News

LLCC celebrates African-American History Month in February

SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College honors African-American History Month during February with, “African Americans and Labor: The Impact.” Various events planned throughout the month will highlight the African-American influence on American labor and how free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, and vocational and voluntary all intersect with the collective experiences of African-American people.  The following events are free and open to the public and will be held in A. Lincoln Commons at LLCC’s

Knoles Named 2024 Colleague of the Year for Springfield Memorial Hospital

SPRINGFIELD – Starr Knoles, an oncology RN at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Year for 2024. Knoles finds helping people during their time of need as the most rewarding part of her job. “I want to support patients in any way I can and put a smile on their face during the most difficult time in their lives by providing caring, compassionate and empathetic care,” she said. A patient’s family member nominated her for being a “truly fantastic nurse.” Knoles is

Innovate Springfield to host February events featuring serial entrepreneur Paul Magelli

SPRINGFIELD – Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown business incubator, will host a series of events in February featuring Paul Magelli, a serial entrepreneur, investor and director of Illini Angels at Illinois Ventures. Magelli, who has founded and scaled multiple successful ventures, will share his extensive experience in entrepreneurship, investment strategies and business growth. All events will be held at Innovate Springfield, located at 15 South Old State Capitol

The UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents a solo exhibit and lecture by artist Moises Salazar Tlatenchi

SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “Hijx De Viboras Doradas,” an exhibition by Chicago-based artist Moises Salazar Tlatenchi. “Hijx De Viboras Doradas” opens Feb. 10 and runs through March 6.“Hijx De Viboras Doradas” is presented in partnership with the Artists’ Cooperative Residency & Exhibitions (ACRE), an artist-run non-profit based in Chicago devoted to providing resources to emerging artists and nurturing a diverse community of cultural

United Way ''Power of Community'' Trivia Night

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tina Prather Director of Marketing and Communications United Way of Central Illinois 217-726-7000 tprather@uwcil.org United Way to Host “Power of Community” Trivia Night Springfield, IL – United Way of Central Illinois invites community members to test their knowledge and join in the fun at its annual Trivia Night on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Firefighters Lake Club, located at 940 W Lake Shore Drive, Springfield. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the trivia

UIS to honor four with awards for achievement, service and humanitarianism

SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield will present its 2025 alumni and service awards during the annual Alumni Gala at the Student Union on Feb. 21. The event will recognize four distinguished individuals for their professional achievements, service to the university and contributions to society.The 2025 Alumni Achievement Award, honoring outstanding success and distinction in one’s profession or life’s work, will be presented to former U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos. A graduate of the Public Affairs

LLCC announces fall 2024 part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists

SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the fall 2024 semester. Part-time students, enrolled in six to 11 credit hours, who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and achieved President’s list honors. Part-time students who earned a GPA of 3.5-3.99 achieved Vice President’s list honors.  Alton – Evie M. Lievers*                                                           Arenzville – Ali Ballinger*,

Ambassador of the Quarter Schyler Hollis

  Schyler Hollis AVP, Commercial Lending Bank of Springfield 217-241-6218 shollis@bankwithbos.comIn the fourth quarter of 2024, Schyler Hollis, AVP, Commercial Lending with Bank of Springfield, earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor.  Schyler submitted two member leads and both joined The Chamber, attended 13 ribbon cuttings, made 15 member contacts, worked at two Chamber on Tap and one Coffee & Connections events, attended three Ambassador committee meetings, and worked at ‘Shoes, Brews &

LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES POSITION CHANGE OF STEPHANIE SMITH TO BRANCH MANAGER

Decatur, Illinois, January 13th, 2025 – Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced that Stephanie Smith has been moved into the role of Branch Manager at the Mound Rd. location. Smith will oversee the staff and daily tasks of the Mound Rd. branch and ensure the branch meets the needs of our members. "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on this new position. It reflects the dedication and hard work I have put into my role, and I am excited to embrace the challenges ahead,” states

HSHS St. John’s Regional Trauma Center Celebrates a Decade of Caring for the Community

