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.

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.

They were so upset that they came up with a ridiculous plan to overthrow Roosevelt and install a military government.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frank Parker’s Jambalaya Jazz Jam.

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.

Books & Authors Author Andrew Taylor Call.

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.

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.