Prairie Band Potawatomi land deal clears Senate, will head back to House
By PETER HANCOCK
Capitol News Illinois
phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD – The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is a step closer to acquiring a 1,500-acre state park in DeKalb County, much of which was once part of a reservation that was illegally seized from the tribe in the mid-19 th century.
As the Senate worked through its last stack of bills Sunday before planning to adjourn for the summer, it voted 49-7 to pass Senate Bill 867, which authorizes deeding the property to the tribe for $1.
“Rarely do we get to make amends for the sins of our collective past,” Sen. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, the bill’s chief sponsor, said on the Senate floor. “As you might expect, this bill is to repair the 150 years we have suffered with a moral wound.”
The Prairie Band Potawatomi were originally granted a reservation of roughly two square miles – about 1,280 acres – in the 1829 Treaty of Prairie du Chien. But around 1849, Chief Shab-eh-nay traveled west to northeast Kansas, where many other members of the tribe had relocated. While he was gone, the federal government declared the reservation land abandoned and sold it at public auction.
In the 1970s, the state of Illinois used federal grant funds to buy about 1,500 acres that now make up Shabbona Lake and State Park. That land partially overlaps the original reservation. Other parts of the original reservation consist of county-owned property and about 30 private homes.
The bill represents one part of the Prairie Band Potawatomi’s long-running effort to reestablish its presence in Illinois. The tribe also recently acquired 130 acres in the area, and last month the U.S. Department of the Interior formally placed that land in trust, making it the only federally recognized tribal reservation in Illinois.
Acquisition of the 1,500 acres of park land would greatly expand the Potawatomi’s footprint in the area. But that has made some residents who live nearby nervous about the future of the community, especially if the tribe decides to develop a casino or make other major changes to the park area.
The issue has also made some state lawmakers nervous, especially those unaccustomed to working with issues involving tribal relations.
“This just came up and we’re receiving a lot of opposition, and this is unique to our state,” Republican Sen. Sue Rezin, of Morris, who represents a neighboring district, said during a committee hearing Saturday.
Tribal officials have said they have no plans to develop a casino in the area, noting that a casino already exists in downtown Aurora, only about 45 minutes to the east.
Sen. Win Stoller, R-East Peoria, whose district includes the park land, said he believes residents of the area have nothing to fear from the land transfer.
“The Prairie Band have committed to keeping the park open to the public and even have plans to improve the infrastructure and experiences available in the park,” he said on the Senate floor. “Local officials including the mayor of Shabbona are in support. I believe this is the right thing to do.”
The bill next moves to the House, which is scheduled to reconvene Tuesday to wrap up its business for the spring session.
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.
Illinois News
Classifieds
Taste the Adventure: Introducing Kankakee County Taco Trail!
Spread the loveGet ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other as Visit Kankakee County proudly unveils the much-anticipated Kankakee County Taco Trail. Launched on May 21, this trail promises to excite taste buds and showcase the diverse flavors of Kankakee County’s taco scene. The Kankakee County Taco Trail is a celebration of…
Monee Police Blotter: May 12 – 19
Spread the loveOn May 12, at approximately 6:53 p.m., a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Anthony Ausmus, 29, of Chicago. Ausmus was issued citations for speeding over the statutory limit, having no valid insurance, and operating a vehicle with no valid driver’s license. He was released with a notice to appear via his…
‘I Got Your Six’ Raises $70,000
Spread the loveOn Sunday, May 19, there was a sea of blue present at Perry Farm Park in anticipation of the third annual “I Got Your Six Walk/Run.” The event was held in memory of Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and in honor of Officer Tyler Bailey, after a tragic encounter in December 2021. This year, there…
Peotone Police Blotter: May 17-21
Spread the loveOn May 17, officers were dispatched for a report of a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of Second Street. Upon arrival, they spoke with both individuals involved, who stated they had been in a heated argument but did not need police intervention. One party agreed to leave the premises, and the other…
Beecher Community Library News
Spread the loveCall the library at 708-946-9090 for programs that require registration. The library’s Summer Reading Program begins Monday, June 3. Patrons of all ages can win prizes for reading during the summer! Outdoor Used Book Sale: A number of used books are for sale on the front veranda for $1 each and include children’s,…
PHS Holds Annual Senior Awards Night
Spread the lovePeotone High School held its annual Senior Awards Night for the Class of 2024 on May 14. In a statement made by Principal Jason Spang: “On behalf of our board of education, administration, faculty, and staff, we sincerely appreciate your hard work and dedication during your tenure here at Peotone High School. The…
Crete Library News
Spread the loveThursday, May 30 Manga Club for Teens, from 3 – 4 p.m., ages 12 – 18: Join us to discuss “Yowamushi Pedal: Vol. 1,” by Wataru Watanabe. Copies of this manga title will be available in advance at the library. Register. Friday, May 31 Retro Movie Fridays, from 2:30 – 4:45 p.m., all…
Malone Receives Medical Degree from SIU School of Medicine
Spread the loveNew physicians at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine received their diplomas Saturday, May 18, at the school’s 50th annual commencement. Congratulations to Reise Malone, of Manteno, daughter of Michael and Stacy Malone, who now will begin her Family Medical Residency/Delnor Northwestern McGaw/NMH/VA-IL. The ceremony, at the Performing Arts Center at the University…
Rep. Haas Hosts Free Job Fair
Spread the loveState Rep. Jackie Haas will host a free job fair on June 5, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Knights of Columbus, 187 S. Indiana Avenue in Kankakee. More than 50 employers will be present at this event. “I am excited to announce my upcoming fourth annual job fair!” said Rep. Haas.…
Riverside Healthcare Selected as 2024 VETS Indexes Recognized Employer
Spread the loveRiverside Healthcare has been designated a 2024 VETS Indexes Recognized Employer. Designees are recognized for their commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and the military-connected community. “Riverside is dedicated to being an employer of choice for veterans and their families,” said Phil Kambic, president and CEO of Riverside Healthcare. “We…
Postma, Emsweller, Ferrier Top PHS Class of 2024
Spread the loveThe Peotone High School Class of 2024 graduation ceremony was held on Friday, May 24, at 7 p.m., at the high school. Honored speakers were Valedictorian Avery Postma and Co-Salutatorians Colin Emsweller and Ethan Ferrier. Avery is the daughter of Christie and Jason Postma, Colin is the son of Caitlin and Matthew Emsweller,…
BPL Hosting ‘Out and About Bourbonnais’ Teen/Adults Program
Spread the loveBonjour! Join us throughout June for “Out and About Bourbonnais,” an exciting challenge that combines fitness, fun, community, and the chance to win awesome prizes. Adults and teens, get moving this summer and don’t forget to amusez-vous (have fun)! The program is in conjunction with the library’s Summer Reading Program, whose theme is…
Reminder: Bike Safety Rodeo June 1
Spread the loveRain or shine, Beecher Police Department will host its annual free Bike Safety Rodeo, for children 13 years and younger, on Saturday, June 1, in the fire department parking lot, with registration from 8:30 to 9 a.m., and the rodeo beginning at 9 a.m. (No registration after 9:15 a.m.) Come and join in…
Peotone Library News
Spread the loveSummer Reading Program registration begins Monday, June 3, for all ages. Interested in being a sponsor – stop by or give us a call. Thank you to our current sponsors for this year’s Summer Reading Program: Peotone American Legion, March Family Dental Care, First Community Bank and Trust, Game On! Bar and Grill,…