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H.O.T. means hope for the homeless
When Nate Schwiethale joined the Wichita police force 17 years ago he was assigned to downtown, where he spent most of his time dealing with homeless people, who often had substance abuse problems, mental illness or both. He would arrest them for drinking or panhandling and send them off to jail.

A fate worse than death
But it didn’t seem to matter. Eagerly, tenderly, I lay my newborn son in her arms. She sat motionless, her eyes void. No expression whatsoever. I searched her face, desperately hoping to see some sign of joy…of recollection…of understanding. Nothing. Her eyes were vacant.

Patience, secrecy in the Kochs’ conspiracy
They were so upset that they came up with a ridiculous plan to overthrow Roosevelt and install a military government.

LETTERS
KEEP AMTRAK STAFFED When properly staffed, Amtrak train stations provide a vital transportation link for many communities with limited transportation alternatives. However, Amtrak has recently begun eliminating customer service representative (ticket agent) jobs at many stops across the country.

The state of higher education in Illinois
Anselment testified against a bill that would create a pilot program to allow a downstate community college to offer nursing bachelor’s degrees. The four-year universities view this legislation as a dangerous slippery slope toward turning community colleges into full-on competitors.

Celebrating three decades, Skank Skates needs help
George Sinclair started building skateboard ramps as a bored Petersburg teenager in the 1970s. At 16, the city of Petersburg paid him $300 to build a 10- foot half-pipe for a contest at a citywide event. “I built it, they had the contest, and then they gave the ramp to me,” he said.

Heather Moore rises in Springfield Fire Department
Chiefly, she was too short and too slight – vintage media guides from High Point University in North Carolina, her alma mater, list her at five foot six. In middle school, she played at south of five feet, and her coach told her that she’d never make it as a college player.

Ireland’s ambassador visits Mother Jones
On May 4, Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States, Daniel Mulhall, visited the Mother Jones Monument in Mount Olive, where he met with Northern Illinois University Prof. Rosemary Feurer, director of the Mother Jones Heritage Project. Mulhull traveled to central Illinois with Brian O’Brien, Consul General of Ireland, whose office is in Chicago.

New Orleans groove, excellent cause
“I’m just another New Orleans musician, that’s all I am,” said Charmaine Neville, who will be returning to Springfield to perform with her band at Erin’s Pavilion on Friday, May 11. The singer and bandleader is being modest.

A fictional Illinois small-town police chief, pregnant and endearing
Kelly McMullin is a 30-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, having served the final decade as a detective in the bomb squad. Relocating to Loda, in east central Illinois, he began his writing career to clear his mind of the many memories from police service.

Irreverent paella
I was traveling recently and needed to stop for a dinner break while en route. I found an attractive looking restaurant that specialized in “fusion” cuisine. I ordered a grilled chicken Banh Mi and Korean Kalbi baby back ribs.

Faris and Derbez keep Overboard afloat
The obvious change from the original to this incarnation is the gender switch of the two leads. This time out, Anna Faris is the representative of the working class, a single mom named Kate with three kids who makes ends meet by delivering pizzas and working for a cleaning service.

Made-up music and mom
Let us first send our heartfelt condolences to the family of Shane Shomidie for the tragic loss of this fine, young man, who is the son of musician Micky Shomidie. I know and you know, Micky, that we in the music community and otherwise are all with you and your family during this difficult and tragic time.

PUB CRAWL
Frank Parker’s Jambalaya Jazz Jam.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | The Pine Mountain Logs
When they say “you’re not bragging if it’s a fact,” those “theys” could be talking about The Pine Mountain Logs, who claim to be “The World’s Best Cover Band with International Fame in Global Proportions” and actually, in several valid opinions, most likely are.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS | Cigars and craft beer for charity
On Friday, May 11, don’t miss the FatAss 5K Craft Beer and Cigar Festival, located on Seventh Street between Celtic Mist and the President Abraham Lincoln Springfield - a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.

THE CALENDAR
Books & Authors Author Andrew Taylor Call.

THEATER | Saturday night sketch comedy
The show, which will be presented twice on Saturday, May 12, is inspired by the words of Abraham Lincoln and the music of Queen and is perfect for fans of The Second City or “Saturday Night Live.” One Flu over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

MUSIC | Children in concert
On Saturday, May 12, experience a magnificent concert that will close out the 2017-2018 season for the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony and Sangamon Civic Orchestra. The concert, under the direction of Matthew Sheppard, features Sir William Walton’s “Crown Imperial.