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. John’s Regional Trauma Center is celebrating a significant milestone of 10 years as a Level I Trauma Center in January 2025. This designation in 2015 by the Illinois Department of Public Health represents St. John’s commitment to providing the Springfield and Central Illinois region with comprehensive emergency care, life-saving medical expertise and compassionate patient care.  “Over the past decade, St. John’s Regional Trauma Center has not only treated injuries, but also

UIS online bachelor’s degree programs ranked among the top 40 in the United States

SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield’s online bachelor’s degree programs have been ranked among the top 40 in the nation in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings released today.UIS’ online bachelor’s programs placed 39th out of 350 institutions, climbing six spots from last year. In the Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans category, UIS ranked 20th, an improvement of 11 spots. Additionally, the UIS online bachelor’s degree in psychology was ranked 21st in

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois announces Matt Tucker will join Board of Directors

Springfield & Peoria, IL — 1/21/25  Matt Tucker brings extensive experience in human resources and talent development, with a passion for empowering individuals and teams to achieve their potential.  He currently leads the learning and development initiatives for his organization, driving programs that foster employee growth, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. Prior to his current role, Matt served in human resources and people development capacities at Hanson

Scholarship Funding Available to Students Across Greater Springfield Region

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is now accepting applications for the 2025 scholarship program. There are more than 45 different post-secondary scholarships available. Last year, more than $260,000 was awarded in scholarships and scholarship renewals. While many scholarships are available to graduating seniors in Sangamon County, there are also scholarships available for returning students, as well as graduating seniors from the surrounding counties served by the

Introducing Top Hat Hackers Hackathon

Innovate Springfield, The University of Illinois College of Health and Science, and Krasan Consulting are teaming up to host the Top Hat Hackers Hackathon, and we want YOU to be part of it. Whether you're a coding wizard, cybersecurity guru, or tech enthusiast, this is your chance to shine!What's the Big Deal?We're tackling a challenge that matters: creating tech solutions to make workplaces more inclusive for neurodivergent individuals. Cool, right?The Good Stuff:Bag a $1,000 cash prize if your team

Applications Open for the Regional Arts Partner Grant (RAP) FY25

The Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) is excited to announce that applications are now open for the FY25 Regional Arts Partner Grant (RAP). Previously known as Community Arts Access, this regranting program provides project-based funding to community organizations in Sangamon and Menard counties.    RAP grants aim to increase access to the arts, especially for underserved populations, while fostering meaningful partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and individuals. This year, grants will

Businesses and organizations are invited to take part in the UIS Career Connections Expo

SPRINGFIELD – Businesses and organizations are encouraged to register for the Career Connections Expo at the University of Illinois Springfield. The Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on the UIS campus.In addition to the Expo, registered employers are invited to participate in a pre-Expo networking event called the C2C (College to Career) Exchange, which will give them the opportunity to connect with faculty and staff before the Expo

Orion Marty Promoted to Chief Operating Officer & Senior Advisor at Damon Priddy Insurance & Financial Services

Orion Marty Promoted to Chief Operating Officer & Senior Advisor at Damon Priddy Insurance & Financial Services  Springfield, Illinois — January 16, 2025 — Damon Priddy Insurance & Financial Services - a State Farm Agency is proud to announce the promotion of Orion Marty to Chief Operating Officer (COO) & Senior Advisor. This strategic decision reflects the company’s commitment to leadership excellence and its focus on providing exceptional service to clients.  Orion Marty, who has been an integral part

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Illinois announces Executive Leadership Appointments

Dr. Jawad Javed has transitioned from Vice Chair to Chair, replacing Mark Denzler, who served as the Chair for the past two years.  Lindsay Bentivegna has transitioned from Board Director to Vice Chair, replacing Dr. Jawad Javed, who served as the Vice Chair for the past two years. "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jawad Javed as Board Chair and Lindsay Bentivegna as Vice Chair," said Amber Kaylor, CEO. "Dr. Javed’s visionary leadership and deep commitment to our mission, combined with Lindsay's strategic

