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State spends $73 million to protect Illinois’ only undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline

By COLE LONGCOR
Capitol News Illinois
clongcor@capitolnewsillinois.com

A $73 million state-funded project in Lake County aims to stabilize the last undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline in Illinois and help protect native endangered species.

Illinois Beach State Park in Zion on the state’s northern border contains about 10 percent of Illinois’ Lake Michigan shoreline, with 6.5 miles. But the undeveloped shoreline can erode up to 100 feet per year, according to the state’s Capital Development Board, which is partially overseeing the stabilization project. 

To mitigate the erosion, the Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project seeks to build 22 breakwater structures along 2.2 miles of shoreline.  The breakwaters will protect the beach, maintaining it for human and animal use while providing natural habitats for local wildlife. 

CDB spokesperson Lauren Grenlund said without intervention the beach “would continue to slowly migrate and erode.” The project, she said, “renourishes the existing sandy beach and shelters it from incoming wave energy.”

Its funding source is the state’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, a $45 billion six-year infrastructure plan originally approved by the General Assembly in 2019. Construction at Illinois Beach began in 2023, and earlier this year the stabilization plan received recognition from New York-based water infrastructure advocacy group The Waterfront Alliance. 

Illinois Beach State Park is the first freshwater project and first in the Midwest to receive verification under the organization’s Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines, or WEDG. The Waterfront Alliance launched the WEDG program in 2015 and has since certified 13 other projects, mostly in New York City and the surrounding area, though it opened up to other parts of the country in 2019.

Grenlund said the state decided to submit the Illinois Beach State Park project for WEDG certification – at a cost of $12,500 to cover the application fee – as the project is the “highest standard of waterfront design.” 

“By achieving WEDG Verification, the Illinois Beach State Park project stands out amongst other waterfront projects as a leader that goes above and beyond standard environmental and regulatory requirements and provides a broad community benefit,” Grenlund said.

The shoreline stabilization plan received a perfect score in the WEDG program’s category of “innovation.” 

“Where this one really stood out is that ecological features that they built into the breakwater,” Joseph Sutkowi, Waterfront Alliance’s chief waterfront design officer, said in an interview. “That’s what kind of took this one beyond just a typical breakwaters project, which is often not that environmentally beneficial.” 

Sutkowi said the ecological features central to the project work to create habitat spaces on the calm, shoreside of the breakwater structures. The top of one of the structures will have 10 built-in nests for migratory shorebirds like the Caspian tern and endangered common tern. Stabilizing the shore and protecting habitats will help protect animals who make their home on the beach, including the endangered piping plover, another migratory bird species. 

The new breakwater structures at Illinois Beach State Park will create new habitats for native species including tern nests and aquatic gardens. (Graphic courtesy of the Waterfront Alliance’s WEDG Verified Project Case Study.)

Under the lake’s surface, reclaimed concrete blocks from the site and native plants will be used to foster aqua gardens and create habitat spaces for species such as mudpuppies and yellow perch. 

To protect the new habitats while balancing human use and access of the site, a natural “soft” barrier will be constructed between the breakwater structures and the beach using driftwood and sunken trees. Views from the beach should not be impacted as the structures are mostly submerged and are spaced out, according to IDNR and the Waterfront Alliance.

Maintaining public access has been a factor throughout the process, Sutkowi said. Grenlund said construction around the main swimming beach and conference center only took place in off-season months. Construction at the park’s northern and southern ends is “substantially complete,” leaving the natural beach area in the middle of the park as the only remaining location of further construction this summer, which is expected to be completed in August.

Sutkowi said that beyond recognition, WEDG verification creates a level of accountability as the project is built.

“It’s a tool for the design team,” Sutkowi said. “But it’s also a way for advocates and others to help hold projects accountable for actually creating great sites, because now there’s a standard out there.”

