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My memories of Sangamon State
I was one of those charter students. We were a motley crew....people of all ages and backgrounds. Old ladies, young community college graduates, people who had dropped out, flunked out or previously couldn’t afford much college. There were anti-war peaceniks and ex-Marines who had seen hard duty in Vietnam.

Naming rights and wrongs
Across the South, Confederate battle flags, long regarded with pride as the symbol of a newly risen South, have been coming down from atop statehouses and courthouses. Hyperbolic commentators see the removal as the final act of the Civil War, but I see it as mere circumspection, not a change of conviction.

Marriage equality moves from taboo to justice
It’s the inspiring story of our society’s continuing struggle to evolve toward dignity and mutual respect... as well as love.

LETTERS
RACISM. THINK ABOUT IT. In the aftermath of the recent murders of nine citizens at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C., various national leaders described the actions of Dylann Roof as “unthinkable.” We’ve been considering that word and believe it does a disservice to all of us and is disrespectful to those closest to the victims.

Rauner continues to skirt responsibility
Rauner said last week via an email to state employees that he hadn’t heard any response to his newly proposed compromises on his non-budget demands which he wants resolved before he’ll even talk about the budget.

Hunter Lake poised for passage
The idea of a second lake for Springfield has been the subject of numerous studies by proponents, opponents and consultants hired by the city over more than 40 years. A handful of alternatives have also been proposed and studied, with opponents questioning even the need for a second water source.

Sounding off on Sangamon County
The results of the second Sangamon County Citizen Survey were released on June 26, showing that residents of Springfield and the surrounding area generally feel happier and healthier than two years ago. Still, a measure of gloom persists about some of the facets of life here.

The person behind the poll
Dr. Ashley Kirzinger had barely been on the job as director of the Survey Research Office at the University of Illinois Springfield one week in August 2012 when she was asked to design a major county-wide survey to measure public opinion on several issues.

A touch of Germany in Hermann, Missouri
The bachelorette party was in full swing as the would-be bride and her attendants made the rounds of the wineries in Hermann, Missouri. Several groups of women poked their heads into antique shops while motorcyclists parked their bikes to follow their noses into a wurst haus.

Cold comfort, Spanish style
Some call it liquid salad. That’s understandable, but there’s a lot more to gazpacho than a glass of V8, though you might never know it from some of the gazpachos that show up on summer menus all over the world these days: a bowl or glass of cold, seasoned tomato juice, garnished with bits of diced raw veggies and, sometimes, croutons.

Cuisine Scene
Real Texas-style BBQ. Every cut of meat is carefully selected and hand rubbed with our signature spice blend then slow hickory smoked. Dine-in, take-out and catering. L, D, OD, $$.

Empowering message in Mike XXL
Channing Tatum returns to the title role, but instead of making women swoon by bumping and grinding, he’s content with buffing and sanding as he’s succeeded in setting up his own custom-made furniture business.

Hoedown and throwdown
Friday brings Indiana singer-songwriter Bill Price back to the Walnut Street Winery for a night of thoughtful and provocative songs. Backed by Bill’s guitar and Grover Parido on cello, the sounds are sweet and the message mighty. In a complete turnabout, Homespun Republic and Tom Hart Concerts host 80s metal band L.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Broadside
Formed in 2010 in Richmond, Virginia, Broadside took the time to cultivate, promulgate and perpetuate music worth hearing and a concert worth seeing. Recently signed to Chicago’s Victory Records, the band released their debut album Old Bones.

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

THE CALENDAR
Sat. 20 food vendors, Bacon Battle Royale, live music, Kids’ Zone with Touch-A-Truck, petting zoo and more. $5 adults, children 12 and under free. $1 per food/beverage ticket. Advance tickets at downtownspringfi eld.org. Downtown Springfi eld, Inc., 3 W. Old State Capitol Plaza, 544-1723.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS | Bacon and bands
Here’s a delectable new festival that we’re excited to see in the streets of downtown Springfield: the first annual Downtown Bacon Throwdown and Music Fest, hosted by Downtown Springfield, Inc. This two-day festival features 20 food vendors offering classic and eccentric menus centered on bacon.

THEATER | From books to Broadway
See the Cat in the Hat and many more of Dr. Seuss’ most beloved characters come to life during the Springfield Municipal Opera’s production of Seussical: The Musical. Seussical.

SPORTS | Fun for all at the ballpark
Join the Springfield Sliders as they take on the Hannibal Cavemen this Saturday, July 11, at Robin Roberts Stadium.