This weekend the Hoogland Performing Arts Education Achievers (grades 9-12) present this classic musical. In The Phantom of the Opera. a mysterious, masked figure lurks beneath the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all inside. He falls in love with a young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star […]
Illinois Times Staff
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor
UPHOLD CONSTITUTION The situation involving Larry Criscione is more than a disagreement over tone or workplace etiquette (“The cost of free speech,” Dec. 18). It reveals a federal agency disregarding the constitutional protections, statutory requirements and due‑process procedures that exist to safeguard both employees and the public interest. When a regulatory body charged with protecting […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the editor
NOT THAT EASY I’m a Springfield native who moved back a couple of years ago, but was a resident of Normal for many years. Leah Wilson’s column is an apples and pineapples comparison with Springfield (“From planning to implementation” Dec. 18). I lived there throughout that progression, for almost 30 years. Uptown Normal may look […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor
THANKS FOR HELPING Julie Benson has been a voice for those in Springfield down on their luck for many years (“Sober living house for LGBTQ+ in the works,” Dec. 4). She has gone above and beyond her call of duty as a person caring for others without asking anything in return. She could have given […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the editor
GONE DOWNHILL This was such a sad article to read (“Seniors struggle at Sangamon Towers,” Nov. 13). Sangamon Towers, at one time, was a very nice place for seniors to live. Two of my uncles and three of my aunts had all lived there and I visited them often. Then, the building was very secure […]
Posted inIT Picks
Ursuline Campus Sneak Peek
HISTORY | Tour three iconic buildings rich in history Take a guided tour of the historic Ursuline Campus – a treasured Springfield landmark featuring three iconic buildings rich in history and architecture. The tour will include the three-story 1867 original schoolhouse, the 1895 Romanesque chapel and the 1908 St. Ursula Hall Music Conservatory. See how […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letter to the editor
EMPTY PROMISES I attended the Oct. 29 meeting at Lincoln Library and I was grateful for the presentations made by everyone (“Data center plans delayed,” Nov. 5). There are too many promises made that we see other cities now suffering through, because once the data center is built, it’s the companies with big money and […]
Posted inNews
Diane Rutledge receives First Citizen Award
Dr. Diane Rutledge is the 63rd recipient of Springfield’s prestigious First Citizen Award. A lifelong educator, mentor and community leader, Rutledge has dedicated more than five decades to improving the lives of children, families and organizations across the Springfield area through her leadership, volunteerism and advocacy. It is, however, Rutledge’s impact outside her role as […]
Posted inIT Picks
Pumpkin Smash
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS | Event combines fun, pumpkin disposal Halloween is over … and what to do with all of those carved pumpkins? Well, Springfield’s Office of Public Works has invited the community to “smash – don’t trash – those jack-o’-lanterns” at this fifth annual event. It’s an environmentally friendly and fun way to dispose of […]
Posted inLetters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor
GOOD NEWS I have driven an electric vehicle (EV) for about two years, and I don’t think I would want to go back to driving an internal combustion car. That said, I know that we have a long way to go before most people can make the switch. One of the hurdles is ensuring that […]
Posted inSchool Board Dist. 186
Superintendent Search Focus and Tax Levy Process Started
The council moved its superintendent search into high gear: 18 focus groups in two days, 166 people weighing in—from staff and students to parents and union leadership. What did they say the next 3–5 years will demand? Strong budget management and fiscal sustainability, plus recruiting and keeping great teachers and staff. Recruitment got a timeline […]
Posted inObituaries
Steven Patrick Moore
Steven Patrick Moore, of Winter Haven, Florida, died on Oct. 22, 2025, after a long illness. Steven was born on April 18, 1954, in Hinsdale, Illinois, the son of Robert E. Moore and Marjorie K. (Ciohon) Moore, both deceased. He is survived by his siblings, Judith Wingler of Riverton, Illinois; Cathleen (Kevin) Ray and Timothy […]
