News

“Classical Rock Star” Joshua Roman Returns to Perform Dvorák’s Cello Concerto

Dynamic cellist Joshua Roman returns to central Illinois performing Dvořák’s stunning Cello Concerto with the talented musicians of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) led by guest conductor Andrew Joon Choi at Epic Ending on Friday, May 5th in Springfield, and Saturday, May 6th in Bloomington-Normal. Joshua Roman is a world-renown cellist, accomplished composer, and curator whose performances embrace musical styles from Bach to Radiohead.   Roman was named a TED Senior Fellow in 2015 and is currently

LLCC Ag students excel at national competitions

Members of the Lincoln Land Community College Ag Club and Livestock Judging Team earned top honors at recent national competitions.   The Ag Club’s Soils Specialist Team was named 2023 National Professional Agricultural Student (PAS) Champions at the National PAS Conference in Des Moines, Iowa. The Soils Team includes Anthony Joiner of Carlinville, Wes Bland of Eldred and Alex Sidener of Rochester, who also placed second, fourth and fifth individually. They are the fifth LLCC team to win the soils event

Ambassador Committee Spotlight: Michelle Pulce-Flynn

Michelle Pulce-Flynn Director, Grant DevelopmentLincoln Land Community College (217) 786-2446michelle.pulce-flynn@llcc.edu What products and services does your business offer? LLCC offers affordable education whether earning a two year associate degree and transferring to a four year institution or completing a program that allows student to enter directly into the workforce.   LLCC also offers multiple certificate programs that in most cases are stackable, which means a person can earn a certificate,

Listen LIVE! to your Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra at the Inspiring Influences concert

Come experience the rockin' sounds of Yoshimatsu's Atom Hearts Club Suite No. 2 inspired by the music of Pink Floyd and The Beatles. Jolivet’s Japanese-inspired Flute Concerto features Principal Flutist Kimberly McCoul Risinger and Mahler’s daring arrangement of Beethoven's ‘Serioso’ String Quartet closes out this evening of inspiring influences!   Listen LIVE! to your Illinois Symphony Chamber Orchestra on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 7:30 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois and

Gov. Pritzker Announces $175 Million Available in B2B Grants for Restaurants, Hotels & Creative Arts

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $175 million in available grant funding through the Back to Business (B2B) program. Following state recovery for businesses totaling nearly $1.5 billion, the latest American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -funded opportunity is designed to provide additional support for the hardest-hit sectors, including restaurants (B2B Restaurants), hotels (B2B Hotels), and businesses or organizations in the creative arts

Hejmej joins Hanson’s headquarters as billing manager

Megan Hejmej, billing manager, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters. She will supervise the day-to-day activities and operations of Hanson’s billing team, collaborate with project managers and provide financial analysis support. Hejmej previously was a senior billing associate for SwagUp Inc. in Piscataway, New Jersey. She received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance and a master’s degree in professional accounting, both from Illinois State

Senior Services of Central Illinois Aging Mastery Program

Twice weekly classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from April 18, 2023 May 18, 2023 from 2:00 4:00 PM. Classes will be held at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62704. Registration fee: $65.00. If 80% of the classes are completed, the participant will receive a $60 refund upon Graduation.  Participating in this program, you will: Make and maintain small but impactful changes in your health behaviors, financial well- being, and enrichment in later in life.Get

JACKSON BROWNE ANNOUNCES 2023 SUMMER TOUR

Singer-songwriter Jackson Browne announces a 2023 summer tour with dates running from June through early August, performing songs spanning the length of his career. Pre-sale tickets will be available to members of FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center as early as Thursday, March 23rd (to learn how to become a FRIEND and read about our Membership levels, visit UISpac.com/FRIENDS) all remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 24th at 10 am. To become a FRIEND call the UIS Ticket

UIS to host the Illinois State Bar Association’s High School Mock Trail Invitational

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will host the Illinois State Bar Association’s (ISBA) High School Mock Trail Invitational.  WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 19WHERE: UIS Public Affairs Center, 2200 Ernest Hemingway Dr., Springfield  DETAILS: Teams from high schools throughout the state will participate in the annual Mock Trail Invitational.   The top teams will compete in the final round on March 19 for the state championship. The winner

