Guarantee Electrical and ArchKey Solutions each donate $100,000
St. Louis – With an early start to the St. Louis summer heat, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection and its contractors are donating services and materials to restore power to St. Louis homes damaged by the May 16 tornado.
The Electrical Connection is donating $20,000 while NECA contractors Guarantee Electrical and ArchKey Solutions are donating $100,000 a piece to the power restoration initiative. Another Electrical Connection contractor, RJP Electric, and the St. Louis Home Repair Network also are engaged in the initiative.
MOWIT helps tornado survivors recover Page 10
Laborers Local 110 members on strike at Central Stone Company Page 8 Missouri AFL-CIO names Ryan McKenna new secretary-treasurer Page 4 Outdoor Guide Page 11-16
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer announced the program to reconnect homes to the electric grid, along with other tornado recovery programs, at a July 1 press conference at IBEW Local 1’s union hall.
ASSESSMENTS HAVE ALREADY BEGUN
Teams from IBEW and NECA have already begun site assessments to restore power safely to See IBEW/NECA page 9
Illinois teachers’ unions protest Trump administration’s withholding of federal funds, severely hurting students
By ELIZABETH DONALD Illinois Correspondent
Illinois teachers’ unions are protesting the Trump administration’s decision to withhold federal funds from schools.
The Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) issued a statement last week after the Trump administration withheld $200 million in education funding from Illinois. IFT President Dan Montgomery said the funds sustain vital programs like after school and summer learning, academic enrich -
ment, migrant education and other programs.
Montgomery said the money had already been allocated by Congress. “Stripping these dollars harms Black
and brown students, immigrant families and rural communities,” Montgomery said. “This action is part of a broader agenda to dismantle public education and hand massive
tax breaks to Trump’s billionaire cronies.”
The Illinois Education Association (IEA) also posted on social media, pointing out that 80 percent of Illinois public schools are underfunded and yet the administration is taking away $200 million already appropriated. “Every student deserves access to a high-quality public education,” the post read.
$7 BILLION NATIONWIDE
Nationwide the Trump administration withheld nearly $7 billion for after school and summer programs, support for students learning English, teacher training and other serSee ILLINOIS TEACHERS page 9
Heat & Frost Insulators Local 1’s Alex Raglin wins international apprenticeship competition
By SHERI GASSAWAY Missouri Correspondent
For the first time in 21 years, a Heat & Frost Insulators Local 1 apprentice has won the Insulators International Masters Apprentice Competition.
Fourth-year Local 1 apprentice
Alex Raglin accepted a trophy for his recent win at the week-long competition, which was held at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago. Raglin advanced to the contest after competing in the Insulator’s Midwest States Competition.
‘ECSTATIC’
“We couldn’t be more thrilled,”
said Local 1 Business Manager Gary Payeur. “It’s the first time anyone from Local 1 has won the international competition, and to witness it has been a highlight of my career. We’re just ecstatic, and Alex has done a fine job of representing us and providing hope for the future of Local 1.”
Local 1 Apprenticeship Coordinator Bob Ackman attended the event and echoed Payeur’s comments.
“We’re just extremely proud because this is the first time anyone won from Local 1,” Ackman said. “Alex put in a lot of hard work both mentally and physically to be able
Members of the following unions and councils see page 5 for changes in your notices
ALEX RAGLIN (left) a Heat & Frost Insulators Local 1 apprentice, has won the Insulators International Masters Apprentice Competition. It’s the first time a Local 1 apprentice has ever won the competition. Celebrating the achievement with Raglin is Local 1 Apprenticeship Coordinator Bob Ackman. – Heat & Frost Insulators Local 1 photo
MONTGOMERY
ST. LOUIS MAYOR Cara Spencer announced a program with IBEW/NECA’s Electrical Connection to reconnect homes to the electric grid, along with other tornado recover programs, at a July 1 press conference at IBEW Local 1 union hall.
Labor leaders, advocacy groups respond to big, ugly betrayal of America’s working families
House Republicans last week put the final stamp of approval on — and President Donald Trump signed — budget legislation that will inflict devastating cuts on Medicaid, federal nutrition assistance, clean energy initiatives, and other programs to help finance another round of tax breaks for the rich — an unparalleled upward transfer of wealth that’s expected to have cascading effects across the United States for years to come.
The sprawling legislation passed in a mostly party-line vote – 218-214 – with just two House Republicans — Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) — joining every Democrat in opposition to the bill.
The following is a small sample of reactions from Labor leaders and advocacy groups decrying the legislation’s attacks on healthcare, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and more as compiled by Common Dreams and the Labor Tribune.
‘WORST JOB-KILLING BILL IN AMERICAN HISTORY’
• Liz Shuler, president, AFL-CIO:
“Donald Trump signed into law the worst job-killing bill in American history.
“It will rip health care from 17 million workers to pay for massive tax giveaways to the wealthy and big corporations, amounting to the country’s largest money grab from the working class to the ultra-rich.
“Every member of Congress who voted for this devastating bill picked the pockets of working people to hand billionaires a $5 trillion gift. But if the politicians who rammed through this shameful bill think they can sneak away without anyone knowing the damage they’ve done and the chaos they’ve created, they don’t know anything about the Labor Movement.
“The AFL-CIO will make sure that all working people across this country hear the truth about what happened this (past) week in Washington and the dire consequences the bill will have on all of our lives.
“As part of the Labor Movement’s yearround organizing, we’ll be talking to workers today and every day—at jobsites and homes, in communities large and small—to make sure they know who sold us out, who is taking our jobs, our health care, our paychecks and our kids’ emergency rooms and parents’ nursing home beds, just so some rich people could get even richer.
“We won’t rest until the grave harms of this bill are wiped away and we finally build an economy with the foundation of freedom, fairness and security that we all deserve.”
• Lee Saunders, president, AFSCME:
“The passage of this bill is a betrayal of working families nationwide. It is a slap in the face to nurses, care providers, school bus drivers, special needs educators and other
public service workers who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities. To satisfy the greed of their mega-donors, anti-worker elected officials voted to rob working families of their health care and life-sustaining public services to hand over trillions in tax cuts to the richest people on earth.
“Because of this bill, children will go hungry. Seniors will lose access to long-term care. Seventeen million people, including veterans and their families, will lose their health care. People will die from preventable causes, and hundreds of thousands of workers will lose their jobs.
“Let’s be clear: this debt-exploding budget will wreak havoc. States, cities, towns and schools will face a fiscal crisis due to these extreme cuts, putting all public services on the chopping block. Hospitals and nursing homes will close, depriving entire communities of care, especially in rural areas. The price of health care for workers with employer coverage will rise by nearly $2,000 annually for families. Cuts to clean energy investments will kill good union jobs and raise energy bills. During a time of rising costs, this budget doesn’t just fail the middle class; it pushes families out of it, trapping millions in cycles of poverty.
tory of U.S. health care. People will suffer and die because of the cuts in this legislation to fund tax cuts for billionaires — certainly in the short term and potentially for decades to come if nothing is done. The policy goal here is clear: Take away everyday people’s health care coverage. Every politician who supports this legislation has blood on their hands and only themselves to blame when the impacts of these cuts devastate a health care system already in a near-constant state of crisis. These cuts will hurt these lawmakers’ constituents, our patients, who are already dealing with a broken health care system.
Guest Opinions
“Lawmakers have effectively signed the death warrants for millions today. It will steal money from safety-net community hospitals and reproductive health care clinics, like Planned Parenthood. It will kick people off their health insurance. It will effectively punish people for getting sick or injured, making us all sicker and less healthy.
“While we will only understand the larger impacts of this law as they unfold, experts have made clear that the potential is devastating: Millions will lose insurance coverage, and hundreds of hospitals will see critical hits to their funding. Meanwhile, the rich will get richer.”
give so much to the richest. It makes the biggest cuts to food aid for hungry families, executes the largest cuts to health care ever, adds trillions to the national debt – all to give $117 billion to the richest one percent in a single year. It’s no wonder that this bill is also extremely unpopular. Historians – and voters – will look back at this as a dark day in U.S. history.”
