Renovating the Illinois State Fairgrounds and putting the facilities to use year-round is one of the goals of The Next 10 planning document released in May 2021 by the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln (CFLL). Now a comprehensive plan is being developed for the fairgrounds. The CFLL consulted with the National Association of […]
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
African American history in photos
African Americans in Springfield is a new book by Mary Frances and Beverly Helm-Renfro of Springfield that brings to life African Americans who lived and worked in Springfield. Prominent African Americans who visited Springfield are also featured. Richly illustrated with nearly 150 black and white photos, the deeply researched book celebrates people who shaped the […]
Posted inOpinion
Finding forever friends for felines
Forever Home Feline Ranch (FHFR) is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization with a sanctuary near Rochester where cats live in a no-cage, no-kill environment. Typically, there are more than 50 cats on site. About half will live out their lives at the ranch. The other felines are in need of fostering or adoption. Last year, 378 […]
Posted inOpinion
Good news in cap city
Bad news seems to dominate, but fortunately, there is good news worth celebrating here in the capital city. The Springfield Business Journal, sister publication to Illinois Times, recently named the 2022 Forty under 40 – outstanding men and women with highly diverse careers who are giving back to the community and helping Springfield reach its […]
Posted inOpinion
Polishing diamonds
Irma Wallace-Cooper is an advocate, mother, longtime foster parent, coach, District 186 paraprofessional and evangelist who enjoys life. She is dedicated to pushing people to be their best. She founded the nonprofit Diamond in the Rough Outreach Inc. in 2021. She describes her purpose as being like a “doula” to help birth out boys and […]
Posted inOpinion
Kidzeum kids plant milkweed
Kids in 2nd-5th grades had fun planting 100 milkweed plants at Southwind Park and learning about monarch butterflies through games and hands-on activities during the Kidzeum’s pollinator summer camp. Kidzeum is partnering with District 186 to present summer day camps that focus on STEM/STEAM literacy and social-emotional learning through exploration and play. Kidzeum executive director […]
Posted inNews
Supremes: Changing of the guard
On July 7, Justice Rita Garman retired from the Illinois Supreme Court and Justice Lisa Holder White was sworn in to replace her. Garman, 78, was the longest serving judge in Illinois, having served 48 years, including 21 on the Illinois Supreme Court. Garman says she has “had an amazing career and lived the impossible […]
Posted inZLegacy Info Pages
How the Illinois Supreme Court works
The judiciary is the third branch of government, but in the capital city citizens typically hear more about the actions of the executive and legislative branches of state government. The judicial branch has significant responsibilities which extend far beyond hearing cases and writing opinions. The Illinois Supreme Court licenses and oversees attorneys, handles disciplinary cases […]
Posted inZLegacy Info Pages
The magnificent building
Illinois has a magnificent Supreme Court building, which was dedicated in 1908. Architect W. Carbys Zimmerman modeled the building after the U.S. Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., and the Pantheon in Rome. Two large sculptures by Charles J. Mulligan flank the front entrance to the building. One is titled Justice and Power and the other […]
Posted inNews
Bans Off Our Bodies Reaction Rally
Several hundred people filled the Old State Capitol Plaza in downtown Springfield on Saturday morning, July 9, for the Bans Off Our Bodies Roe Reaction Rally. The event was organized by the Rally for Abortion Justice Coalition which includes Planned Parenthood Illinois, League of Women Voters of the Springfield Area, Black Lives Matter Springfield and […]
Posted inOpinion
Unplug Illinois Day
Unplug your electronic devices and plug in to play and adventure. Saturday, July 9, is Unplug Illinois Day, a campaign of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. The Springfield Park District invites you to take advantage of our parks, golf courses, nature trails, bike trails, nature preserve, skate parks, tennis and pickleball courts, disc golf, […]
