Display: News - Images - Sections
What’s new at IllinoisTimes
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Vermont leads the way
This comment reflects a no-nonsense, hands-on, can-do attitude you rarely find in legislative bodies these days. Instead, when most so-called leaders are confronted with a problem, they tend to say, “We need to cover it up,” or, “Let’s turn this thing into a political football.

Page 5
Page 6
Our prison system is bankrupting us
to make restitution and be reintegrated into the community. This approach, which borrows from the Maori people, has become the norm in New Zealand, reducing to almost zero the number of young people locked up in expensive and violent detention facilities.

Page 7
Page 8
PURCHASING POWER
Two opportunities for charitable giving in Springfield are giving new meaning to the phrase “put your money where your mouth is.” Through July 2, Shop ’N Save grocery stores in Springfield offer shoppers a chance to combat child hunger by purchasing a full bag of groceries for the Central Illinois Foodbank at a cost of only $5.

The free ride is over for ethanol
“Like many other things, the answer to that is, ‘It depends’,” Good says. He explains that corn prices depend partly on the demand for ethanol, which in turn depends partly on the price of oil.

Page 9
School Choice waiver dropped
Public School Choice is part of the federal No Child Left Behind law that applies to Title I schools, generally those with poverty rates of 75 percent or higher. Title I schools receive additional federal dollars but must also comply with additional rules.

Page 10
Overcrowded Illinois prisons could be next
John Maki, executive director of the John Howard Association (JHA), which monitors Illinois prisons, says the ruling holds important lessons about Illinois’ own overcrowded prison system, which holds nearly 49,000 prisoners in facilities designed for about 31,000.

Page 11
New push for reusable bags
At eight of Springfield’s largest grocery centers, between 80 and 92 percent of customers choose plastic bags at the checkout counter, according to a survey by Springfield’s Better Bag Project, an initiative sparked by the efforts of retired...

Page 12
Finding minority firefighters
The father of Chatham resident Alexander Thomas told him before taking a June 18 written test for the Springfield Fire Department that he should study hard because efforts by the city to boost minorities on the city’s payroll might give him a better chance of getting the job.

Page 13
Return to Emiquon
In 2000, The Nature Conservancy purchased 7,100 acres of farmland approximately 55 miles northwest of Springfield near Havana and Lewistown, Ill., with the intent of returning it to a semblance of its former state. It would be one of the country’s largest wetland restoration efforts.

Page 14
Return to Emiquon
here. In 2000, they had the chance to purchase land for what would become their largest preserve; they found the chance to partner with the U.S.

Page 15
Return to Emiquon
The sportsmen are returning to hunt and fish. The nature enthusiasts and artists come to contemplate the view and seek out new species. And, of course, scientists abound at this site.

Page 16
Return to Emiquon
With the ribbon cutting over, everyone disperses to explore and read the new interpretive signs that tell the story of the site’s history and the ongoing efforts. Some of these signs are stretched below pavilions and embedded in repurposed concrete formed into sitting-height walls that Mayor King calls “artwork.

Page 17
Return to Emiquon
time. Changing water levels and changing seasons will present visitors with varying experiences. “We want everyone to understand that this is a science project as much as a recreation place,” states Spraggins. “The goal is to make it like a natural floodplain.

Page 18
Mt. Pulaski celebrates a colorful 175 years
Until the mid-1850s or so, much of Springfield was a mud bog. For decades our dirt streets were filled with trash and mud, and in summer, pools of rainwater stagnated on the streets and combined with refuse from roaming livestock to make the place smelly as well.

Page 19
A Garden Walk with Master Gardeners
A collection of 122 different hosta plants, an extension vegetable garden, a Japaneseinspired backyard with bamboo fencing, a low-mow yard and a pond with a waterfall are all features of an upcoming Springfieldarea garden tour. Sangamon-Menard Unit Master Gardeners invite you to a Garden Walk on Saturday, June 25, 2 to 7 p.

Page 20
What’s healthy?
“It says ‘Fat Free,’” I chuckled. “Why does that make you laugh?” she asked. “Because grapefruit juice is naturally fat-free,” I replied. “They’re trying to make us think it’s something special when it’s just regular grapefruit juice.

