News

LLCC Foundation announces 2023-2024 scholarship recipients

The Lincoln Land Community College Foundation has announced the recipients of over 370 scholarships totaling more than $880,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year. The LLCC Foundation awards scholarships every year thanks to the support and generosity of individuals, community businesses and organizations.   For the 2024-2025 academic year, the application period for LLCC Foundation scholarships is open through Feb. 15. For the online application, frequently asked questions, helpful scholarship resources and

LLCC Ag Club students excel at state Professional Agriculture Student contest

Lincoln Land Community College Agriculture Club members recently competed at the Illinois Professional Agriculture Student (PAS) fall conference held in Normal. Six members earned top rankings and will advance to the national competition, which will be held at LLCC in March 2024.   LLCC’s Equine Specialist Team won first place overall. The team includes Emma Grace Pezold of Ashland, Ruby Dove of Riverton and Kylie Periman of New Berlin, who also placed second, third and fifth individually.   Five LLCC

Buzz Bomb Brewing Co. - Inducted into the Illinois Made Program

Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), elected officials, and industry leaders at Koval Distillery to announce that 48 small businesses or ‘Makers' have been inducted into the Illinois Made program - the largest class of businesses since the program's inception in 2016. Each year, the Illinois Office of Tourism selects a group of local businesses that exemplify the authentic experiences and innovative products that make Illinois an incredible

Wooden It Be Lovely - Inducted into the Illinois Made Program

Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), elected officials, and industry leaders at Koval Distillery to announce that 48 small businesses or ‘Makers' have been inducted into the Illinois Made program - the largest class of businesses since the program's inception in 2016. Each year, the Illinois Office of Tourism selects a group of local businesses that exemplify the authentic experiences and innovative products that make Illinois an incredible

Del's Popcorn Shop, Ltd. - Inducted into the Illinois Made Program

Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), elected officials, and industry leaders at Koval Distillery to announce that 48 small businesses or ‘Makers' have been inducted into the Illinois Made program - the largest class of businesses since the program's inception in 2016. Each year, the Illinois Office of Tourism selects a group of local businesses that exemplify the authentic experiences and innovative products that make Illinois an incredible

Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight:

Tiffany Bauman Billing Coordinator Hanson Professional Services Inc. (217) 788-2450 tbauman@hanson-inc.comWhat products and services does your business offer? Hanson’s mission is to help our clients succeed in meeting their business- or government-sector goals by providing quality professional engineering, planning and allied services while protecting the public and environment.  Additionally, we provide our clients with environmentally sensitive options through our knowledge and implementation of

MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE TO CLOSE FOR WATER SERVICE INSTALLS

Beginning Wednesday, November 29, S. Martin Luther King Drive between Pine and Cedar Streets will close temporarily for City Water, Light and Power crews to install new water service lines to two new homes in the 1500 block. This closure will restrict all thru traffic during the work and until road surface repairs are complete. The work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled for the next dry weather day in the event of rain             Motorists should plan to take alternative routes to avoid delays

OLD JACKSONVILLE ROAD TO REDUCE FOR POLE REPLACEMENT

On Wednesday, November 29, one west-bound lane of traffic on Old Jacksonville Road will be closed between Wakefield Drive to S. Koke Mill Rd. for pole replacement work. This closure is expected to be in place until that evening.   Motorists should plan an alternative route and use caution when driving near the work area.

LLCC Choir and Band to perform in December

The Lincoln Land Community College Choir and Band invite the public to upcoming free concerts in A. Lincoln Commons on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd.   LLCC’s Choir performs “Homeward” on Friday, Dec. 1 at 1 and 7 p.m. Selections include “Homeward Bound,” “Take Me Home,” “I’m Going Home” and “Let the River Run.” The choir is directed by Laurie Lewis-Fritz and conducted by See Tsai Chan.   The LLCC Band performs in concert Monday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. Selections will range from concert band

Memorial Learning Center Receives Recognition From Becker's Hospital Review

Memorial Health was recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as having one of the nation’s top health care simulation and education programs. The Memorial Learning Center in Springfield provides students and health care professionals with the opportunity to develop necessary skills in realistic yet controlled environments. “The Memorial Learning Center is dedicated to supporting and developing the capabilities of the health care workforce and promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement,” said

SYNERGY Holiday Party

HSHS Donates 190 Beds to Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) has donated 129 hospital beds to Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach as they standardize their beds across the health system. By the time the first project phase is finished, 190 beds taken out of service will be donated from five hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin, including HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay; HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield; HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese; HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville; and HSHS St. Francis Hospital in

