiquated computer system and most Court to have this ruled unconstitutional. annual contribution. In 2021, $55,000 was
be processed within 30 days. Concealed recently, the pandemic, have caused the Nobody should have to pay money to awarded to three organizations.
carry permits are required to be processed department to fall far behind. the government to exercise their Second Members and prospective members
within 90 days if applicants submit their The problem became so acute that Sen. Amendment constitutional right,” Pearson are invited to a virtual event at noon on
fingerprints or 120 days if they do not. Urfer Chapin Rose, R- Mahomet, demanded said. Tuesday, Oct. 19. Sondra Shaw-Hardy,
did submit his fingerprints for expedited that the state’s auditor general review the FOID card applications cost $10 and widely recognized as the guru of women’s
processing. performance of the Illinois State Police concealed carry applications $150. giving circles, is a featured speaker. She
In response to the pandemic, Gov. JB Firearms Division. “Here’s my problem with this, people is the founder of Women’s Giving Circle
Pritzker issued an executive order indefinitely The audit will be released either Sept. 29 pay their money up front and then the International and co-founder of the
extending the expirations of gun permits – as or 30. state will wait sometimes more than a year Women’s Philanthropy Institute at IUPUI
long as an application is on file. But some Illinois Times has learned that while to issue them a card,” Rose said. “They are in Indianapolis.
stores fear assuming legal liability when the audit will show some improvement ignoring their own law. In this country, we For more information about the October
selling guns or ammunition to someone in processing times for FOID cards and are supposed to have due process of law, and event or to join Women for Women, contact
whose FOID card appears to be past its concealed carry licenses, it will also show this isn’t it.” Stacy Reed at reed@cfll.org.
expiration date. the agency is not in compliance with the
“When they refused to sell ammunition standards set by statute. Scott Reeder is a staff writer for Illinois Times. Karen Ackerman Witter chairs the Women for
to me, I went home and printed out proof “I haven’t seen the audit yet. But if it Contact him at sreeder@illinoistimes.com. Women Steering Committee.
September 23-29, 2021 | Illinois Times | 5
NEWS
Taking on “critical race theory” critics
Coalition empowers the public to push back on rhetoric and curriculum bans
EDUCATION Rachel Otwell
CREDIT: ILLINOIS STATE MUSEUM.
A new national movement that Unlike other states where
aims to support the teaching of
accurate history launched earlier
legislators have crafted bills meant
to ban lessons about racism from
Armadillo found in
this month with a call including
more than 2,500 people from
being taught, Illinois has passed
legislation in recent years meant
Sangamon County
across the U.S. to ensure curriculum includes the CAP CITY Karen Ackerman Witter
Learn from History is a contributions of people of color
coalition taking a stand against and the LGBTQ community.
An armadillo is an odd-looking mammal
efforts to ban teaching about Tiffani Saunders is a former
with bony plates covering its back, head,
racism and other forms of professor of African American
legs and tail. It’s also not your typical
oppression in public K-12 studies at University of Illinois
roadkill in Sangamon County. Recently a
schools. The coalition includes Springfield. She is a member of
dead armadillo was found on Yucan Drive
partner organizations such as the the Ball-Chatham school board
in Springfield, behind a car dealership just
Center for Antiracist Education, and left UIS earlier this year for
north of Wabash Avenue. Someone notified
the News Literacy Project, a position as equity, diversity,
the Illinois State Museum of the unusual
Education Board Partners and and inclusion consultant for
find. Dr. Meredith Mahoney, curator of
Teach for America, among many Memorial Health System in
zoology, verified it was an armadillo. This
others. The coalition was put Springfield. Saunders also pointed
is the first known specimen in Sangamon
together by Stand for Children to a new state law that requires
County.
Leadership Center, a nonprofit media literacy lessons in public
Mahoney describes the armadillo as a “cool
advocacy organization with offices schools. Saunders said Illinois
and weird species” and says there is nothing
in states such as Illinois. A sign at a protest in Springfield that took place in the wake of George Floyd's is at the forefront of ensuring
else like it in the U.S. It is also highly
“Schools need to provide a murder last year. CREDIT: RACHEL OTWELL students get inclusive lessons and
unusual to find in this area.
thorough, accurate and fact-based are encouraged to think critically
Armadillos are common in Central and
education,” said Cesar Cardenas, about the media they consume.
South America. The nine-banded armadillo
national communications lead for “We’re in the process of thinking
is the only species of armadillo that lives
Learn From History. The coalition that asserts racism is upheld by legal systems in terms of our responsibilities in
in the U.S. They like warmer climates, but
launched with a website that provides toolkits and policy decisions. Some ideologues have educating and preparing the next generation
have been expanding northward from the
for parents, teachers and school leaders. The globbed onto the term and use it when for the world that’s out there.”
far southern states over the past 200 years
packets include information on measures in arguing that teaching lessons that are critical Mimi Rodman is the executive director
and now are more common into Missouri,
states such as Tennessee and Pennsylvania of the U.S. and its ongoing legacy of racism is of Stand for Children Illinois, part of the Tennessee, Arkansas and Oklahoma. They
that take aim at schools teaching “divisive” unpatriotic. Learn from History coalition. She echoed
have been seen frequently in the southern
concepts. Learn From History aims to illustrate In 2018, an Illinois high school earned that Illinois, in particular, has made strong
half of Illinois.
