Chester not chosen as site for traveling Smithsonian exhibit

CHESTER -- Being located next to the Mississippi River apparently didn't sway the Illinois Humanities Council.

<span>During the June 17 meeting of the Chester Tourism Commission, it was announced that Chester was not selected as one of the six hosts sites for the traveling Smithsonian exhibit "Water: Resource for life" that is being sponsored through the IHC's Museum on Main Street program.</span>

<span>The Tourism Commission, which jointly filed the application with the Chester Public Library, reportedly received the official response via letter. The two Southern Illinois sites that were selected were Valmeyer and Carbondale.</span>

<span>"We're quite disappointed due to the fact that we have so much to offer in Chester," said Tourism Commission Chairwoman Sandra Starr, in a media interview after the meeting. "With our unique location on the river, we have something those communities cannot offer."</span>

<span>According to the IHC's website, if Chester was selected as one of the hosts sites, the city would be part of a tour of the exhibit that would begin in late May 2016 and run through mid-March 2017.</span>

<span>"I'm disappointed," said Chester Mayor Tom Page in a phone interview with the Herald Tribune. "I certainly want Chester to attract any events like that and think it's good for our city."</span>

<span>In other action, commission member Brenda Owen proposed creating a special Historic Preservation fund in which money for various projects (such as the Pierre Menard Home, Fort Kaskaskia Shelter House and others) could be placed.</span>

<span>Owen said due to uncertainties with state funding of sites, it would be difficult to designate specific locations.</span>

<span>"I think it could be a way to put a cause in front of people without getting into a bind where we don't know what's going to happen to specific places," she said.</span>

<span>The commission agreed to put the proposal on the agenda for a vote during the July meeting.</span>

<span>Other discussion involved the "Wine Down" event at Benson's Wine Bar, which is still scheduled to occur on the Sunday of Popeye Picnic weekend. A specific location that the proceeds will be used to support has not yet been selected.</span>

<span>The commission also debated whether or not the anticipated July 3 docking of the American Queen riverboat will occur due to the high level of the Mississippi River.</span>

<span>Finally, Herald Tribune Managing Editor Pete Spitler gave an update on the closed Chester Municipal Pool. Spitler said he had a phone discussion with State Rep. Jerry Costello II (D-Smithton) on June 16 regarding the topic.</span>

<span>Costello expressed his interest in the amphitheater proposal and stated he wanted to sit down with the Chester Pool Committee, Page and J.T. Blankinship owner/engineer Harold Sheffer to discuss the next steps.</span>

<span>The Tourism Commission reported $6,880.40 balance in its bank account, with $143.44 in petty cash. The next meeting, which is open to the public, of the commission is scheduled for July 15 at 10:30 a.m. at Chester City Hall.</span>