The Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln recently reached $1 million. This accomplishment is made possible by local philanthropic women pooling their resources through the Women for Women giving circle. Established in 2006, the Women’s Fund is an endowment, providing a permanent fund for annual grantmaking. In total, the Women’s […]
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
Armadillo found in Sangamon County
An armadillo is an odd-looking mammal with bony plates covering its back, head, legs and tail. It’s also not your typical roadkill in Sangamon County. Recently a dead armadillo was found on Yucan Drive in Springfield, behind a car dealership just north of Wabash Avenue. Someone notified the Illinois State Museum of the unusual find. […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Feet first
When you think about health and fitness, your feet may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But, the condition of your feet and ankles has a big impact on mobility and wellness. Except for the hand, no other part of the body has as many moving parts as the foot, which has […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Armyworms invade Sangamon County
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 […]
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
Bells ring in Constitution Week, Sept. 17
Church bells in Springfield will ring for two minutes and 34 seconds at 3 p.m. on Sept. 17, celebrating the 234th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Central Baptist Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church are some of the participating churches. The Rees Memorial Carillon bells will also ring. Springfield-area […]
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
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
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
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
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 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 […]
