COVID vaccines are readily available; however, a significant percentage of people refuse to get vaccinated. Many of us enjoyed holidays with family; a year ago we hunkered down anxiously awaiting the vaccine. Now COVID cases are surging. On Jan. 5 Sangamon County reported 3,732 new positive cases over seven days, the highest number during the […]
Karen Ackerman Witter
Karen Ackerman Witter started freelance writing after a 35-year career in state government holding various senior leadership positions. Prior to retiring she was associate director of the Illinois State Museum for 14 years. She is the past president of the Kidzeum Board of Directors and is an active volunteer with the Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise, Women for Women giving circle of the Community Foundation, NPR Illinois and other community organizations.
Posted inNews
Dreams of a year-round fairground
The new year is a good time to imagine new possibilities and take action to achieve positive change. The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln (CFLL) is doing just that, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), by launching a process to reimagine the Illinois State Fairgrounds. For 10 days each year, […]
Posted inOpinion
For hope in 2022, read this book
“Where there’s life, there’s hope,” my husband’s Swedish grandmother used to say. Renowned conservationist Jane Goodall provides greater insights to hope in her 2021 book coauthored with Douglas Abrams, The Book of Hope, A Survival Guide for Trying Times. It’s a stimulating read for a new year. With so many challenges facing the world today, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Community leader and volunteer, devoted to family
Peggy Ryder was fearless, vibrant and alive in all ways, says her youngest son, Tim. Everyone who knew her was touched by her warmth, beautiful smile, generosity, good humor and positive attitude. She left her mark on Springfield as an extraordinarily dedicated community leader and volunteer. Sadly, she passed away on Sept. 16, after valiantly […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Ambassador for Springfield
Tony Leone was a self-proclaimed ambassador for Springfield with deep roots in the capital city. His parents and grandparents lived their entire lives in Springfield. Tony owned his grandfather’s home, which had been in the family for 100 years. Always the entrepreneur, he was developing it into a coffeehouse featuring Springfield memorabilia prior to his […]
Posted inOpinion
Rotary Clubs work with Salvation Army to help the homeless
‘Tis the season to count one’s blessings and help others who are less fortunate. Four local Rotary Clubs are collaborating to help the homeless by providing new coats, socks, sleeping bags, underwear and personal care items. They are partnering with the Salvation Army and hosting an event at the warming shelter at 211 N. First […]
Posted inNews
Monoclonal antibody treatment available in Springfield
COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Sangamon County. Late last week the Omicron variant had not yet been identified here. As of Tuesday, that has changed. The number of positive cases is increasing dramatically, undoubtedly due to the Omicron variant. Only 59.47% of the population in Sangamon County is fully vaccinated, and vaccination rates […]
Posted inOpinion
Holiday photo op at Lincoln Memorial Garden
For a perfect holiday family photo spot and a break from the hustle and bustle of the season, head out to Lincoln Memorial Garden. Through Christmas, there are two festive backdrops available for you to take your own special holiday photos. One area next to the nature center features a hay wagon, decorated tree, garland, […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Finishers
Cheryl and Joe Biesiada of Springfield were both euphoric crossing the finish line at the Anchorage RunFest half marathon on Aug. 22, achieving their goal of running a half marathon in every state plus Washington, D.C. Thanks to cooler weather, Cheryl ran one of her best races of the year. With a surge of energy, […]
Posted inOpinion
Meet the new Chamber CEO
Mike Murphy is the new CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, effective Dec. 1. He resigned his elected position of state representative to take on this role. Murphy says he is excited about his new position and looks forward to working with local government to help local businesses prosper. Murphy was born in […]
Posted inOpinion
Recycle those burned-out Christmas lights
Twinkling lights brightening cities and neighborhoods are one of the joys of the holiday season. It’s that time of year to drag out the boxes of holiday decorations from the attic or basement, untangle the strings of Christmas lights, plug them into the wall and hope they still work. Inevitably, some don’t…or worse yet, only […]
Posted inOpinion
The Outlet socks it to them
Michael Phelon, founder of The Outlet in Springfield, believes in helping others. The Outlet serves fatherless boys and young men through mentoring and helps them make responsible life decisions and realize their dreams. Phelon is also teaching them to make helping others a part of their lives. For the past seven years the boys have […]