Student Volunteer Summer Applications Now Open at Springfield Memorial Hospital

Springfield Memorial Hospital is now accepting applications for student volunteers during the summer months. The service-learning experience will introduce student volunteers to a variety of health care settings, and they will be mentored by current volunteers.“This is a valuable opportunity for students considering a health care career,” said Jay Boulanger, volunteer services coordinator. “Placements include Admission & Testing, the Emergency Department, Baylis Day Surgery, reception lounges, information

2023 Central Illinois Senior Celebration

The Central Illinois Senior Celebration is pleased to announce that the 23rd annual Central Illinois Senior Celebration will be held from 9 am – 2 pm on Wednesday, May 17th at the Orr Building on the State Fairgrounds.  Admission is free with the donation of a canned food item, and concessions will be available for purchase at the event. The Central Illinois Senior Celebration brings the entire central Illinois aging network together under one roof to provide a comprehensive resource fair for seniors.  The

LLCC partners with Handshake job platform

Lincoln Land Community College has launched a partnership with Handshake, a leading career platform, to provide a network for students and alumni to find job opportunities and connect with employers.  Local and regional employers are invited to create a company profile on Handshake, connect with LLCC and post available jobs. Benefits to employers include free registration, unlimited job and internship postings, ability to search resumes, access to interact with students directly, participation in

Springfield Clinic West Side Drive-Up Lab Moving to Downtown Springfield

Effective March 20, 2023, Springfield Clinic’s West Side Drive-Up Lab, located at 3040 Hamlin Parkway in Springfield, is moving all services to the Downtown Drive-Up Lab, located at 701 South Sixth Street in Springfield.   Routine lab work with doctors’ orders, COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters and flu shots will all be available at the Downtown Drive-Up Lab. Patients can book COVID-19 vaccines and booster appointments online at www.springfieldclinic.com. Flu shots do not require an

Medics First Reveals North Grand Avenue Venture

WHAT: The reveal of a major investment in the Medical District by a local not-for-profit ambulance service. Refreshments will be provided. WHERE: 200 North Grand Ave. West, Springfield, IL ​WHEN: 4 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023 Medics First, a community-based not-for-profit ambulance service, has transformed a vacated grocery store into an opportunity as it rehabbed the former Shop ‘n Save property at 200 North Grand Ave. West for its new headquarters. A public unveiling event is scheduled for 4 p.m.

LLCU PARTNERS WITH C.H.E.L.P. of DECATUR TO BECOME FIRST DESIGNATED “DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY” CREDIT UNION

Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) has partnered with Dementia Friendly Decatur and C.H.E.L.P. to become the first central Illinois credit union to earn the designation of a “Dementia-Friendly Credit Union.” Training for this designation is being provided by C.H.E.L.P. staff as part of the National initiative, Dementia Friendly America, which began to create communities that is informed, safe and respectful of individuals afflicted with dementia. This specific training provided to a designated group of

Alliance Community Bank Welcomes Scott Flanigan as Vice President of Commercial Lending and Business Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  03/15/2023Haley VieleMarketing Manager, Alliance Community Bank217.632.2100HViele@BankACB.com  Alliance Community Bank Announces New Vice President of Commercial Lending & Business Development  Petersburg, IL – Alliance Community Bank is pleased to announce the hiring of Scott Flanigan as the bank’s Vice President of Commercial Lending and Business Development. Scott comes to us with 26 years of lending experience with a focus on investment real estate. Scott’s shift to a

UIS and LLCC to host Career Connections Expo for Students, Alumni & Community Members

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) and Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) are excited to announce the 2023 Career Connections Expo. Students and alumni from the hosting institutions, as well as community members, are invited to attend the free event to explore career opportunities and network with participating employers.   WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2023WHERE: UIS Recreation & Athletic Center (2171 University Drive, Springfield)  DETAILS: The Expo is designed to help

SPRINGFIELD AREA ARTS COUNCIL - STATE POETRY OUT LOUD WINNERS

I throw a book when a poem undoes me. I underline Clifton: today we are possible. I start from image. I begin with Phillis Wheatley. I begin with Phillis Wheatley. I begin with Phillis Wheatley reaching for coal. I start with a napkin, receipt, or my hand. I muscle memory. I stutter the page. I fail. Hit delete — scratch out one more line. I sonnet, then break form. I make tea, use two bags. Rooibos again.  YOHANNA ENDASHAW from NILES WEST HIGH SCHOOL in SKOKIE recited these words from Tiana