To receive WEDG verification a project must meet 130 out of a possible 200 points. The Illinois Beach State Park Shoreline Stabilization Project scored 146 points. It was designed by the infrastructure firm Moffatt & Nichol. Other companies involved include SmithGroup, Edgewater Resources, Michels Construction Incorporated, and Collins Engineering. 

 

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

Illinois community colleges empower women - The Rochelle News-Leader
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As a career advocate for community inclusion and access to critical services like health care and education, I felt compelled to highlight the work of Illinois Community Colleges across our state that empower women to pursue careers in historically male-dominated industries.
The seven woodpeckers of southern Illinois
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Woodpeckers are widely known and generally liked. Kids from my generation all knew Woody Woodpecker. Most sport a handsome coat of black, white and red feathers; males usually also have a red crest or...
Rep. Keicher joins state task force to fight human trafficking

SYCAMORE – State. Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, was appointed this week to serve on the Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force in Springfield, according to a news release from the legislator’s office.

Keicher was appointed by House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna.

“The most common and prevalent way that people are exposed to human trafficking would be prostitution. So, the trafficking can take that prostitution angle where there’s sexual violence but it can also be forced servitude,” Keicher said.

“I think most people that know my family circumstance, and my cousin who was sexually abused by her stepfather, know that I’ve been a fighter for survivors of violence, and human trafficking is the ultimate culmination of that. My appointment to the human trafficking task force was, I don’t want to say a surprise but a welcome thanks for the work that I’ve been able to do so far, and I appreciate leader McCombie’s trust in me doing that.”

The Human Trafficking Task Force includes 22 regular members and four ex-officio members who serve without compensation, according to the release.

The task force’s mission is to produce policy recommendations that prevent trafficking, improve assistance for victims and educate the public about the problem to assist in prevention, according to the release.

The representatives also encouraged public use of the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 to report any suspected trafficking taking place in their communities.

Keicher, who serves the 70th District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane and McHenry counties, filed a bill that legislators passed and Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law in spring 2023 that expunges crimes committed while being trafficked.

Keicher said the law helps victims of human trafficking get back to normalcy.

“What we’re finding is when people are coming out of trafficking scenarios, they are no longer able to get a job, go to school, pass a background check because of the crimes they were forced to commit while trafficked,” Keicher said.

State Rep. Davis from Yorkville sponsors Student Protection Bill

SPRINGFIELD – House Bill 5434, filed by State Rep. Jed Davis, R-Yorkville, passed the Elementary & Secondary Education: School Curriculum & Policies Committee with a vote of 15-0 on March 21.

The bill will require schools to await official documentation of a student’s enrollment at another school before releasing them from their roster. This is intended to ensure continuity of education and deter kids from disappearing into horrific situations like trafficking, according to a March 22 news release.

“Yesterday’s committee passage of House Bill 5434 was a huge win for children across Illinois,” Davis said in the release. “This bill will protect kids by ensuring no student falls through the cracks of our education system.”

This bill is one of five included in the Protecting Kids legislative package filed by Davis. He credited Plano School District Assistant Principal for bringing the initiative to his attention.

“Right now, schools can take the word of a parent or guardian when removing kids from their roster. This bill will hold everyone accountable to these students, ensuring no child is left behind,” Davis said in the release. “I want to thank Plano Community Unit School District 88 Assistant Principal Faith Skinner, who brought this initiative to me. I look forward to seeing this bill receive bipartisan support on the House floor.”

For more information about Representative Davis, visit RepJedDavis.com.

Patrick Pfingsten speaks with Republican State Representative Wayne Rosenthal about the General Assembly, Illinois politics and more!

Patrick Pfingsten speaks with Republican State Representative Wayne Rosenthal regarding politics, the state of the Illinois General Assembly, immigration, and much more!

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Patrick Pfingsten speaks with Political Journalist Brendan Moore about Illinois politics and more!

Patrick Pfingsten speaks with Political Journalist Brendan Moore about Illinois politics and so much more!