‘MASSIVE TRANSFER OF WEALTH’
• David Kass, executive director, Americans for Tax Fairness:
“This bill represents a massive transfer of wealth from the working class to the top one percent. It enacts the largest Medicaid and SNAP cuts in history while adding over $3 trillion to the national debt. Furthermore, it makes the tax code more complex with new special interest tax breaks and handouts to the ultra-wealthy. In the coming years, Democrats must prioritize repealing and replacing these disastrous policies to protect American families from rising costs and loss of healthcare coverage. We need to create a truly fair tax system and an economy that works for all Americans, not just the wealthy few.”
• Tony Carrk, executive director of Accountable.US:
“We will not sit back while Congress sells our futures to billionaires. Income inequality has continued to skyrocket. CEOs are paid nearly 300 times what the average worker is paid, and billionaires’ wealth is already growing exponentially. To unrig the system and build a country that rewards work over wealth, working people will keep organizing. We will organize to defend our jobs, our dignity and our safety at work. We will organize to protect our retirement and Social Security. And we will organize to hold every elected official accountable who voted to betray working families and hurt our communities.”
‘OUTRAGEOUS, DISPICABLE, IMMORAL’
• April Verrett, president, SEIU:
“What the Republicans just did. It’s outrageous, it’s despicable, it’s immoral, it’s antiAmerican. But SEIU members won’t forget. We will never forget that children will go hungry because of what they’ve done.
“We will never forget that people will suffer because of what they’ve done. And why? For the biggest steal of taxpayer money, of working people’s money – not just poor people, but senior citizens. Every American will feel the repercussions of this horrible bill, but we won’t forget and we will get our just due.”
‘PEOPLE WILL SUFFER AND DIE’
• National Nurses United:
“This is among the darkest days in the his-
‘LINING THE POCKETS OF BILLIONAIRES’
• Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans:
“Today, the House turned its back on the very people they were elected to serve. This bill isn’t about lowering prices or helping everyday Americans — it’s about lining the pockets of billionaires and big corporations while ripping away essential health care and support from seniors, people with disabilities, and working families.
“Congressional Republicans have just voted for tax giveaways for the wealthy while throwing millions of people off of Medicaid, slashing half a trillion dollars from Medicare, and driving hundreds of nursing homes and local hospitals into crisis. All of this will make it harder for older Americans to get the health care they need at a price they can afford.
“To add insult to injury, this bill hastens the depletion of the Social Security Trust Fund’s reserves by one year. It’s a slap in the face to every family who paid into Social Security and Medicare over a lifetime of work.
“We will not forget how our representatives voted today. We will make sure every older American knows what is in this legislation — and who to hold accountable for this debacle.”
• Amy Hanauer, executive director, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy:
“This abominable bill will make history — in appalling ways. Never before has legislation taken so much from struggling families to
“For months, a decisive number of House Republicans voiced their concerns, acknowledging that this bill would make people poorer and sicker, only to vote in favor of this bill. It’s a cruel betrayal and proof positive you cannot trust career politicians who will put their interests over those of their own constituents’ health care and wallets.”
‘UNNECESSARILY HARMFUL’
• Bobby Mukkamala, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA):
“Today is a sad and unnecessarily harmful day for patients and health care across the country, and its impact will reverberate for years. Care will be less accessible, and patients may simply forego seeing their physician because the lifelines of Medicaid and CHIP are severed.
“This is bad for my patients in Flint, Mich., and it is devastating for the estimated 11.8 million people who will have no health insurance coverage as a result of this bill.
“The American Medical Association’s mission is promoting the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health. This bill moves us in the wrong direction. It will make it harder to access care and make patients sicker. It will make it more likely that acute, treatable illnesses will turn into life-threatening or costly chronic conditions. That is disappointing, maddening, and unacceptable.”
‘UNFAIR, UGLY BILL’
• Max Richtman, president & CEO of the Na-
See BILL page 6
Views from Near and Far
CWA Local 6300, CWA Human Rights Department Women’s Committee partner to help St. Louis tornado victims
St. Louis – Communications Workers of America (CWA) members impacted by the May 16 tornado are getting a helping hand thanks to CWA Local 6300 and the National Women’s Committee of the CWA Human Rights Department, which partnered to organize a memberto-member supply drive to help members impacted by the storm.
Local 6300 President Floyd Bell Jr. said the effort started with a conversation with Mikeya Jones, campaign lead in the CWA Human Rights Department, and CWA
and National Women’s Committee Chair Yolanda Pearson while attending the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) conference in Orlando, Fla., about what could be done to help CWA tornado victims in St. Louis.
A call went out to CWA locals across the country and donations started pouring in, in the form of checks, Costco cards, Amazon deliveries and supplies.
“I’ve been fulfilled and overwhelmed by the selflessness and outpouring of support from CWA locals in support of this drive,” Bell said in a conference room filled floor to ceiling with supplies, including bottled water, diapers, toiletries, first-aid kits, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies and other materials.
At least 4,000 bottles of water were secured through the effort.
The relief supplies were distributed July 2 to CWA members who needed help at Local 6300’s union hall in Maryland Heights.
For members who couldn’t make it to the hall, the union arranged deliveries.
Bell said once members and their families were taken care of, remaining donations would go to help other tornado victims.
BANKING MATTERS
ANYONE CONNECTED TO CWA ELIGIBLE
Bell’s own parents’ home was damaged in the tornado. “They lost power and need a new roof,” he said.
Others were forced from their homes because the tornado left many homes unstable and uninhabitable.
As far as the relief supplies, Bell said anyone who was in some way connected to CWA was eligible for assistance.
“People who live in the city, family and friends, anybody who is touched by CWA and suffered damage in the
tornado we want to help,” Bell said.
“After that we’ll give it to people hurt by the tornado who need it.”
‘CLOSE
TO HOME’
“People jumped right in,” Local 6300 Vice President Fred Brown said.
“It hit so close to home that people just wanted to see what they could do to help.”
Jones noted that even CWA members in California, who had recently suffered damage from wildfires, pitched in to help tornado victims in St. Louis.
“They turned right around and helped,” she said.
Staying One Step Ahead: Protecting Yourself from Cybercrime
By WES BURNS Executive Vice President of Community and Economic Development
Cybercrime is a growing threat in our daily lives. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report, financial losses due to cybercrime increased by an alarming 33% since 2023, reaching record-breaking levels.
Why is this happening? The explosion of online activity — from social media and online shopping to digital banking and working remotely — has created more opportunities for cybercriminals to strike. On top of that, hackers are becoming more sophisticated, often using artificial intelligence to create convincing scams and gain access to sensitive information.
That’s why cybersecurity awareness is more critical than ever — especially for working families, retirees, and small business owners. Let’s walk through the five most common types of cybercrime today and how to defend against them.
1. Phishing Attacks
These are deceptive emails, texts, or social media messages that appear to come from trusted sources — your bank, a friend, even your employer. The goal is to trick you into giving up personal information like passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details. Common signs of phishing include misspellings or strange grammar, a sense of urgency (“Act now or your account will be closed!”), suspicious links, or unknown senders.
2. Identity Theft
This happens when someone steals your personal data to open credit cards, file false tax returns, or commit fraud in your name. Common methods include phishing emails or
fake websites, data breaches at stores or service providers, and oversharing on social media.
3. Ransomware
Ransomware is a malicious software that locks your data and demands a ransom to unlock it. It’s a growing threat not only to businesses but also to individuals. It spreads through infected email attachments, unpatched software or operating systems, or by clicking on fake ads or pop-ups.
4. Online Scams and Fraud
From fake e-commerce websites to bogus investment opportunities and phony tech support calls, online scams are becoming harder to spot and more aggressive. Common examples include too-good-to-be-true deals on unfamiliar shopping sites, tech support pop-ups telling you your device is infected, and “limited-time” investment opportunities that require upfront payment.
5. Hacking and Unauthorized Access
Hackers gain unauthorized access to personal or business systems using techniques like brute-force password attacks, software vulnerabilities, or stolen credentials.
