The already difficult road to recovery for substance abusers is about to get tougher as service providers prepare to deal with massive state budget cuts, which will result in a loss of treatment for thousands of substance abusers beginning July 1. Under the new budget, sometimes referred to as the “doomsday budget,” the state’s substance […]
Jolonda Young
Posted inSpecial Issues
Play in Peoria this summer
For some, a trip to the Peoria area is sheer Par-A-Dice, as they seek to fatten their pockets on the riverboat. While the riverboat is a popular spot, the river city, about 70 miles north of Springfield, has a variety of fairs, festivals and museums for the entire family. For example, you may bask in […]
Posted inNews
Boys will learn better with boys
In a quaint neighborhood on Springfield’s southeast side sits Springfield School District 186’s best-kept secret — Jefferson Middle School. On the surface, Jefferson resembles the city’s other middle schools; however, a peek inside quickly reveals clear differences that make Jefferson stand out. As schools across the country struggle to improve students’ academic performance, and decrease […]
Posted inNews
SHA considers changing high-rise to “elderly only”
With complaints of prostitution, excessive noise and kids running in the hallways, it’s not surprising that the Springfield Housing Authority (SHA) is considering changing residency requirements at one or more of its three high-rises to “elderly only.” Currently, Bonansinga, Hildebrandt and Sankey are open to both seniors and the disabled. With a number of disabled […]
Posted inNews
Taylorville fears its prison will be overcrowded with violent inmates
As the Blagojevich administration and AFSCME gear up for another round of court proceedings regarding the closing of the Pontiac Correctional Center, Taylorville is “gravely” concerned about the effects the closing may have on its community. In October, 50 medium-security prisoners from Pontiac were shipped to the already overcrowded Taylorville Correctional Center, a minimum-security prison. […]
Posted inNews
For the holidays, plan some jollydays
Untitled Document With the holiday season upon us, the Springfield community hosts a variety of celebrations that will have even Ebeneezer Scrooge joyfully singing, “ ’Tis the season.” For many, the “official” holiday season begins with Memorial Medical Center Foundation’s annual Festival of Trees. The nine-day celebration, taking place Nov. 22 through Nov. 30 at […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Springfield aviation makes history
To say that Job Conger is into airplanes would be an understatement. In fact, Conger’s interest in aviation could easily be considered a love affair. It began with him photographing airplanes during frequent trips to the airport as a young boy. Half a century later, Conger’s love for aviation has led to the creation of […]