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State spends $73 million to protect Illinois’ only undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline - Southwest Regional Publishing
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DCFS hires on-the-spot at hiring events

Child protection agency seeks to add more than 500 to the payroll

Fairview Heights, IL  (capitolnewsillinois.com) Cyrenthia Threat spent Wednesday morning at a hiring event in Fairview Heights waiting for word on whether she was hired by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Threat wants to move to Illinois from Georgia where she works as a social worker. She has 20 years of experience working in adult mental health. 

“I just need a change,” Threat said. “I need a job. I just need an opportunity.”

Candidates who attended the hiring event could receive a job offer that day – avoiding weeks and months of delay usually associated with seeking state employment.

DCFS hosted this event to boost numbers around the state as part of Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed headcount increase at the agency. Under the plan, the agency would grow from 3,450 employees to 4,000. The headcount in 2017 was 2,481. 

“One of the biggest hurdles to successfully onboarding with the state was how long it took for them from when they first came in contact with the state and applied for a job to when they accepted an offer,” said DCFS Chief of Staff Jassen Strokosch. “And, as we know, folks do not like to wait around for a job. They are going to get other offers.”

To eliminate that obstacle, DCFS consolidated its 12-step hiring process, which includes interviews, grading, fingerprinting, and put it all in one place. The process is just as rigorous as a standard process, an agency spokesperson said, but merging the hiring processes allows for an expediated decision – contingent upon the outcome of background checks.

In recent years, DCFS has come under scrutiny after a series of deaths of children who died after contact the agency. Former Director Marc Smith received a dozen contempt citations from a Cook County judge who cited him personally for failing to ensure children were placed in appropriate settings. While those were eventually dismissed or overturned on appeal, Smith resigned from the position in October.

But for more than 30 years, DCFS has been under the supervision of a federal court. Part of the consent decree to settle a lawsuit filed by the ACLU on behalf of kids in care includes reducing worker caseloads, a goal the agency has struggled to meet. 

DCFS saw a five-year turnover rate of more than 20 percent statewide, according to an April filing connected to the decades-old consent decree. The new hiring system also attempts to address retention, Strokosch said. To keep the employees they are hiring, Strokosch said there were longtime employees in attendance at the hiring event to talk to prospective hires and let them know the rigors and rewards of the job. He also pointed out DCFS has one of the highest supervisor-to-caseworker ratios in the country, allowing newer employees to feel supported and guided.

“Most of the people that are coming to this event, are not straight out of school. These are folks with experience under their belt. For whatever reason, they want to change their career path. They are coming here because they want to be part of a mission-driven organization. And they want to know that they are making a difference. And we take that incredibly seriously, part of our job is to make sure that, if you are here, it’s because you care about kids,” Strokosch said.

In Fairview Heights, DCFS was looking to hire mostly permanency workers, who monitor and facilitate compliance with safety plans. Germaine Yancy, of East St. Louis, came out to see what DCFS could offer him. Yancy is currently unemployed but has worked with children and has a background in security.

“I saw an opportunity presented itself with the state of Illinois. They were seeking child welfare workers, so I just said I would come on out, see what it was all about,” Yancy said.

Candidates who may not qualify as a children protection investigator or a permanency worker may get a call later about a clerical or other position with the agency. 

“We have a whole table of career counselors here that take folks who may not have the qualifications for the job they thought they were coming here to get. And we try to match them up with another job in the agency that they might be qualified for and, and potentially recruit them down the road in the next few weeks. So, it is a win,” Strokosch said.

On-the-spot hiring events were previously held in Rockford and Bloomington. Additional hiring events are planned around the state. 

At the hiring event in Fairview Heights, 123 people were offered conditional employment. 

Threat, the Georgia social worker who hopes to relocate, was still in line at the event on Wednesday afternoon. No word on whether she was offered a job.