Smart Habits to Stay Safe
Here are practical ways you can protect yourself from cybercrime:
• Use Strong Passwords: Create complex, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for all your accounts. A password manager can help you keep track of passwords without the hassle.
• Practice Safe Browsing Habits: Always look for HTTPS in website URLs (S means secure), avoid clicking suspicious pop-ups or links, and use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.
• Be Vigilant with Emails and Texts: Verify the sender before opening attachments or clicking links. Be skeptical
of urgent requests, use spam filters, and report suspicious messages. If something looks off, don’t respond — contact the organization directly. (Remember: Midwest BankCentre will never call, text, or email to request or verify personal information.)
• Train Employees on Cybersecurity: If you own a business, your employees are your first line of defense. Train them to how to spot and report phishing attempts.
• Back Up Your Data: Regularly back up important files — both in the cloud and offline. Have a disaster recovery plan for ransomware or data loss.
• Secure Your Devices: Keep all software, operating systems, and antivirus up to date. Only download apps or files from trusted sources.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Sign up for real-time alerts of suspicious activity at your bank or financial institution.
• BE CAUTIOUS: Avoid sharing personal details, especially online. Make social media accounts private. Do your research before making any purchase or investment. When in doubt: stop, think, and consult someone you trust.
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, but so can your defenses. At Midwest BankCentre, we are committed to helping you build financial strength and security. We protect your information using a multi-layered approach that includes industry-leading policies, procedures, and security systems. Just as importantly, we want to empower you with the knowledge to protect yourself.
Stay safe and stay alert — and reach out at 314.631.5500 if you have questions about your account or online security. We’re here to help.
LENDING A HAND: CWA Local 6300 members (from left) Vice President Fred Brown, President Floyd Bell, CWA Human Rights Department campaign lead Mikeya Jones, Local 6300 Vice President Mike Songer and Local 6300 Retiree Ron Mumford display some of the care bags and supplies provided for local CWA members impacted by the May 16 tornado in St. Louis. – Labor Tribune photo
MIKEYA JONES, CWA Human Rights Department campaign lead, fills care bags for tornado victims.
FLOYD BELL JR., president of CWA Local 6300, fills a bag with supplies for tornado victims.
Aetna hosting three, free mental health seminars for
union members, representatives
Mental Health in the workplace is
Its effects ripple across productivity, absenteeism and healthcare costs.
To help educate union members and representatives, Aetna is sponsoring three free upcoming mental health seminars. The courses, which include a complimentary breakfast, are co-produced with the Missouri Works Initiative and the Construction Forum.
The seminars, featuring presentations by experts who will provide practical takeaways, include:
• Psychological Safety & Culture of Care on Tuesday, July 29 from 7:30 to 9:15 a.m. at Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 Grand Hall, 2319 Chouteau Ave. in St. Louis.
• Suicide Postvention in the Construction Industry on Thursday, Aug. 21 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 Training Center, 3755 Corporate Trail Drive in Earth City.
• Gambling Addiction on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at IBEW Local 1, 5850 Elizabeth Ave. in St.
Louis.
To register for one or all of the seminars, visit https://tinyurl. com/ynx939r8 or scan the QR code accompanying this story.
Missouri AFL-CIO names longtime union member, former legislator Ryan McKenna, as its new secretary-treasurer
Jefferson City
- Members of the Missouri AFLCIO’s Executive Board have elected Ryan McKenna as the organization’s secretary-treasurer to follow the retirement of current Secretary-Treasurer Merri Berry on Aug. 10.
McKenna, who started his career working for Fred Weber Inc. building roads and bridges as a member of Laborers’ Local 110, is a former legislator, having served six years in the Missouri House and eight in the Senate, and is the former state director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
“The Labor Movement was at the core of all the decisions I made in all three of those roles,” McKenna said. “The Labor Movement always had a special place in my heart both growing up and in my career.”
McKenna also previously served as the designated principal assistant at the Missouri Division of
Workforce Development. He currently serves as the government and community relations liaison at St. Louis Community College. He is currently a member of Laborers Local 662.
BETTERING THE LIVES OF WORKING FAMLIES
“Throughout his career, Ryan has fought to make the lives of working families better – from his time in the legislature, to the Department of Labor, to his most recent work with our community colleges. We are so excited for Ryan to bring his experience, perspective, and energy to our leadership team as we fight back against the constant attacks on working people from Jefferson City and Washington D.C.,” said Jacob Hummel, president of the Missouri AFL-CIO.
THANKING MERRI BERRY
“I also want to extend our most sincere appreciation for Merri Berry’s many years of service to the Labor Movement. Thanks
to her work, the Missouri AFLCIO and its union partners are stronger, our members’ wages are higher, our job sites are safer, and the opportunities for women and underserved populations are more available than ever before. Merri will be deeply missed, and we wish her the best in her wellearned retirement.”
CONTINUE TO GROW THE LABOR MOVEMENT
Among his goals in the new role, McKenna said, is continuing to grow the Labor Movement in Missouri and working with Hummel to educate legislators about the importance of supporting proworker legislation.
“I think with the defeat of socalled ‘right-to-work’ in 2018, the folks in Jefferson City understood that the voters in the state don’t have any appetite to attack working men and women, but with term limits those things can change,” he said. “Our goal is to continue to educate legislators on the importance of working men and women in the state.”
Three ways to give: Mail: Check/money order payable to “$5 for the Fight.” Mail to: $5 for the Fight, c/o St. Louis Labor Council, 3301 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, MO 63044; Please include union affiliation. On line: labortribune.com, click “$5 for the Fight.”
Reoccurring credit card donation: labortribune.com, “$5 for the Fight.” Select “Automatic monthly deduction,” amount and number of months donation. NOTE: Credit card billing statement will read “505 Publications.”
MCKENNA
Labor History
JULY 7
1903 – Mary Harris “Mother” Jones begins “The March of the Mill Children,” when, accompanied part of the way by children, she walked from Philadelphia to President Theodore Roosevelt’s home on Long Island to protest the plight of child laborers. One of her demands: reduce the children’s work week to 55 hours.
1910 – Cloak makers begin what is to be a two-month strike against New York City sweatshops.
1931 – Workers begin construction on the Boulder Dam (now known as Hoover Dam) on the Colorado River, during the Great Depression.
JULY 8
1842 – First anthracite coal strike in U.S.
1862 – Labor organizer Ella Reeve “Mother” Bloor born on Staten Island, N.Y. Among her activities: investigating child Labor in glass factories and mines, and working undercover in meat packing plants to verify for federal investigators the nightmarish working conditions that author Upton Sinclair had revealed in The Jungle 1867 – The Pacific Mail Steamship Co. fires all employees who had been working an eight-hour
day, then joins with other owners to form the “Ten-Hour League Society” for the purpose of uniting all mechanics “willing to work at the old rates, neither unjust to the laborers nor ruinous to the capital and enterprise of the city and state.”
The effort failed.
1966 –Some 35,000 members of the Machinists union begin what is to become a 43-day strike that shuts down five major U.S. airlines, about three-fifths of domestic air traffic.
The airlines were thriving, and wages were a key issue in the fight.
JULY 9
1918 – The worst rail accident in U.S. history occurs when two trains pulled by 80-ton locomotives collided head-on at Dutchman’s curve in west Nashville, Tenn. A total of 101 people died, another 171 were injured.
1953 – Fourteen volunteer fire fighters and one Forest Service employee die fighting the Rattlesnake wildfire in California’s Mendocino National Forest. The blaze was set by an arsonist.
1968 – United Packinghouse, Food & Allied Workers merge with Amalgamated Meat Cutters & Butcher Workmen.
JULY 10
1875 – Mary McLeod Bethune, educator and civil rights activist, born.
1894 – Some 14,000 federal and state troops finally succeed in
IL 62220 at 7:30 p.m.
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 160 Union meetings are on the second Friday of the month at 8 p.m. at the hall, 901 Mulberry Street, Murphysboro, Ill. 62966. Plumbers and Pipefitters
putting down the strike against the Pullman Palace Car Co., which had been peaceful until July 5, when federal troops intervened in Chicago, against the repeated protests of the governor and Chicago’s mayor. A total of 34 American Railway Union members were killed by troops over the course of the strike.
