- Back in the day… - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 7:57 am:
1986-ish, went to the top top, outside. LincolnFest was going on at the time and it was a great view. Me and a few other pages. Speaking of LincolnFest, it’s time to uncancel that and bring back some fun to DT SPI.
Looking forward to the release of the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Report titled: The Economic Activity of the Cannabis Flower and Hemp Fiber & Seed Industries 2020 Edition
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:24 am:
No matter what the Governor decides to do about the mask mandate today for fully vaccinated people (after the CDC’s decision), Channel 20 is reporting that Mayor Langfelder in Springfield will still be enforcing the mask requirement in the city, at least through the end of the month. One of the few times I agree with Langfelder.
Also, I topped off gas before leaving Chatham and at the station I went to, there were new signs saying “Mask Recommended” instead of it being required.
Can you see the LaSalle Veterans Homes indictments coming from way up there?
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:27 am:
Regarding the Dome. I’ve been up there before with some work colleagues, but it was a cold foggy day so not much of a chance to see the distant scenery.
Also, I can see the very top of the Capitol dome from as far west as Loami Road heading west from Chatham. I may have even seen it even farther southwest, along Route 104 between Auburn and Waverly, before. At least 20 miles southwest of the Complex.
On a clear day I’m sure one could see Chatham and beyond from the Dome, as well as the Kincaid power plant, among others.
Never been on top of the Hilton (or whatever it’s called), however.
But the mayor just pulled the plug on closing a two block area on Adams during the summer months Friday-Sunday to allow concerts and outdoor dining. Someone complained. I suppose they didn’t want their view of empty storefronts and empty office space and empty streets to be blocked by revenue producing events.
They call it Springpatch for a reason.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:34 am:
==I suppose they didn’t want their view of empty storefronts and empty office space and empty streets to be blocked by revenue producing events.==
Anything that would ruin their chance at TIF district renewal for downtown for how long has it been now, 40 years continuously?
Rich, you have to make the effort. It’s an interesting journey to the top. If you’re out of shape it will be a tough one. Make sure you take a felt tip pen to write your name on the wall at the top.
===Jim Edgar apparently pitched Jason Barickman===
When it mattered most, Jason Barickman voted consistently against fully funded higher education, while, almost mockingly, touted his role at a state university.
Maybe Barickman will wait to see what Rauner wants him to say about this before saying anything. I’m sure Barickman doesn’t want a repeat of saying something only to retract it because Rauner said so.
Oh, I know… “it doesn’t matter”… like no budget for two years either… (sigh)
- Asteroid of Caution - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 9:04 am:
The HGOP has reached the bottom of the death spiral.
It looks more stable under the Capitol Dome than walking through Nick and Nino’s Steakhouse as the floor vibrates and the dishes, glasses and utensils vibrate. The restaurant was a great place to watch a lightning storm.
Does someone have to climb the spiral staircase to raise and lower the flag?
I saw a tweet from Caitlin Devitt of Debtwire Municipals that said Harvey, Illinois, FD is in court asking for ARPA (Rescue Act) money to go into the fire pension fund.
I would like to see some period pictures of the Capitol when it was first opened. I am sure that it must have towered over the entire city in the 1880s.
In comparison to the James R. Thompson Center, the maintenance and janitorial services at the Capitol and its office buildings were so much better. JRTC seemed dirty too often.
Closing the street reduced access to the businesses between 2nd and 4th on Adams. Resource One, Haxel Law Offices, JP Kelly’s. Essentially, closing Adams between 5th and 4th is the City favoring Buzz Bomb / Cafe Moxo at the expense of JP Kelly’s / Arlington’s.
RNUG, we have feral cat colonies here on the north side that are supported by various shelters to help keep the rat population down. We’ve had them for years. I see the headlines, but I wonder why this is such a big deal now.
I’m pretty sure Mrs RNUG made that climb, or a good part of it, years ago with a school group on tour. I remember her talking about all the stairs. I’ve never made it, and probably never will with my bad knee.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 1:04 pm:
==But the mayor just pulled the plug on closing a two block area on Adams during the summer months Friday-Sunday to allow concerts and outdoor dining. Someone complained. I suppose they didn’t want their view of empty storefronts and empty office space and empty streets to be blocked by revenue producing events.==
Ironically, there will be times during those “revenue producing events” that 200 or so-car long trains will go down 3rd street while people are at the event. Blocking access to parts of it temporarily. Until railroad relocation finally gets completely done.
