Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day TuesDAY, March 17th Wednesday • March 11, 2026
Local Art Installation Depicts African American History Group Seeks National Recognition
Photos of Prairie Boat, compliments of Christine Perri _______________________________
On the final day of Black History Month, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller stood along the bank of the Little Calumet River at Beaubien Woods near Riverdale, just off Interstate 94, the Bishop Ford Expressway. Though she had visited the forest preserve many times in past Februarys, this year’s gathering carried a renewed sense of purpose. Waiting to greet her were retired professor Larry McClellan and Tom Shepherd, founders and board members of the Midwest Underground Railroad Network (formerly the Little Calumet River Underground Railroad Project). Their mission was twofold: to honor Black History Month and to urge Cook County to support a new effort to recognize an art installation at Beaubien Woods as a significant Underground Railroad site. The forest preserve property borders what was once the Jan and Aagje Ton Farm — a documented “safe house” on the Underground Railroad. In 2019, after years of detailed research and a rigorous application authored by McClellan, the Ton Farm was added to the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom registry, a program of the National Park Service. The designation formally recognized the farm’s role in assisting freedom seekers escaping slavery in the mid19th century as they traveled toward Chicago and, ultimately, Canada. Now, McClellan, Shepherd, Rodney Harrington and fellow applicant and sculptor Christine Perri are
advocating for similar recognition of “Prairie Boat,” a large sculptural installation designed by Perri that serves as both gathering space and memorial. The artwork features depictions honoring Native American and African American history, symbolizing the journeys of freedom seekers who once traversed the nearby river corridor. The installation that was commissioned by the Forest Preserves and built in 2023 qualifies as an important historic commemorative site that could be included on the national registry. Supporters believe designating Prairie Boat as a commemorative site on the Network to Freedom would elevate the historical significance of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, expand heritage tourism, and provide a central starting point for educational tours conducted in partnership with the preserves. In a formal letter delivered to Commissioner Miller also addressed to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, the Midwest Underground Railroad Network requested that she submit their proposal to have Beaubien Woods approved as a host site for Network to Freedom designation for the Prairie Boat. Such recognition would require Cook County’s agreement to serve as the Photo, Left to right: official land owner of the Larry McClellan, commemorative site. Cook County Commissioner The group also Donna Miller, Tom Shepherd. requested an opportunity (Photo by Tom Shepherd) to present their case to _____________________ Cook County Board Pres. Toni Preckwinkle and Forest Preserves Superintendent Adam Bianchi, emphasizing that the application to the National Park Service is complete and available for review. As the wind moved across the Little Calumet River and through the winter trees, the moment underscored a broader message: that the landscape itself still holds stories of courage, refuge, and the enduring pursuit of freedom — stories local historians hope will soon receive national recognition.
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Prepare for Rising Prices By Janice Newman The US-Israel–Iran conflict is now entering its second week of war, with numerous bombings that are beginning to adversely affect commerce in the Middle East and around the world. Several oil refinery production facilities in Iran have reportedly been damaged or destroyed by military attacks. In addition, major international maritime shipping routes have either been blocked or have become too dangerous for vessels to navigate in order to export oil from the region. Because of this, nearby countries can’t transport their oil out. Those countries oil storage facilities will reach capacity and will force a shutdown in production because they don’t have the storage space. Globally, we are now starting to see the effects through higher oil and gasoline prices. Although oil is typically purchased several months in advance, the increases seen at the gas pumps are often a response to anticipated higher oil prices in the near future. As of 03/09/2026, Brent Crude oil future is at approximately $110 a barrel, which has not been this high since July 2022. There is limited talk about G7 nations tapping into some of the emergency oil reserves to control prices. Oil is used for approximately 90% of worldwide energy related to transportation, heating, and other products. The cost will trickle down to other products
as shipping transportation costs will go up. Petroleum is also used in a wide variety of everyday items many people do not often think about, such as deodorant, medical equipment like MRI machines, eyeglasses, plastics, and many other common products. However, the petroleum product most visible to consumers is gasoline for our vehicles. For many consumers, household budgets are already stretched to their limits. Some Illinois residents will cross the border into Indiana or travel to different counties in search of cheaper gas prices, only to discover that prices are often similar. For Chicago-area drivers, another factor will soon affect the price at the pump. In about 60 days, gas stations will begin dispensing the special summer-blend gasoline required in the Chicago region. This specially formulated fuel is designed to reduce air pollution but typically costs more per gallon than gasoline sold in most other parts of the country. As a result, it may place yet another strain on travel budgets during the busy summer driving season. However, if we make a few minor changes in our daily habits, we can save money at the pump. 1. Plan your errands around other trips. This helps you use less gas. Stop at the store on the way home from work. Schedule doctor’s appointments on the same day
or after work if possible. Make a grocery list so you don’t forget an item and have to make a second trip. 2. If you have two vehicles, drive the one with the best gas mileage. We love our large SUVs for their extra room and comfort, but filling those large tanks too often can quickly empty your wallet. 3. Buy gas at shopping clubs or discount retailers. Stores such as Sam’s Club, Costco, Walmart, or Meijer often offer lower gas prices than many traditional stations. 4. Use a gas app to save a few extra cents per gallon. My household has gas apps on all our phones. My husband and I were thrilled when we received a bonus of 40¢ off per gallon using the Citgo app—and our tank happened to be empty at just the right time! 5. Yes, the dreaded carpool. If possible, share a ride and split the cost of gas. Ride with a coworker and get to know them. Just remember to be courteous, respectful, and on time. With no clear end to the conflict in sight, it is wise to adjust some of our daily habits so rising fuel costs do not strain our budgets. At the same time, we should remain grateful that the conflict is not taking place in our own backyard. Y? Why Not!