1902 – A powerful explosion rips through the Rolling Mill coal mine in Johnstown, Pa., killing 112 miners, 83 of whom were immigrants from Poland and Slovakia.
1946 – Sidney Hillman dies at age 59. He led the Amalgamated Clothing Workers, was a key figure in the founding of the Congress of Industrial Organizations and was a close advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
1936 – After seven years of labor by as many as 2,800 construction workers, the Triborough Bridge opens in New York. Actually, a complex of three bridges, it connects the boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens. Construction began on Black Friday 1929, and New Deal money turned it into one of the largest public works projects of the Great Depression.
JULY 12
1917 – Bisbee, Ariz., deports Wobblies; 1,186 miners sent into the desert in manure-laden boxcars. They had been fighting for improved safety and working conditions.
1933 – The Screen Actors Guild holds its first meeting. Among those
Supreme Court rules that it no longer exists
Washington (Satire from The Borowitz Report) — In a stunning case of unintended consequences, the six conservative Supreme Court justices inadvertently ruled that their jobs no longer exist, legal experts revealed on Monday.
By virtually eliminating the role of the nation’s judicial branch, the Republican justices unwittingly downsized themselves, Constitutional scholars said.
“I’m sure they’re having second thoughts now that they’re unemployed, but it’s too late for them to reverse their ruling,” said Professor Davis Logsdon of the University of Minnesota Law School. “The Constitution explicitly says, ‘No backsies.’”
On Monday morning, a shell-shocked Brett Kavanaugh was seen clearing out his office, lugging an unwieldy beer keg down the Supreme Court’s fabled front steps.
Meanwhile, the sudden demise of the Court has alarmed exjustices Thomas and Alito, who reportedly asked, “Will this affect our yacht cruises?”
attending: future horror movie star (Frankenstein’s Monster) and union activist Boris Karloff.
JULY 13
1934 – Southern Tenant Farmers’ Union organized in Tyronza, Ark. 1995 – Detroit newspaper work-
Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local 1 First Friday, 7 p.m. at the Hoisting Engineers Hall, 3449 Hollenberg. Executive Board meets at 3325 Hollenberg on first Friday at 10 a.m. Ironworkers Local 396 Union meetings on the last Friday of each month at 8 p.m. at the Union Hall, 2500 59th St., St. Louis, MO 63110.
ers begin 19-month strike against Gannett, Knight-Ridder. The strike was to become a lockout, which lasted four more years. (Compiled
on the first and third Friday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Training Center, 2300 Hampton.
IBEW Local 4 5850 Elizabeth Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
Cloak makers begin two month strike, 1910
Striking coal miners in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, 1892
Registration now open for Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference
Registration is now open for the 15th annual Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference scheduled for Sept. 19-21 in Chicago.
Starting this year, the conference is being brought to you by TradesFutures, with continued host sponsorship and leadership from North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU). Together, the two organizations are committed to expanding access to fulfilling, lifechanging careers in construction and strengthening pathways into the building trades for women and individuals from all backgrounds.
The convention is the largest yearly event of its kind for women of all ages and skill levels who work or aspire to work in the construction trades. It attracts about 3,000 women from the building trades each year and is continuing to grow.
This year’s theme is “She’s not waiting. She’s Leading.”
It provides opportunities for networking, learning and leadership for all attendees. Workshops and plenary sessions are facilitated by tradeswomen and feature union leaders, apprenticeship coordinators and contractors. The information and fun-filled weekend will leave women with a renewed sense of purpose in their careers as well as new friends and memories to carry through life.
The event will be held at West Building of McCormick Place Convention Center, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive in Chicago. The cost to attend is $180 per person and includes one registration, the reception on Friday, continental breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday and lunch on Saturday.
To register, visit https://shorturl.at/cqY0Z. For more information, email registration@tradesfutures.org
Laborers Local 110 Volunteer Organizing Committee donates supplies to St. Louis tornado survivors
Bill From page 2
tional Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare:
“In enacting President Trump’s ‘Unfair, Ugly Bill,’ House Republicans have voted to rip health coverage away from as many as 16 million Americans and food assistance from millions more. Make no mistake, the deepest cuts in history to Medicaid and SNAP will devastate older Americans who depend on both programs for health coverage, longterm care, and nutrition. About 7.2 million seniors are dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid; 6.5 million rely on SNAP benefits to stay
healthy and make ends meet. The bill could even trigger automatic cuts to Medicare down the road.
“These beneficiaries are some of the most vulnerable members of our society — and Republicans have put them at risk in order to pay for another tax cut mainly for the rich. Republicans have passed this meanspirited legislation with little regard for public opinion or well-being. Recent polling suggests that Americans who know about the bill are against it 2 to 1. No matter. Republicans are enacting a craven agenda to shower their wealthy donors with tax cuts at the expense of seniors and lowerincome Americans.
“This bill has rightly been called ‘downright regressive and cruel’ — and ‘the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in U.S. history.’ President Trump was planning to sign the bill on July 4. We can’t think of anything LESS patriotic than depriving millions of Americans of health coverage to further enrich the already wealthy. This is not responsible leadership. It’s just the opposite. Make no mistake: older Americans and their advocates WILL NOT FORGET. Republicans will be held accountable — now and during the 2026 elections. If our response were boiled down to one word, it simply would be SHAME!”
ST. LOUIS – The Laborers Local 110 Volunteer Organizing Committee recently donated two units of 4x8 plywood, nails and hygiene and other paper products to 4 the Ville at their emergency hub on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive to be distributed to people in North St. Louis affected by the May 16 tornado. Assisting in the effort is (from left) 4 the Ville President Aaron Williams, Local 110 Business Agent Jose Hernandez, Local 110 President Mark Bielicke, Local 110 Vice President Brad Wilfong, Local 110 retiree Don Kreienheder, Local 110 Business Agent/VOC Committee Chairman Colby Erhart, Local 110 retiree Bill Kraemer and InvestSTL Operations Director Kenan Ender.
– Laborers Local 110 photo
IBEW Local 1’s Lawrence ‘Butch’ Hepburn
Lawrence “Butch” J. Hepburn, age 81, of O’Fallon, Mo., passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, at home surrounded by loved ones.
He was born on May 16, 1944, in St. Louis, Mo., to Garden Hepburn and Bernice (Banholzer) Hepburn. Brother Hepburn grew up with a strong work ethic and a talent for fixing anything he put his hands on. He turned that gift into a lifelong career as a licensed electrician with IBEW Local 1 for over 65 years. Known for his reliability, skill, and pride in a job well done, Butch lit up more than just buildings – he brought warmth, humor, and strength to everyone around him. He was a straight shooter – on the golf course and in conversation. Butch showed up first when
Union members we recently lost
The Labor Movement mourns the loss of the following members of our union locals:
IBEW LOCAL 1
• William F. Scheve Jr. – journeyman wireman – retired, 31-year member
– passed away June 13, 2025.
• Kevin B. Rawson – journeyman wireman – retired, 42-year member
– passed away June 13, 2025.
• Thomas H. Logan – journeyman wireman – retired, 57-year member
– passed away June 11, 2025.
• Joseph M. Hunter – journeyman wireman – retired, 57-year member
– passed away June 11, 2025.
• George C. Burroughs- sign erector
– retired, 36-year member – passed away May 1, 2025.
• John P. Cooley – journeyman wireman – retired, 25-year member
– passed away May 21, 2025.
• Don E. Wright – journeyman wireman – retired, 74-year member –passed away May 19, 2025.
• Daniel G. Current – commercial maintenance – three-year member
– passed away May 17, 2025.
IRON WORKERS
LOCAL 396
• Mark D. Griffin – honorary member
– passed away June 2, 2025.
LETTER CARRIERS BRANCH 343
• Christopher M. Carter – active –passed away May 29, 2025.
someone needed a hand, and would always brighten someone’s day with a cheerful, “Hey, pretty girl.”
