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ComEd Enters the Chat


Sunshine Strategies Radio - YouTube
Sunshine Strategies Radio - YouTube

I’m not sure about you, but my projects never seem to go as originally planned.  



ComEd Enters the Chat

And Project Taphophile has NOT gone as expected.  It’s been a while since I last updated everyone on this initiative, so let’s start today’s episode with something lighter than the week’s news…


If you’re new, I’ll give you a quick recap.  Our podcast is part family civic engagement and part public policy procedural  Which sounds a bit silly - it’s simply me documenting the projects we are working on, showing you how a regular person can help make real, positive change on the ground.


And Project Taphophile is our adventure to figure out what we, as a state, do with our oldest cemeteries.  The ones that don’t get many visitors, whose inhabitants no longer have family members to visit them.  And who only get visited by people like me, who search out the beauty and history found in them.  


What better way to investigate a public policy problem than by digging into one directly?


I mean - not with a shovel.  Yet.  Hold on - I’ll get there.  


What I mean is, that most people, even politicians and state administrators give up on hard or complex problems. I love complicated public policy problems, so here on this podcast, I explain what we’re working on and what’s been happening behind the scenes.  Change is much easier when it’s transparent and well-documented.  And much easier to then replicate!  This is good, because there are over 14,000 documented cemeteries in the state of Illinois, each with its own unique problems and quirks.,


The first cemetery where this issue came to light was when I went searching for Finley Cemetery in Christian County, Illinois.  And Google Maps took me to the edge of Sangchris Lake.  When the lake was created in the 1960s, I’m pretty sure it was supposed to be moved, but somehow got left behind, assuming that the people within it would be safe there for eternity.  


My grandpa once warned me about assuming things.  Something about making an ass out of you and me?  And here’s another good example.  Because here we are over sixty years later, and while the cemetery is simply inaccessible to visit and covered in honeysuckle, the shoreline is eroding.


My solution?  Ask very nicely that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources fix the shoreline, and let me raise private money to put in a boat dock and clear the brush. 


Now, I know you are thinking that is hopelessly optimistic of me.  But it worked!  I talked to the site manager, the IDNR representative for human remains, and someone who works in cemetery restoration.


And then the roadblock.


As I was discussing with IDNR the best way to structure the fundraising for restoration, I received an email from someone I haven’t met in person yet.  General counsel for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  


That got my attention.


A member of their team reached out in response to a request I had, essentially telling me after a year of work that IDNR DID NOT own Finley Cemetery.  The proof?  An insurance claim document, with exemptions for the cemetery, written to… Commonwealth Edison.


Even better, this document included that not only did ComEd own it in the 1960’s, but when this document originated, the mineral rights were to another entity.  Peabody Coal.


So, wait.  Even after I checked with the Christian County Clerk, who states that the property is under IDNR, and then with the site staff, who for years thought the state owned the property…  they don’t?


And not only DOESN’T the state of Illinois not own this cemetery, but Commonwealth Edison, the business affiliated with the infamous Mike Madigan, who was just convicted last week, does?


The company in charge of all of Illinois’ power also is the owner of the remains of 92 founding members of Christian County?


That seemed ridiculous.  That me, of all people, who had sought a quiet place to work AWAY from politics had somehow found a cemetery connected to Mike Madigan.


But here I am, a month later, and I haven’t found anything to change what I know so far.  The county clerk is sure the state owns the cemetery, IDNR general counsel assures me they do not own it, and I spent about eight hours so far in the Christian County Clerk’s office looking in the giant book of grantors and grantees for that time period.


I take that back.  I have learned that Emma Lloyd was the owner of the property the cemetery sits on in 1954.  Which doesn’t mean much of anything yet, but gives me another name to look for.  If you aren’t familiar - the grantor and grantee books at each county record the property transfers according to name and year.  



Records from Christian County, Illinois
Records from Christian County, Illinois


And it has left me a bit awestruck, to be honest.  It’s been a while since I last worked with original documents of any age, and to be in the vault with documents going back to my hero, Abe Lincoln… it made for an enjoyable day.  The current Christian County courthouse was built in the early 1900’s but prior to that, Mr. Lincoln practiced law in the older wooden courthouse.  Those records are on the wall, along with deed transfers that I’ll need to go through next.


Thankfully, even with the unexpected change in owner, I think I’ve got my project plan updated.  With the help of a few local friends, I’m not only going to head back to Taylorville to look in the deeds, but I’ve also reached out to the families who farm that part of the park for IDNR.  Chances are that they have farmed it for years, and may have some idea about the story of ownership.  