the swell of public support around making widespread attention after racist graffiti steps forward when it comes to how schools
Researchers at Southern Illinois
education more inclusive and representative of turned up on its campuses multiple times. address race. She pointed to the new
University have been documenting the
the experiences of diverse people. The vandalism led to the creation of HEROS: Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading expansion into Illinois and believe that
Cardenas and others argue that learning Healing Everyday Racism in Our Schools. Standards in Illinois, which incorporate
climate change is a factor. Armadillos don’t
from the past is key to preventing similar Founders of the Illinois-based group argued concepts such as implicit bias into public
hibernate, but they burrow underground
mistakes from being made in the future. that the graffiti was indicative of systemic schools. The standards take into account that
and can’t survive our typically cold winters.
The Learn from History website shows a racism and that students should learn from oppression is systemic and can influence how
The potential impact on native wildlife
visual juxtaposition of a black and white experiences of those who have been harmed teaching happens in classrooms. Rodman said
is unknown, but is a concern to wildlife
photo depicting a scene from a sit-in protest by racism. the work is ongoing. “Vigilance is very much
biologists. Armadillos are known to carry
against segregation during the Civil Rights Laurie Goldstein lives in Wilmette. In called for here,” she said. Rodman said she
diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
Movement with a more recent photo from 2020 her youngest son graduated from New believes there is broad, bipartisan agreement
It is unknown how this armadillo ended
the Charlottesville “Unite the Right” protest Trier High School, the school where hateful that accurate history lessons should be taught
up in Springfield and if there are others.
in 2017, which included avowed white graffiti sparked conversation about how in schools. That premise is part of what Learn
They are known to “hitchhike” to new areas,
supremacists. “Unfortunately, rampant to dismantle racism. Goldstein has been from History is working to highlight.
such as via train cars. A specimen from the
misinformation about what is taught in involved in HEROS. She herself was educated Cardenas said Learn from History will be
Jacksonville area was found a number of
schools is forcing teachers to omit difficult in northern Illinois and said as she got older sharing the stories of how inadequate history
years ago near train tracks.
parts of our history and not teach students she realized there were “gaping holes that you lessons can lead to negative consequences
It is possible we may see more of these
that racism is wrong and is adding yet could drive a truck through” in the history and will help show there is a groundswell of
unusual creatures as they continue to
another stressor for teachers at the worst lessons she had been taught. Goldstein, who support to rectify that harm. “We believe that
spread northward. If you happen to see an
possible time,” the coalition’s website states. is now partnered with the Learn from History we’re winning the fight.” Find out more about armadillo in our area, Meredith Mahoney
Currently at issue across much of the coalition, said after the murder of George the coalition at LearnFromHistory.org.
would love to hear from you. Contact her at
country is “critical race theory.” Critical race Floyd last year, HEROS has seen increased meredith.mahoney@illinois.gov.
theory is a decades-old academic framework interest and membership has grown. Contact Rachel Otwell at rotwell@illinoistimes.com.
6 | www.illinoistimes.com | September 23-29, 2021
NEWS
Fire station strategies
City moves closer to building new stations
CITY | Maria Gardner
Visit Springfield Fire Department Station #1
on East Capitol Avenue and you will see the
firefighters’ pole near the garage entrance.
It’s partially enclosed by a metal railing – as
if it were a shrine to the profession. The city’s
206 firefighters now take the stairs to respond
to fires or, increasingly, to attend to medical
emergencies.
During its Sept. 21 meeting, the city
council approved a measure for St. Louis-
based Archimages Inc. to design up to
three new fire stations. The contract with
the architecture firm is slated to cost up to
$750,000. Springfield fire chief Brandon
Blough said during a council meeting that it’s
possible at least two of the fire stations could
be completed by the end of 2022. Locations
have not been finalized for the sites.
Firefighters in 2020 responded to 592 Earlier in September, the Springfield Fire Department responded to a residential fire on the west side of the
fires, including 212 fires at residences. Medical city. Photographer Zach Adams was near the scene and caught photos of the efforts.
CREDIT: ZACH ADAMS, 1221 PHOTOGRAPHY
emergencies gained far more attention
from the fire department, with 11,023
cases attended to in 2020, according to a intersection of Ninth Street and Ash Street. McMenamin told Illinois Times.
department report provided to Illinois Times. Development, such as a Starbucks near Fire On Sept. 21, McMenamin was the only
While the number of fires the department Station #8, at the intersection of Chatham council member to vote against the measure to
responds to has stayed flat for at least 40 years, Road and Monroe Street, causes concern for contract with the St. Louis architecture firm,
the number of medical calls the department firefighters cautiously maneuvering trucks in citing his dissatisfaction with current staffing
receives grows rapidly each year, Blough told the congested area, Blough said. levels.
