Cover Story
Funeral home failures
State regulators allowed a Carlinville funeral director to operate for months despite a complaint filed by a local coroner who found a decomposing body in his funeral home and alleged the care of the remains was “unacceptable and criminal in nature.” While trying to assist a local family with retrieving cremated remains in March, Morgan…
New year, new opportunities, new you
Are you among the many people who resolve to make changes in the new year? I am, and I tend to set a variety of small attainable goals rather than one big resolution. The pressure to achieve a momentous goal, let alone see it through all year can be challenging and may place additional pressure…
Primary challenge for Eastern Bloc member
A group of ultra-conservative Illinois House members known as the Eastern Bloc has been stirring up trouble with the establishment in both parties for years. The Republican districts they represent stretch from north of Decatur, over to Tuscola and down to Mattoon, Shelbyville, Effingham and Vandalia. They are the fellas (they’re all men) who demanded…
Willy Wonka charms, Chicken Run a tired rehash, Leave the World Behind a tense thriller
Wonka charms despite miscast Chalamet I was initially skeptical about Wonka, yet another reboot-prequel-remake-whatsis that’s usually a sign of a quick cash grab. However, in the hands of director Paul King, who made the delightful and moving Paddington films, a bit of heart beats beneath the lavish production design and oft-times catchy tunes that populate…
Editors note 12/14/23
It is the world’s largest bank, J.P. Morgan Chase, so of course it knows better than to continue to operate a small downtown Springfield branch if it can save a little money by sending small customers like me to the far east or far west edges of town. I should have known when the bank…
Scheels Sports Park development on track
Scheels Sports Park at Legacy Pointe remains on track to be fully operational by spring 2025 on Springfield’s south side despite recent questions from City Council members about the way public money will flow to the project and the viability of private financing scheduled that will cover half of the total $67 million in costs.…
Elimination of cash bail seems to be working
The Sangamon County Jail’s average daily census has dropped by one-third since cash bail was eliminated in Illinois, crime rates haven’t spiked, and the system providing more information to judges before they make decisions on whether to release defendants before trial is running smoothly. Ninety days after the Pretrial Fairness Act took effect in Illinois…
Postal problems
For Tonia Morrell, the U.S. mail is a lifeline. But the 51-year-old disabled woman living on Springfield’s north side is finding that lifeline is becoming frayed. For the past three months, her Social Security check has arrived several days late. “I’ve called down there to the post office and said, ‘Hey, I’m looking for my…
A heartwarming tale: United Way of Central Illinois’ impact on young lives
As the United Way of Central Illinois continues to champion its holiday giving campaign, we are touched by another heartwarming story that beautifully illustrates the profound impact of its programs on the lives of young children. This story not only underscores the importance of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Kindergarten Readiness program but also…
A Thought for Christmas
Unknown author “What would’ve happened if it had been Three Wise Women instead of Three Wise Men? They would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, cleaned up the stable, made a casserole, brought practical gifts, and there’d be Peace on Earth!” 2023 Jacqueline Jackson
Letters to the editor 12/14/23
We welcome letters. Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We edit all letters. Send them to editor@illinoistimes.com. —- A BLIGHT They’re a blight on the landscape (“Sangamon County could see first wind farm soon,” Nov. 30). You used to be able to drive around at night and enjoy the dark sky. Now…
An easy holiday appetizer
The holidays are a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy delicious food. Unfortunately, far too often, over-ambitious baking and meal preparation turn this joyous time into a stressful kitchen marathon. One year I decided to make a classic pâté en croûte, a terrine of ground pork and duck encased in a pastry…
Free laundry spruces up dignity
When the storm known as the derecho hit in June, All in One Laundry Center, 801 South Grand, went into action, doing 14,000 loads of laundry over three days. Over 700 families were helped. Those without electricity – some for as long as two weeks, patients of Springfield Clinic, people in need – all received…
The more music the merrier
We’re now in the throes of the “most wonderful time of the year,” as expressed in a classic Christmas song that has seeped into our common American vernacular. It’s definitely debatable to many just exactly how wonderful it all is, but hey, that’s how the song goes so we’re sticking with it. Let’s go see…
Beatles tribute band to play Fab Four’s hits, Christmas tunes
The music of the Beatles and Christmas meet this Sunday at UIS Performing Arts Center, when Abbey Road presents its one-night show, Christmas With The Beatles. The show, appropriate for all ages, promises to be a magical night of fun as Abbey Road features all of the Beatles’ top songs as well as mash-ups of…