Page 21
What’s healthy?
In 2009, the Federal Trade Commission filed charges. Kellogg admitted the claims were false and accepted a settlement that didn’t include fines. It included Kellogg’s agreement to cease making any deceptive or misleading health claims for their cereals and snacks.

Page 22
Popper’s Penguins pitch-perfect fun
Though a predictable outing, there’s a sweetness to this film that lowers one’s inhibitions and leaves you susceptible to its charms. Popper (Carrey) is a ruthless real estate broker who prides himself on being able to acquire any property he sets his eyes on.

Page 23
Bottoms up
Last year our introduction of the first BassBerg event contained a list of silly bass player jokes collected from sources not particularly friendly to our bassist buddies.

Page 24
BAND SPOTLIGHT | KDF
Less than a year after forming, KFD is now firmly established as one of the top notch cover bands in central Illinois with an imposing list of big gigs lined up for this summer.

Page 25
Page 26
THE CALENDAR
Jul 01, 5:30-8:30pm, Enjoy fresh strawberry desserts and other food for purchase, music, tour, storytelling, games and more. Elijah Iles House, 628 S. Seventh St, 217-492-5929..

THEATER | Magical plot
The outdoor amphitheatre at New Salem houses Theatre in the Park’s second production of the season, The Secret Garden,.

Page 27
THE CALENDAR
lawyer, victim advocate, playwright and RMU instructor signs copies of his novel, But for the Crash, in RMU bookstore. Robert Morris University, 3101 Montvale Dr, (217) 793-2500..

Page 28
FILM | Immigrant intergration
Coalition to Promote Human Dignity and Diversity, Liberty Brew and View and Lincoln Land Community College present free screenings and discussions of the documentary Welcome to Shelbyville.

Page 29
THE CALENDAR
Jun 23, 30, 6:30pm, Every Thursday, informal political discussion and socializing with fellow progressives. springfieldil@drinkingliberally.org.

CHILDREN | Race to health
Kids 12 and under will enjoy a unique onemile race toward health. With eight different activities along the route, kids can proceed at their own pace. After and before find healthy snacks, health screenings, activities, cooking demonstration, and everyone can help harvest the community garden.

Page 30
FESTIVAL | Street picnic
A 64-year-old tradition continues as Chatham American Legion Post 759 hosts Homecoming, its “street picnic” on the Chatham square Thursday, June 23, through Saturday, June 25. Carnival rides are only $1 on Thursday night from 5 p.m. to close, and Saturday from 12-4 p.

THE CALENDAR
12-step for those with mental health issues, emotional problems, addictions or difficulties coping. Anonymous, confidential. 622-7953. People’s Church, 1109 E. Ash St..

Page 31
PUBLICNOTICES
NOTICE UNDER ASSUMED BUSINESS NAME ACT STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF SANGAMON TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that on 25th day of May, 2011 a Certificate of Ownership of business was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of Sangamon...

Page 32
PUBLICNOTICES
Fund, which is calculated at the rate of $1 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof of the amount paid by the purchaser not to exceed $300, shall be paid in certified funds immediately by the highest and best bidder at the conclusion of the sale.

NEWSQUIRKS
Police investigating a bank robbery in Houston, Texas, identified their suspects on Facebook. Following a tip, they discovered incriminating posts by teller Estefany Martinez, 19, (“IM RICH”), and her boyfriend, Ricky “Ricko Gee” Gonzalez, 18, (“WIPE MY TEETH WITH HUNDREDS” and another part of his anatomy with $50 bills).

Page 33
More of Page 33 »Page 34
REALESTATE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT SANGAMON COUNTY, ILLINOIS PRAIRIE STATE BANK & TRUST, an Illinois Banking Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. HENRY K. SMITH, BRENDA L. SMITH, RYAN KLEIMENHAGEN, TIFFANY KLEIMEN- HAGEN, CHRISTIAN HOMES, INC., SENIOR CARE PHARMACY SERVICES, LLC, and UNKNOWN OWNERS, Defendants.

Page 35
THEADVICEGODDESS
My fiance’s been treating me badly for a while. When I’m at his place, I spend most of my time watching him play video games and drink beer until he’s ready for sex or he passes out. He calls me “insecure” and says “get over it” if I bring up anything controversial, like when I noticed the box of condoms we’d just bought was suddenly short one.