Illinois Times. But it’s not just fire and medical Mayor Jim Langfelder, who is pushing for Ward 3 Ald. Roy Williams, Jr. has raised
emergencies. Blough recalled the department’s the updates, said it was early this year when he questions about a new station near Chatham
technical emergency team rescuing a horse began talks with Blough about the relocation and said he is wary of the possibility that
that fell in a well. “Our people are fixers by plans. But the areas in need of improved the department would service a community
nature,” he said. coverage were identified in three different which, he said, has not agreed to annex into
The fire department began responding reports beginning in 1996. the city.
to medical calls in 1986. All firefighters A new station is planned to better serve the Langfelder said the city has hired a
are now required to have basic emergency southwest area near Piper Glen and Panther consultant to study cost-saving opportunities,
medical technician (EMT) training. Nearly Creek neighborhoods – an area that has but there are some limits since the city’s
half are able to administer drugs during a experienced population growth, Blough said. contract with the firefighters’ union requires
medical crisis such as a heart attack or stroke. The gold standard for response time that first a minimum staffing level. Langfelder would
Crucially, firefighters stabilize patients until responders strive for is four minutes, he said, not say when the consultant’s report might be
an ambulance arrives, Blough said. The but the average time for that area is close to available.
department also responds to car crashes seven minutes. Langfelder said all city departments went
– sometimes ripping cars apart to remove Payroll costs and fringe benefits make up through a restructuring since the pandemic,
injured people pinned inside them. 88% of the fire department’s $42.9 million except the fire department. The role of the fire
“Generally speaking, due to the position of annual budget, according to city documents. department has changed and the consultant
where the stations are, we can get to the scene Since fiscal year 2019, the fire department’s will help answer questions such as: “How do
pretty quickly and we can provide an advanced budget has gone up an average $1.2 million you maintain service levels and live within
level of care,” Blough said. But relocation is per year, also according to city documents. your means?” and “Is it best to bring a fire
needed to improve response times, he said. On Personnel costs led Ward 7 Ald. Joe truck to an EMS (emergency medical services)
a list of fire stations prioritized for relocation is McMenamin to propose an intergovernmental call?” said Langfelder.
one to cover the southwest region. There’s also agreement with Chatham to cover service in
a proposed replacement for Fire Station #10, the southwest area of Springfield as a cost- Maria Gardner is a graduate student with
located at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. saving measure. “We have way too much brass the Public Affairs Reporting program based at
The creation of an underpass, as part of in the fire department, too many battalion University of Illinois Springfield. Her work has
the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, chiefs in the ranks. We need to achieve appeared in South Side Weekly in Chicago and
has boxed in Fire Station #6, near the some cost savings in the fire department,” Laredo Morning Times in Texas.
September 23-29, 2021 | Illinois Times | 7
The debate on whether or not Hunter Lake is needed has continued for 40 years, but the city of Springfield is now trying to make a case that an additional lake is
needed for recreation, not simply a supplemental water source.
LETTERS different results. Given that decades for trees to grow. That
alzheimer’s poem #1 We welcome letters. Please include the city has only made Lake farmland will be dumping
your full name, address and telephone Springfield less of an asset for its pesticides, fertilizers and
number. We edit all letters. Send them
my beloved first writing prof citizens, it is obvious a second herbicides into the lake through
to editor@illinoistimes.com.
had alzheimer’s in his old age lake will not end in different runoff. Would you swim in it,
he had excellent care at a results. or eat the fish from it? What
Jerald Jacobs would the recreation be that
nearby facility: one of his
DIFFERENT RESULTS? Springfield isn’t already available at the
nurses reported she’d found
The case against Hunter Lake is current lake, Lincoln Memorial
him wandering with agitation overwhelming, but why would MAKE A LAKE Garden, Carpenter Park or the
distraction, asked the matter: the Army Corps of Engineers It makes sense to have a lake city’s other 39 parks? It’s going
“are you looking for something? allow construction of another for recreation in an area like to cost at least $106 million, as
have you lost something?” chad unmaintained lake to satisfy ours that has limited access to of estimates that are now eight
replied “I am looking for myself.” needs which do not exist (“The free activities. One that will years old.
imaginary, languishing lake,” promote a connection with Kathy Trager
2021 Jacqueline Jackson Sept. 9)? The answer to me is the land, and not colonizing it Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
obvious, politics. like the other man-made lake,
My wife accuses me of is a wonderful idea. Perhaps it FILL POTHOLES
always looking for a conspiracy, could be like Lake Sangchris, The city would rather waste
and I do wonder what is really with smaller boats for fishing, money on new projects than
going on here. I can see the but not speed boats or party keep up with its existing
mayor wanting to complete his barges. It could be a safe family infrastructure failings, like the
father’s legacy, but Hunter Lake environment for everyone, roads, sewer and water system.
just does not make sense. maybe even no alcohol at this The last thing we need is a lake.
