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New Members
Community Child Care Connection to Host Fourth Annual “Ratucky Derby” Mouse Races Fundraiser May 1
Springfield, IL - Community members are invited to place their bets and enjoy an unforgettable evening of fun and philanthropy at the fourth annual Ratucky Derby, a lively mouse races fundraiser benefiting local children and families served by Community Child Care Connection. The event will take place Friday, May 1, at Motorheads Bar & Grill, 600 Toronto Road in Springfield, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and races beginning at 7:30 p.m. Guests can expect an entertaining night featuring mouse races, mouse
NOTICE OF CONTROLLED BURN
City of Springfield, City Water, Light and Power is issuing public notice of a controlled prairie burn planned to begin next week, which will occur over various periods through April.What: Controlled Burning of Prairie for Ecological Management.Where: Five sites within the marginal lands of Lake Springfield; Caravan Lane, Fox Mill Lane, Orchard Lane (2), and East Lake Shore Drive.When: Various days between April 6 - April 30 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when winds are
City of Springfield Announces Earth Fair Celebration and Free Community Shredding Event
The City of Springfield is inviting residents to take part in two upcoming community events focused on sustainability, environmental awareness, and personal security. Free Document Shredding Event – “Shred the Risk. Stop the Scams.” The City of Springfield Public Works Department is partnering with AARP Illinois to host a free document-shredding event aimed at helping residents protect themselves from identity theft. Tuesday, April 21, 20268:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Chamberlain Park (Parking Lot)319 McCreery
American Medical Association President: Commitment of HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit sets example for all
American Medical Association President Dr. Bobby Mukkamala called the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital the “north” on the compass of today’s health care landscape because of its commitment to Springfield and the surrounding region. “To provide this kind of service needed and do it this well is a blessing for this community and an example for the rest of the country,” Dr. Mukkamala said today after a private tour of the NICU. He stopped in Springfield as part of
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Isaac Bartlett
Isaac BartlettAssistant Branch ManagerSecurity Bank (217) 541-1231ibartlett@securitybk.comWhat products and services does your business offer? We offer a full range of checking and savings options—from youth and student accounts to solutions designed for seniors—helping customers build strong financial foundations at every stage of life. Our consumer lending team offers mortgage, auto, and personal loan options, supporting life’s biggest milestones with local decision-making and personalized
SPRINGFIELD’S DRINKING WATER TASTES GREAT
City Water, Light and Power was recently awarded first place at the recent Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association District 3 taste test. Winning the Central Illinois Regional Competition qualifies the utility to compete at the statewide event in April. The water samples were rated by a panel of judges based on the clarity, taste, and odor of each.“We’re pleased to be recognized for our high-quality water,” said CWLP Water Division Manager Todd LaFountain. “Our plant operators, chemist, and
“What Were You Wearing?” exhibit coming to LLCC
Lincoln Land Community College will host “What Were You Wearing?”, a thought-provoking exhibit that centers on survivor voices and challenges long-standing myths that place blame on those who have experienced harm. The exhibit will be on display April 7-9 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in A. Lincoln Commons on the LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Road, Springfield. “What Were You Wearing?” is an internationally recognized visual art installation that confronts a question frequently directed at survivors — one that can
News Release: Rotary Wine Tasting
The Rotary Club of Springfield - Westside is hosting a wine tasting event at Cooper's Hawk on Thursday, April 30th from 5 until 7 pm. Representatives from the club will be on hand to discuss Rotary service and leadership opportunities which span from the local community to global programs. Complementary hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Damon Priddy State Farm Launches ''Red Nets Program'' to Revitalize Community Basketball Courts
Springfield, IL — Damon Priddy State Farm is proud to announce the launch of its Red Nets Program, a community-driven initiative focused on replacing worn and missing basketball nets on courts throughout the Springfield area and surrounding communities. The Red Nets Program is designed to bring new life to local courts, creating a more welcoming and engaging environment for families, kids, and athletes of all ages. By identifying courts in need and installing fresh, vibrant red nets, the initiative aims
Ninth Annual Women in Business Conference
The Women in Business Conference offers powerful strategies and techniques to help you advance your career by engaging with our outstanding presenters. You’ll discover how to accelerate your career growth, unlock exciting new opportunities, and achieve your personal goals. This is an invaluable chance to learn from top professionals and gain the competitive edge you need to succeed! Join us for a day filled with insightful talks and networking opportunities with successful women from various industries
