Judging from start to finish

Sangamon County courts reorganize for efficiency

Summit restores hope

Agencies pool resources to help offenders on probation

A statewide effort to help restore offenders on probation back to society has come to Springfield through efforts by the Fifth Street Renaissance, Springfield Urban League and Tower of Refuge, Inc.The

Work beats prison

Redeploy Illinois keeps juveniles out of jail

Three Decatur teens watch as a cloud of sawdust erupts from power tools operated by their wood shop instructor, Jim Taylor, in a warehouse used by Macon County Probation. For two hours on Tuesdays and

Exporting Illinois

Springfield-area businesses thrive in global markets

If business is slow here in Illinois, the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has a suggestion: Look for customers outside of the country.Carlinville native Sherry Brianza is proud that her line o

Non profit applicants wanted for $17,000 grant to aid homeless

Finding minority firefighters

City partners with advocacy groups to boost minority hiring

The father of Chatham resident Alexander Thomas told him before taking a June 18 written test for the Springfield Fire Department that he should study hard because efforts by the city to boost minorit

White Oaks renovation planned to attract more people and revenue

A multimillion-dollar renovation is planned for White Oaks Mall beginning as early as late summer. Some say it could mean a boost in sales and property tax for the city of Springfield.“There is

North side children’s library moves ahead with $20,000 grant

Children and families on the north side of Springfield will soon have a library next door.A committee made up of church members at Third Presbyterian Church and local residents will open the Northside

Officials slow to sign rail minority hiring agreement

Representatives of Faith Coalition for the Common Good are scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood in Chicago, Thursday, June 9, to discuss a Springfield agreement that woul

The gamble on harness racing and slots at the state fairgrounds

Legislation helps horse industry but what about families?