Hunter Lake dam would new lake – Lake Shelbyville The first thing we need is to fill
be hazardous because its enforces this rule. some potholes.
failure could wash out Lake Bike trails alone are not the Kaylee Freeman
Springfield’s embankment and answer for Springfield. There Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
surrounding roads. Allowing are many people unable to ride
construction of this dam a bike, let alone ride a bike on IMPROVE WHAT WE HAVE
will jeopardize Springfield’s a trail. It’s time to give back How about we improve the
water supply while ignoring to our community and the lake we have? We could make
needed maintenance of Lake people that have kept it going it deeper and raise the railroad
Springfield. Building Hunter throughout the years. bridge so all boats can access
Lake while also maintaining Nicole Houser the whole lake, clean it up,
Lake Springfield would increase Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes make the water quality better,
water rates. Let’s have an honest add more parks on the lake,
evaluation of all costs. FARM RUNOFF reopen the beach, etc.
Ignorance is repeating This lake will be surrounded Matthew Swenny
the same actions, hoping for by open farmland. It will take Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes
8 | www.illinoistimes.com | September 23-29, 2021
OPINION
Sullivan causes confusion with combat claims
POLITICS | Rich Miller
Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul could Sullivan have “led” combat patrols? as a civilian contractor, his claim to have led
Schimpf has mostly followed Ronald Reagan’s Sullivan’s campaign responded with a 300- combat patrols flies in the face of Department
11th commandment and avoided speaking ill of word background statement which claimed of Defense regulations and established practices.
his Republican opponents. Sullivan’s Army team leader never left the base. While civilian contractors may be armed and act
Until now. Instead, the campaign claimed, Sullivan led in defensive roles such as providing security, the
When a relative unknown named Jesse a small team consisting usually of “another use of contractors in contingency operations is
Sullivan jumped into the race earlier this month human terrain analyst, possibly a social scientist specifically limited in DoD Instruction 3020.41
with a nearly $11 million out-of-state-funded depending on the mission, and an interpreter,” to support operations ‘in a non-combat role.’
campaign war chest, state Sen. Darren Bailey which would “embed with a military unit.” If Mr. Sullivan wants to claim unprecedented
and businessperson Gary Rabine both called him Sullivan “was responsible for translating military combat leadership experience as a civilian
a member of the San Francisco/Silicon Valley objectives into collection priorities, executing the contractor, he should identify the officer that he
“elite” because that’s where his business was collection mission, reporting back, and advising directly reported to while in theater in order to
located and where much of his campaign money the military decision-making process.” verify this extraordinary assertion. Otherwise, he
came from. To me, the long-winded explanation looked should correct the misleading language on his
The Silicon Valley angle took hold in more like Sullivan had led a small group of website.”
segments of the mainstream media. Did Sullivan advisers alongside soldiers in combat areas than Sullivan has managed to make a big splash
really live in downstate Petersburg, as he claimed, actually leading what most would consider in the Republican primary. He’s a young,
or did he live in the San Francisco area? Sullivan’s “combat patrols.” That still took courage, so why handsome made-for-TV candidate and already
campaign pushed back hard on the out-of-state embellish it? has way more money than any of his opponents
angle, insisting he was a Petersburg guy who I sent Schimpf everything I had from the could ever likely hope to raise. But Sullivan
had made lots of influential business friends in Sullivan campaign along with my own self- should probably stop digging holes that he’ll
California and other states. directed research. Schimpf was initially reluctant eventually have to fill himself. It’s a really bad
But Schimpf, a former state Senator, actually to say anything about Sullivan, but eventually habit and I’ve seen it fatally backfire more than
welcomed Sullivan into the fray, saying, “another issued this response: once. Like I said before, there’s no need to
robust campaign spreading the message that JB “Although Jesse Sullivan, who is not a veteran embellish this stuff.
Pritzker is undeserving of reelection is good news and has never been on active duty, should be And, for sure, this military combat claim
for the Illinois Republican Party.” commended for having worked in Afghanistan needs to be cleared up right away.
Schimpf was born on an Air Force base in
the Metro East, graduated from Annapolis Naval
Academy, then graduated from law school and
served 20 years in the US Marines, serving as the
chief American adviser to prosecutors in Saddam
Hussein’s trial. His service, to my knowledge, has
not been questioned, but his ire was raised by
some of Jesse Sullivan’s campaign claims.
The neophyte Sullivan has peppered his
campaign website and announcement with
photos of himself in military uniform.
“I proudly served our nation in uniform
doing counterinsurgency work in Helmand
Afghanistan with the US Department of
Defense,” Sullivan declared in his campaign
announcement speech near Petersburg.
Sullivan was part of what was known as the
Army’s Human Terrain System, which recruited
civilians with social science backgrounds to
help military commanders understand the local
populations. A 2012 profile of Sullivan in the
State Journal-Register mentioned that his team
“left the British military unit stationed in the
area with recommendations for strengthening the
local police force and reopening a school.”
When I questioned Sullivan’s campaign
about this seeming rhetorical contradiction,
they acknowledged that he was an Army civilian
without veteran’s status who nevertheless “led and
participated in combat patrols in Afghanistan.”
The Army’s unclassified handbook on the
Human Terrain Team says its leaders were active
duty or retired military officers. So, I asked, how
September 23-29, 2021 | Illinois Times | 9
OPINION
Fair compensation?
Settlement reached in Dennis Hastert hush money case days before trial
WEEKLY REEDER | Scott Reeder
So who is “James Doe?”
That’s the pseudonym assigned to a man
who accused former U.S. Speaker of the
House Dennis Hastert of sexual assault.
