Facing nearly half a billion dollars of unpaid bills from the State of Illinois, the University of Illinois says it will probably have to raise tuition nearly 20 percent over the next four years.

Libraries are an important part of our society. They provide a variety of choices in books, music, movies, audio-books and research tomes as well as public Internet, children’s reading programs, meeting places and quiet places for reading or study. Through interlibrary loan programs, you can order items that your library does not carry.

OK, presumably their mommas do, and possibly their pet dogs, but that’s it. The general public loathes them and would be delighted to see the whole bunch tarred, feathered and deported to a barren atoll, where their punishment would be living with themselves.

no need to hurry no need to worry life is regulife is regulated from the birthmobile to the hearsemobile by the GREAT COMPUTER- MOBILE.

Thank you for the memories about Stevie’s Latin Village. I remember during the 1960s my parents would go to Stevie’s for occasional Saturday night dates. They would get all dressed up in their finest, get a babysitter for us, and go out for a good time.

Most of the Democratic carnage is selfinflicted, like the Scott Lee Cohen debacle, or the brutal gubernatorial primary, or the troubles at U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias’ family bank, or the decision to run a lobbyist with close connections to House Speaker Michael Madigan for Cook County Assessor.

First American Core Logic, a mortgage data analysis company based in California, says Springfield’s rate of foreclosures was .99 percent in February 2010, just above the .98 percent rate from February 2009. By comparison, the Illinois foreclosure rate rose from 2.

But Gary’s bus route may soon change, and Margaret Wood isn’t sure the change will be for the better. She voiced her concern April 7 at a public hearing held by the Springfield Mass Transit Authority to get riders’ input on proposed bus route changes..

Prairie Farms has provided dairy products to Wal-Mart for more than 20 years, Mullins says, and Wal-Mart sold some Prairie Farms milk under its own Great Value label, along with normal Prairie Farms-branded products.

From floor to ceiling, the Central Illinois Food Bank’s 25,000-square-foot warehouse on the east side of Springfield is packed with donations, ranging from traditional items like juice boxes, cereal and canned goods to the more unusual – chili-flavored lollipops, strawberry corn starch and potato chips made to taste like ketchup.

In its food donations, Central Illinois Food Bank often receives products that can’t be sold by manufacturers. A change in packaging design, a label misprint or a failed test product is more than likely to end up on the food bank’s shelves. Last week, the food bank received 25,000 unlabeled cans of corn.

In the rarified world of today’s celebrity chefs, some have attained their status because they’ve earned it with in-depth knowledge, innovative or authentic cuisine, and stellar restaurants. The best of the best spawn protégés who, under their tutelage and with their support, go on to establish their own successful careers.

Carell and Fey are Phil and Claire Foster, two longtime marrieds who feel their relationship is going stale. Intent on shaking things up, they go out to a trendy restaurant and impulsively claim the reservation of the Tripplehorns when they fail to show up.

This is just the tip of the iceberg in Polanski’s taut mystery, which unfolds as a political conspiracy thriller that entertains as it indicts.

That being said, this Saturday, April 17, marks the international celebration of Independent Record Store Day (IRSD) and the long-winded sentence above only briefly, but perhaps succinctly, explains the importance of the occasion. As in most businesses, the goodness comes with a variety that allows for a choice to be made by the consumer.

It’s been too long since our gal pal, the Rockabilly Filly, the Sassy Guitar Lassie, the Six-String Princess of Texas (Aug. 31, 2006, was Rosie Flores Day in Austin) and Ms. Mighty Music Maker herself made a sparkling Springfield appearance.

Dates, times and locations are subject to change, so we suggest calling before attending an event..

Three interesting and enlightening environmental documentaries fill the big screen at City Nights Theater on three nights. The Garden.

Lunch and Learn Series: Literature, Prairie Visions, Prairie Voices.

Described as “Seinfeld set to pop music,” this musical comedy is about sex, love, dating, marriage, in-laws and kids.

There’s still time to celebrate National Poetry Month in central Illinois. Norb Andy’s hosts Springfield Poets and Writers Open Mic April 21 from 6-8 p.m. Listen to local poets read their original work or join in by phoning 725-9058 to reserve a time slot.

Ace Bike Shop has a soaring day planned for all those interested in biking the new interurban bicycle trail with a few friends. The trip begins at the Ace Bike Shop, proceeds to Chatham Post Office and ends back at the shop. All entered riders have a chance to win a new Giant Cypress bike fit to their size.

NOTICE UNDER ASSUMED BUSINESS NAME ACT STATE OF ILLINOIS COUNTY OF SANGAMON TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that on 24th day of March, 2010 a Certificate of Ownership of business was filed in the Office of the County Clerk of Sangamon County, stating that MICHAEL D.

Promote your class, workshop, or fundraiser here! Just $10 per week for up to 30 words; any additional words are just $0.35 per word. To place your ad, contact your display rep or e-mail your ad and contact information to nbulli@illinoistimes.com.

Two men tried to rob a man coming out of a convenience store in Medford, Ore., but fled when their intended victim ran back inside the store to call police. Officers arrived and were investigating when the would-be robbers returned in time for witnesses to point them out.

Promote your local biz in print and online Call Nan for details - 753-1724.

It seems women have a crafting gene. Martha Stewart taps into hers, and like a one-woman swarm of rickracking, sponge-painting locusts, transforms everything in her path. Other women start by perking up flowerpots and end tables and move on to unsuitable men.