News

Fall Yard Waste Drop-Off Begins October 26

The City of Springfield’s Office of Public Works, in cooperation with Evans Recycling, announce the annual free drop-off weeks in the Autumn Season. City of Springfield residents, with a photo ID, can drop off their yard waste bags at Evans Recycling, 2100 J David Jones Parkway, from October 26, 2026 to December 5, 2026.  The hours for Evans Recycling are as follows:Monday to Friday – 7am to 5pmSaturday – 7am to 12pm  Tree branch drop off is free year-round at Evans Recycling. Please call Evans Recycling

UIS Theatre to present six performances of “Rabbit Hole”

The University of Illinois Springfield Theatre Program will present six performances of “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay-Abaire, winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.The show will run for two weekends: Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8, and Thursday, Nov. 12, through Saturday, Nov. 14, in the Studio Theatre on the lower level of the Performing Arts Center at UIS. All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., except for the Sunday show on Nov. 8, which will start at 2 p.m.A “Pay What You Can Night”

31 Nominees to Be Recognized at the Springfield Area Arts Council’s 2026 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts

October 20, 2026: Thirty-one individuals, organizations, and businesses will be recognized for their contributions to the arts at the 2026 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts on Wednesday, November 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. 6th St., Springfield. Hosted by the Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) in partnership with the City of Springfield, the biennial ceremony celebrates the people whose creativity, leadership, and dedication strengthen the cultural life of Sangamon and Menard

Paramedic Sara Rolando Receives Highest National Recognition as 2026 “Star of Life”

Sara Rolando, Director of Operations for Medics First of Springfield, has been named a 2026 Star of Life by the American Ambulance Association (AAA), earning national recognition for her leadership, commitment to employee development and dedication to community health and safety. The Stars of Life program honors ambulance professionals who go above and beyond in service to their communities and the emergency medical services profession. It is perhaps the highest honor an Emergency Medical Services

Springfield Fire Department Swears In 14 New Firefighters

On Thursday, October 8, 2026, the Springfield Fire Department celebrated the graduation of 14 new firefighters from its Recruit Academy during a ceremony at the Springfield Firefighters’ Lake Club. Fire Chief Nick Zummo and Mayor Misty Buscher addressed the graduates, recognizing their accomplishment and welcoming them to their careers in public service.   The academy provides comprehensive training in Basic Operations of Firefighting, as well as Basic and Advanced Emergency Medical Training, preparing

Kidzeum Expands Impact Membership to Include Foster Families

Kidzeum of Health and Science is expanding its Impact Membership program to include licensed foster families, making it easier for more children across Central Illinois to experience hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery.The museum's Impact Membership offers a full year of unlimited general admission for just $70, covering up to two adults and all children in the household. Previously only available to families participating in WIC or EBT programs, the discounted membership will now also be

Multiple Street Closures Scheduled for Railroad Track Repairs

The City of Springfield is advising motorists of several temporary street closures scheduled in October to accommodate track repairs by CNRR.   The following street closures are planned: 11th Street: Between Hazel Dell Road and Ernest Hemingway Drive, October 19–23, 2026.Laurel Street: Between Wirt Avenue and Johnson Park Drive, October 20–23, 2026.South Grand Avenue: Between 19th Street and Wheeler Avenue, October 26–30, 2026.   Detour routes will be posted for the affected areas. Motorists are

UIS Associate Professor Noah Reynolds named the 2026 University Scholar

Noah Reynolds, associate professor of biology at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been named University Scholar for 2026. This prestigious award, the highest faculty honor from the University of Illinois System, recognizes outstanding teaching and scholarship. Only one faculty member receives the award annually at UIS.“I am honored and extremely grateful to have been selected for the University Scholar award,” Reynolds said. “I have benefited immensely from the support of my colleagues and the

Jessica Eeten Named Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health Ambulatory Group

Jessica Eeten, a data processor with Memorial Behavioral Health, has been named September Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Eeten brings a positive, supportive approach to every interaction. Colleagues describe her as a trusted resource who responds promptly, communicates with warmth and helps others navigate processes with confidence. Although much of her work involves detailed chart reviews and protocol compliance, Eeten makes routine exchanges feel personal and welcoming.

