Illinois is getting a few new designations in 2023.
Among the new laws taking effect in January included naming Dolostone as the official state rock of Illinois and choosing the Eastern Milksnake as the official state senate.
Senator Dale Fowler sponsored that bill last spring, saying the name came from a very old belief that the snakes could mike cows.
“This myth probably began when farmers sought some excuse for why a cow was producing less milk than usual. The snakes drawn to the mice in the barn were convenient culprits.”
Students at schools in Burr Ridge and Naperville came up with the idea to name a state rock, doing their homework before narrowing down the recommendations.
“We reached out to several Illinois geology professors, rock collectors, gem clubs, and rock enthusiasts. We even had Zoom calls with some of the experts in the field.”
Also, the theatre in the park at Lincoln’s New Salem Historic site will become the official State Theatre and from now on August 1st will be celebrated as Sweet Corn Appreciation Day.