Springfield Area Arts Council Seeks Program Director to Lead Signature Arts Programming
The Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) is accepting applications for a full-time Program Director, a key role dedicated to leading some of the community’s most visible and impactful arts programming, including the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Originally established in 2025 to support the long-term sustainability of Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, the Program Director position has quickly become central to SAAC’s ability to deliver free, accessible arts experiences to its service area of
Jimmy Clayton Named President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that Jimmy Clayton will become the new President and CEO of the Chamber on April 1, 2026. Clayton was selected by the Chamber’s Search Committee and unanimously approved by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. “The Illinois Chamber of Commerce has a rich history from 1919 of advocating for Illinois Business of every size, sector, and region," stated Dan Wagner, Chairman of the Board and Senior VP of Government Relations at The Inland
LLCC to host national motivational speaker for educators
Lincoln Land Community College invites early childhood education students, teachers, alumni and community members to a motivational professional development event on April 7, from 6-7 p.m. in the Trutter Center on the LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd., Springfield. The event, “The Four R’s: Refreshing, Reclaiming, Recharging and Renewing” will feature recognized motivational speaker, organizational development consultant and leadership coach Ty Howard, who will present on cultivating mental health and
UIS Theatre to present six performances of “Circle Mirror Transformation”
The University of Illinois Springfield Theatre Program will present six performances of “Circle Mirror Transformation” by Annie Baker.Performances will take place over two weekends: April 10–12 and April 16–18 in the UIS Theatre Acting Studio, located in Room 170 of the Visual and Performing Arts Building (VPA). Performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 12. A post-show discussion will be held following the April 16 performance. Guests should park in Lot B West.The play is set
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Derek Cochran
Derek CochranStructural Engineer Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. (217) 572-1128dcochran@cmtengr.com What products and services does your business offer? Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. (CMT) is a full-service civil engineering and infrastructure consulting firm that provides a wide range of planning, design, and construction services to both public and private clients. Some key services the company offers include: Core Engineering & Consulting ServicesCivil, structural, and environmental
TRAFFIC ENFORCMENT STATISTICS
The Springfield Police Department Field Operations and Traffic Divisions are deployed every day to areas of the city that see high traffic violations and high accident incidents. Officers also focus on areas of the city that receive complaints from citizens regarding moving violations of the Illinois Vehicle Code. Officers conduct traffic enforcement to lower accident incidents and keep motorists as safe as possible. Officers will frequently focus on “Fatal 4” violations which includes speeding, impaired
Powered by efficiency: HSHS St. John’s Hospital first in HSHS to achieve national Energy Star certification
HSHS St. John’s Hospital has marked a milestone in energy efficiency by becoming the first hospital in Hospital Sisters Health System to earn federal Energy Star certification, a national recognition for superior energy efficiency and environmental performance. “This achievement demonstrates that innovation in health care extends beyond clinical care,” said Brian Brennan, President and CEO of HSHS St. John’s Hospital and HSHS’ Central Illinois Market. “By operating more efficiently, we’re strengthening
LLCC student Samantha Ulm named national scholarship semifinalist
Lincoln Land Community College student Samantha Ulm of Auburn has been named one of 485 semifinalists in the nation for the 2026 Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Selected from a pool of more than 1,300 applicants, this year’s semifinalists represent 224 community colleges across 37 states. Each was chosen through an evaluation process that assesses academic ability and achievement, perseverance and leadership. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship enables recipients to complete their
Cunningham, Kahle Join Memorial Health Board of Directors
Jennifer Cunningham and Eric Kahle have joined the Memorial Health Board of Directors. Cunningham, a Decatur resident, is vice president of human resources at ADM, leading HR for ADM’s commercial businesses and the Americas. She is chair of the Decatur Memorial Hospital Board of Directors and also serves on the boards of Jobs for America’s Graduates and Decatur Public Schools Foundation. “DMH and Memorial Health are crucial to the health and well-being of our entire community,” she said. “It’s a
Experience the spirit of America in Simple Gifts!
