Aug. 31, 2003, is a day that Springfield’s Denny Pryor will never forget. A day that rocked his family to its core, causing an intense pain that has yet to cease. On that day, Pryor’s 18-year-old son became a statistic. The evening was like many others, with Pryor watching Timothy kiss his six-month-old daughter goodbye […]
Jolonda Young
Posted inSpecial Issues
Plan a summer getaway to the Gateway City
It’s known for its 630-foot arch that greets you upon entrance to its city, a site to behold. The “Gateway City” has much to offer. From festivals and fairs to amusement parks, concerts and museums, a trip to St. Louis is sure to keep you and your family busy during those dog days of summer. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Let the arts take you on a spiritual journey
Though war, poverty and tough economic times have some of us living in a state of despair, the journey to peace and solace can begin with Springfield’s biennial Liturgical Arts Festival. Held May 1 to May 4 at various locations throughout the city, the multi-faith interdenominational festival features a variety of programs designed to promote […]
Posted inMusic
Urban music radio comes to Springfield online
It began with a childhood dream of becoming a radio personality. But when Angel Macon sent demos to countless area radio stations, none responded. Instead of idly waiting for that big break, Macon took matters into her own hands by creating an opportunity for herself and others attempting to enter the radio industry. At a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Expressions in the Dark goes red
In a city largely absent of activities and events related to African American culture, Springfield’s black residents have long suffered from the “there’s-nothing-to-do syndrome.” To cure their thirst for culture, many have adopted the habit of traveling to St. Louis, Chicago and Indianapolis for concerts, plays and comedy shows. But in recent years some are […]
Posted inNews
Dodging silent killers
When Roy Wilkerson saw an ad last summer offering four screening tests for stroke and related illnesses for a total of only $120, the 83-year-old Springfield resident thought: “Why not?” Although his father died of heart disease at the age of 85, Wilkerson, who only occasionally suffered the minor aches and pains people his age […]
Posted inNews
Helping parents get their kids back
Stephanie Spain, 26, a Petersburg native now residing in Pawnee, is no stranger to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Several years ago, her two daughters were taken from her due to neglect. Spain, like all parents whose children are removed from the home, was given a plan of action, detailing a list […]
Posted inNews
A diet to die for
Hamburger patties, mac and cheese, and pastries. Sounds appetizing. But a group of inmates recently filed a lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), alleging the food is making them sick. At issue is the amount of soy that the IDOC currently uses in the food served to its inmates. While the Food and […]
Posted inNews
Tattoo inspections to benefit blood centers
Three years after a new Illinois law went into effect requiring registration and yearly inspections for tattoo and body-piercing establishments, the state is finally prepared to begin inspections. And while implementation of the law will improve public safety by eliminating the chances of passing infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis, through infected needles, the […]
Posted inNews
A decree of relief
As the Illinois General Assembly grapples with a budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, Gov. Pat Quinn moved to slash funding from social service agencies, eliminating some programs and drastically reducing others. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) faced massive cuts, but a recent emergency court petition has resulted in […]
Posted inNews
State Fair history needs a home
What do you do with 156 years of photos, programs, ribbons, exhibits and other memorabilia collected from the annual Illinois State Fair? Ask Pam Gray and she’ll quickly respond, “Build a museum.” While the answer seems simple, raising the $5 million needed for the building is anything but. Yet Gray, who helped found the Illinois […]
Posted inOpinion
Patti in the jungle
She served as the state’s First Lady, but lately Patti Blagojevich has been roughing it in the jungles of Costa Rica in NBC’s reality show “I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here,” which concludes this week. On Tuesday night’s episode Blagojevich was voted off the show. Initially, former governor Rod Blagojevich petitioned the courts […]
