GREAT PROGRAM
This sounds like a terrific program to offer non-traditional skills and emotional/spiritual support to those who struggle with addiction (“Creating a recovery movement,” July 16). Many art-related skills can help reduce stress and anxiety, which would be another benefit to those participating. If the desk (in the photo) that Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup is sitting at is one of the refurbished pieces, there will be no issue in selling their work. It is gorgeous! Good luck with your newly acquired location.
Janet Mollet
Springfield
HYPOCRITCAL
The same officials who approved a project that clearly should’ve been denied, denied a project that clearly should have been approved (“Solar company, landowner sue Sangamon County,” July 23).
Don Hanrahan
Via Facebook.com/illinoistimes.com
AVOID LITIGATION
As someone who has advocated for practical clean energy solutions that benefit local communities, I believe the Sangamon County Board should reconsider its 15-8 rejection of the Whisper Walk community solar project on Lenhart Road. The project met every county code requirement, received the county’s own planning and zoning approvals, and now creates avoidable legal and fiscal risk for taxpayers.
County planning staff recommended approval, and the Zoning Board approved the project. The developer also agreed to move it 200 feet from the road to address neighbors’ concerns. Even the board’s attorney verified that the project meets legal requirements and that the developer would have a compelling case in court.
I understand why neighbors near the Whisper Walk project area are concerned. Homeowners whose property would border the project have raised questions about property values, but the best available evidence does not support a categorical rejection. A 2024 Loyola University study of Midwest solar farms found no significant negative impact on nearby home values and even a slight positive effect of 0.5% to 2% for homes near smaller solar farms such as this project; meanwhile, our own zoning administrator acknowledged the county has not studied local impacts at all.
For Sangamon County residents, the most important question is whether this project offers practical local benefits, and it does. Community solar can help households lower their Ameren bills through subscription credits, provide steady lease income for participating landowners and add property tax revenue that supports local schools and public services. Instead of sending investment elsewhere, the Whisper Walk project would keep clean-energy dollars working here in the county while giving residents another tool to manage rising utility costs.
This 20-acre project will not alter the rural character of western Sangamon County. It will show that the county can follow state law, respect a fair process and keep investment here. I urge the County Board to reconsider its vote, apply its established standards consistently and avoid unnecessary litigation costs for taxpayers.
Kevin Rademacher
Springfield
SEE FROZEN
“Do you want to build a snowman?” is the melody that rings true in the musical Frozen at the Muni.
Although the song is not Disney’s showstopper, it’s the one that sets the stage of innocence and purity at a young age in preparation for the icy storms awaiting adult life. Elsa finds herself trapped in a presence that can only outgrow itself through the revelation of her magical gifts shared with the monstrous world.
“Let it Go” and let it grow. Even in death, there is a resurrection of life that can be born anew. Not even a frozen kingdom through wintry storms can keep love at a distance.
Join the cast of Frozen as they glide across the stage to reach the highest mountains to build an everlasting snowman.
Douglas Yul Holt
Springfield
Editor’s note: See the full review on p. 22.
CORREX
The July 30 story “Powered by private equity” incorrectly stated Chard Farms was leasing its land for a solar project in Chatham. Chard Farms originally had a stake in the lease when the project was approved but the family ultimately decided against participating in the upcoming project.
This article appears in August 6-12, 2026.
