Cover Story
Warriors with a difference
The Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) Warriors in Jacksonville just did something that other schools across the state and nation have done only grudgingly or not at all. The school has voluntarily and happily moved away from logos and mascots with Native American connotations. Gone is ISVI’s old Native American headdress logo, which…
Chicago Teachers Union refuses to accept win
On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Chicago Teachers Union lobbyist Kurt Hilgendorf told the Illinois Senate Executive Committee that the union had only “one problem” with Senate President Don Harmon’s elected Chicago school board bill. Hilgendorf praised much of the bill during his testimony. But the Chicago Teachers Union has claimed for years that it wants a…
Blue Cross fined by state for third time in two years
A third fine in fewer than two years for Illinois’ largest health insurance company proves that stronger regulations are needed to prevent insurers from promoting “ghost networks” of providers, state Rep. Sue Scherer says. “The fines are not solving the problem,” Scherer, D-Decatur, said in response to the Illinois Department of Insurance’s $231,900 fine announced…
Theatre Centre presents Sister Act JR.
Here’s a quick shout out about the upcoming production for Springfield Theatre Centre. Don’t be fooled by the “JR.” in the title. This show, featuring original music by Alan Menken and a talented young cast directed by some of Springfield’s best, promises to get audiences on their feet. Based on the hit 1992 film and…
No justice for Jane Doe
Imagine being a woman locked in a state prison who is repeatedly raped by a male staff member. Recently, a federal jury in Springfield awarded a woman referred to in court documents as “Jane Doe” $19 million for such violations she suffered while incarcerated at Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln. And how much did Attorney…
The future of community journalism
Two foundations announced Nov. 6 that they are setting aside $2 million toward improving news coverage in Springfield and surrounding communities. “I don’t know if we’re what they call a news desert, but it’s gotten awfully dry,” said John Stremsterfer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln during a grant…
Editor’s note 11-09-23
Prophets often come from unlikely places. This week we feature the students at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, who saw a wrong – their school’s logo and mascot – and worked to make it right. Theirs wasn’t a mechanical move toward political correctness, but rather an educated and thoughtful student-led process that resulted…
Former financial officer pleads guilty for cheating state
The former chief financial officer for the Illinois State Police Merit Board and former volunteer in JB Pritzker’s first gubernatorial campaign pleaded guilty Nov. 3 to forgery resulting in undeserved overtime pay and was sentenced to 18 months of conditional discharge. Jenny Thornley, 43, of the 2800 block of Hilltop Road in Springfield, pleaded guilty…
A child care crisis
A lack of affordable day care options is contributing to a workforce shortage in the Springfield area, contends Kayla Edwards, managing partner of Express Employment Professionals. “I don’t use the word ‘crisis’ lightly. But we are in a crisis right now when it comes to finding enough people to fill positions,” she said. Her firm,…
Springfield High next on the list
Soon, Springfield High School will undergo a renovation every bit as large as the $93 million one currently underway at Lanphier, Superintendent Jennifer Gill told Illinois Times in October. “We’re really at the 50% mark of the conceptual design,” she said. “We’ll be looking to finish those designs and go out for bid and start…
Local legends of the “greatest generation”
Veterans Day has always held a special meaning for me, having served 25 years in the U.S. Army, and another 16 years interviewing scores of veterans while working as the oral historian for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. This Veterans Day is especially poignant, however, for in the past few months three members…
More hurdles for Hunter Lake
Springfield officials are pushing back against assertions that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has dealt a blow to a proposed second lake for the city’s future water needs. Don Hanrahan, a lawyer and rural Springfield resident, told Illinois Times the EPA’s latest recommendation that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deny a permit for construction…
Letters to the editor 11-09-23
REWARDING UNIONS This is less about trying to solve job vacancies and more about fulfilling campaign promises made to unions (“City’s employee residency requirement could be suspended,” Nov. 2). Misty Buscher made the claim that if Springfield elected her, she would “sell Springfield.” Well, it sounds like she’s fulfilling that promise by selling Springfield to…
Cartoon Quote
Cartoon Quote In a 1965 cartoon Lucy says to Linus: “Our generation has been given the works. All of the world’s problems are being shoved at us.” Linus asks, “What do you think we should do?” Lucy replies: “Stick the next generation!” Well, Lucy, that generation’s gone by: I do take heart that some…
The friendship of Leigh Gross Day and Susan Lawrence Dana
ART | The friendship of Leigh Gross Day and Susan Lawrence Dana The work of poet, artist and professional photographer Leigh Gross Day and her lifelong friendship with Springfield socialite Susan Lawrence Dana are the topics of this presentation and panel discussion. The art of Day (1861-1910) appeared in national publications including The Ladies Home…
A Man of No Importance breaks your heart
The old maxim, “There are no small parts, only small actors,” is not only a familiar line in the world of theater (which you will hear in this currently running production), but it also speaks favorably of the ensemble in A Man of No Importance itself. Each performer shines in their individual moments while serving…
Restoring gravestones of Civil War veterans
Paul Golladay is on a mission. He is Sergeant First Class with the Illinois Army National Guard, serving full time as Officer Candidate School Course Manager. However, his volunteer mission is to restore gravestones of Civil War veterans buried at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Many of the marble markers are leaning or fallen over and covered…
Maligned merlot
A customer recently walked into the wine store where I work. She was looking to pick up a few bottles to take to a dinner party and to stock up for the holidays. As we perused the white wines, I asked what she normally liked to drink. Her responses made it clear that she was…
Remember this November music
What a week of warm weather for November, and with it comes a collection of hot music done by some very cool people as our scene continues to bloom with talent and events. Let’s take a gander at what’s happening around town this weekend. By commemorating Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 10, we’ve managed to…
The Marvels is dull, Quiz Lady a waste of time, but Nyad proves inspirational
Marvels a dull afterthought While contempt has not yet set in, the familiarity of the Marvel Films is starting to wear on me. Much has been written about superhero fatigue, a feeling that’s being borne out by the diminishing box office returns of the studio’s latest efforts. Their latest, The Marvels, will not be seen…