Join us for a luminous evening of American sounds, as three landmark works trace a journey from reflection to exuberance to expansive hope. George Walker’s Lyric for Strings opens the program with its unmistakable emotional clarity—an intimate, deeply human meditation that grows from quiet sorrow into a glowing, resonant warmth. Its directness and sincerity set the stage for a night centered on music that speaks to the heart. Ernest Bloch’s Concerto Grosso No. 1 follows with a burst of energy and
LAKE SPRINGFIELD BOAT LICENSES ON SALE
City Water, Light and Power is announcing that online and mail-in registration for watercraft registration is now open for the 2026 Lake Springfield boating season. Renewal notices for boats and crafts registered in the 2025 season have been mailed and must be returned by June 30. Applicants can register and pay online or print and fill out the application form on the CWLP website, https://cwlp.com/LakesParksHome/LakesParksInformation/Boating.aspx. Boat licenses are also available during regular business
UIS plans engineering technology degree as programs evolve to meet demand
The University of Illinois Springfield is planning to launch a new engineering technology degree beginning in fall 2027, pending all necessary approvals. The move comes as UIS refocuses parts of its academic portfolio to better align programs with student interest and workforce demand.The proposed Bachelor of Applied Science in Engineering Technology was developed by the UIS College of Health, Science and Technology. The program has passed internal university governance and will go before the University of
EP!C’S 15TH ANNUAL BON APPÈTIT TO HOST CELEBRITY CHEF LEAH COHEN
For 15 years, a local non-profit has been bringing big-name chefs to Peoria in the name of charity. From MasterChef’s to Chopped Judges and Royal chefs to Top Chef stars, this year’s event won’t disappoint. This Thursday, March 19, 2026, EP!C -- Empowering People Inspiring Capabilities - will host their 15th AnnualBon Appétit with help from Chef Jonathan Scrivner and the team at the Par-A-Dice. Voted as the area’s Best Local Event from the Journal Star Community’s Choice awards, this culinary evening
UIS announces 2026 class of Promising Prairie Stars
The University of Illinois Springfield has released the names of the 2026 class of the Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program. This program, established by the Young Alumni Committee, honors outstanding graduates under the age of 40 or those who have graduated within the previous five years. The honorees are selected for their emerging and unique innovation, creativity and success in their chosen career or life's work. “This program serves as an inspiration to our alumni and future graduates,” said
Before You Design Anything: Branding Basics Every Springfield Startup Should Know
Building brand recognition takes 5–7 impressions, and 90% of consumers expect a consistent experience across every platform they use. For new business owners in Springfield — whether you're launching near the Statehouse, opening a retail shop downtown, or starting a healthcare practice — that math means your brand needs to work hard from the first interaction. Getting the foundation right early makes marketing, hiring, and pricing easier to build on.What Branding Actually Means Branding is not your logo.
