Click here for an interactive map of commercial spaces available in Springfield. The commercial real estate market in Springfield is currently slow, but that’s just an opportunity for creativity, says Amy Raftis, chairman of Springfield’s Commercial Real Estate Network. Raftis, also a commercial Realtor with Hurwitz Enterprises in Springfield, says there is a higher-than-normal number […]
Patrick Yeagle
Patrick Yeagle started writing for Illinois Times in September 2009. Originally from Farmer City, Ill., he graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in political science and a second major in journalism. He then graduated from the University of Illinois-Springfield in 2009 with a Master's degree from the Public Affairs Reporting program. In addition to Illinois Times, his work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, the Peoria Journal-Star, the Northern Star, the Parkland Prospectus and other publications. Yeagle writes about state government, the environment, energy, healthcare, elections, education, community issues, and more. He enjoys taking photos of news events, cityscapes, very small objects and wildlife. He enjoys running and has completed a marathon, three half-marathons, a 198-mile relay race and several shorter races. Other hobbies include cooking, gardening, making music and outdoor activities.
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Car guys go for the X Prize
In a garage-turned-workshop south of Divernon sits what could be the future of personal transportation. Surrounded by spare parts and power tools is a made-from-scratch car that looks like something a science fiction writer in the 1930s would have dreamed about. The outside of this deceptively-classic “teardrop” car looks like a cross between a Volkswagen […]
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Big changes at the SJ-R
Tough economic conditions and a new approach to news distribution have prompted changes at Springfield’s daily newspaper. The State Journal-Register newspaper, owned by Fairport, N.Y.-based Gatehouse Media, last month underwent a change in strategy and leadership possibly tied to Gatehouse’s troubled financial position. On May 25, SJ-R announced the resignation of Scott Bowers as publisher […]
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Springfield, the buyers’ market
If the $11,000 house for sale at 1031 N. Fourth St. is any indication, the fruit of Springfield’s housing market is ripe for the picking. “Now is a very good time to invest in a house,” says Linda Maier, a realtor with The Real Estate Firm in Springfield. “Interest rates are low right now, and […]
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Raw Deal
Music director Karen Lynne Deal will be saying goodbye to the Illinois Symphony Orchestra at the end of the coming season, but the controversial maestra would prefer to stay if she could. “I wish this wasn’t the way this was ending, because I feel like we’ve finally gotten the pieces of the puzzle together so […]
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Bike to the future
It’s a good time to be in the bike business, says Rich Moscardelli, manager of Ace Bike Shop on MacArthur Boulevard in Springfield. Among the hip trends this season are saving money, getting in shape and green living – all factors that push people to ride bikes. “It’s getting to be more popular, and especially […]
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Passion for punishment
Dan Billingsley and Jason Beeler of Springfield admit they have a problem. Their shared addiction taxes their bodies and consumes their very lives, but these aren’t your usual junkies. Their high comes from grueling triathlon races comprised of swimming, cycling and running. They are a self-described Hardy Breed. “You live off the endorphins,” Billingsley jokes. […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Bike and run for fitness and fun
There’s no better way to blow off steam and stay in shape than running or biking this fair city. And whether you need a little help working the winter kinks out of your joints, or you’re simply looking for a way to dissipate some of your boundless energy, Springfield’s biggest running and biking groups have […]
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Coalition taking on issues of older neighborhoods
The house at 826 N. Fourth Street has seen better days, and by Steve Combs’ account, it should have seen its last day more than three years ago. Siding hangs precariously from the squat little house as the exposed, unshingled roof sheeting rots away. Saplings grow from the foundation while weeds taller than a meter […]
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Danger: Too many crossings
Like a giant iron cradle, the antiquated railroad car gently sways to the click-clack and steam whistle of the lumbering train. Outside, clanging bells and flashing red lights announce the train’s arrival at every crossing. It is there, at the railroad crossing, that danger lurks for the inattentive and the foolhardy – those who try […]
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UI audit shows holes in the hull of state’s flagship school
A day after the University of Illinois announced its new president would make a $620,000 base salary, an audit revealed numerous issues with the way the state’s flagship school system is run. Released May 13 by Illinois Auditor General William Holland, the 392-page routine audit found 47 issues among UI schools at Chicago, Urbana-Champaign and […]
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Auditor uncovers millions in misspent state funds
A series of audits released last week reveal a rash of problems among state agencies and programs. Performed by the office of Illinois Auditor General William Holland, the audits expose millions of dollars of undocumented spending, lax enforcement of inventory and spending controls and poor staff training that resulted in inaccurate financial records. An audit […]
