Many holiday festivities are returning this year, and whether you’re looking for activities for the whole family or planning to do some grown-up entertaining, we have suggestions on how to make things as stress-free as possible. The ever-popular Memorial Festival of Trees has been reinvented this year as Memorial Holiday Fest, taking place throughout downtown […]
Michelle Ownbey
Michelle Ownbey is the publisher of Illinois Times and Springfield Business Journal.
Posted inNews
Rachel Otwell leaves Illinois Times for job with comptroller’s office
Rachel Otwell is the new deputy communications director for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, effective Oct. 20. The position is based in Springfield. Otwell joined Illinois Times in Feb. 2020 and worked as a writer and associate editor for the paper. She won two Illinois Press Association awards for her 2020 coverage at Illinois Times, which […]
Posted inNews
LaKeisha Purchase chosen to fill Ward 5 aldermanic vacancy
From a City of Springfield press release: Mayor Jim Langfelder has announced LaKeisha Purchase as his selection to fill the Ward 5 aldermanic vacancy. “LaKeisha not only calls Ward 5 home, but she has been active in neighborhood-building efforts and in the Enos Park Neighborhood Association,” said Mayor Jim Langfelder. “LaKeisha also raised the level […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Grillin’ and Chillin’
There wasn’t much happening last summer, although many people took advantage of the extra time at home to improve their living space, in some cases expanding it to the outdoors. If you’re ready to host a backyard barbecue or spend a day at Lake Springfield with family and friends, we have plenty of suggestions for […]
Posted inNews
Bruce Rushton no longer employed at Illinois Times
Bruce Rushton has been terminated from his position as staff writer for Illinois Times due to his behavior and public comments at a June 16 press conference outside the Sangamon County jail. “We do not condone such behavior,” said Fletcher Farrar, editor and owner of the newspaper. “That’s not who we are. Reporters are held […]
Posted inOpinion
Publisher’s note 6/10/21
As Juneteenth becomes more widely recognized beyond the Black community, there are an increasing number of activities and events happening in Springfield. For the first time, we’ve put together a guide to Juneteenth, and explained some of the history and culture behind the holiday, so all may join in the celebration of emancipation. We invited […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Route History to reopen on July 9
While COVID restrictions forced Route History to remain closed throughout the 2020 tourist season, the new business was able to use the downtime to expand its offerings, as well as purchase and improve the building it occupies. The museum and visitors center, located in a former gas station at 737 E. Cook St., opened in […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Sumerguide 2021
There wasn’t much to celebrate last summer, with most fairs, festivals and annual events canceled. However, this year’s 68-page Summerguide shows that summer activities have returned. We have a three-month calendar to help you plan your leisure time, plus a round up of live music and art exhibits. There are ideas for day trips, and […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Always be kind
Danyel Pitts never had biological children, but plenty of people called her Mom. From her stepchildren to nieces and nephews to the high school girls she coached in track, many young people relied on Momma Dee for guidance, advice and unconditional love. Danyel grew up in Springfield with her twin sister, Joyel. Danyel was older […]
Posted inArts & Culture
SAA Collective moving to new location downtown
With the Hoogland Center for the Arts still closed for the foreseeable future, the SAA Collective is relocating its gallery to 105 N. Fifth St. in the historic Broadwell Pharmacy building. The Prairie Art Alliance, the precursor to the SAA Collective, was one of the first organizations to join the Hoogland Center for the Arts […]
Posted inBest of Springfield®
BEST OF SPRINGFIELD® 2020 Intro
Every year, we ask our opinionated readers to tell us about their favorite people, places and things in the Springfield area. Over the decades we’ve been doing this, we’ve continued to tweak both the process and the results issue to try to keep things fresh and interesting, and of course, the votes tend to reflect […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Fall Home & Garden
Most of us are still spending a lot more time at home than usual, and every home or garden project completed seems to lead to another. Maybe you need to convert a space into your house into a dedicated area for remote learning, or you want to finally tackle cleaning out your garage to be […]