Brother Hepburn is survived by his loving wife, Judy; and their three children: Michael (Sharon) Hepburn, Jennifer (Tom) Laskowski, and Douglas (Emily) Hepburn. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Nick Hepburn, Samantha Hepburn, Tyler Laskowski, Gus Hepburn, Beau Hepburn, and Anna Hepburn. He will continue to be remembered by his many cousins and friends. In addition, he is survived by his brother William (Susan) Hepburn.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Gerald (Rose) Hepburn and George (Molly) Hepburn as well as his sister Dorothy (Paul) DeLasus.
Brother Hepburn was a pillar of the community, known for his leadership and strong personal -
ity. He served IBEW Local 1 as a business agent, executive board member, union organizer, and examining board member. Beyond his contributions to Labor, Butch was deeply involved in Democratic politics. He was a founding member of the North County Labor Club and served as its sergeant-at-arms for 33 years. He was the committeeman of the Spanish Lake Democratic Club and a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
Though the lights are dimmer without Butch, the spark he brought to our lives will never fade. Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 13 in the IBEW Local 1 Hall, 5850 Elizabeth Ave., St. Louis Mo. 63110. Memorial donations are appreciated to IBEW Local 1 Relief Committee in honor of Butch. Online condolences may be made at hutchensfuneralhomes.com
Plumbers
Robert “Bob” Madigan Sr. passed away on May 21, 2025.
Beloved Husband of the late Lynetta Madigan (Nee Rudasill). Loving father of Colleen (Scott) Peck, Bridget Nichols, and Robert “Bob” (Carolyn) Madigan Jr. Cherished grandfather of Robert Madigan III, Brayden Madigan, Elena Madigan, Madigan Nichols and Sawyer Nichols. Dear brother of Marty (Barb) Madigan Jr. and Patty Patrick. Bob was a beloved
uncle, cousin and friend to many. Brother Madigan was a dedicated member of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 for over 50 years. In addition to the union, he enjoyed spending time with his family and supporting St. Louis sports, especially The Blues.
Brother Madigan was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
A visitation was held May 28, 2025, with a Funeral Mass held at St. Ferdinand Catholic Church on May 29, followed by burial in St. Ferdinand Cemetery.
HEPBURN
MADIGAN
Webb steps down as Madison County Democrats elect new chair
Labor leader B. Dean Webb is happy to be stepping down from his brief stint as chair of the Madison County Democratic Party.
Following the resignation of Debbie Ming-Mendoza, Webb stepped up as party chairman due to his position as the first vice chair, which he has held since 2022. However, when others voiced their intention to run for chair, Webb declared he would step back down upon the election of a new chair rather than toss his hat in the ring to run the party.
ship Committee and more than 15 years as a precinct committeeperson, according to the Riverbender. He has held multiple leadership positions in candidate recruitment, voter outreach and grassroots engagement.
His father was longtime County Board Member Art Asadorian, who took his son out on political events from his youth and inspired him to run for precinct committeeperson in 2008, according to the Alton Telegraph
Laborers Local 110 members on strike at Central Stone Company
Wages key sticking point
Sixteen members of Laborers Local 110 are on strike at Central Stone Company over wages.
In June, the party elected Andy Asadorian as the new chair of the party, and Webb returned to his vice chair position. He said later he was relieved to return to his previous duties, which are already full as chairman of the Greater Madison County Federation of Labor and secretary-treasurer of the Machinists Lodge 660.
“(Party chair) is really a full-time job,” Webb said.
ASADORIAN
Asadorian has served as chair of the Tri-Cities Democrats Town-
Candidate recruitment will definitely be an issue in the formerly bright-blue county that turned red in 2016, and has remained GOP-led ever since. In the last major election, almost none of the county-wide contests even had a Democratic candidate, and currently no countywide seats are held by Democrats.
“We’re going to ensure that we have candidates who are excited and ready to run, and win,” Asadorian said in his speech, according to the Riverbender. “We’re going to combat bad speech with good speech, disinformation with facts, and darkness with light.”
The members set up a picket line at the company’s Eureka, Mo., location at 6800 Bussen Road on July 1. They were joined at the action by representatives from Missouri Jobs with Justice and Teamsters Local 688 and the inflatable Scabby the Rat.
The previous contract expired March 15, said Local 110 Vice President Brad Wilfong. Members have been working on extensions until now.
“We’re squabbling over wages,” Wilfong said. “What they’re offering is lower than what their local competitors are offering. We just trying to get the best wages for our members.”
Wilfong said the Laborers are on strike at four of the company’s quarries, including the Eureka, Imperial, Jefferson Barracks and Pevely locations.
Raglin
From page 1 to compete at that level.”
‘HIGH LEVEL OF SKILL’
Local 1 Instructor Jesse Frye, also attending the event, said:
“Alex showed a high level of skill in his trade as well as a great work ethic and the ability to overcome multiple challenges thrown at him throughout the week,” Frye shared on social media. “He was able to secure the win in the competition, and we are very proud of this achievement. As proud as I was to hear his name at the awards ceremony, the moment that made me even more proud of him was as we walked in the competition room after the final judging was complete.
“One of the proctors walked up and said that kid Alex is pretty amazing,” Frye said. “He told us that as the competition neared the end of the allowed time, Alex noticed that the young lady at the table next to him was not going to finish her mock-up. In the last moments of the competition, instead of using the time left to fine tune his mockup to ensure that it was as good as it could be, he instead grabbed one of his patterns and helped the young lady complete her mock-up.
‘ACT OF
SOLIDARITY’
“I am more proud of this act of solidarity than him winning the competition,” Frye said. “At the end of the day solidarity comes first in my opinion, and I have great respect for the actions of this young man.”
Local 1 Instructor Trip Mercurio added: “Alex had and agenda to work hard and win the competition, and he did just that.”
Raglin, of Carbondale, Ill., joined Local 1 four years ago after a friend got him interested in the trade.
‘TAKE
PRIDE IN YOUR WORK’
“I went into the competition feeling like I could win even though there was a lot of competition,” Raglin said. “The best advice I have is to take pride in your work and always be willing to understand and learn.”
ON STRIKE – Laborers Local 110 members are on strike at Central Stone Company over wages. Taking part in the July 1 strike line at the Eureka, Mo. location is (from left) Local 110 member Eric Berning, Local 110 Business Agent Colby Erhart, Local 110 member Mark Barbay, Local 110 Business Manager Jose R. Gomez, (Scabby the Rat), Local 110 Vice President Brad Wilfong, Missouri Jobs with Justice’s Richard Von Glahn, Local 110 member Dennis Hart and Local 110 Business Agent Jose Hernandez.
– Teamsters Local 688 photo
right thing and give the Laborers the fair wages they deserve.
WEBB
IBEW/NECA From page 1
more than 200 homes, including damaged mastheads, meters and service entrances. They will then tap their reliable suppliers and begin connecting homes back into the electrical grid. The city of St. Louis has set up a website for restoration needs at its STL Recovers website at stlouis-mo. gov/tornado/index.cfm
“While the city will administrate the recovery program, we are grateful that the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection, Guarantee and ArchKey have agreed to do all the heavy lifting with their generous donation of service and materials,” noted Mayor Spencer. The program provides free electrical assessments and repairs to those in need.
“Our neighbors are in jeopardy,” said Rich Ledbetter, CEO of Guarantee Electric. “Their
power grid has returned, but connecting to their houses requires safe installations. We have the resources and expertise through our partnership with IBEW Local 1 and fellow contractors like ArchKey to expedite the restoration of electrical services.”
OTHER RECOVERY PROGRAMS
In addition to the power restoration program, the city is also initiating three other recovery programs, including:
• Partnering with the St. Louis chapter of the American Institute of Architects to provide free drop-in consultations at City Hall for residents concerned about the structural integrity of their homes.
• A contractor registry to connect residents with contractors reg -
Illinois teachers’ From page 1
vices, according to the Washington Post. The money was supposed to be released on July 1, but the U.S. Department of Education notified the states that money would not be released, with no explanation other than that it was “committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the president’s priorities.”