- Dan Johnson - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 7:54 am:
I saw that picture and thought the same thing: How can I get a tour to get up there? Looks fun.
- Union County Shoeless - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 7:55 am:
No thanks. Vertigo would overcome me.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 7:57 am:
Good morning.
I’m super optimistic.
Hope you are too.
- Back in the day… - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 7:57 am:
1986-ish, went to the top top, outside. LincolnFest was going on at the time and it was a great view. Me and a few other pages. Speaking of LincolnFest, it’s time to uncancel that and bring back some fun to DT SPI.
- BTO2 - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:05 am:
It looks much safer today than when I went up there in the 80’s watching the Lincolnfest fireworks display from top of dome.
- Froganon - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:05 am:
I want to go up there on my next Springfield trip. Make this a raffle item and sell tickets.
- TradedUpForMitch - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:08 am:
Jimmy Carter looks so tiny in this picture
- Mama - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:10 am:
Yikes! There is no way I would climb those stairs.
- Al - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:14 am:
Looking forward to the release of the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Report titled: The Economic Activity of the Cannabis Flower and Hemp Fiber & Seed Industries 2020 Edition
Ha ha. Just joking. Mum’s the word.
- Nearly Normal - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:17 am:
Looks interesting under the Dome but not for me. I got dizzy in the Willis Tower looking down.
Enjoy the weather today. Should be on the rainy side this weekend.
- Sangamo Girl - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:18 am:
Work on your cardio if you ever get a chance to go. It’s a LOT of steps.
- Skeptic - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:21 am:
“Make this a raffle item and sell tickets.” Or maybe hold a vaccine clinic on the roof.
- DuPage Saint - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:22 am:
Now that is a place for a water slide
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:24 am:
No matter what the Governor decides to do about the mask mandate today for fully vaccinated people (after the CDC’s decision), Channel 20 is reporting that Mayor Langfelder in Springfield will still be enforcing the mask requirement in the city, at least through the end of the month. One of the few times I agree with Langfelder.
Also, I topped off gas before leaving Chatham and at the station I went to, there were new signs saying “Mask Recommended” instead of it being required.
- Citizen Kane - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:26 am:
Can you see the LaSalle Veterans Homes indictments coming from way up there?
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:27 am:
Regarding the Dome. I’ve been up there before with some work colleagues, but it was a cold foggy day so not much of a chance to see the distant scenery.
Also, I can see the very top of the Capitol dome from as far west as Loami Road heading west from Chatham. I may have even seen it even farther southwest, along Route 104 between Auburn and Waverly, before. At least 20 miles southwest of the Complex.
On a clear day I’m sure one could see Chatham and beyond from the Dome, as well as the Kincaid power plant, among others.
Never been on top of the Hilton (or whatever it’s called), however.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:31 am:
=== Can you see the LaSalle Veterans Homes indictments coming from way up there?===
Maybe the Quincy Veterans Home indictments too…
- Give Me A Break - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:32 am:
They need something like Lincoln Fest again.
But the mayor just pulled the plug on closing a two block area on Adams during the summer months Friday-Sunday to allow concerts and outdoor dining. Someone complained. I suppose they didn’t want their view of empty storefronts and empty office space and empty streets to be blocked by revenue producing events.
They call it Springpatch for a reason.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:34 am:
==I suppose they didn’t want their view of empty storefronts and empty office space and empty streets to be blocked by revenue producing events.==
Anything that would ruin their chance at TIF district renewal for downtown for how long has it been now, 40 years continuously?
- Give Me A Break - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:36 am:
Good point EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham.
- BigLou - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:53 am:
That photo makes me think it’s a good representation for our gov’t, all show on the outside but no substance on the inside.
- hisgirlfriday - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:56 am:
Jim Edgar apparently pitched Jason Barickman and Rodney Davis as his top picks for GOP nominee for governor at an event last night.
https://www.wglt.org/local-news/2021-05-14/gop-leaders-say-moderate-governor-candidate-key-in-2022?fbclid=IwAR01VFkmqxLeD9BMwJVEVDAAbnzP1jCzlTMZ-2QcwjHYVlYX8ldXWNaj4PQ
https://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/illinois-gop-discusses-future-of-party-in-bloomington-barickman-considering-run-for-governor/article_f726a962-7bba-5bc9-9657-1e1ea90b9779.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1
Would a Jim Edgar endorsement even be a net positive in a 2022 GOP primary when he’s been so openly anti-Trump?