The man alleges that when he was in school
decades ago, Hastert, then a wrestling coach,
molested him.
More than 30 years later, in 2010, when
Hastert was raking in the dough as a lobbyist,
Doe threatened to publicly expose the abuse
he says he suffered unless Hastert paid him
hush money.
The two men reached a verbal agreement
that the former politician would dish out
$3.5 million in exchange for Doe’s silence.
I can empathize with Doe’s pain. When I
was 12, a man sexually assaulted me on my
family’s farm. More than 40 years later, I still
bear psychological scars. And I have some
familiarity with the deep-seated rage Doe
must feel.
I’m glad Doe was financially compensated
for some of the pain Hastert inflicted on him.
But is shaking someone down for hush
money ever an honorable action?
He agreed to stay quiet about a man who
was once second in line to the presidency. Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert leaves the federal court after being sentenced to 15 months in prison at the
The paid silence is troubling. Hastert made Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on April 27, 2016, in Chicago. PHOTO BY ARMANDO L. SANCHEZ/TNS
cash payments to Doe amounting to $1.7
million.
Each cash withdrawal was beneath the identified. This may have created an incentive Illinois House GOP Leader Tom Cross.
$10,000 threshold that banks are required for reaching a settlement ahead of time. Tom Cross, unaware of his brother’s
to report to the federal government. That settlement came as a surprise. I was experience with Hastert, became a protégé of
Nonetheless, the feds found out, learned it planning to travel to Yorkville to watch the the future U.S. Speaker of the House.
was hush money and discovered at least three beginning of the trial and learn the identity Scott Cross has successfully lobbied the
other victims of Hastert’s besides Doe. of the accuser. I wanted to get a sense for his Illinois General Assembly to eliminate the
The statute of limitations for the sex motivations and, to be honest, who he is as statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases.
crimes had long since passed. But prosecutors a human being. Is he a good person or a bad NBC News at the time reported him
were able to charge the once powerful one? saying that he’s tormented that he didn’t
politician with a financial crime related to “I don’t think we should think of him as speak out against Hastert earlier. “The guilt
how he structured the bank withdrawals. either a good guy or a bad guy,” said Carrie kills me, that I could have perhaps saved
Hastert admitted to “mistreating” Doe Ward, CEO of the Illinois Coalition Against other victims,” he said.
and three others and pleaded guilty to Sexual Assault. “He’s a sexual assault survivor But his work to get the law changed has
the financial wrongdoing. A federal judge trying to come to terms the best way he served as some consolation. “I just hope this
sentenced him to 15 months in prison. knows how.” gives an outlet for other victims to feel like
Hastert was imprisoned in 2016 and was Ward added it is often harder for male they should come forward, no matter how
released 13 months later. victims to come forward because society is long they have waited,” he said at the time. “I
But now Doe is suing Hastert for $1.8 less likely to believe them. just felt it was the right thing to do.”
million – the outstanding balance in hush “People think a man should have been Cross is not receiving money from his
money that the Illinois Republican agreed to able to fight someone off and that they really former coach, while Doe is. That’s hardly fair.
pay the man in 2010. The case was supposed can’t be victimized. But, of course, that isn’t Then again, Cross used his experience to
to go to trial Sept. 20. But a tentative, true,” she said. change the law and protect others. Perhaps
confidential settlement has been reached. But one of Hastert’s victims, Scott Cross, his compensation is the satisfaction of
Kendall County Chief Judge Robert Pilmer did come forward three years ago and spoke knowing he did the right thing.
ruled if the case went to trial, Doe would publicly about being victimized by his
be stripped of his pseudonym and publicly wrestling coach. He’s the brother of former Scott Reeder is a staff writer for Illinois Times.
10 | www.illinoistimes.com | September 23-29, 2021Opportunity in empty offices
Working and shopping from home makes way for housing and economic development
GUESTWORK | Edward Haber
The COVID-19 pandemic has hastened the hurricanes, tornadoes and flood events.
decline of many businesses in which staff have Economic and financial development on a
come to office settings. Work performed in grand scale would occur, with a rebuilding boom
offices can be performed via the internet and in cities and suburban areas. This approach to
worldwide electronic networks. On-site office repurposing existing building is scalable. It could
work and face-to-face meetings are largely no grow in a sustained manner for many years,
longer necessary. Because of these changes in the paying for itself by growing businesses.
workplace, as well as the increase in shopping on The conversion would bring jobs in
the internet, and delivery on demand, centralized construction, building repair and the trades,
and regional offices are no longer needed. One of such as carpentry, electrical work, cement and
the results of these changes is the decline of big tile installation, as well as introduction of energy-
city and suburban office buildings and shopping efficient mechanical systems, production of
malls. building materials and supplies, architectural
Many of the commercial businesses, such as and mechanical services and new techniques to
department stores, design stores, banks or finance accommodate building reconfigurations.
companies, are deserting their office buildings Creating revised neighborhoods (micro
and staff are working remotely. These towers of neighborhoods) where new housing would be
commerce are empty, and many businesses are developed would be a boon for the economy.