Experienced surgical PA joins HSHS Medical Group general surgery team in Springfield

HSHS Medical Group welcomes Christina "Chrissy" Kelley, PA-C, a physician assistant specializing in general surgery, to HSHS Medical Group General Surgery – Springfield at 300 N. Eighth St., Fifth Floor, in the HSHS St. John's Hospital Pavilion.  Kelley assists with a wide range of surgical procedures, including hernia repairs, gallbladder removal and breast cancer surgeries such as lumpectomies and mastectomies. She provides care using robotic, laparoscopic and open surgical approaches and manages

UIS to host the Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture on “Lincoln and America 250”

WHAT:        The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies will host the 24th annual Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture, “Lincoln and America 250,” featuring Jon Grinspan, the curator of political history at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and Saladin Ambar, professor of political science and senior scholar at the Eagleton Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University. A book signing will follow the program. The lecture is free and open to the

Welcome to the New Era of Shoes Baseball

The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes continue to build upon the previous years of success while launching a New Era of Shoes Baseball.As the organization looks ahead to the 2027 season, the Shoes are introducing new ways for fans and businesses to be part of the ballclub while continuing to build on the energy and tradition that make Robin Roberts Stadium a special place in Springfield.“This is a new era for Shoes Baseball,” said Claire Harris, General Manager of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. “We’re excited

UIS Chancellor’s Thinkers Series to explore human potential, justice and transformation

WHAT:       University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch will host a conversation with Brian Beals, who spent 35 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, and Illinois Innocence Project senior staff attorney Maria de Arteaga as part of her Chancellor’s Thinkers Series event titled “A Call to Think: Human Potential.”  WHEN:       5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26  WHERE:    Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of UIS Brookens LibraryDETAILS:  The conversation will explore human

LLCC to host former U.S. Diplomat Tom Selinger Oct. 21

Lincoln Land Community College will host former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Tom Selinger for a special presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 3-4 p.m. in the Trutter Center on LLCC’s main campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd., Springfield. The presentation is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served.  Selinger, who served 27 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, will share stories and insights about American diplomacy and the role diplomats have played in advancing U.S. interests around the

LLCC’s “Haunted Lab” returns Oct. 23

Lincoln Land Community College invites families to experience the popular "Haunted Lab" on Friday, Oct. 23 from 5:30-8 p.m. in upper Sangamon Hall on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road.  This free event is open to children of all ages, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Attendees will enjoy spooky science demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities and learn about simple experiments they can try at home.  Science shows, led by LLCC Chemistry and Biology club members and guided by

Dalaynee Harris Named September Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health System Resources

Dalaynee Harris, a senior buyer in Purchasing with Memorial Health System Resources, has been named September Colleague of the Month. Colleagues appreciate Harris for her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring the correct supplies and implants are available for patient care. Harris was recently contacted by another department and asked to modify a purchase order so it would match the products that had been received. Harris took an extra step and contacted the ordering department to verify the

Susan Walker Named September Colleague of the Month at Springfield Memorial Hospital

Susan Walker, an outpatient radiologic technologist in Imaging, has been named September Colleague of the Month at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Walker has worked at Memorial Health since July 2006. During more than 20 years as a radiologic technologist, she is a trusted resource for patients and colleagues, combining extensive technical knowledge with a dependable and patient-centered approach. She obtains high-quality imaging studies, allowing providers to make timely clinical decisions and helping

Scott celebrates 30 years at Hanson’s headquarters

Robert Scott, CPA, the accounts payable manager at Hanson Professional Services Inc., recently celebrated 30 years of service at the firm’s Springfield headquarters. Scott, who joined the firm in 1996, is responsible for managing the accounts payable function, payroll taxes and assisting with financial accounting and reporting. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1993 from Sangamon State University. Hanson is a national, employee-owned consulting firm providing engineering, planning and

UIS Sangamon Experience to host free oral history workshops exploring the power of storytelling

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience and UIS Performing Arts Center will host “Story Harvest,” a free afternoon of workshops exploring how oral histories can preserve memories, uncover overlooked stories and strengthen connections to the past.“Some of the most meaningful history lives in the memories of our families, neighbors, and communities,” said Anne Moseley, director of engagement and curator of the Sangamon Experience. “Story Harvest invites people to learn how to capture