Community Foundation Welcomes Four New Board Members
Community Foundation Welcomes Four New Board MembersSPRINGFIELD, IL – The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln has elected four new members to join its board of directors in 2026.Jim Reed is executive director of the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA), previously served as director of government relations for the Illinois Education Association, and has held senior legislative roles with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Citizen Action/Illinois. At ICCTA, Reed has led
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Travis Blaney
Travis BlaneySenior Contributor, Sales & Marketing Leader Two Men and a Truck ® (309) 270-6116travis.blaney@twomen.com What products and services does your business offer? We provide full-service residential and business moving, including local and long-distance relocations, professional packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, furniture assembly, Junk Removal, and packing supplies for DIY moves. In late spring 2026, we will expand our commercial services to include secure storage as well as
HICKORY POINT BANK ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF KIRSTEN TAYLOR, AS MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR
Hickory Point Bank announced that Kirsten Taylor has been named Mortgage Loan Originator for the Springfield area. “We are excited to welcome Kirsten to our Springfield team,” said Jeff Raes, Hickory Point Bank Executive Vice President. “The addition of Kirsten Taylor strengthens our successful lending team and enhances our ability to deliver personalized guidance and dependable solutions for home owners across the region.” Ms. Taylor is located at Hickory Point Bank, 3131 West Wabash Ave, Springfield,
UIS students win Outstanding Large Delegation award at the Model Illinois Government simulation
University of Illinois Springfield students earned the Outstanding Large Delegation award at the Model Illinois Government (MIG) simulation, held March 5-8 at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. It marks the seventh time in the past 13 years that UIS has received the honor.UIS students competed against peers from 17 colleges and universities from across Illinois and beyond, including schools from Indiana and Michigan. The simulation allows participants to serve as legislators, staffers, lobbyists,
Kathy Nyilas Named February Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health Ambulatory Group
Kathy Nyilas, a patient registration specialist at Memorial Care on South Sixth Street in Springfield, was recently named February Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Nyilas consistently delivers outstanding patient experiences while demonstrating a strong commitment to organizational values. Her attention to detail has made a positive impact on patient care. In one instance, she identified and prevented an inaccurate order, saving a home health patient from having to redo a
Springfield Memorial Hospital Honors Abby Wubker as February Colleague of the Month
Abby Wubker, RN, was recently recognized by Springfield Memorial Hospital as the February Colleague of the Month. Wubker finds meaningful ways to bring comfort and dignity to even the most critical situations. Her approach to care exemplifies the highest standards of the nursing profession and Memorial's organizational values. "Abby consistently demonstrates extraordinary compassion, initiative and patient-centered care,” wrote one nominator. "She recently was truly a highlight of the week—and the
Heartland Credit Union Selects Aaron Rios as New CEO
Heartland Credit Union has selected Aaron Rios to serve as its new Chief Executive Officer. He was placed by DDJ Myers, the well-known executive search and leadership development firm.Aaron succeeds longtime CEO Tom Lex, who’s remarkable 45 years of dedicated service helped shape Heartland Credit Union into the strong and respected financial institution it is today. Under his leadership, the credit union experienced significant growth while maintaining its commitment to member service and community
Damon Priddy State Farm Sponsors Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the Month of March in Partnership with United Way of Central Illinois
Damon Priddy Insurance & Financial Services - a State Farm Agency is proud to partner with the United Way of Central Illinois and its sponsorship of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the month of March, reinforcing the agency’s continued commitment to education, literacy, and community investment. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a globally recognized literacy initiative founded by Dolly Parton that provides free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Each
Beyond the Inbox: How Direct Mail Creates High-Trust Customer Engagement
Direct mail marketing is a physical outreach strategy where businesses send printed materials such as postcards, letters, and catalogs to a targeted audience. In a world saturated with emails, ads, and notifications, direct mail creates a rare moment of focused attention. It arrives in a mailbox, gets held, opened, and often revisited. That physical presence changes how people respond.Key Takeaways Direct mail often achieves higher response rates because it feels personal and less intrusive than digital
$55 Million Extraordinary Dividend Distributed to CEFCU Members
A $55 million Extraordinary Dividend was approved by CEFCU’s Board of Directors and distributed to the Credit Union’s member/owners, matching last year’s record as the largest Extraordinary Dividend in CEFCU’s history. The amount returned to members in good standing is divided between savers and borrowers, with a portion also being returned to Debit Card users. On December 2, funds were deposited to members’ Savings accounts. Over the last 25 years, CEFCU has returned nearly $600 million dollars in
