Page 1

Shredgate: City’s actions, or lack thereof, stink
What started all this was pretty simple. The city got tired of requests for police internal affairs files from folks like Calvin “I’m Not Springfield Leaks” Christian, so the cops shredded files, like nervous diplomats in an embassy about to be overrun by militants.

The neighborhood school, redefined
Schools, conventionally, seek to train the minds of their young charges. The problem is that it is not only their minds that show up every day in the classroom. Their bodies, their attitudes, their expectations of themselves and school, their social skills – they all show up too.

Corporate cowards divert shareholder funds into ‘dark money’
Amazingly, though, these corporate creatures have suddenly turned demure, insisting that they don’t want to draw any attention to themselves.

LETTERS
MONEY SPEAKS In his article, “Looking for Mr. Right,” (May 9) James Krohe Jr. makes several valid points regarding the failings of the school board as well as the problems inherit in searching for a new superintendent. However, Mr. Krohe ignores the largest problem facing District 186 – a lack of adequate funding.

Illinois’ rocky political landscape
And this all comes at a particularly bad time for the GOP. A new Capitol Fax/We Ask America poll found that 52 percent of likely Illinois voters have a negative view of the Republican Party. Just 25 percent have a positive view, while 24 percent were neutral.

DUI DEATH MEMORIAL
Danny Dapron Sr. hopes his son’s needless death can yield some positive results with the posting of a road sign memorial in his son’s honor. On the night of Aug. 8, 2010, Danny Wayne Dapron Jr. of Springfi eld was killed by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bicycle on South Grand Avenue.

Juvenile Justice shows progress
It’s one sign of progress for the relatively new department, which was previously part of the adult-oriented Illinois Department of Corrections.

WASHINGTON PARK WOODPECKER
If you’re enjoying the early morning coolness with a stroll in Washington Park, don’t be alarmed if you hear a metallic rat-a-tat nearby. It’s just a woodpecker who likes to sit atop the light posts by the western “lower” lagoon.

Physician claims prescription drugs worse than marijuana
Dr. Dora Dixie, an addiction specialist from Chicago, argues that marijuana is highly addictive. Dr. David Walters, a Mt. Vernon physician who has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and given 11 to 13 months to live, says most prescription drugs have more harmful side effects.

Betting on bikes
Greene, chairman of the Springfield Bicycle Advisory Council, hopes the adoption of a bicycle and pedestrian plan by the Springfield City Council will bring that same freedom in another form: the ability to traverse the city safely, quickly and cheaply – without the need for a car.

ARTIFICATION of Springfield
Barry Friedman, owner of the Alamo, 115 N. Fifth St., is reminiscing about conditions in downtown Springfield prior to the 2005 opening of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, situated on Sixth Street near his establishment. “Things are so much better than they used to be.

Fitzgerald’s Gatsby survives Luhrmann’s grandiose approach
A brief recap of the story is in order. The setting is Long Island during the Roaring ’20s. Reluctant bond trader and would-be author Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) has moved into a small cottage that’s dwarfed by the ornate mansion built by elusive millionaire Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio).

The goodness of young garlic
New crop garlic’s flavor is intense but sweeter and less harsh (especially when raw) than that of garlic available in late winter. I don’t have scientific proof, but new crop garlic doesn’t seem to linger on the palate as much, either, which is a fancy way of saying that it’s less likely to give the diner bad garlic breath.

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

BAND SPOTLIGHT | ZZ Tripp
Springfield’s ZZ Tripp with Brad Alan (as Billy Gibbons on guitar), Dan Kress (as Dusty Hill on bass) and Tom Summerlin (as Frank Beard on drums) gives ZZ Top a tremendous tribute treatment.

From Perkins to Presney
John Michael Presney spent the better part of the last two years on the road in the first national touring production of the Tony award-winning musical Million Dollar Quartet portraying the “father of rockabilly,” Carl Perkins. The Rochester native, talking to me by phone from poolside in Tucson, Ariz.

THE CALENDAR
Dates, times and locations are subject to last-minute changes, so we suggest calling before attending events..

FESTIVAL | LGBT celebration
Downtown Springfield is the setting for three festivals this weekend. Make sure to visit Springfield PrideFest on Capitol Avenue between Fourth and Sixth streets on Saturday, May 18, between noon and 9 p.m. Hosted by the Phoenix Center and with something for everyone, this soirée is partying up its third year.

ART | Talent trove
Old Capitol Art Fair is one of the most beloved festivals in central Illinois. Join scores of art and festival lovers this weekend, May 18 and 19, on the downtown square for amazing and unique fine art creations. With more than 150 artists from across the U.

WINE | Refreshing reds and whites
Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association and Downtown Springfield Inc. offer Art of Illinois Wine Festival both Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 19. Open to anyone over 21 years of age, admission includes a wine glass and five samplings from Illinois wineries.

FESTIVAL | Scots and Irish revelry
Rain or shine join the Celts in Chatham for a day of Irish and Scottish dancing, athletic competitions, food, music and more on May 18. Celtic bands from around the U.S. may participate in the Springfield area games, and those who have made the trip will march and play for audiences at massed band times at noon and 5:30 p.

FESTIVAL | Pioneer experience
The largest lineup of entertainment, food, re-enactors and demonstrations of pioneer craftsmanship and skills ever assembled await you at the Clayville Spring Festival, May 18-19.