A “journey of faith” is how Dr. Edem and June Agamah of Springfield describe their 25 years of mission work in Ghana. Since 1996 they have led 38 mission trips to southeast Ghana. What began as a makeshift clinic under a mango tree is now a permanent hospital with over 100 staff who treat 30,000 […]
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 inOpinion
Dolly donates guitar to benefit books for kids
Dolly Parton is known for her singing, songwriting and generosity. Thanks to a local connection, she donated a signed guitar to the United Way of Central Illinois to benefit the Dolly Parton Imagination Library in Sangamon and Menard counties. Online bidding closes Nov. 30. United Way of Central Illinois partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library […]
Posted inNews
Reflections last summer’s mission trip
Dr. Michael Fenner and two medical students from SIU School of Medicine, Theodore Agbemaple and Emma Fenner, joined the Agamahs on their 38th mission trip to Ghana last summer. The team took supplies with them and collectively saw 1,066 patients and performed 17 surgeries. Fenner is a general surgeon who has known Dr. Agamah since […]
Posted inOpinion
Trees, art and museums add quality to life
It’s easy to be overwhelmed with controversial issues dominating the news. There are many positive things happening in the capital city. Here’s a sampling. • Leland Grove is partnering with Trees Forever to inventory all the trees on the public rights-of-way. Knowing what trees already exist helps communities plan for maintenance and future plantings. Leland […]
Posted inOpinion
High schoolers go global
Global issues affect people in Sangamon County, but there is not enough awareness, says Barbara Lestikow of the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois (WACCI). This organization hosts nationally recognized experts to help educate local residents about U.S. foreign policy, global economic and environmental issues and international politics. Lestikow, a retired educator, is the driving […]
Posted inOpinion
Art on the menu at Obed and Isaac’s
At Obed and Isaac’s, you can acquire art along with your amber ale. Several dozen original works of art by Springfield artists grace the walls surrounding the dining tables. The art contributes to the décor of this popular microbrewery and eatery in downtown Springfield. All of the work is for sale. While enjoying your food […]
Posted inOpinion
Don’t give up on fall colors
It’s that special time of year in the Midwest when we are treated to the beauty of trees turning vibrant shades of red, yellow and orange. As temperatures and daylight hours drop, so does the production of chlorophyll which allows the carotenoids in the leaves to reveal their colorful pigments. With the onset of fall, […]
Posted inNews
Oct. 16 Oak Ridge Cemetery tour features historic and rare trees
Witness the beauty of Oak Ridge Cemetery at the eighth annual tree tour on Saturday, Oct. 16, and discover how trees help make it such a special place. The cemetery is a picturesque final resting place for more than 75,000 people, many who contributed prominently to Springfield’s rich history. Established in 1865, Oak Ridge is […]
Posted inOpinion
Get rid of hazardous waste Oct. 23
Now is a good time to clean out your garage and basement and get rid of unwanted products that shouldn’t be thrown into the garbage. The city of Springfield is collaborating with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for a household hazardous waste collection on Saturday, Oct. 23, at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. This is open […]
Posted inNews
The Old State Capitol renovation
“The Old State Capitol is not just a building but an artifact, with numerous stories to tell,” says Justin Blandford, superintendent of Springfield’s state historic sites for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The state of Illinois is making a major investment to preserve this historic and iconic landmark. A $1.65 million capital project is […]
Posted inOpinion
Camp Care-A-Lot wins $25,000 State Farm grant
Camp Care-A-Lot is the winner of a $25,000 grant from the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program, thanks to the many people who voted online. The grant will enable disadvantaged children in Springfield and central Illinois to participate in a one-week residential camp in 2022. The State Farm Neighborhood Assist program recently announced the 40 organizations […]
Posted inOpinion
“Go the Extra Mile 5K” honors frontline workers
The Springfield Rotary Club is honoring first responders and frontline workers with its inaugural “Go the Extra Mile 5K” race at 9 a.m. on Oct. 30 at Southwind Park. Runners and walkers are invited to sign up and name a friend, family member or community person who serves as the first line of defense in […]