The money for after school and summer school programs alone supports 1.4 million students, mostly lower-income, representing about 20 percent of all students, according to the Post. The move
is likely to be challenged in court, as the money had already been appropriated in Congress and approved in a funding bill in March, signed by the president. Federal law prohibits the executive branch from withholding funds appropriated by Congress unless it gives lawmakers the chance to approve or reject the move within 45 days, according to EdWeek
The Post reports that with only weeks to go before school starts again, many districts may have to cancel the after school programs that working parents rely on.
istered with the city and protect them from fraud by unqualified contractors.
• An emergency stabilization program to provide free, urgent home repairs, with priority given to seniors and uninsured residents. It would include putting tarps over roofs, boarding windows and doors and removing debris.
More information can be found at the STL Recovers website at stlouis-mo.gov/tornado/index. cfm
The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Members provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world. Learn more at www.electricalconnection.org
STATE WILL HAVE TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE
Montgomery said if the federal government does not release the funding it promised, Illinois state government will have to make up the difference.
“This is a defining moment,” Montgomery said. “Springfield must rise to it and protect our children from the devastation Trump is wreaking on America’s schools. The Illinois Federation of Teachers calls on our elected officials to prioritize public education with bold, comprehensive investment and secure the promising future every child deserves.”
Please BuckUp what you can.
MOWIT helps tornado survivors recover; upcoming volunteer workdays on July 19, Aug. 16
North St. Louis – Missouri Women in Trades (MOWIT) held a volunteer workday here June 28 to support those affected by the May 16 tornado, which uprooted trees, blew off rooves and in some cases leveled buildings.
There are two additional workdays planned: July 19 and Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Lunch will be provided, and the event will occur rain or shine. At-
tendees are asked to bring personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand tools if available.
MOWIT is partnering with 4 The Ville, the Women’s Foundation of St. Louis and the Trio Foundation for the effort. The volunteer group will be meeting at 4144 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in St. Louis. For more information or to sign up, visit mowit.org or call 636926-6948.
LOOK FOR THEM — THEY’RE EVERYWHERE
THE DISTINCTIVE CONSUMER EMBLEMS of Organized Labor have played leading roles in our economic society. Every success story has its supporters . . . the millions of union members and the general public have recognized the importance of these emblems by looking for them when purchasing products and services.
ELECTRICAL WORKERS
LOCAL UNION #309, AFL-CIO Collinsville, Illinois and Vicinity Office: 2000 Mall Street (Route 157) Collinsville, Ill. 62234
John Garrett, President
Tyler Mueth, Vice President David Rhymer, Recording Secretary Jason McIntyre, Treasurer Chris Hankins, Business Manager Dustin Grice, Organizer
Executive Board Members
Jacob Albers, Adam Biagi, Stephen Erspamer, Brian Hutson, Steve Lodes, Michael Meinhardt, Andrew Reibold, Ron Scott
Asst. Business Managers Steve Duft, Mark Link, Carlos Perez
Examining Board Members
Jeremy Carron
Josh Jenkins Josh Stewart Joe Varvera
Downstate Illinois
Laborers' District Council
Dustin Ramage, Business Manager
Greg Kipping, Sec’y./Treas.
618/234-2704 FAX: 618/234-2721 19 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, Ill. 62234
ELECTRICAL WORKERS
Local #649, AFL-CIO
TERRY L. SHEWMAKE Business Manager and Financial
ALAN UZZELL, President (618) 462-1627
3945 Humbert Road, Alton, Ill. 62002
STEAMFITTERS
Local 439, AFL-CIO
Charles Bailey, Jr. Bus. Mgr., Fin. Sec'y and Treas.
John Passiglia Asst. Business Manager/Vice President (618) 624-6096 1220 Donald Bailey Drive Caseyville,
Greg Kapp Business Agent
Conservation Corner
By DAN ZARLENGA Missouri Department of Conservation
A cicada killer wasp can play quite a variety of roles. Parent, architect, hunter, killer, provider, pollinator, and ultimately, perhaps even victim.
Eastern cicada killer wasps are recognized by their large size, up to 1.5 inches long, along with their red-tinted wings and sharp black and yellow markings. There’s no mistaking these insects for anything other than wasps. They live throughout Missouri, but as scary as their size makes them look, cicada killer wasps pose no threat to humans. Unlike social wasps such as yellow jackets that fiercely defend their nests and can attack humans, cicada killers are a solitary species with no such aggressive instincts.
The males do fly and hover around the nests of favorite fe -
Outdoor Guide
Pollinator, predator, parent, prey
males to protect their territories. They may crash their bodies into other interloping insects. Humans, however, they avoid.
The female is the one who earns this species its name. The story starts with the mother cicada killer wasp demonstrating her amazing architectural skills. She locates well drained, fine textured soil, where she begins digging a burrow. From here, she excavates a tunnel 12-18 inches long and six-10 inches below the surface. Off this main tunnel, the mother constructs four or five cells that will become her nursery. Depending on how many secondary tunnels and cells she makes, the female cicada killer can raise up to 16 larvae.
CICADA KILLERS
Now comes the cicada killing part! As the dog day cicadas emerge in July and August, the female cicada killer begins cruising the brush for victims. When
she finds a plump, hapless cicada that she judges to be the ideal “baby food”, she attacks! With a swift move, the cicada killer stings and paralyzes her victim into submission. The mighty mom then single-handedly drags the cicada — massive from her perspective — away all by herself. Into the burrow they go, and she places her quarry into one of the cells she’s made. Next, the wasp
lays an egg right on the living but paralyzed cicada, and she seals the chamber off.
In a couple of days, that egg hatches and the hungry larva emerges, only to dig into the helpless cicada’s body and consume the victim alive from the inside out.
This grisly form of nourishment sustains the larva in its protective cell through winter. It will emerge the following July as an adult.
A St. Louis Company Since 1981
ADULT POLLINATORS AND PREY
As adults, cicada killer wasps feed on flower nectar, and in the process of going from plant to plant, they become important pollinators. And in victimizing annual cicadas to feed their young, the females help keep the cicada populations in check. Their tunneling even aerates the soil. But true to nature’s balance, all is not flowers and nectar for cicada killer wasps. They are preyed on by another wasp called the velvet ant. Female velvet ant wasps sneak into cicada killer wasp tunnels and lay eggs in a nest cell. They eventually hatch and munch down on the developing cicada killers inside. From parent to pollinator, predator to prey. The cicada killer wasp plays all these parts and embodies the complexity of nature’s web — each role vital, each part connected.
The first out-of-state fishing trip I ever took was to Yellow Lake near Webster, Wis. At eight-years-old, I sat straight up the whole way there in the big backseat of Grandpa’s 1986 Cutlass Supreme. While smiling from ear to ear, I soaked in every mile and each new view. It was the first adventure in a line of many. More so than I can count. But it was the first, so it’s special. Wisconsin is special. The weather is a big reason why Wisconsin is such a great summertime destination. Cool mornings and evenings persist throughout the season. Especially in the northern tier of the state. There is more water than one could cover in two lifetimes. From Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, to the tiny southwestern streams of the Driftless Region, Wisconsin offers anglers an abundance of opportunities to experience world class fishing. These six are just a sampling.
TURTLE FLAMBEAU FLOWAGE MUSKY
There’s nothing like fishing the Northwoods in summer. Families have been traveling to the Turtle Flambeau area to fish for generations. Musky aren’t the easiest fish to catch. They’re known as the fish of 10,000 casts, but catch one and you could be ruined for life. Fishing for musky is hot right after the season opens. Throwing big musky baits is a laborious task, but when you hook one, you know you’ve just done something special. Land one and you’ll have a memory to last a lifetime.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER LARGEMOUTH AT LA CROSSE
Drive over the Mississippi River at St. Louis and you’d hardly believe largemouth bass live in “The Big Muddy.” The river looks a lot different up north than it does down south. Near La Crosse, it is an incredible fishery for bass, bluegill, northern
Wisconsin is special for summertime fishing
pike, perch and more. In summer, largemouth stack up on points where the river braids or cuts back into bays. Spinnerbaits worked along weed lines will produce big number days in September. Panfish are found in the oxbows around brush and weeds.
