GOOD WORK I always knew that The Outlet under Michael Phelon’s leadership would be a success, and this shows that “the proof is in the pudding” (“Early intervention, May 14). Congratulations to the graduates and their mentors. Kathryn Harris Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes DON’T NEED LAND I can think of 1,000 different public buildings that could have […]
Illinois Times Staff
Posted inIT Picks
We Are Warped Festival
LIVE MUSIC | Hear seven bands and help the APL, too OK, music fans, here’s your chance to see seven bands in one place this weekend – this festival featuring pop punk, emo, funk and rock at The Blue Grouch. Hosted by The Warped Kids, the event is a tribute to the Warped Tour. On […]
Posted inSummerguide
Summerguide Calendar 2026
ONGOING Moonlight MarketFirst Wednesday of every month, 6-9pm. Through Sep. 3. Moonlight Market highlights local crafters, artists and makers from around the Central Illinois area. Event is held on Jackson Street between Sixth and Seventh streets. Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery, 500 S. Sixth St., 217-522-3123. History Comes Alive – Ice Cream SocialsWednesdays through Aug. 6. […]
Posted inSummerguide
Summerguide 2026
Our annual Summerguide has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for local theater, musical performances, outdoor activities or family-friendly events – many of them free of charge – we’ve got all the details. Plus, there’s an expanded three-month calendar of activities to help you keep track of everything. The International Carillon Festival is being held […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the editor
FOLLOWING PROCEDURE I work in state procurement and this is just how it is, unfortunately (ABC loses State Fair contract,” May 7). It’s whatever is most advantageous to the state. It’s a sealed quote; everyone has the same opportunity as everyone else. There isn’t a saddest story exemption. In two years, the American Business Club […]
Posted inIT Picks
Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity
FUNDAISERS & GALAS | Wacky annual downtown race returns It’s time for the Fat Ass 5K & Street Party once again! The event begins Friday night not with the run but with a free party at Seventh and Washington streets featuring music by Deja Voodoo (5 p.m.) and Lick Creek (8 p.m.). The 5K race, […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the editor
NEED TO LOOK FORWARD The folks walking through the doors of Studio on 6th every week would beg to differ (“Tourism is up, but downtown is hurting,” April 23). Downtown isn’t running on just “locals popping in on a whim.” The heartbeat right now is tourism – and it’s strong. People travel here on purpose […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the editor
GOOD PLAY, BAD JOKE I saw the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee musical put on at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. I thought it was mostly terrific and that the cast did an excellent job. I had a good time watching it. I did, however, not love one joke made in reference to […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the editor
WE’RE ALL COMPLICIT These data centers concern me. The only thing I feel a rational person can do is significantly reduce their reliance on them. Until a person does this, they are complicit in their construction. I have to scratch my head when someone tells me that they are using the very infrastructure that data […]
Posted inIT Picks
Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon
SPORTS | Run where Lincoln walked on Saturday This annual event immerses runners in Lincoln history unlike any other race! The race starts and finishes at the Old State Capitol where Lincoln gave his House Divided speech and near his former law office. The course also goes by his home, through Oak Ridge Cemetery and […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the editor
HIGHER STANDARDS Thank you for the in-depth story about Leland Grove Police Chief Dan Ryan’s recent arrest (“Leland Grove police chief granted pretrial release,” Feb. 6). This is clearly a case of “he should have known better.” He is the police chief, and there is absolutely no excuse for his conduct. While some may argue […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor
MY HEART IS DOWNTOWN I’m encouraged to see the hearts downtown. Let’s keep that spirit alive by generating local economic growth versus economic growth for non-local corporations. As a reminder, the rest of the country remembers us for some of our more progressive times in history: freeing slaves during the Underground Railroad, being the home […]