Illinois Symphony Orchestra Announces Change in the Sizzling Strings Concert

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra announces that Music Director candidate Naomi Woo, who was scheduled to lead the Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra’s Sizzling Strings concerts on December 1 and 2, 2023, is unable to due to an urgent family emergency. While she is unable to conduct next week, she remains a candidate for the Music Director position and is looking forward to coming to Illinois in April to lead the ISO at our Opposites Attract concerts on May 3 and 4, 2024.   In her place, guest conductor

Arts Council Hosts 25th Biennial Citywide Art Exhibition

The Springfield Area Arts Council marked the 25th anniversary of its workplace-based visual arts competition by changing the name from On My Own Time to Art After Hours.  This year’s exhibition will open on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, in the M. G. Nelson Family Gallery at the Springfield Art Association (700 North Fourth Street, Springfield).  The exhibition will close on Thursday, December 21.  An awards reception will take place on Wednesday, November 6, from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M.  The presentation of awards

Memorial Home Hospice Receives SHP Award for High-Quality Patient Service

The SHPBest™ program recognized Memorial Home Hospice with the 2022 Superior Performer Award for ranking in the top 20% of the SHP national Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey.             “We appreciate how our team prioritizes each patient and their individual care,” said Melanie Atwood, director for Memorial Home Hospice. “The caregiver satisfaction rankings reflect the dedication of our team, and we appreciate this recognition.”            The annual

Pallo Named November Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital

Chris Pallo, a special procedures technologist, certified through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for November. Pallo’s technical skills and training have improved the skills of those around him. He is reliable and timely. He educates and calms patients and collaborates with the physicians to ensure a safe and efficient procedure. Safety is one of his top priorities, and he shares with others how to

Security Staff Expands at Central Illinois Security, Inc.

Central Illinois Security, Inc. (CIS) welcomes Sara Linn of Auburn to the team as an account executive for new and existing business development. Linn brings two decades of customer service experience and over six years of expertise in the security and technology sector for the benefit of central Illinois customers. To accommodate increased demand, she will focus on the eastern service area for CIS, including Champaign, Decatur, and surrounding communities. Professionally, Linn supports the interests of

LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION PROMOTES ASHLEY BRANDENBURG TO AVP CONTROLLER

Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced that Ashley Brandenburg has been promoted to the role of Assistant Vice President Controller. Brandenburg will be monitoring Land of Lincoln Credit Union’s financial health and managing its financial records. Ashely has been with the credit union for a short time but has already made a tremendous impact while overseeing our accounting department,” stated Robert Ares, LLCU Chief Executive Officer. “In her time here, Ashley has proven her vast knowledge in

LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION PROMOTES ALEXANDRIA HANEY TO MATTOON BRANCH OPERATIONS MANAGER

Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced that Alexandria (Alex) Haney has been promoted to the role of Branch Operations Manager over LLCU’s two Mattoon locations. “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Alex for the last few years and know she is the perfect fit for this position,” stated Kassi Martin, LLCU AVP Regional Operations Manager. “Managing the daily flow and staff of two branches requires a great deal of organization, efficiency, and energy. I feel Alex is well equipped to take on

Peerless Cleaning & Restoration Services Offers Ready Action Plan Software & Mobile Application Free to Chamber Members

Peerless Cleaning & Restoration Services is pleased to announce the availability of our Ready Action Plan™ (RAP) software and mobile application at no cost to members of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce. In times of emergencies, an organization's response plays a crucial role in restoring normal business operations. That's why we are providing this valuable tool to aid businesses in their preparedness efforts.   Ready Action Plan™ is a user-friendly, web-based disaster planning application

Memorial Behavioral Health Part of SEED Partnership

Memorial Behavioral Health is one of several local organizations benefiting from $3.1 million in state grants to Springfield-area social service agencies that serve people experiencing homelessness. Those grants will help local agencies expand their capacity to receive referrals from the new Springfield Engage Empower Deflect (SEED) Partnership, which is aimed at providing a more holistic approach to addressing the issues of homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, crime and violence. Memorial Health

LLCC Foundation 2024-25 scholarship applications open Nov. 15

The application period for 2024-2025 Lincoln Land Community College Foundation Scholarships begins Nov. 15. Students planning to attend LLCC beginning in fall 2024 are encouraged to apply at llccfoundation.org/scholarships. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2024.   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 average award being

Chong Named November Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health

Christine Chong, an Information Services (IS) Ambulatory Informatics lead, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for November. Chong delivers quality customer service all while multitasking her other responsibilities. She recently led her team through upgrades, clinic go-lives, new projects and more. Her co-workers appreciate her work ethic and willingness to share her knowledge and expertise with others. “Christine has done great work on the professional billing process for

