What started as a search for office space has turned into an investment adventure for Springfield architect Larry Quenette. He took a gamble when he decided to turn the three-story Dunn Building at 201 E. Adams St. into high-end loft apartments in Springfield’s downtown, but the gamble appears to be paying off. Six of the […]
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Posted inNews
Always chasing rainbows
Don’t-ask-don’t-tell is gone. Civil unions are the law of the land in Illinois. The president, who three years ago declared June to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, says gay marriage is fine by him. The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down homophobic sodomy laws. So what’s the point of PrideFest? “We just […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Madcap musical
Springfield Theatre Center presents a musical about Pippi, the stripper on the run, who is the new tenant at the exclusive Florida trailer park, Armadillo Acres. But she’s no ordinary tenant, and there are only laughs after Pippi comes between Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband. Music and lyrics by David Nehls. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Plentiful produce
The Old Capitol Farmers Market opens for the season on three downtown blocks beginning May 16. Join the mayor, Downtown Springfield, Inc., St. John’s Hospital representatives and the Chamber of Commerce in a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Frank Trompeter Quartet will play, Celebrity Chef Ashley Glatz Meyer will provide a demonstration, and free […]
Posted inNews
How will retirements affect Springfield?
Gov. Pat Quinn’s pension proposal has led to an increase in state employees applying for retirement, which could negatively affect Springfield businesses. According to the State Employees Retirement System, more than 4,000 workers have applied to retire during this fiscal year, which is an increase of 40 percent from last year. Of the 4,000 who […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Street feat
Becoming one of the most popular parties in Springfield, the Fat Ass 5K and Street Party fills downtown May 11-12. This is a race where winning is good, but enjoying yourself is even better. Stations are set up along the race route where participants can indulge in goodies such as donuts, ice cream and beer. […]
Posted inOpinion
A double shot of urban-type feel
“Everyone wanted it to have an ‘urban’ type feel,” said one focus group participant to the State Journal-Register about the new supermarket that Niemann Foods Inc. plans to build at Second and Carpenter, “although it’s in a neighborhood.” The County Market’s potential shoppers were talking about Starbucks and a deli counter. A surer way to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Street smart
Another UIS Broadway Series takes place at Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. The contemporary musical, In the Heights, received four 2008 Tony Awards and a Grammy Award the same year for Best Musical Show Album. The production is set in the Washington Heights neighborhood in New York City. Residents try to make sense […]
Posted inNews
Coal curriculum
Illinois is a coal state – the eighth-largest producer of coal in the nation at 33.2 million tons in 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The Illinois Geological Survey estimates Illinois coal holds more energy potential than all of Saudi Arabia’s and Kuwait’s oil reserves combined. It makes sense that the state would […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Century of silver and gold
This weekend, four Springfield locations celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting. A large number of Girl Scouts are expected at Lincoln’s Tomb on Friday, May 4, for receiving vault tours from 3-6 p.m. with a costumed living history presenter. A special flag retreat ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Both events are planned for scouts, but […]
Posted inNews
Plan? What plan?
Springfield Mayor Mike Houston, who once said that he expected to have a plan to fix crumbling infrastructure without raising taxes within two months of his 2011 election, plans to present the city council with a plan for fixing streets and sewers by year’s end, Springfield public works director Mark Mahoney told the Citizens Club […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Guitar great
Springfield, take note. Joe Bonamassa rocks Sangamon Auditorium, UIS, Tuesday, May 8. Only B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan have more number one blues albums than Bonamassa. In fact, he opened for blues legend B.B. King when only 12 years old. Since that time he’s taken the American blues-rock scene by storm, playing a mean […]
