Patches of brown grass are visible in yards all over Sangamon County, and they get larger every day. This area is experiencing an infestation of fall armyworms. Jack Robertson, owner of Robertson Lawn Care, 3441 Constitution Dr., says in his 45 years in business he hasn’t seen this problem here. Armyworms aren’t really worms; they […]
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 inArts & Culture
The devil comes to Illinois
Jake Brosky, the crack detective for the St. Louis World, is back in Taylor Pensoneau’s third novel, Devil on the Prairie. Set primarily in Illinois, this is the third novel in Pensoneau’s trilogy. The fictional story is infused with historical events and actual places from small towns in Illinois to the streets of Paris, hotels […]
Posted inOpinion
See the world. Change your life.
Students who study abroad have life-changing experiences. So do those who host a student from another country. Area high school students can apply to study abroad during the 2022-2023 school year through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. More than 40 countries participate. Students must be between 16 and 18 ½ years of age when they […]
Posted inOpinion
Free back-to-school haircuts for educators
Teachers, tutors and day care workers: Willow and Birch has a treat for you. Throughout August and September Willow and Birch is offering a free haircut and style to any teacher. A school ID is all you need to claim your discount. Call or text 217-726-7050 to schedule an appointment for a shampoo, scalp massage, […]
Posted inOpinion
Share your story about life in Sangamon County
In celebration of the 200th year of Sangamon County, the Sangamon Experience at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and Sangamon Bicentennial Commission are capturing hometown stories of local people. They want to know your favorite thing about your hometown, how you describe life in your hometown, the most fun thing to do and anything […]
Posted inOpinion
Illinois State Museum and Kidzeum awarded federal grants
The Kidzeum of Health and Science and Illinois State Museum received good news. Both were awarded highly competitive grants from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This is Kidzeum’s first IMLS grant; the program is so competitive many small museums don’t apply. The ISM has received numerous IMLS grants over the years. […]
Posted inOpinion
Camp Care-A-Lot competing for $25,000 State Farm grant
You can help provide a life-changing experience for children living in poverty who have never experienced a camp or a summer vacation. Simply vote online for Camp Care-A-Lot from Aug. 18 to 27. Camp Care-A-Lot is the only cause in Springfield that made the cut for an opportunity to receive a $25,000 grant through the […]
Posted inOpinion
Leland Grove is now just The Grove
Last week Illinois Times reported that demolition of the historic old Leland farm house on the corner of Willemoore and Wiggins in Leland Grove appeared to be imminent. By Thursday, Aug. 12, heavy equipment was on site. The ground was scraped clean as vegetation was cleared from around the home. Yellow tape circled the large […]
Posted inNews
UIS students combat litter at Lake Springfield
UIS environmental science students are conducting research to determine how people’s recreational use of Lake Springfield is impacting the environment. They’ve documented that cigarette butts and fishing line are the most widespread types of litter at popular fishing sites along the lake. In June alone they collected 2,841 littered cigarette butts and about 2.6 miles […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Buzz at reopened Kidzeum
Kidzeum reopened July 3 after a 16-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and things have been buzzing. Children rushed to climb Active Alex, splashed in the water table and searched for queen cells in the observation beehive. “Real bees? That’s so cool!” one girl squealed in delight upon seeing the buzzing beehive. Children’s museums […]
Posted inOpinion
Artists sing and dance to promote vaccinations
Artists throughout Illinois are using their creative talents to encourage people to get vaccinated. Through an initiative of Arts Alliance Illinois, invited artists of all genres are receiving stipends to design powerful messages in unique formats. The Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC), a member of Arts Alliance Illinois, is a local partner. Sheila Walk, SAAC […]
Posted inNews
Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered
Looking for a good book to read? Something other than a best seller? Springfield’s Lincoln Library is here to help. A group of reference librarians contribute to writing a book review blog with 200-word reviews. Their goal is to share the joy of reading and help people find new things to read that they might […]