UIS professor awarded a $397,498 grant to study urban water movement and its impact on public health

SPRINGFIELD – Kyle Blount, assistant professor in the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability and Public Health at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been awarded a four-year, $397,498 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to study urban water movement and its effects on ecosystems and public health. The research will focus on how irrigation and water restrictions influence the urban water cycle across different climates and cities.“I am honored to receive recognition and support

Bistro Verde reopens Jan. 28 at LLCC

SPRINGFIELD — Bistro Verde, Lincoln Land Community College’s student-led café, reopens Jan. 28 and will serve customers Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The café is open as Bistro To Go, a counter service concept, from Jan. 28-Feb. 27, offering soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods, coffees and drinks.  From March 26-April 24, the café transforms into Bistro Verde, a casual, dine-in restaurant experience. The full-service lunch features appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches,

Inaugural Chancellor’s Thinkers Series at UIS to focus on engaged citizenship

WHAT:       University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch will host the first event in her new Thinkers Series, titled “A Call to Think: Engaged Citizenship.”  WHEN:       5-6:15 p.m. Jan. 29  WHERE:    Brookens Auditorium, on the lower level of Brookens Library at UIS  DETAILS:  Chancellor Gooch will be joined by Steven D. Schwinn, professor at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Law, for an engaging discussion on the importance of engaged citizenship.  The Chancellor’s

HSHS St. John’s Hospital Announces Colleague of the Year for 2024

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. John’s Hospital announced its 2024 Colleague of the Year. Terra McMasters, LPN II, Medical Unit, February Colleague of the Month, received the award.“Terra treats each patient she cares for with dignity and respect,” reads a nomination. “She truly listens to each patient and does her best to meet their needs.”“HSHS St. John’s Hospital is honored to have a colleague who exemplifies our Core Values of Respect, Care, Competence and Joy,” said Matt Fry, President and CEO of HSHS

NOTICE OF VACANCY: WARD ONE ALDERPERSON POSITION

Springfield, IL—The City of Springfield is accepting resumes for the Ward One Alderperson position. Interested candidates are urged to send their resumes along with a cover letter. To apply, please email your cover letter and resume tofeedback@springfield.il.us Resumes will be evaluated on a rolling basis. The final submission deadline is 4:30 pm on January 21, 2025.

Sertoma Club of Springfield Supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois

Springfield, Illinois,-- The Sertoma Club of Springfield made a contribution of $2,500 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois this week to assist BGCCIL in maintaining its after-school programming at a variety of District 186 and other schools in the area. In addition, many Sertoma Club members made personal gifts of support. The funds will be matched by an anonymous donor in further support of the important program serving students and families in the Springfield area. Sertoma Club President

Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Kelsey Varner

Kelsey VarnerAssistant Treasury Management Officer Carrollton Bank 217-391-1499kelseyvarner@carrolltonbanking.comWhat products and services does your business offer?   We offer a full range of personal and business banking services.    What is one thing you’d like for people to know about Carrollton Bank?   We are a fifth-generation, family-owned company. We stand out because we have one brick and mortar per community we serve, which allows us to really get to know each of our customers. At 3.4

RISE Springfield to Offer Leadership Conference for Young Professionals

 Springfield, IL – The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals’ program, RISE Springfield, will hold their first annual RISE Springfield Leadership Conference presented by INB at the Memorial Learning Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.  This will be a full-day event designed for young professionals eager to enhance their leadership and professional skills. Event speakers will cover a wide range of professional development topics including effective communication skills, team building

HSHS St. John’s Hospital Welcomes Students from Across Central Illinois for Healthcare Bootcamp

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. John’s Hospital recently welcomed 21 high school students from across Central Illinois for its fifth High School Healthcare Bootcamp on Monday, Dec. 30. The bootcamp for juniors and seniors interested in a career in health care gives students a realistic look into various health care roles, while also allowing an opportunity to make connections in the field.  “Through these job-shadowing experiences, students are able to learn the roles of the career, the type of education that

