FIRED
Reggie is a Democrat. He was working at the Illinois State Lottery when Governor Jim Thompson took it away from the Department of Revenue in 1986. He says it’s always been a pleasant place to work, but especially for the politically connected. The 29-year-old enterprise has always provided cushy jobs for folks like Joan Fawell,…
Movies
What other critics are saying . . . Edited by Imran Siddiquee American Wedding A comic weekend wedding, complete with bachelor party. “The grossest, least funny–and, here’s hoping, the last–installment in the American Pie series.” (Manhola Dargis, Los Angeles Times) “Awkward and mythic in its humor, the American Pie movies have accomplished a unique position…
King Korn Dog
Bob Vose says a lot of folks think of just three foods when they hear the words “Illinois State Fair”: Sutter’s Taffy, Culler’s French Fries, and Vose’s Korn Dogs–not necessarily in that order. No matter what they’re called–cozy dogs, corn dogs, pronto pups–there’s no denying that those hot dogs dipped in cornmeal batter, fried, and…
State Fair Stories & Traditions
Does the Illinois State Fair hold some special meaning for you? Is it the place you lost your first tooth, met your true love, or discovered your peculiar fetish for tractors? Does your family have a tradition of seeing certain shows, riding certain rides, eating certain treats? Whether you’ve been to the state fair every…
The highway side
TWELVE It was a smooth ride back home. The sun peeked out from behind the clouds and brightened the snow-covered fields. The mileposts clicked by in a steady beat. There were plenty of reasons to stay in McKinley, not the least being Maddy Miller. I also wanted to talk to Adam Prokop, who was Billy’s…
Summertime . . . and the working is easy
When you step into the gallery of the Illinois Senate these days, you’ll likely find some unexpected items: Coke bottles on the floor, a roll of toilet paper, and maybe a few paperback novels or magazines. “We eat out on the floor because it’s like an office,” explains Ryan Needham, a 19-year-old senate page and…
Only for the summer
Tip of the week If your petunias, impatiens, or other annuals are starting to look straggly and have few flowers, cut them back 6 to 8 inches after flowers have decreased to encourage compact growth and promote a second flowering. Also water and fertilize. It’s never to early to start planning for next year’s garden.…
Dead men talking
Take Oakland Avenue south out of Petersburg, past the park and the water tower, then down into the valley, where cattle graze on the tender new grass along the creek bottom. Go up a hill on the far side, and there sits Oakland Cemetery, where the old souls of Spoon River Anthology are said to…
Backstage pass
Some shows keep coming back every few summers–Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, Peter Pan. This summer it’s The Wizard of Oz at the Springfield Muni, opening this weekend and running through August 17. Directed by Leigh Ann Smith, this Oz is based on the 1988 version produced by London’s Royal Shakespeare Company–it’s close to the…
Knoepfle 8-7-03
the lord possessed me do you have a name my little one what shall we call you drop of rain on the window blossom so unassuming it hides in clover quick thought escaping even before memory trace of honey drift of snow skipped beat small heart © John Knoepfle 2003
Aldermania
Loyal readers (hi Mom and Dad) may recall that the last “Aldermania” chronicled a City Council meeting that was so packed with people, Mayor Tim Davlin could have safely taken a stage dive. It was, according to one official, probably the most crowded City Council meeting in Springfield history. Still, it wasn’t so jammed that…
Now Playing 8-7-03
Say it ain’t so, Joe. It’s time for the Illinois State Fair, isn’t it? Yes, that particular yearly event makes August seem steamier, attracts more flies than fairgoers, and turns the Northend into a parking lot. But it’s also a grand time to see your favorite local band on a big stage with big lights…
Your Turn . . . 8-7-03
Findley fan Dear Editor, Thanks for the feature on former Congressman Paul Findley [“Our Darkest Time,” July 31]. Paul is a largely untapped treasure of Central Illinois. Oh, that his foreign-policy wisdom would be called upon by today’s decision-makers. I grew up in an avidly Democratic household, and I can remember my father telling me…
The other horseshoes
An elderly man in a white shirt, soaked in sweat, stares intently at a metal pole in the ground. He steps forward and flicks his wrist in a Frisbee-like motion, sending the metal object in his hand flying through the air. “Ringer!” the man yells, as the horseshoe lands squarely around the pole. The surrounding…
Bards of the Sangamo 8-7-03
The Vision Holds The Vision holds Its ancient face Takes time to remember This wrinkled place And all that yet The twinkle remains In Springfield’s eyes The Artists’ domain. –Anita Stienstra Local poets were writing about contemporary events in the Sangamo Journal as early as the 1830s. People’s Poetry wants you to share your thoughts…