- Norseman - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 8:58 am:
Rich, you have to make the effort. It’s an interesting journey to the top. If you’re out of shape it will be a tough one. Make sure you take a felt tip pen to write your name on the wall at the top.
- Oswego Willy - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 9:02 am:
===Jim Edgar apparently pitched Jason Barickman===
When it mattered most, Jason Barickman voted consistently against fully funded higher education, while, almost mockingly, touted his role at a state university.
Maybe Barickman will wait to see what Rauner wants him to say about this before saying anything. I’m sure Barickman doesn’t want a repeat of saying something only to retract it because Rauner said so.
Oh, I know… “it doesn’t matter”… like no budget for two years either… (sigh)
- Asteroid of Caution - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 9:04 am:
The HGOP has reached the bottom of the death spiral.
- Practical Politics - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 9:09 am:
It looks more stable under the Capitol Dome than walking through Nick and Nino’s Steakhouse as the floor vibrates and the dishes, glasses and utensils vibrate. The restaurant was a great place to watch a lightning storm.
Does someone have to climb the spiral staircase to raise and lower the flag?
- yinn - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 9:15 am:
I saw a tweet from Caitlin Devitt of Debtwire Municipals that said Harvey, Illinois, FD is in court asking for ARPA (Rescue Act) money to go into the fire pension fund.
- Amalia - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 9:33 am:
this evokes memories of a visit to the Statue of Liberty. not digging climbing those stairs. Also the movie Vertigo.
- Practical Politics - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 9:33 am:
I would like to see some period pictures of the Capitol when it was first opened. I am sure that it must have towered over the entire city in the 1880s.
In comparison to the James R. Thompson Center, the maintenance and janitorial services at the Capitol and its office buildings were so much better. JRTC seemed dirty too often.
- RNUG - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 9:37 am:
== mayor just pulled the plug ==
He reverses course any time anyone complains about anything.
- RNUG - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 9:39 am:
Did you see the story about cats being released in Chicago (by a shelter, I think) to try to help control the rat population?
I suspect the cats will have a tough time …
- Anyone Remember - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 9:58 am:
===Someone complained.===
Closing the street reduced access to the businesses between 2nd and 4th on Adams. Resource One, Haxel Law Offices, JP Kelly’s. Essentially, closing Adams between 5th and 4th is the City favoring Buzz Bomb / Cafe Moxo at the expense of JP Kelly’s / Arlington’s.
- Responsa - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 10:20 am:
Eleni is obviously practicing up to come to Chicago and tackle the most upper, upper level of White Sox Park.
- Cheryl44 - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 10:48 am:
RNUG, we have feral cat colonies here on the north side that are supported by various shelters to help keep the rat population down. We’ve had them for years. I see the headlines, but I wonder why this is such a big deal now.
- RNUG - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 10:55 am:
== wonder why this is such a big deal now. ==
Cheryl44 No idea. Maybe someone’s idea of a feel good story.
- Last Bull Moose - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 11:33 am:
Feral cats in Jeddah kept the rats from being visible. There were still plenty of rats.
Those cats were NOT cuddly. They would also take on scorpions.
- zatoichi - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 12:10 pm:
Zat’s Brain: Climbing the Dome sounds great
Zat’s knees: You nuts?
- RNUG - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 12:25 pm:
I’m pretty sure Mrs RNUG made that climb, or a good part of it, years ago with a school group on tour. I remember her talking about all the stairs. I’ve never made it, and probably never will with my bad knee.
- EssentialStateEmployeeFromChatham - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 1:04 pm:
==But the mayor just pulled the plug on closing a two block area on Adams during the summer months Friday-Sunday to allow concerts and outdoor dining. Someone complained. I suppose they didn’t want their view of empty storefronts and empty office space and empty streets to be blocked by revenue producing events.==
Ironically, there will be times during those “revenue producing events” that 200 or so-car long trains will go down 3rd street while people are at the event. Blocking access to parts of it temporarily. Until railroad relocation finally gets completely done.
- Stones - Friday, May 14, 21 @ 3:37 pm:
I snuck up there as a temporary Senate Page in the early ‘80’s.