CLEAR LAKE SMALLMOUTH
At nearly 900 surface acres and 100 feet deep, Clear Lake offers smallmouth plenty of places to hide. This beautiful natural body of water near Minocqua is prime in late August and September as smallmouth put on the feed bag for the upcoming winter months. Topwater action on main lake points should produce early and late in the day. During midday, work deeper weed lines where they transition to rocky bottoms. A slow rolled spinnerbait or a jig worked along the outer edge of the weeds, should be more than a hungry bronzeback can handle.
ONALASKA BLUEGILLS
Sometimes you need to keep it simple, and a few days of good
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bluegill fishing is just that. Bluegill fishing does not necessitate the need of fancy equipment. Nothing has caught more bluegill than a worm under a bobber. Keep it simple. Lake Onalaska is loaded with nice bluegill. The 8,391-acre lake in La Crosse County has bluegill structure all around. Fish close to the shore around visible structure and weeds. Fittingly, there are numerous places to fish along Fisherman’s Road by the airport where you can find bluegills.
SHEBOYGAN SALMON
Sheboygan is one of the premier salmon fishing destinations in the Great Lakes region. The fishing starts to pick up in May and into June near the Port of Sheboygan. Kings can be found in shallow water. Anglers with their own boat capable of handling the big lake will do well by trying different speeds of trolling to figure out what the salmon are looking for. For an all-inclusive trip, Wolf Pack Adventures offers everything a group needs for a salmon trip. Step onto the boat at the dock and the let the experienced crew take care of the rest. To book a guided trip, visit www.wolfpackadventures.com
NAMEKAGON TROUT
The Namekagon River is shallow and rocky. It’s primarily a wade fishing destination, but you can use a canoe or kayak to move downstream. The Namekagon is recognized as a National Wild and Scenic River. Many fly fisherman visit the river in search of brown and brook trout. Dry fly fishing is popular early and late in the day all summer long. Nymphs and small streamers can pull trout from the shadows during the day. Spin fishermen do well with inline spinners, like Rooster Tails or small stick baits. Below the dam at Namekagon Lake is a popular spot for trout anglers. The Namekagon River Fishery Area north of Hayward offers 153 acres with access to the river.
See you down the trail… (For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.)
BRIAN BASHORE holds northern pike from the Mississippi River near LaCrosse, Wis. – Driftwood Outdoors photo
My regular readers will remember the name Jerrell Jackson. Jerrell was featured in my article about our catfishing trip under the Arch in St. Louis. On that trip Jerrell caught the biggest fish of his life, a 22-pound blue cat.
For those of you who are not familiar with my buddy Jerrell, he is a former Mizzou Tiger and NFL wide receiver. He played for Houston and finished his NFL career as a Kansas City Chief.
He and his wonderful family are now our neighbors in Columbia.
PADDLEFISHING TRIP
Earlier this year I scheduled a two-day paddlefish snagging trip on Lake of the Ozarks with another good friend, Jason Schneiderhahn of stlcatfishing.com . The first day was a huge success. Preston Spencer, founder and primary of the YouTube channel Mid-Mo Reapers, and I filmed that trip, as well.
I recommend that you go immediately to YouTube and subscribe to Mid-Mo Reapers to see that episode and the one I will share with you now with Mr. Jackson. Preston and I set three personal bests on day one. I was very anxious for day two.
Jason put Jerrell through the learning process. First time paddlefish snaggers must learn not only the language, but the specialized technique, too. Jerrell was a quick study and in no time at all we were ready to fish.
Since Jerrell was already on the deck practicing, we just left him there to begin the day’s fishing. Jason found a large target and put Jerrell to work.
The method of spotting the fish, positioning the boat, dropping the hooks in exactly the right spot and perfectly timing the jerk can be a
bit frustrating. It sometimes takes a dozen or more pitches to hit a fish, and then not every hit gets stuck.
The team stayed on this fish for several minutes and several pitches. Finally, Jerrell hit one hard and stuck her. Now the fight was on, and it was a fight like Jackson had never experienced before.
JERRELL’S FIRST SPOONBILL
The massive fish stripped the line off the reel effortlessly. The Grandt Custom Big Dog rod was handling the huge fish just fine. The Big Dog Series rods from grandtrods.com is the very best I have ever found for heavy fish, and this one was heavy.
Jerrell’s face, when he saw his first spoonbill, was priceless. I am not sure I could have scripted this any better. My good friend put a 70-pounder in the boat on his first try. It’s not a record, but it’s a pretty good average.
Now it was time to switch jobs. I would fish and Jerrell would film me. He got some good videography experience when he was with Jason and me on the Mississippi River. I knew he would do fine.
Captain Schneiderhahn trolled around for a bit and found me a nice spoonbill on LiveScope. He got me into position, and I went to work. Several pitches later I stuck a nice 55-pounder and was on the board. Very satisfying.
Jerrell’s next turn was exciting. He hit a really big fish and fought her all the way to the boat, just to have her work loose at the last second. He was devastated. And to rub it in I said, “That was a hundred pounder for sure!” We all laughed.
ANOTHER BIG ONE
A short time later Jerrell hit an-
See PERSONAL BEST page 14
• Explore an inflatable cave
• Dissect owl pellets
• Learn about bats, frogs, owls, and moths
• Nocturnal mammal touch tables
• Live owl program by Raptor Rehab
• Telescope viewing with the StL Astronomical Society
• See night insects attracted to a lighted sheet
• Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing
• Guided night hikes
• Be a bat biologist
• Visit with Dark Sky Missouri
• Free snow cones
• Ask an Agent table
MIKE ROUX and Jerrell Jackson proudly display their huge Lake of the Ozarks paddlefish. – Jason Schneiderhahn photo
other
He fought her well and put another spoonbill in the boat. She was well over 50 pounds. Now I was up
try
get our combined limit for the day. Jason spent a few extra minutes searching for a good fish. “I see a big one,” he said. “But she’s on the
bottom. Let’s just watch her and see if she will come up a little.”
This master boatsman kept us on this fish for over five minutes. Finally, he told me to get ready. As the fish left the bottom Jason ordered the pitch. The timing and positioning were both perfect, and I stuck the big gal on my first pitch.
My Big Dog went to work as my reel sang from being stripped of line. After about a 40-yard run she slowed enough for me to turn her toward the boat.
As Jason boated her, she looked to
Family Fun Day
and Outdoor
Monday, July 21 • 3 – 7 p.m. Come any time!
• Archery
• Atlatl (age 9 and up)
• Disc Golf
• Nature Exhibits
• Backyard Bows Archery
• Fishing Game
• 18 Learning Stations
• BB guns
• .22 Rifles (age 9 and up)
• Shotgun (age 11 and up) A FREE open house style event!
be very close to Jerrell’s 70-pounder. As I was teasing Jerrell that I had beaten him, Jason kept assuring him that his was bigger. And Jason was correct. My final paddlefish of the trip tipped the scales at 62-pounds.
I was very happy that Jerrell got not only the biggest fish of the day, but also the biggest fish of his life.
He was excited beyond words. So please remember a few closing thoughts; get yourself the fishing trip of a lifetime at stlcatfishing. com and get your next custom rod at grandtrods.com. And to see all the action from both of my days snagging giant paddlefish at Lake of the Ozarks, subscribe to Mid-Mo Reapers on YouTube.
Laborers Local 773 introduces next generation to unions and fishing
Herrin, IL — Around 100 youth anglers participated in the third annual Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) and Laborers (LiUNA) Local 773 Take Kids Fishing Day on June 21 at Herrin Park.
Nearly 20 volunteers from Local 773 and the surrounding community helped assemble rods and reels, bait hooks, walk the pond to assist participants and cook hot dogs throughout the day. Each youth participant took home a free rod and reel.