Job Fair at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, November 5, 2026

UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents “Post Wet,” an exhibition by sculptor and educator Mike Rea

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to announce “Post Wet,” an exhibition by artist Mike Rea. The exhibition opens Oct. 12, and runs through  Nov. 19. A public reception will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery in the Public Affairs Center. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.“Post Wet” brings together Rea’s large-scale sculptures and mixed-media works, inviting viewers into a world where popular culture, personal memory,

11th Annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference Kicks Off This Week in Springfield

The 11th Annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference kicks off this week in Springfield, Illinois, bringing Route 66 enthusiasts, historians, preservationists, authors, travelers and tourism professionals together October 8–11 during the Mother Road’s Centennial year.  Founded in 2015 by Route 66 author and historian Cheryl Eichar Jett, the four-day conference celebrates the history, preservation and continued evolution of America’s most iconic highway.  WHEN: Thursday, October 8 – Sunday, October 11,

Springfield Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. John’s Hospital Invite Community Members to Share Input Through Community Health Survey

Springfield Memorial Hospital, HSHS St. John’s Hospital and the Sangamon County Health Department are encouraging residents to participate in a Community Health Survey, an important step in identifying and addressing the health needs of the communities they serve. As nonprofit health systems, Memorial Health and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) conduct community health assessments to better understand local health challenges, priorities and quality-of-life concerns. Feedback collected through the

RISE Springfield to Hold Annual Give & Take Professional Clothing Drive

RISE Springfield is holding its annual Give & Take Professional Clothing Drive on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, presented by Carrollton Bank.  All clothing donations will be accepted on Friday, October 9 from 10:00am – 6:00pm at Salvation Army Community Center, 1600 E. Clearlake Ave. RISE is asking for donations to be clean, gently used, professional clothing items with no holes or stains. Both men’s and women’s clothes will be accepted.  On Saturday, October 10 all donated clothing will be

Springfield Memorial Hospital to Offer Free Mammograms during October

Free breast cancer screenings will be available at Springfield Memorial Hospital during October for women age 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured. The free screenings are part of Memorial Health's annual Mammogram Mondays program, held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Appointments are required; no walk-ins are available. Educational materials will be provided, including information on general breast health and how to perform breast self-exams. To schedule an appointment at Springfield

Hanson hires Kelley as general counsel, chief risk officer

William Kelley Jr. has joined Hanson Professional Services Inc. as a senior vice president, general counsel and chief risk officer. Working from the Indianapolis office, Kelley will lead corporate strategic and tactical legal initiatives, provide senior management with advice on company strategies and implementation and oversee the work of outside counsel. He also will maintain the firm’s risk assessment and management policies and procedures. He has 23 years of experience in the legal field, with a

LLCC to host inaugural Illinois Health Care Educators Conference

The Professional Development Institute at Lincoln Land Community College will host the 2026 Illinois Health Care Educators Conference on Nov. 6, 2026, at Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., Springfield.  The day-long conference, Pathways to Practice: Building a Health Care Educator Network, is designed to bring together health care educators from secondary and post-secondary institutions across Illinois to share best practices, strengthen professional networks and explore

EV Charging Project Celebrated In Springfield

Today, the City of Springfield, City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the installation of the final electric vehicle (EV) chargers funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program. The ceremony was held next to the newly installed chargers on 425 S. 4th Street in Springfield. The event, held with various project partners and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, commemorated the beginning

Toast of the Town returns to downtown Springfield and the Old State Capitol

Raise a glass for a great cause at the Toast to Downtown, an exclusive evening benefiting HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital.The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the historic Old State Capitol in downtown Springfield. Hosted by Resource One, INB and Isringhausen Imports, Inc., Toast to Downtown is part of the HSHS St. John’s Foundation’s Toast of the Town series, a collection of “parties with a purpose” that bring people together to support patient care in the community.  “Toast

Abraham Lincoln Council Fall Family Events Open to ALL!