Comedian Brad Williams Is Coming to the UIS Performing Arts Center - August 24th

Brad Williams announced that his Tour ’24 will stop at the UIS Performing Arts Center on Saturday, August 24, 2024. Tickets on sale to FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center now. Remaining tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, November 17th at 10 a.m. at UISpac.com. Tickets are $74.50, $49.50, $39.50 and $29.50 and available at UISpac.com. “No one is doing stand-up comedy more hilariously than Brad Williams.”- New York Times Pound for pound, Brad Williams is the funniest comedian in the country

APPLICATIONS OPEN DECEMBER 1 FOR CWLP BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

City Water, Light and Power customers who need help paying their bill could qualify for assistance from the utility’s Project RELIEF program. The first step in applying for assistance from Project RELIEF is to have gone through Sangamon County’s LIHEAP application process. Then to qualify for CWLP Project RELIEF, call the appointment line at 217-789-2414 on or after Friday, December 1st. Customers meeting the minimum eligibility requirements will be scheduled for a meeting with Fifth Street Renaissance, the

Rutledge joins Hanson as project manager

Matt Rutledge, PMP, project manager, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters. His initial focus will involve state college building updates, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, state of Illinois facility projects and K–12 educational facility updates. Rutledge brings to Hanson over 12 years of experience as a project manager, most recently working for Memorial Health. He received a bachelor’s degree in engineering graphics and design technology from Western

Ellrich Named October Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital

Monica Ellrich, RN, with Cardiopulmonary Rehab at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for October. Ellrich’s work is appreciated by co-workers and patients alike. She is a clear communicator, a positive force and an effective teacher. A valued mentor, Ellrich is steady during challenging situations and always seeks improvement through her work on the nursing UBC (unit-based council). “Since the day I took a position in this unit, Monica has always been there

UIS awarded a $699,190 federal grant to develop tolerance, diversity and anti-bias training for law enforcement

The University of Illinois Springfield Alliance for Experiential Problem-Based Learning has been awarded a $699,190 federal grant to develop tolerance, diversity and anti-bias training for law enforcement. The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) with support from U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “This investment will help law enforcement better understand and empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds, identify and address

Puzey becomes licensed professional engineer

Cade Puzey, P.E., a civil engineer at Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters, recently earned his professional engineer license in Illinois.  Puzey joined Hanson in 2019 and provides structural design for various infrastructure projects. He received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

LLCC announces new chief communications officer

Lincoln Land Community College has named Kyla Kruse of Springfield as chief communications officer effective Nov. 1, 2023.   “I am very pleased to announce that Kyla Kruse is the college’s new chief communications officer,” said Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., president of LLCC. “The experience, skills and leadership she brings to this role will undoubtedly serve our students and the college well.”   Kruse has been at the college since 2017, most recently serving as director, communications. Prior to LLCC, she

LLCU DONATED $25,000 TO SEVERAL CENTRAL ILLINOIS FOOD PANTRIES

LLCU has made donations totaling $25,000 to thirteen (13) different central Illinois local food pantries. The donations were initiated in October to celebrate “Tackling Hunger Month” and in attempt to help fill a void caused by the discontinuance of several food drives that were formerly held in the LLCU service area. The following non-profit organizations were recipients of this donation: Feed Macon County Initiative (includes Catholic Charities of Decatur, Good Samaritan Inn, Northeast Community Fund,

McIntyre Named Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month for November

Maureen McIntyre, a patient service specialist with Memorial Specialty Care Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Clinic, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group Colleague of the Month for November. McIntyre answers the phone for the office, and her kind, caring demeanor creates a calm atmosphere for patients who often call in times of crisis. As the first line of communication, she advocates for patients and motivates other colleagues. “Maureen’s compassion for our patients has no match,” wrote her nominator.

