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Springfield must invest in its schools
I’m leading a group of Springfield citizens who are convincing their neighbors that there are important reasons for all of us to contribute a little more to our schools. Invest in 186 is a grass-roots organization whose members believe that a strong community depends on a strong public school system.

Betting with other players’ chips
This caught my attention while reading the paper the other day – caught my attention in the same way that swallowing something unexpectedly nasty catches one’s attention.

The mobsters of Wall Street
Assume that you ran a business that was found guilty of bribery, forgery, perjury, defrauding homeowners, fleecing investors, swindling consumers, cheating credit card holders, violating U.S. trade laws and bilking American soldiers. Can you even imagine the kind of punishment you’d get?.

LETTERS
SHERIFF WHO Where is Neil Williamson? I’ve noticed we never hear from Neil anymore and I am not entirely clear whether he is still sheriff.

Rough road for Rutherford
For instance, the accuser Ed Michalowski claims in his lawsuit that all the campaign and sexual pressure from Rutherford directly resulted in “leakage of cerebral spinal fluid in the brain,” which seems more than a bit of a stretch.

Mine safety regulator took campaign cash from coal magnate
Anthony “Tony” Mayville, supervisor of mine safety enforcement for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is chairman of the Washington County Democratic Central Committee in southern Illinois.

HEARTS FOR THE HOMELESS
It’s probably pretty easy to feel like no one cares about you when you’re living on the street, especially around Valentine’s Day. “Often times, these people are isolated from family and friends and suffer depression and loneliness on holidays such as this,” says Linda Gessaman, executive director of Homeless United for Change in Springfi eld.

WARRIORS WANTED
Organizers from Illinois’ Warrior to Warrior program, a nonprofi t operated by Health and Disability Advocates and the Illinois National Guard, are looking for volunteers across the state to join in on the new program’s goal of providing every Illinois National Guard unit with a volunteer veteran.

Judging time
No wonder, then, that a half-dozen or more lawyers have traditionally tried for judgeships when posts have come open for appointment – there were eight candidates, for example, when the state Supreme Court picked John Schmidt to replace Thomas Appleton in 2010, the last time a spot opened up on the circuit bench.

Lawsuit jolts race
The sheriff’s office now faces at least five lawsuits filed by plaintiffs who accuse Taser-toting deputies or jailers of using excessive force. In the most recent one, Richard E. Haley, Jr.

State rep pushes for welfare drug tests
Illinois lawmakers have made several attempts to require drug testing for public assistance recipients over recent years. Rep. Dwight Kay, R-Glen Carbon, says his latest proposal is different. This one, he says, is aimed at helping welfare recipients who abuse drugs.

Group pushing for school funding vote
District 186 has faced a budget shortfall each year since 2010 because of state funding cuts and the 2008 market crash that devalued the district’s investments. Rather than cut about $16 million in a single year, the school board spread out the cuts over four years.

Not your father’s Robocop
In the near future, OmniCorp, a technology firm at the forefront of robotics, is on the verge of making grand social change. They’ve devised a drone that’s in use in Iran to help “keep the peace,” though intimidating the locals is far closer to the truth.

Carrying the torch
Every Tuesday night Bar None (corner of Fifth Street and Monroe) plays host to Torch Tuesday, the area’s most reliable showcase for hip-hop music and culture. Presided over by Howard “Torch” Tomas, Torch Tuesday has been going strong for years.

Cold days, warm desserts
“By now, cooking aficionados worldwide are familiar with the story: A Canadian housewife commandeers one of her husband’s favorite woodworking tools and discovers it effortlessly produces the lightest, most wonderful orange zest she could have ever imagined.

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

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Sally Barris
Recognized as one of the finest of the many singer-songwriters in the folky, Americana genre today, Sally Barris holds her own as both an evocative singer and striking songwriter. Ever since she moved to Nashville from her Minnesota home to dedicate her life to songwriting, Sally has led a storied career.

Eric ‘Guitar’ Davis
As our country continues somehow to confuse the constitutional right to bear arms against a tyrannical enemy with an individual right to use weapons when the mood arises for pleasing personal passions, we mourn another loss of life. This senseless, and as yet unsolved murder, took place in the South Side of Chicago on Dec.

THE CALENDAR
Sat. Man of 10,000 voices, also in Police Academy fi lms. $17-$19. 217- 391-5653. Donnie B’s Comedy Club, 625 E. Saint Joseph Street, 391-JOKE..

ART | Giving and gifting
Local artist Stan Squires offers limited edition prints of three Springfield landmarks through March 31 as a fundraiser for the Salvation Army. Half of the proceeds go to the nonprofit. The illustrations include Lincoln Park’s stone bridge (pictured), Illinois Watch Company and Pillsbury Mills Flour Plant.

MUISC | Shakespeare and percussion
Illinois Symphony Orchestra has a spectacular concert planned for Saturday, Feb. 22, at Sangamon Auditorium UIS that includes a special guest percussionist and a dramatic performance. ISO is joined by Illinois Shakespeare Festival players who will bring Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet” to life.

CULTURE | Embracing differences
Illinois State Museum is planning a fun and educational Saturday for families and individuals on Feb. 22. Learn about the heritage and traditions of various world cultures through hands-on crafts, international displays, live performances and more at Celebrate Cultural Diversity.