Ron Dougan writes of a tripdown Turtle Creek; “Perhapsthe high point of my grandkids’visit was a canoe trip down TurtleCreek from the Shopiere Dam to Colley Road. The banks enclosedus, we were in another world. Turtles,Carp, Little Green Heron, Great BlueHeron, Kingfishers, Cedar Wax Wings,and Ducks galore – a wilderness areaat our door!” 2026 Jacqueline Jackson
Arts & Culture
Posted inIT Picks
Balloons return to light up Lincoln sky
Nineteen balloons will return to Lincoln this weekend for the popular two-day Balloons Over 66 Weekend. The balloons will be a welcome sight, especially after event organizers canceled the event earlier this year. Never fear, though, the event is back with all the events participants love, especially the balloon launches and “glows.” Friday’s events include […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
A summer “staycation” can open our listening hearts
“Every scribe who becomes a disciple of the Kingdom of Heaven is like a householder who brings out of the storeroom things both new and old.” Mt. 13:52 If I ran downstairs right now to check my “storeroom” aka the pantry, I’m pretty sure I’d find a fresh box or two of pasta, some crackers […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
A new academic year brings new opportunities at UIS
The University of Illinois Springfield begins a new academic year today, marking the 56th first day of classes since our university welcomed its first students in 1970. A lot has changed since then, but our commitment remains the same: providing an excellent educational experience, both in and out of the classroom, for every learner. I […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fans arrive nine hours early for Ella Langley concert
Kennedie Cearlock and Brandi Moore were already first in line outside the Illinois State Fair Grandstand at 11 a.m. — nine hours before Ella Langley’s scheduled 8 p.m. concert. Despite the long wait ahead, the two fans, from Tazewell and Christian counties, were in exceptionally positive moods. With Langley’s growing popularity and reputation for selling […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“Hairspray” sticks with you
One of the most vibrant and well-executed productions I’ve seen done locally is currently playing at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Co-directors and choreographers Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich and their creative, hard-working team have staged a non-stop, upbeat show that’s guaranteed to take audience members to their much-needed happy place. Not unlike walking […]
Posted inFilm
Faraway Tree provides a magical escape, Oak Street is a half-baked dino film
Tree casts a delightful spell A fantasy for both children and adults, Ben Gregor’s The Magic Faraway Tree finds the perfect balance of whimsy and post-modernism to make it work for both groups. Based on the novels by Enid Blyton, the film leisurely casts its spell, its story unfolding effortlessly between an idyllic rural landscape […]
Posted inPoetry
Love poem by my mother
As one who viewed the world by candlelight Seeing all objects dimly wrapped in shade, Their changing with a feeble flickering made By unexpected gusts of winds at night As if a veil were lifted from his sight Sees suddenly the mighty sun arrayed In blinding beauty; awed yet unafraid Goes forth to claim the […]
Posted inIT Picks
Springfield Comic Convention
CONVENTIONS | Comic book collectors gather this Sunday This long-running convention will return to Springfield on Sunday. A huge variety of new and old comic books will be for sale at the show as well as toys and related collectibles. Do you have comic books sitting around that are no longer wanted? This might be […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The value of getting involved
Starting college, whether for the first time or after years away from the classroom, is an exciting milestone that should be celebrated! Students have new opportunities and experiences to look forward to while also navigating an unfamiliar environment and learning how to balance those new opportunities with existing responsibilities. As the director of student engagement […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Revisiting reverence
Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place – and I did not know it.” – Genesis 28:16 The fall of 2001, I found myself driving alone from St. Louis to Chicago to be with my mother who was to undergo lung surgery. I was feeling a mixture […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Deliver us from evil …
One of the most sobering requests cited by Jesus in what has been called the “Lord’s Prayer,” is a sobering request of God, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” In no uncertain terms, Jesus instructs those who were following him to include in their prayer requests to God, “Lead us not […]