Innovate Springfield’s Sangamon CEO program starts mentor matching program for high school students

Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown business incubator, is partnering with the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC) to create a professional mentorship matching program for high school students in the Sangamon CEO program. The students will be paired with innovative leaders to work on student-driven business startup ideas. “We hope that these meaningful mentorship experiences will be utilized as our students progress in their academic and professional

LLCU COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF NOKOMIS SAVINGS BANK

LLCU of Decatur, IL, announced today the completion of its purchase and assumption transaction with Nokomis Savings Bank in which LLCU has acquired the assets and assumed the liabilities of Nokomis Savings Bank, which was effective Friday, November 10th at 12:00a.m.(CT). With the acquisition complete, LLCU has expanded its footprint to include a total of 15 branches throughout a 28-county service area in Central Illinois. “We have already received a very warm welcome by the Nokomis community,” stated

Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight: Courtney Bouvet

Courtney Bouvet Business Development Account Executive CEFCU (309) 633-7369 cbouvet@cefcu.comWhat products and services does your business offer? CEFCU is a full-service financial institution.  We’re owned by members, not stockholders, so our earnings are returned to members through lower loan rates, fewer fees, and more benefits.  We offer members affordable Home and Vehicle loans; Online and Mobile Banking; Savings options, including Health Savings Accounts; free Checking; Credit Card choices;

LANES TO REDUCE ON LINDSAY BRIDGE FOR WORK

Beginning Monday, November 13th and continuing through Friday, November 17th, traffic on Lindsay Bridge will be reduced to one lane and controlled by temporary traffic lights to accommodate fiber optic cable repairs.             Motorists should plan to take alternative routes to avoid delays and should slow down and be aware of construction and repair crews and equipment in and near the roadway.

Dobbe Named Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month for October

Cathy Dobbe, RN, with Memorial Care on Koke Mill, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group Colleague of the Month for October. As a pediatric nurse, Dobbe is appreciated for her knowledge, expertise and empathy when working with young patients and their parents or caregivers. “Cathy is a role model to those around her,” wrote her nominator. “She serves the patient on the end of the phone line. She serves the patients coming back to the room. She serves our newest colleagues with grace and the perspective

UIS to host a discussion on “Modern Day Book Bans and the Ongoing Fight for Intellectual Freedom”

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield School of Politics and International Affairs and Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series presents a discussion on “Modern Day Book Bans and the Ongoing Fight for Intellectual Freedom.” The event is free and open to the public.  WHEN: 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8  WHERE: UIS Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of the library  DETAILS: Jason Pierceson, professor in the UIS School of Politics and International Affairs, and Emily

LLCC honors veterans at 28th annual Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 10

Lincoln Land Community College will honor veterans at its 28th annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 10. The ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. in A. Lincoln Commons on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road, and a reception will follow. The public is invited to attend.   The program also includes Gordon Gates, LLCC Board of Trustees Chair, serving as master of ceremonies; Jonathan Gebhardt, LLCC student and retired Senior Airman, U.S. Airforce, providing remarks; LLCC Student Trustee Rayna

An Our Stage / Our Voices Event Set for November 11th

On November 11, audiences will be treated to developing work by local playwrights.  Staged readings give an early audience the opportunity to experience plays-in-progress.  Actors will read all the roles and stage directions read aloud will help set the scenes for the audience.   The main event is a staged reading of Tim Crawford’s play Outraged: Terror in Springfield 1908.  Tim, an African American playwright, actor, and director is the current Our Stage / Our Voices Artist-in-Residence at the UIS

LLCC Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society installs new officers

The Alpha Epsilon Kappa chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Lincoln Land Community College held its fall induction ceremony Oct. 24 in the Trutter Center on the Springfield campus. The event formally recognized 17 new chapter members with a ceremony and reception attended by family and friends of the inductees and several representatives from LLCC administration.  During the ceremony, the following chapter officers were installed: Isaac Barrett, Sherman, PresidentHannah Shoemaker, Springfield, Vice

Springfield Clinic Surgery Center Ranked #2 in Illinois

 Springfield Clinic’s Surgery Center in Springfield is ranked #2 in the state of Illinois and one of the best Ambulatory Surgery Centers in the country by Newsweek. This is our second year in a row that our surgery center has been recognized in the top 5!  “Our Surgery Center team is focused every day on providing an exceptional care experience to every patient and their family,” says Jennifer Boyer, Senior Vice President of Operations. “The dedication of our physicians, CRNAs and the Surgery Center staff

Robinson Named October Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health

Hilary Robinson, a patient experience liaison with Patient Experience, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for October. Robinson is well-known for her professionalism, empathy and attention to detail. One patient who had unique needs due to a preexisting condition was stressed when facing a new health challenge. Robinson stepped up and helped address the patient’s needs and showed a profound compassion for the patient during an anxious situation. Another patient praised

UIS student Molly Harms honored with the Student Laureate Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois

Molly Harms of Springfield has been selected as the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) student recipient of the Student Laureate Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Only one UIS student is honored with the prestigious award each academic year. “When I found out I received the award I felt so honored, surprised and excited,” said Harms, a 2020 graduate of Springfield High School. At UIS, Harms is earning two bachelor’s degrees in public policy and political science. She is a member of the