Consumers, farmers and other citizens traveled from across the state to Springfield last week to lobby for local food reforms. As a part of Local Food Awareness Day, the group wanted to spread the word to legislators about issues on urban and rural composting. The day was sponsored by the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, a group […]
Jacqueline Muhammad
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The typewriter man
In February of 1949, at the age of 18, Ben Bushnell started working for Royal Typewriter Company in Springfield. He had no idea then that his job would lead to a lifelong hobby. Bushnell began his career as a delivery boy for Royal and eventually became a service technician, but in May of 1974 he […]
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Legislation backs access to local food
A state legislator is proposing a monthly Eat Local Buy Illinois Products Day to support local economies and healthier lifestyles. Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Round Lake Beach, proposed legislation to designate the first Saturday of each month to increase awareness and sales of Illinois food and agribusiness products. In conjunction with the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s […]
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Doctor awarded for medical innovation
The Illinois State Medical Society’s third Medical Innovators program honored several innovative medical scientists, clinicians and professionals in Sangamon County. The program highlighted their achievements in medical treatments, research and community service. Among the honorees was Dr. Kathleen Campbell, a professor and director of audiology research at the SIU School of Medicine. Campbell is known […]
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Gay marriage delayed while both sides count votes
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have delayed action on the Religious Freedom and Marriage Act while they work to secure votes for or against the bill. After passing the Senate after a groundbreaking debate, gay marriage proponents and opponents are waiting for the House to vote on the bill. “The reality is that this is […]
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Breaking down what goes into your food
As the buy local/eat local movement continues to grow, Illinois families are beginning to transform their food experience. On Feb. 20, Lincoln Land Community College welcomed almost 100 participants to the 10th annual Composting Symposium. During the symposium, guests were invited to listen to business models and share personal composting ideas. They also learned how […]
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Homeless population wants to be part of the community
After several years of being unsatisfied with conditions of the homeless, several Springfield groups want Mayor Mike Houston to get more involved. On Feb. 13, Homeless United for Change, an advocacy group of homeless residents, pastors and other activists, gathered to talk to Houston about the conditions of the homeless. The group requested a meeting […]
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ComEd shows off smart grid
What if there were no longer a need to call the power company when the power goes out? What if appliances shut themselves off to save money? And what if it were possible to predict your next electricity bill? On Feb. 5, power giant Commonwealth Edison hosted several exhibitors at the Prairie Capital Convention Center […]
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The new American
With eyes wide open, I traveled to the District of Columbia during inauguration weekend hoping to experience what our country has to offer. I never was patriotic or felt like I could identify with other Americans. So celebrating America was something I was hesitant to be a part of but my thoughts would later change. […]
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Trying to enhance the image of lawyers
Having grown up in a family of lawyers, attorney John Thies of Urbana understands the need for respect and integrity in the judicial system. “The approach I learned from my father and grandfather is that judges were always held in the highest regard,” he said. His father, Richard Thies, was a former president of the […]
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Power lines may bring more than electricity
As Ameren moves forward with plans for a high-voltage power line across central Illinois, opposition is growing from some landowners and farmers to Ameren’s chosen route. On Nov. 7, 2012, Ameren filed a petition with the Illinois Commerce Commission to construct a 345,000-volt transmission line from a new power substation in Palmyra, Mo., to a […]
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This doctor prescribes fitness
Brian Moore of Springfield is not your typical doctor. Instead of relying solely on medicine, he believes in being physically fit, and teaching patients that fitness is key to health. At age 54, he is the father of two, co-chair of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine pathology department and a doctor at Memorial […]
