Cover Story
Reconstructing Springfield’s high schools
Secondary education in Springfield is undergoing a metamorphosis as hundreds of millions of dollars are being pumped into revitalizing the city’s three public high schools. Perhaps no project better illustrates this transformation than Lanphier High School, which is undergoing a $93 million facilities upgrade that will largely be complete by January. The 86-year-old building is…
Gail O’Neill reflects on her career in public health
Gail O’Neill began her career at the Springfield Department of Public Health in 1986, first teaching 5- and 6-year-olds the importance of brushing their teeth, then later counseling people newly diagnosed with HIV. She ended her career Sept. 29 as director of the Sangamon County Department of Public Health, which merged with the city department…
Driving test age increasing to 79
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias last week filed administrative rules that would increase the age at which a driver is required to pass a driving test when they renew their license, raising it from 75 to 79. The rules – proposed by Giannoulias to the legislative Joint Committee on Administrative Rules – would keep…
A solar farm for Springfield
In a study of electrical supply options for Springfield in the 1990s, a second gas turbine at the Dallman power station was the favored option. Although the fuel was expensive compared to coal, it was relatively inexpensive to build compared to a coal plant. However, another option presented was a solar farm, which showed it…
Illinois GOP questions Chinese ownership of new manufacturing plant
The Illinois Senate Republicans are amplifying complaints made earlier by the Illinois Republican Party and others about a massive economic development project in Manteno. The ILGOP complained in a recent fundraising email about the “encroachment” of the Chinese Communist Party’s influence on the economy, then connected Gotion, Inc. to the CCP. Gotion’s American subsidiary is…
The debate over “natural” wine
Curious wine lovers have likely noticed a new category emerging in recent years. “Natural” wines have been popping up on wine lists and in boutique wine shops throughout the country. And while the current trend can be traced back to the early 1980s, natural winemaking has existed for centuries. If you’re lucky enough to have…
Music in the garden, on the shores and at the Hoogland
Welcome to our first full weekend of October as we find ourselves in the midst of fall flings, autumnal outings, Oktoberfest-erings and all such things that happen as we finish out the year of outdoor festivals and begin to consider the approaching cooler weather. So let’s get out while we can and enjoy all the…
Fair Play a slow-burn drama, Flora and Son a crowd-pleaser, Creator an empty work
Now Streaming |Chuck Koplinski Workplace politics the focus of Fair Play Fierce and volatile, Chloe Domont’s Fair Play is a slow-burn drama that examines how the relationship of two lovers is altered when one is promoted over the other. From the start, we’re made quite aware that Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) is head over heels for…
Editor’s note 10-05-23
In Springfield and Washington there is a code of honor among politicians. They must do what they say (to each other) they’re going to do. Politicos may easily forget promises made to constituents, but they know they won’t succeed in politics if they vote yes after they promised colleagues or leaders they’d vote no. Kevin…
Letters to the editor 10-05-23
MOST OPPOSED Remember, out of 102 state’s attorneys throughout Illinois, 100 opposed the SAFE-T Act (“Cash bail comes to an end,” Sept. 21). I wonder what they know that the public doesn’t? Michell Neville Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes MORE COSTS The argument is that we’re paying to keep people in jail over minor charges. But aren’t we…
Grampa fulfills the Sabbath
Grampa fulfills the Sabbath My grandfather, brought up in a strictly religious family, decided to dedicate his life to following God’s laws. He became a minister. But then he went deaf; felt he couldn’t continue to serve well his congregation, so what to do? He decided to produce clean milk: sorely needed in 1900 –…
Fall Harvest Festival
Fall Harvest Festival Sat., Oct. 7, 9am-4pm; Sun, Oct. 8, 10am-4pm Lincoln Memorial Garden 2301 East Lake Shore Drive 217-529-1111 lincolnmemorialgarden.org FESTIVALS | Cawley Meadow to be site of annual fall fun For nearly 60 years, this family-friendly fall festival has been going strong. This year should be no different, especially with good weather in…
LLCC: The place to be
You know Lincoln Land Community College as an affordable, excellent place to start a college degree or workforce training. But have you thought of LLCC as great place to attend events, view exhibits, hear a lecture or enjoy a delicious meal? You should. As your community’s college, we welcome everyone to visit our expansive library,…