not renewing their leases. A myriad of small businesses, retail shops,
Many cities have low residential rental unique financial tools. The first is to convert the adaptive technologies such as wind, solar and air food venues and services would be grown to
vacancy rates, such as San Francisco, at 4% in office buildings and empty malls to housing units source heat pumps. accommodate the residences. Changes such as
March of 2020. By increasing the number of and community small businesses, shared work In addition to the abandoned business these would create sustainable cities, suburbs and
rental housing units, this measure could also spaces/meeting venues, or medical clinics, as well offices, there are more retail malls that have been rural areas through job growth and increased
reduce the cost of housing over the medium as restaurants, service businesses or senior living losing occupants as commerce shifts to online employment.
term. In the autumn of 2020, the cost of housing centers. The second is to fund changes in the purchases. In this mix of abandoned shopping These ideas would require a shared effort
in San Francisco for average monthly rental of infrastructure, which will provide an economic malls of various sizes, there are opportunities to among federal, state and local authorities. This
a one-bedroom apartment was $2,800 and the engine like that of the Marshall Plan, that rebuilt repurpose those properties. could be a model for many other countries
average rent in New York City was $2,650. For the European economy at the close of World Mall space can be converted for to kickstart their economies and mitigate the
Chicago it was $1,650. War II, and the GI bill that created the home entertainment, art galleries, art studios, indoor effects of the worldwide pandemic. Like the
There are many individuals and families ownership and college education for returning and outdoor soccer, baseball, hockey rinks, shared exchange of research and development on
who can barely afford to rent appropriate-sized servicemen. archery shooting ranges, food truck stations, COVID-19 vaccines, efforts to improve the cities
rental units, as well as those who are homeless or “If 10 percent of those buildings were farmers markets, dog parks, indoor exercise and economy would be revolutionary.
without a permanent residence. There have been converted to apartments, there would be 10,000 centers for seniors and physical rehabilitation
reports of minimum-wage and above-minimum- housing units created,” according to a recent areas, spaces for local boys and girls clubs, areas Edward Haber of Springfield has been working in a
wage workers living in their cars. In the past 30 article in the New York Times real estate section. for YMCAs and similar facilities, basketball statewide weatherization program for over 35 years.
years or so the Single Room Occupancy hotels By converting empty and abandoned businesses courts, volleyball courts and handball courts. He started the first demo program in1975 to help
(SROs), which used to provided low-wage single to residential housing, affordable housing Retirement communities for an increasingly aging low-income families lower their fuel and utility costs.
people permanent housing, have disappeared. needs could be met with increased availability population, nursing homes, and assisted living He meets regularly with a group which includes
If we approach these problems in a of middle-income and lower-income housing situations could be built in converted shopping the nonprofit Building Performance Association, a
comprehensive way, we can accomplish two units. These conversions could have an impact malls. Spaces could be used for emergency national energy efficiency organiation, to develop an
key results using tax policies, grant funding and on energy efficiency and sustainability using new response in regional and national disasters such as advocacy agenda for building conversions.
September 23-29, 2021 | Illinois Times | 11FEATURE
Hot rod classic cars line the street near Sixth and Monroe from a past International Route 66 Mother Road Festival. CREDIT: ROUTE66FEST.COM
Route 66 Mother Road Festival drives in
After repairs, the show runs smoothly into its 20th year
ROUTE 66 | Tom Irwin
Just a few months ago, Springfield’s longest September.
running, best attended and highest grossing “The COVID year break was disheartening,
homegrown festival, was nearly lost in the but this allowed us a reset and to refocus
wind like the exhaust fumes from a classic hot on growing, with more local activities and
rod car. With cooperation between the city of sponsors,” said Mayor Jim Langfelder. “I’m glad
Springfield, concerned citizens and longtime that “Coop” (Greg Cooper) stepped up and
participants in the event, the International “Shaner” (Shane McDermith) could stay on
Route 66 Mother Road Festival is now back in to get it done and continue this event after the
gear and off to the races. national group left.”
The festival, now officially into its second The “national group” the mayor refers to is
decade, was originally conceived as a vehicle Bonnier Events, a promotion company based
to increase tourism. Along the way it became in Winter Park, Florida, that had managed the
a solid part of the national car show circuit, show for years, but decided to drop the festival
appreciated as one of the best in the Midwest. in 2021. After not producing this event and
Festival estimates, before the lost pandemic year others in 2020 due to COVID concerns, the
of 2020, put an average annual attendance of company wanted to consolidate its portfolio
nearly 80,000 car-caring souls who spent plenty of shows. That left organizers of this popular
of money as they converged upon the capital Route 66 festival broken down on the side of
city to observe the thousands of show cars the road, so to speak. That’s when local guys
parked along city streets in nine square blocks “Coop” and “Shaner” came on board to steer
of downtown from Friday evening through the festival back onto the safety of the main
Springfield's most famous citizen appreciates Louis Jackson's award-winning '55 Chevy. CREDIT: LOUIS JACKSON Sunday afternoon, annually near the end of road.