Part of me hopes that this is all just a clerical error and that the state really does own Finley Cemetery.  Mostly because I don’t want to have to call Commonwealth Edison, Vistra Energy, or whoever manages the property.  Currently, the whole area is in a bit of a transition, with the power plant slated to close soon. And rumor has it that the plan is to put in solar panels in place of it, repurposing the electrical grid that’s there.  A great idea!  But one that is complicated by a small pioneer cemetery close to the water, and forgotten by its owners, no matter who they are.





Alright - time for some news!


Let’s start with the Trump Administration and their actions at the federal level in the past week.

  1. Halting Medical Research Funding The administration has blocked a crucial step in the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) process for funding medical research. Specifically, the NIH has stopped submitting study sections to the Federal Register, which are essential for advancing research on various diseases. This move may violate a federal judge's order and could delay important medical studies.

  2. Dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Steps have been initiated to dismantle USAID by placing most of its global staff on leave and terminating at least 1,600 U.S.-based employees. This action is part of a broader plan to reduce the size of the federal government, but it disrupts longstanding U.S. efforts linking foreign aid to national security.

  3. Transferring Transgender Prisoners Based on Birth-Assigned Sex A new policy mandates that transgender inmates be housed according to their sex assigned at birth rather than their gender identity. Critics argue this increases the risk of violence and sexual assault for transgender individuals in prisons. Legal challenges have been filed, and some federal court rulings have temporarily blocked specific transfers.

  4. Executive Orders Issued Several executive orders were signed, including:

    • Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies: Aims to enhance oversight and responsibility within federal agencies.

    • Expanding Access to In Vitro Fertilization: Seeks to broaden the availability of fertility treatments.

  5. These orders reflect the administration's priorities in government efficiency and healthcare. citeturn0search2

These actions highlight the administration's focus on restructuring federal agencies, enforcing specific policies regarding transgender individuals, and issuing executive orders to implement its agenda.


National News

Supreme Court Upholds Abortion Clinic Buffer Zones

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear challenges against "buffer zone" ordinances in Carbondale, Illinois, and Englewood, New Jersey. These ordinances restrict how close protesters can get to abortion clinics, aiming to protect patients and staff from harassment. The Court's decision leaves the lower court rulings intact, maintaining these protective measures.


Statewide News

Honoring Illinois' Fallen

Governor JB Pritzker ordered all entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act to fly flags at half-staff from sunrise on Saturday, February 15, until sunset on Monday, February 17. This gesture honors the service and sacrifice of Illinois' fallen heroes.


Extreme Cold Weather Advisory

The National Weather Service issued a warning for Central Illinois, forecasting very cold temperatures with nighttime wind chills well below zero from February 17 through February 20. Residents were advised to take necessary precautions to stay warm and safe during this period.

Local News

Lincoln Land Community College Agriculture Club Triumphs

Students from Lincoln Land Community College's Agriculture Club excelled at the Illinois Professional Agricultural Student conference on February 13. Fifteen out of seventeen participants earned top marks, advancing to the national conference in Sheridan, Wyoming, scheduled for March 17-20. Notably, the soil specialist team, including Sawyer Smith, Kinsey Mennen, and Clay Aylesworth, secured first place, with Smith achieving top individual honors.

High School Sports Highlights

In high school sports, several local teams showcased outstanding performances. The Centralia High School boys' basketball team secured a decisive victory against their long-time rivals, enhancing their standings in the regional tournament. Meanwhile, the girls' volleyball team from Springfield High advanced to the state semifinals, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and resilience.

Community Events and Initiatives

The Springfield Public Library announced a new literacy program aimed at promoting reading among children and young adults. This initiative includes weekly reading sessions, book clubs, and author visits to engage the community and foster a love for literature.

Weather Outlook

Following the extreme cold earlier in the week, temperatures are expected to moderate, with daytime highs reaching the mid-30s to low 40s. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on local forecasts and prepare for potential fluctuations in weather conditions.

Fishing Report

Winter Conditions Affect Fishing Across Illinois

The fluctuating winter weather has impacted fishing conditions on central lakes throughout Illinois. Anglers have had to adjust their strategies accordingly. For detailed information on fishing conditions and tips, refer to the latest statewide fishing report.


Source Listing

Here are the sources referenced in today's episode:


That concludes this week's episode of "Sunshine Strategies Radio." Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, stay safe and informed.


 
 
 

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