CITY OF SPRINGFIELD RELEASES PROPOSED FY26 BUDGET

Springfield, IL—The City of Springfield announces the release of its proposed Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) budget, highlighting a balanced Corporate Fund budget that focuses on key community priorities, including citizen safety, infrastructure improvement, economic development, and enhanced Public Works services.  The schedule for the FY26 Budget Workshops is as follows:Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 5:30 PM1st Workshop: Overview, Mayor’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, City Clerk, City Council, Springfield

Annual Gala to be held January 31, 2025

NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                         December 12, 2024  Chamber Annual Gala to be Held January 31  Springfield, IL - The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will be holding their Annual Gala, presented by HSHS St. John’s Hospital at the Crowne Plaza Springfield

DOT Drug Testing Now Available at Identi-Check

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN PERFORMED BY GARY MULLEN & THE WORKS TO PERFORM IN SPRINGFIELD ON MARCH 20TH

Tickets on sale Friday, November 22nd at 10 AM  Tickets go on-sale to the public on Friday, November 22nd at 10 am.  Ticket prices are $69.50, $49.50, $39.50 and $29.50 and can be purchased at UISpac.com or by phone (217) 206-6160.  Pre-sale tickets will be available to members of FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center beginning Wednesday, November 20th, (to become a FRIEND or read about our Membership levels, visit UISpac.com/FRIENDS) all remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday,

LLCC Foundation 2025-26 scholarship applications open Nov. 15

SPRINGFIELD — The application period for 2025-2026 Lincoln Land Community College Foundation Scholarships begins Nov. 15. Students planning to attend LLCC beginning in fall 2025 are encouraged to apply at llccfoundation.org/scholarships. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2025.   LLCC Foundation scholarships are available for first-time and continuing students who will be enrolled full- or part-time at LLCC. Many of the scholarships are open to students in any program of study, with the

Whose Live Anyway? Is Coming Back to the UIS Performing Arts Center - March 26th

The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are proud to present their new improv tour: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?, appearing live on Wednesday, March 26. Tickets on sale to FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center starting Wednesday, November 13th. Remaining tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, November 15th at 10 a.m. at UISpac.com. Tickets are $67 & $57 and available at UISpac.com.WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on

Damon Priddy State Farm recognized as both Best Agency & Best Agent in Springfield!

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - November 2024 The Damon Priddy State Farm Team, a leader in providing quality insurance & financial service solutions, is proud to announce it's recent awards for Best Insurance Agency and Best Insurance Agent in Springfield by the Community Choice Awards. These prestigious honors reflect the agency's dedication to clients, community engagement and exceptional service. This is the third consecutive year that the agency has taken home both awards! The awards were presented at the

Damon Priddy State Farm Team Rebrands ''What is Service''

This week the agency has taken part in multiple events and recognized their service team for National Customer Service Week! Nearly four years into the launch of the Damon Priddy State Farm Agency, our team is "rebranding" the customer service team and the way we "do service". "I came from a background in hospitality, managing multiple hotels and major brands along the way. Taking care of people is engrained in who I am. That hospitality training and care for detail doesn't go away. Launching the agency in

Charlie Berens Coming to the UIS Performing Arts Center on February 2, 2025

Charlie Berens announced that his tour will stop at the UIS Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 2, 2025. Tickets on sale to FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center starting Wednesday, September 25th. Remaining tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, September 27th at 10 a.m. at UISpac.com. Tickets are $29.50 - $57.50 and available at UISpac.com.CHARLIE BERENS is a comedian, New York Times Best Selling Author, Emmy-winning journalist, musician and creator of the Manitowoc Minute. He creates

Orion Marty with Damon Priddy State Farm recognized with Wow Award!

Join us in celebrating the latest Central Illinois Customer Service Association “WOW” Award Winner, Orion Marty, Senior Account Manager with Damon Priddy State Farm!The “WOW” Award, sponsored by 92.7 WMAY, is an opportunity to recognize those unsung heroes that lift our spirits and inspire us through their simple or extraordinary acts of kindness or superior customer service.?By recognizing those who make a difference in our lives, we are challenged to think about how we can do the same for others.  It’s