12 | www.illinoistimes.com | September 23-29, 2021Meet Shane McDermith and Greg Cooper, Those experiences have helped groom him for
the two friends and Springfield natives now the current task at hand, but he humorously
proudly in charge of the International Route likened going from his other car show to
66 Mother Road Festival. Each comes with an this one as in “flying a Lear jet to piloting a
entirely different set of skills that complement 747,” what with dealing with all the vendors,
each other and the festival, making for a finely increased number of vehicles and lots more
tuned, running machine. Given the fact that territory to cover. His wife, Sue, took on the
normal preparations take many months to responsibility of participant registration and
accomplish, it’s amazing that in less than 12 organizing the online forms, and for that both
weeks, these two intrepid fellas have a working gentlemen thank her immensely. “Coop”
festival on their hands. said that she now has the title of “Queen
McDermith, who everyone calls “Shaner,” Mother Road” and her talents in the area of
owns Shaner Towing and worked with administration fill the gap of what was needed
Bonnier Events (and the previous company, for a smooth transition.
Family Events, before they were bought out “I’m honored to be part of this show now
by Bonnier) to stage the car show part of the and always was right here whenever I could
event over the last 13 years. He set up the be in past years,“ said Cooper, a retired 911
Friday night cruise, figured out where to put dispatcher for Sangamon County Central
the cars and worked with business owners to Dispatch. “With the 2026 centennial of Route
66 coming up and what this festival means to
showcasing Springfield, it would have been
tragic to lose this event. I’m a firm believer in
shining a light on local things.”
With new management in place, the
event is solidified for the future and “Shaner”
and “Coop” are already looking forward
to next year, when they will have plenty of
time to plan. There are ideas to incorporate
more hometown connections into the
event, including the museums at Route 66
Motorhead’s Bar & Grill, Ace Sign Company
and Route History, and to ask vendors to
feature famously popular local foodstuffs
such as the Cozy Dog, Vose’s Corn Dogs,
Mel-O-Cream donuts and the ubiquitous
Springfield horseshoe. Other concepts include
inviting small local businesses from nearby
central Illinois communities to display wares
and provide services, promoting these groups
to the thousands of attending visitors, while
expanding the festival to become more than a
showcase for the prized vehicles.
An always popular aspect of the weekend
Greg "Coop" Cooper (left) and Shane "Shaner" festivities is the car parade cruise, now known
McDermith take a stand by a Route 66 designation as the Route 66 City Nights Cruise for
sign near Sixth and Capitol. PHOTO BY TOM IRWIN Crimestoppers held on Friday evening. Some
2,000 to 2,500 cars (each dropping five bucks
for Crimestoppers of Sangamon and Menard
address concerns. He also dealt with whatever Counties) meet and line up at the Capital
else was thrown at him as he operated an event City Shopping Center parking lot and take
with thousands of cars and tens of thousands off down Stevenson Drive, head north on
of onlookers. Sixth Street then wind up downtown for the
“What’s so special about this, is to be asked upcoming show. This year’s special touches
by the city of Springfield, saying, hey you boys include celebrity guest Butch Patrick, who
want to take this over,” said McDermith, as portrayed Eddie Munster in the popular 60s
he gestured to himself and Cooper. “To take TV series “The Munsters,” and reserving the
over a national festival – this isn’t a car show in first dozen vehicles for medical professionals
a parking lot somewhere – people ship cars in who worked on the front line during the
from all over the world and drive from all over pandemic.
the country to be here. That’s really something Though the logistics of holding up traffic,
and we’re ready to do it.” moving through stoplights and disrupting
Cooper, who everyone calls “Coop,” normal traffic flow patterns take a toll on
also runs the annual Powerlight Car Show some, overall the “parade” has always been
at Knight’s Action Park and organizes the a smashing success. Crowds line the cruise
Powerlight Music Festival held for years on route, setting up lawn chairs and dragging up
the final Sunday of the Illinois State Fair. coolers in preparation for the show of hot rods
September 23-29, 2021 | Illinois Times | 13FEATURE
and classic cars, along with the occasional lost attend year after year,” he said. “The judging is
driver looking quite out of place in a side lane good and fair using ISCA (International Show
wondering how they arrived in this collection Car Association) people and that means a lot.
of cars and how to get out of them. “Shaner” The show has always been great, consistently
explained that local businesses now even host done well and it’s something to be very proud
tailgate parties in their parking lots along the of. We don’t want to see this one end. We love
cruise route as a way to enjoy the spectacle and this show.”
share the experience with employees, families Jackson said he has been coming up here
and friends. for at least 15 years, so that puts him showing
Louis Jackson, a consistent participant in the up around 2005. When the festival started
car show and cruise, heads up from St. Charles, in 2001, no one really knew how it would
Missouri every year with his award-winning, be accepted, but hopes ran high. According
’55 Chevy to be part of the action. His group, to Scott Dahl, the current director of the
the Hot Rod Renegades, includes around 50 Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau,
cool cars and some 100 happy humans. He then director Kim Rosendahl was on a trip
claims the cruise is the best part of the festival. to Germany to drum up tourism business for
Plenty of car shows are held on fairgrounds or Springfield using our most famous citizen,
specific areas like that but, according to Louis, Abraham Lincoln, as a calling card. She was
none have a through city drive like the one in surprised to find a huge interest in all things
Springfield. Route 66 and returned determined to create
“There’s nothing like the cruise in any other a festival to capitalize on her newfound
show we’ve been to,” said Jackson. “You drive understanding. With help from a state
down the street and people are waving and grant and plenty of planning, the inaugural
shouting, then you roll into downtown and it’s International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
like Mardi Gras or something. You get this great was launched to great success. Part of this
A work-in-progress map of the car show layout drawn by “Coop” from information provided by “Shaner.” feel of a huge block party.” outcome was due to diligence, planning and
Jackson’s group members always park their execution, but timing is everything. The festival
vehicles together on the same downtown block began when interest in the only highway in
near Fifth and Capitol and they all wear green America that spawned a hit song and TV show
T-shirts with the name Hot Rod Renegades was accelerating rapidly.