By BETH HUNDSDORFER
Capitol News Illinois
bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com

 

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association. 

The post DCFS hires on-the-spot at hiring events first appeared on WTAX 93.9FM/1240AM.

IARSS Survey: Teacher Shortages Persist in Illinois with Disparities, Many Solutions ...
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Commentary: Illinois community colleges empower women to pursue careers in historically male-dominated industries

By TERESA GARATE
Vice Chair, Illinois Community College Board

Teresa Garate

As a career advocate for community inclusion and access to critical services like health care and education, I felt compelled to highlight the work of Illinois Community Colleges across our state that empower women to pursue careers in historically male-dominated industries. March is National Women’s History Month when we celebrate and remember women’s achievements. Creating opportunities for women through education is a 24/7 mission for the Illinois Community College System.

Illinois’ community colleges continue to be leaders in actively dismantling barriers, supporting women’s long-term career goals, and providing adequate resources. As a key facilitator of workforce training in our state, the Illinois Community College System plays a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of gender representation in the workforce.

Community colleges are not merely centers of community education; they are engines of empowerment, driving change and inclusivity. As a Hispanic woman, this empowerment is especially important to me given the student population across our community college system. Women make up more than 50% of the enrollment in community colleges, and the colleges serve 72% of the minority population in public higher education. Through innovative programs, dedicated support services, and collaborative partnerships, Illinois community colleges are paving the way for women to thrive in fields where they have historically been underrepresented.

One of the most significant contributions of Illinois community colleges is the development of tailored programs designed specifically to prepare women for careers in male-dominated industries. From welding and manufacturing to construction trades, these programs provide women and other underrepresented groups with the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen fields. By offering hands-on training, mentorship opportunities, and real-world experiences, these programs equip individuals with the confidence and competence to succeed.

Illinois community colleges recognize the unique challenges faced by women entering male-dominated fields and take steps to support those challenges. From having the right safety gear to fit women available in a welding program or inviting female industry speakers and alumni to talk to a STEM class, these efforts foster a supportive and nurturing environment that empower women to pursue their career aspirations with determination and resilience.

Furthermore, Illinois community colleges actively cultivate partnerships with industry leaders to ensure that their programs remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the workforce. These partnerships facilitate internships, job placements, and networking opportunities, providing students with valuable connections and practical experience in their chosen fields. By bridging the gap between education and industry, these collaborations enhance the employability of women graduates and facilitate their transition into male-dominated professions.

It is essential to acknowledge the critical role of financial aid and scholarships in making education more accessible and affordable for students pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Illinois community colleges offer a range of financial assistance options, enabling women and others from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to pursue their educational and career goals without undue financial burden. By removing financial barriers to education, these colleges ensure that all women can fulfill their potential in these professions and contribute meaningfully to the workforce.

I am proud to be a part of the Illinois Community College Board, a group of dedicated women and men who support the many goals of Illinois’ community colleges, including empowering women to forge successful career paths in any industry they choose. Through their commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence, these institutions are transforming lives and driving necessary change in our communities. As we continue to champion gender equality and diversity in the workforce, let us recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of Illinois community colleges in creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Teresa Garate has spent more than 30 years working throughout Illinois and the US as an expert in public health, social and human services, and education. She has served as a member of the Illinois Community College Board and represents the community college board on the Illinois Board of Higher Education since 2012 and was recently named vice chair of the board.

 

 

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The opinions published by the Illinois Business Journal in its print or digital publications within its Commentary space are those of their authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Illinois Business Journal or its corporate family.)

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DCFS hires on-the-spot at hiring events
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Child protection agency seeks to add more than 500 to the payroll.
Appeals court skeptical of Mike Bost’s case to stop ballot counts after Election Day
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panel of federal appellate judges on Thursday seemed skeptical of legal arguments made on behalf of Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, who claims Illinois’ law allowing counting of mail-in ballots for two weeks after an election is in violation of federal law.