“It’s great for our membership — it gets them involved, engaged, and informed about what the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance is all about,” said Jerry Womick, Local 773 business manager. “When these kids grow up, they might remember that it was the unions and the USA that made this event happen — not some other group. Even if they don’t end up joining the union or going into the trades, they’ll remember this day — and support us down the road when we have issues that are important to us.”
FREE FOR PARTICIPANTS
Womick said many families were surprised to learn the event was free, the lunch was provided, and the kids got to keep their fishing rods and reels.
“It’s a great event for our members and their kids and for the kids in the community to participate as well,” he said. “We’ve often found that without our partnership with the USA, some of these kids might not have the opportunity to get out and fish. The fact that they not only get to enjoy the experience but also take a fishing pole home — it’s a double bottom line win for these kids.”
WORK BOOTS ON THE GROUND
The event was part of the USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program, which unites union members to volunteer their time to projects and events that help improve public access to and opportunities in the outdoors.
As Take Kids Fishing Day continues to grow each year in Herrin, Womick hopes it will continue to re-
ceive positive feedback from both the community and union volunteers.
“Volunteering at events like this is simply the right thing to do. It engages us with the community and it helps us partner with organizations like the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance,” he said. “It also shows our members the value that local unions and the unions as a whole have. If other groups aren’t doing this, they’re missing out on a great opportunity to engage with their membership.”
Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA): The USA is a union-dedicated, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose members hunt, fish, shoot and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or connect on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram
Work Boots on the Ground (WBG): WBG is the USA’s flagship conservation program that brings together union members willing to volunteer their time and expertise to conservation projects that improve and enhance public access to the outdoors, conserve wildlife habitat, restore America’s parks and mentor youth in the outdoors. The USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program works closely with federal, state and local agencies and other conservation groups to provide manpower needed to complete critical projects that may otherwise go undone.
Outdoor Calendar
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
Free MO Hunting and MO Fishing Apps
MO Hunting makes it easy to view permits, electronically notch them, and Telecheck your harvest. MO Fishing lets you view permits, find great places to fish, and ID your catch. Get both in Android or iPhone platforms at short.mdc.mo.gov/Zi2
Black Bass
Impounded waters and non- Ozark streams: Open all year
Most streams south of the Missouri River: Î Catch - and - Keep: May 24, 2025–Feb. 28, 2026
Bullfrog, Green Frog
June 30 at sunset– Oct. 31, 2025
FISHIN G
Nongame Fish Gigging
Impounded waters, sunrise to sunset: Feb. 16 –Sept. 14, 2025
Streams and impounded waters, sunrise to midnight: Sept. 15, 2025 – Feb. 15, 2026
Paddlefish
On the Mississippi River: Sept. 15 – Dec. 15, 2025
HUNTING
Black Bear* Oct. 18 – 31, 2025
Bullfrog, Green Frog
June 30 at sunset– Oct. 31, 2025
Coyote Restrictions apply during April, spring turkey season, and firearms deer season.
Open all year
Crows
Nov. 1, 2025 – March 3, 2026
Deer
Archery:
Sept. 15 – Nov. 14, 2025
Nov. 26, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026
Firearms:
Î Early Antlerless Portion (open areas only): Oct. 10 –12, 2025
Î Early Youth Portion (ages 6 –15): Nov. 1–2, 2025
Î November Portion: Nov. 15 –25, 2025
Î CWD Portion (open areas only): Nov. 26 – 30, 2025
Î Late Youth Portion (ages 6 –15): Nov. 28 – 30, 2025
Î Late Antlerless Portion (open areas only): Dec. 6 –14, 2025
Î Alternative Methods Portion: Dec. 27, 2025 – Jan. 6, 2026
Hunting Digest or visit short.mdc. mo.gov/ZZx for more information.
Wilson’s (Common)
Snipe Sept. 1– Dec. 16, 2025
Woodcock Oct. 18 –Dec. 1, 2025
Trout Parks State trout parks are open seven days a week March 1 through Oct. 31. Catch - and - Keep: March 1– Oct. 31,
UNION VOLUNTEERS PREPARE LUNCH at the 2025 LiUNA Local 773 Take Kids Fishing Day at Herrin Park. Nearly 20 volunteers from LiUNA Local 773 and the community helped introduce local youths and families to fishing.
A YOUTH ANGLER SMILES for a picture with a fishing pole. Take Kids Fishing Day aims to spark a lifelong interest in fishing and conservation in the next generation.
ASSEMBLED BY UNION VOLUNTEERS, fishing poles rest against a LiUNA Local 773 trailer. Each Take Kids Fishing Day youth participant took home a free rod and reel.
ONE OF THE 100 KIDS in attendance catches a fish at Herrin Park in Herrin, Ill.
Outdoor Guide
By MIKE ROUX
Recently my beautiful bride, Nancy, and I returned from a 10day trip to Alaska to celebrate 30 years of marriage. It was an amazing adventure to some of the most breathtaking places on earth.
Accompanying us on this trip were Nancy’s sister Karen and her husband, Chuck Webber. Many thanks to their daughter Jordan for coming to dog sit with Bailey and watch over our home.
The trip began in Vancouver,
Canada where we boarded our cruise ship. I will not mention the cruise line we used, because I really do not have anything good to say about them except that they got us there safely.
We were within site of land for the vast majority of the seven-day cruise. We skirted the western shore of Alaska, which provided us with some spectacular views of the coastline mountains. Most of the higher elevations were covered in snow.
Our first port of call was Ket-
North to Alaska
chikan. This relatively small coastal community was fascinating. Family-owned shops and businesses lined the main street. Native Alaskan influence became obvious here and was even more noticeable the further north we travelled.
FISHING IN JUNEAU
Our next stop was Alaska’s capitol city, Juneau. I think the most interesting thing about Juneau is that there are no roads into or out of this State Capitol. You can only get there by sea or by air.
While in Juneau I had the opportunity to do some fishing. I met a guy, and he took me up the bay to try for some King Salmon and possibly other local species. The
tide was wrong for bank fishing, but I watched several guys fishing from boats haul in a bunch of 30inch kings. I managed to catch one small
salmon. I was able to knock another species off my fishing bucket list. I caught three arctic char. The locals call them dollie varden. It was great fun.
NATIONAL PARK AND PRESERVE
One of the many highlights of our trip was our visit to Mount McKinley and the Denali National Park and Preserve. In 1908, young hunter and conservationist Charles Sheldon wrote, “Alone in the wilderness, hundreds of miles from civilization and high on one of the world’s most imposing mountains, I was deeply moved by… the vast extent of the wild areas below, the chaos of the unfinished surface still in process of molding, and by the crash and roar of the mighty avalanches.”
Sheldon’s lifelong endeavor to create Alaska’s first national park is one of the reasons we have this unbelievable wilderness area to visit today. Because of his efforts and those of Theodore Roosevelt, we got to see the exact same things, in the exact same condition as they did well over 100 years ago. Many thanks to these men and many more for preserving this for us.
CONSERVATION
The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980 created more than 100 million acres of new protected lands in Alaska (including five new national parks), more than doubling the acreage in the U.S. National Parks System nationwide. Mount McKinley National Park tripled in size, from two to six million acres, and was renamed Denali National Park and Preserve.
Thanks to careful research inventories, we know that 39 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, over 1,600 species of vascular plants, mosses, and lichens, 14 species of fish, and one hardy amphibian live within-and sometimes cross- these expanded park boundaries.
On our excursions through this wild and untamed part of the world we saw moose, caribou, both bald and golden eagles, tons of seas otters and a few bears. As I was fishing in Juneau, a couple seas lions swam right by me. It was truly awesome.
MOSQUITOES!
Now some people who know me are probably wondering why I have not moved to this part of the country long ago. The answer is easy…mosquitoes!!! I hate the tiny, spindly little mosquitoes we have here. In Alaska they are as big as hummingbirds. I’m out. But I will forever be grateful that we got to visit this place.
(If you are interested in seeing most of my photos from this trip, go to Facebook and find Mike Roux Outdoor Enterprises. I hope you like them.)
MIKE AND NANCY ROUX enjoy an incredible trip to Alaska including Mount McKinley. – photos courtesy of Mike Roux