emblazoned on the front. A big attraction is the According to information on the Illinois
downtown location that allows those (women Route 66 Association website, an excellent
mostly) accompanying the car owners (men source for history of the highway, as well as for
mostly) to browse area shops and not just hang finding current events scheduled on the Illinois
around listening to car talk all weekend. Also, section of the “Mother Road” (a name given to
he said, since the event is free with no gate or the highway by John Steinbeck in his novel, The
admission, the curious onlookers come in all Grapes of Wrath), the association was formed in
shapes and sizes, varied in age, appearance and 1989 to “preserve, promote and enjoy the past
knowledge of the vehicles. He told of visiting and present of US Highway 66.” By the late
with a homeless person who was interested 90s, what was remaining of Route 66 became
in and knowledgeable about classic cars. And a “state heritage tourism project” and on Sept.
he told of a thrilled young boy there with his 22, 2005, the famed pavement was designated
dad who got to sit behind the wheel of Louis’ as a National Scenic Byway by the United
bright orange ’55 Chevy and then, surprisingly, States government. Thus one of the world’s
saw each other again on the streets outside the most famous highways, and one that runs right
festival area at a stoplight, where the boy was through the heart of Springfield, came to be
treated to a mighty engine rev. appreciated, rescued, promoted and preserved.
The Hot Rod Renegades car group pose near their preferred parking area on Capitol Street. CREDIT: LOUIS JACKSON “This is one festival all our group likes to In those early years of the festival, the
14 | www.illinoistimes.com | September 23-29, 2021convention center hosted a ticketed Sock any good at the registrations or vendor sales
Hop Ball with renowned musical guests section of the festival equation that Cooper
such as Frankie Avalon and Paul Anka. and his wife, Sue, have covered. That symbiotic
There was plenty of live music performed relationship, best described by “Coop” as “a
on downtown stages and generally Kim driving force,” makes the combo work to help
Rosendahl’s brilliant idea succeeded beyond a major internationally, nationally, regionally
anyone’s wildest dreams. Springfield resident and locally attended festival come together.
Fred Puglia, a nationally known figure in The good work of some 50 volunteers along
the entertainment field as owner of Perfect with necessary city workers, police officers and
Impressions Entertainment and a well known other helpers, contribute to the success of the
promoter of area events (LincolnFest, Decatur festival through guidance of the managers, with
Celebration) came in as festival manager early direction from the festival’s board of directors.
on and developed this talent-based part of At times there’s been some controversy
the big shindig. His reasoning on the success over the “taking over of downtown” and how
of the fest is that “Springfield just had an to deal with certain situations. From getting to
ambiance for this event and it fit the feel of bars on a Saturday night to clearing the way to
the city so well.” When state funding dried downtown churches on Sunday mornings or
up around 2005, the festival struggled some, simply finding ways for residents living within
but it contracted with the national group, the show area to just get in and out of their
Family Events (that later became Bonnier homes, there are issues with the logistics of an
Events), to run the show. Some of the vendor event this size. But Springfield has taken the
and participant fees increased to cover costs, International Route 66 Mother Road Festival
and national sponsors that supported other to heart. With the continued support of the
car shows appeared. Still the homegrown city, community and fellow travelers, this
happening went full speed ahead and folks excellent source of tourism and entertainment
attended in droves, keeping intact the original seems to be here to stay.
idea of increasing tourism. And, you better believe that “Coop” and
During that time “Shaner” worked for the “Shaner” intend to keep their collective feet
events company, running car shows around on the gas, paving the way for the show to be
the nation while remaining as operations parked right here in downtown Springfield for
manager for Springfield’s Mother Road show. years to come.
He no longer works for Bonnier Events,
but his knowledge of running the whole Tom Irwin is an area musician and singer-
shebang is indispensable. As “Coop” put it, songwriter, plus writes Now Playing, a weekly
he wouldn’t know quite what to do without column about local live music for Illinois Times.
“Shaner” taking care of what he does. By the He has been driving a Prius for about a decade
same token, McDermith said, even though now, but enjoys a good classic hot rod as well as
he basically ran the operations part for years, the next person. He can be reached at tirwin@
he didn’t know how and wouldn’t even be illinoistimes.com or visit www.tomirwin.net.
Cars and spectators fill Monroe Street from an early show. Notice the pay phone in the right side of the photo.
September 23-29, 2021 | Illinois Times | 15You can also read
