Du Quoin man shoulders job of ending racial youth frustrations
Maybe it isn't about race. Maybe its the age-old problem of Du Quoin's east side and west side.
But, there is a problem and it went unspoken this summer as young whites and young blacks confronted each other in Keyes City Park. In fact, for three weeks the problem got so bad police kept "a list" of people who shouldn't be in the park.
Resident Harvey Smith wasn't afraid to talk to the Du Quoin City Council about his concerns. "I came to talk to you about the situation in Du Quoin," he began. Smith is a proud westsider who came to the meeting on a mission. "They say one man with courage is a majority." He said, "I am talking about harassment of children. I am talking about outlets for these kids. Some don't have Toy 1. And, when it comes to people in trouble, we don't have any representation," he said of an attorney who backed away from any meaningful help. "We must get people involved because I feel there is a separation in town," he said.
Smith added he would spend his own money to find solutions.
He obviously has the full support of the council in solving tensions and was invited to meet with Police Chief Jamie Ellermeyer, Mayor Rex Duncan and economic development director Jeff Ashauer to begin achieving what Smith described as "equity" among our young people.
His caring was applauded by the audience.
In other action, the public was reminded of the Fall Festival in Keyes Park Oct. 4 and the Shaw family 5K run.
On Monday, Oct. 13 at noon the Poplar Street overpass will be rededicated as the John Rednour Memorial Overpass in memory of the town's late mayor.
Health and safety officer Ron Darnell had good news with respect to condemned properties. Several owners have addressed the city's concerns and condemnations have been rescinded for properties at 411 Winters Avenue, 721 East Olive, 124 East North Street, 708 South Jefferson and 317 Stacy Avenue.
The council accepted the TIF budget from economic development director Jeff Ashauer. It expects revenues of $8,252.99 from TIF #1; $50,675.39 from TIF #2; and $27,668.86 from TIF #3 for a total of $130,206.42 in redevelopment income. Projects in progress include expansion of the solar field, Main Street improvements, main street structural redevelopment, extending an electric cable to the cookie factory fro the solar field, improvement to the Oak Street parking lot across from the St. Nicholas Brewing Co. and replace eight Main Street trees.
The council tabled an agreement with building inspector Grant Consulting of Carbondale pending language changes.
Mayor Duncan expressed his deep regret at the death of resident Frank Maxton and called his life "one of service whose legacy will last for years."