The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation has reinvented itself as the Lincoln Presidential Foundation with an expanded mission related to the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. On April 1, 2021, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) severed its relationship with the foundation. As a result, the foundation no longer serves as 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
Can race riot site become part of National Park Service?
The National Park Service (NPS) is conducting a “special resource study” to determine if the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site meets the criteria to be included in the national park system. Public comments are being accepted online now through Sept. 3 (see link below). The NPS hosted a meeting Aug. 10 to explain the process […]
Posted inOpinion
Science, math and fun at the fair
Drone racing, Unruly Splats, 3-D printed butter cows, virtual reality and an eSports competition are some of the engaging activities to be presented at the Tech Prairie STEAM Expo at the Illinois State Fair. The expo will be open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 17-21 in the Orr Building on the west side […]
Posted inOpinion
Former politicos pen memoirs
Roger Eddy, Chuck Hartke, Jim Sacia and Zack Stamp were longtime legislators and lobbyists who became colleagues and friends. All were influenced by their upbringing. They have penned memoirs and are hosting joint book signings Aug. 17 1-5 p.m. at Boone’s and Aug. 18 at D H Brown’s, coinciding with Democrats Day and Republican Day […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Reimagining the fairgrounds
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 […]
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 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 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 […]