The Abraham Lincoln Council, Scouting America is proud to announce so many activities for both youth and families as a whole.Fall Family FUN day - This is a fun time for Families to be in the outdoors! This event is for non, new and returning Scouts to help deliver the promise of FUN in the outdoors. The $5 per person (youth & adult) covers a patch, shooting sports, fun games, crafts, and a hot dog lunch served from 11:30AM-1:30PM. The event runs from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm come from a portion or stay all

Jacksonville Memorial Hospital Now Repository for Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes

Jacksonville Memorial Hospital (JMH) is now an official repository for Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes (Milk Bank WGL), giving local mothers a safe and convenient way to donate surplus breast milk to help premature and medically fragile infants. Linda Kennedy is a registered nurse in Obstetrics who has worked at JMH for 38 years. She is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).  Helping JMH become a repository for donated breast milk fulfills a goal she has pursued

Memorial Honored for High-Quality Weight Loss Surgery Program

Springfield Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the Memorial Wellness Center, recently received prestigious national recognition for excellence in weight loss surgery. Memorial provides bariatric surgery services via a long-standing collaboration between Memorial Wellness Center, SMH and SIU Medicine surgeons Dr. Adam Reid and Dr. James Feimster. With the triple accreditation from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, SMH

Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation to Host Southern Golf Outing October 12

The ISP Heritage Foundation will host its 2026 Southern Golf Outing on Monday, October 12, at Illini Country Club, 1601 Illini Road in Springfield.  Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. shotgun start. The outing includes green fees and a cart, lunch, drinks on the course and a social hour with appetizers after the round.  Registration is $600 for a foursome or $150 for an individual. Sponsorships are also available at the Captain ($2,500), Lieutenant ($1,500), Master Sergeant ($750),

UIS Homecoming invites alumni and community to celebrate Prairie Star pride Oct. 4-10

The University of Illinois Springfield will welcome alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members to campus Oct. 4-10 for Homecoming 2026. This year’s theme, “Once a Star, Always a Star,” celebrates Prairie Star pride and the lasting connections members of the UIS community share.Homecoming events for alumni and the community include:Prairie Star soccer and Homecoming tailgate, Oct. 7: The UIS women’s soccer team will face UIndy at 4 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium, followed by a Homecoming tailgate from

Springfield Firefighters Honored with Hometown Hero Award for Life-Saving Rescue

The Springfield Fire Department, in partnership with the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association, honored three Springfield firefighters with the prestigious Hometown Hero Award for their courageous, life-saving actions during a structure fire earlier this year.   On March 11, 2026, at approximately 1 p.m., Springfield Fire Department crews responded to a severe structure fire at a local apartment building. Engine 8 was the first company to arrive on the scene, encountering heavy smoke and advanced fire

SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT SWEARS IN TWELVE NEW OFFICERS

Today, Springfield Police Chief Joe Behl had the honor of swearing in twelve new Springfield Police officers during a ceremony attended by Mayor Misty Buscher, city officials, and proud family and friends. Each officer officially took the oath of service, marking the beginning of their careers with the Springfield Police Department. The Springfield Police Department proudly welcomes the following officers to its ranks: Tayor Barlow, Sean Coffey, Mackenzie Durst, Zachary Frazho, Connor Goett, Dalton

''YOUR COUCH CALLED AND SAID IT NEEDS A NIGHT OFF!''

We can help! Tickets are on sale now for Sojourn Shelter & Services' 7th annual "Stand-Up for Sojourn!" comedy event fundraiser on Friday, October 16 at Pole barn Chic Events, 4491 Old Chatham Rd., Springfield. Doors open at 6:30 pm. This year's comedian is St. Louis-based Arvin Mitchell, who performed locally before expanding to national and international stages. He was a runner‑up on BET’s Coming to the Stage and co‑hosted Club Comic View with J. Anthony Brown. Mitchell’s comedic style blends impressions,

Potter Drug Offering On-Site Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinics for Businesses, Assisted Living & Senior Living Facilities

Potter Drug is now scheduling convenient, no-hassle flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics for local businesses, senior living facilities, and community organizations. Instead of sending employees or residents to the pharmacy, Potter Drug brings the clinic directly to you. We handle the vaccination process and make the clinic as simple and convenient as possible. Clinics are available for businesses of all sizes, independent and assisted living facilities, senior living communities, nursing and long-term-care