Looking for somewhere to take the kids? When was the last time you visited Springfield’s zoo? May 7 is a great time to amble the paths and see the animals. The zoo welcomes everyone in for free on Dr. Dolittle Day. The zoo also hosts a range of activities for the family, including animal programs, […]
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Posted inArts & Culture
Rock rangers
Touring multiple cities across the U.S. on their Avalanche Tour, Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman makes its way to Springfield’s Prairie Capital Convention Center on May 10. The band went Platinum with songs “So Happy,” “Bad Girlfriend” and “Got it Made” from its 2008 Scars & Souvenirs album. Members include Tyler Connolly on […]
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Besieged owner claims big foreclosure ‘political’
A Springfield business owner says he’ll fight in court the foreclosure of 153 properties worth more than $6.7 million total. Meanwhile, he alleges the bank is putting profit before Springfield’s best interests. Jeff Polen of Taylorville, owner of JSP Investments and a handful of similarly-named companies in Springfield, faces foreclosure on 153 mortgages held by […]
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Former Phoenix Center head in new financial trouble
Mike Palmer says he and his wife, Bev, just wanted to help the community of Griggsville when he loaned a fellow church member $10,000 to help pay back taxes on a local restaurant. “We figured, you know, he’s Christian and everything, so we offered to loan him $10,000 on our credit card, as long as […]
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Minorities press for representation in redistricting
Minority groups in Springfield and statewide are calling for better representation as the Illinois legislature mulls redistricting plans. At an Illinois Senate Redistricting Committee hearing April 4, groups representing African Americans, Asian Americans and Muslims shared concerns about “packing, cracking and stacking” – gerrymandering tactics that dilute minority voting power. Illinois draws new electoral districts […]
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Honor Flight sends WW II vets to Washington, D.C., for a day
Springfield resident Bernard Carver, 89, remembers loading ammunition, refueling four-engine B-24 bombers and flying along with pilots in the Eighth Air Force, to pick up equipment during World War II. Early Tuesday morning, April 5, Carver, along with his son, Bernie Carver, boarded a plane, this time chartered by Land of Lincoln Honor Flight. The […]
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UI tuition hike follows raises for selected faculty
Certain University of Illinois employees together received $9.7 million in raises this fiscal year, according to an Illinois Times analysis of UI salary data. Meanwhile, the state’s largest public university system instituted a 6.9 percent tuition hike for the next academic year due to $477 million in late state funds. Constituting about one percent of […]
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Minorities, women poorly represented on city payroll
Minorities are poorly represented in the City of Springfield’s work force, according to an Illinois Times analysis of city employment data, which shows that white workers make up more than 92 percent of city employees. Data filed by the City of Springfield with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission show that as of June 30, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Superlative soloist
Stanley Yates is sure to wow the audience with sound and technique at the Springfield Classical Guitar Association’s next concert March 26. Originally from Great Britain, Yates is an international concert performer, arranger, recording artist and award-winner who also directs the guitar program at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee. His playing is critically acclaimed […]
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Country titan
Willie Nelson performs for central Illinois fans as his Country Throwdown tour moves through Springfield stopping at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. If Nelson could be called the anything of country music – the most appropriate might be – the titan of country music. This singer/songwriter is legendary; his fame is so widespread and fine-aged, […]
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Mayor candidates break from the past
Reform is the theme in the race for mayor, as the candidates begin outlining their plans to change how the city operates. At a public forum on March 3, three of the four candidates for Springfield mayor addressed issues of transparency, political patronage, minority representation and more, each saying their administration would represent a break […]
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Paper and perks, top issues for city clerk candidates
Democrat Frank Kunz, 3rd Ward alderman and candidate for mayor of Springfield, says “everything just moves quicker” at the city clerk’s office since Cecilia Tumulty took the helm in 2003. Kunz began his career as alderman in 1999, the same year as Tumulty. He says she has made information a lot easier to come by […]