LLCC offering free summer classes and programs; freezing tuition

Lincoln Land Community College has announced three free summer programs to prepare students for college and career training, along with a tuition freeze for the upcoming academic year.  3 for Free! New college students can choose a free, three-credit class to take this summer. Also eligible are former LLCC students who did not complete a degree or certificate. Free books, supplies and tutoring will be provided. 3 for Free is limited to 150 students, with a percentage of spots reserved for low-income,

Railsplitter’s Banquet: Many Hands Make Light Work

This year’s Railsplitter’s Banquet is scheduled for March 31st, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm. You are invited to attend the in-person event located at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum at 212 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701, with Federal District Court Judge Brian Stacy Miller as the keynote speaker.Public Service Award RecipientGrace Hou serves as Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services. Hou previously served as the President of Woods Fund Chicago, a grant-making foundation that funds

CIC SHRM Names Recipients of Human Resources Excellence Awards

The Central Illinois Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (“CIC SHRM”) presented four prestigious awards for excellence in Human Resources in Central Illinois at its annual recognition event on Tuesday, February 21, 2022 at the Sangamo Club. Senator Doris Turner also presented Certificates of Recognition to twelve women who have served as President of the chapter for multiple years, empowering people and workplaces by advancing HR practices through their dedicated leadership of CIC SHRM. ●

Free Colon Cancer Test Kits Available at Drive-Thru Events

Free take-home screening tests for colon cancer will be distributed at three upcoming drive-thru events sponsored by the Regional Cancer Partnership, which includes Memorial Health, Springfield Clinic and SIU School of Medicine: 4 – 6 p.m., Monday, March 20, Simmons Cancer Institute, 315 W. Carpenter St., Springfield5 – 7 p.m., Thursday, March 23, Springfield Clinic Circle Drive, 900 N. First St., Springfield4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 30, Memorial Drive-Thru Lab, 320 E. Carpenter St.,

Visiting Downtown Springfield- Your Expertise is Requested

Downtown Springfield, Inc. has created a survey for residents of central Illinois. Survey: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/d47d635967a143cdb4a5210fcb309966  

Don't be the Obi-Wan who misses out on Star Wars & Beyond, The Best of John Williams

EXTRA! EXTRA! There are six single seats remaining for tomorrow night's Star Wars & Beyond, The Best of John Williams concert.  There are still tickets available in Springfield. We invite you to consider joining us tonight at 7:30 PM at the UIS Performing Arts Center. There are still seats available on the main floor and balcony is opening up with plenty of Price Level 3 seating!  Don't be the Obi-Wan to miss out on the music of Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Lincoln, and more- snag your tickets before it's

NEW LADDER TRUCK AND FIRE ENGINE ADDED TO THE SPRINGFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT

The City of Springfield, together with its Springfield Fire Department, is announcing the addition of abrand-new fire engine and a new ladder truck to the fleet. Both have arrived and will be serving the Springfield residents in the next few weeks. The community will have an opportunity to view the new ladder truck tomorrow, Saturday, March 11, during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It will be featured with theSpringfield Fire Department’s parade entry. “The Springfield Fire Department is recognized as ISO

Springfield Ballet Company 2023-24 Season Announcement!

Springfield Ballet is thrilled to announce its 2023-24 season! Please join us for the Springfield debut of Adam Sage's Dracula, The Nutcracker, and childhood fairytale classic, Cinderella. In celebration of our 48th season, we are offering season tickets, available this summer. Are you wanting to expose your young child to ballet in a fun, no pressure setting? Join School of Springfield Ballet for our second year of the popular Fairytale Camp! This summer will focus on Alice in Wonderland and The Little

Hollahan celebrates 15 years at Hanson

Dennis Hollahan, a vice president, general counsel, secretary and chief risk officer, recently celebrated 15 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc. Hollahan, who joined the company in 2008 and works at the Springfield headquarters, leads corporate strategic and tactical legal initiatives, provides senior management with advice on company strategies and implementation and oversees the work of outside counsel. He maintains the firm’s risk assessment and management policies and procedures. He

UIS students to help with hurricane relief in Florida as part of Alternative Spring Break

A group of eight University of Illinois Springfield students and one adviser will spend their spring break helping to rebuild Florida following Hurricane Ian as part of an Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip. The group will leave Springfield for Fort Myers, Florida, on Saturday, March 11, and return on Saturday, March 18. “We knew that Florida was hit hard this year by Hurricane Ian, and we wanted to use our spring break to help out as people and organizations recover,” said Amanda Jones, ASB student

Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight : Maggie Gullo

Maggie Gullo Account ExecutiveLRS Web Solutions(217) 862-9727maggie.gullo@lrs.comWhat products and services does your business offer? We offer website development, hosting, application development, mobile app development, logo design, and online marketing with SEO.  LRS Web Solutions is a division of Global Technology Leader, LRS, headquartered in Springfield, IL.  What is one thing you’d like for people to know about your business? A business website is more than a marketing tool.  We can identify ways

Memorial Behavioral Health “Peace Rooms” Now in Place at Springfield High Schools

Memorial Behavioral Health therapists are now on-site at all three Springfield District 186 high schools to provide mental health support through individual counseling, group sessions or even mediation between students. The Peace Rooms are free to all students at Lanphier High School, Southeast High School and Springfield High School with no required assessments, paperwork or bills. District 186 is funding the program. “Our goal is to be available for students when and where they need support and also to

UIS School of Public Management and Policy to host the annual Railsplitter banquet and awards

The University of Illinois Springfield School of Public Management and Policy will host the annual Railsplitter banquet and awards from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield.The event pays tribute to public servants whose careers exhibit the highest standard of excellence, dedication and accomplishment to the ultimate benefit of the public. The theme this year will be “Many Hands Make Light Work – Public-Private Partnerships and the

Take a musical journey to a galaxy far, far away with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra!

Get your seats now for an out-of-this-world experience as the talented musicians of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) led by Vince Lee take you to a galaxy far away as they perform some of the greatest cinematic hits written by John Williams! From the iconic music of Star Wars to Harry Potter to Jurassic Park and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, there’s something for everyone. Round up your friends and family and join us for Star Wars & Beyond!  MEDIA IS INVITED TO Star Wars & Beyond, The Best of John

Midwest Mission to Send Disaster Relief to Turkey after Devastating Earthquakes

Midwest Mission, located just outside Springfield, IL will send its first shipment of aid dedicated to disaster relief in Turkey on Friday, March 10 at 9am. The shipment will include 35,000 Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) and Personal Dignity Kits. David Fowler, Springfield Rotarian, contacted Midwest Mission on behalf of the Springfield Rotary Club to see if they could get a donation of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) to Turkey. These meals were donated to the Rotary Club by Baja Bridges out of Clarksburg,

NORTH-BOUND NINTH STREET CLOSED AT MADISON & CARPENTER FOR EMERENCY WATER MAIN REPAIRS

North-bound Ninth Street is currently closed and detoured between Madison and Carpenter Streets to accommodate emergency repairs to a 16-inch broken water transmission main. Lanes will remain closed after repairs for road surface work to be completed. Motorists should plan for alternative routes and slow down and be aware of the construction and repair crews and equipment in and near roadways.

Haas Named February Colleague of Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital

Lizabeth “Liz” Haas, a radiologic technician in Medical Imaging, is the Springfield Memorial Hospital Colleague of the Month for February. To her colleagues, Haas is known as a mentor for students and the second shift team, a virtual “Swiss Army Knife” of imaging talent and a positive influence for all. Her smile and can-do attitude is appreciated by those around her. In diagnostic colleague meetings, Haas is regularly called out by her peers for going above and beyond. Patients also have noted her care

UIS Students Earn Awards & Leadership Roles at the Annual Model Illinois Government Simulation

University of Illinois Springfield students earned awards and were elected to leadership roles during the Model Illinois Government (MIG) simulation held March 2-4, 2023, at the Illinois State Capitol and Wyndham Springfield City Centre. Two UIS students were elected to the 2024 MIG executive board. Joel Lemmert of Dixon will serve as governor and Alexander Rankin of Davis Junction will be the speaker of the house. The delegation also took home four individual awards. Cedric Birgans of Beecher won the

16 Illinois students are set to participate in state-wide poetry recitation contest

Sixteen students from around Illinois will participate in state-wide poetry recitation contest. Award-winning teenagers from around Illinois are set to compete in Springfield for a slot in the 2023 Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest in Washington, D.C., in early May.  The state event is free, accessible, and open to the public.  It is set to begin at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, March 13, 2023, in the LRS Theatre of the Hoogland Center for the Arts at 420 South Sixth Street in downtown Springfield. The

BRANDI BINKLEY JOINS LLCU STAFF AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced that Brandi Binkley joins the LLCU team as Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Binkley will serve as a key member of the LLCU executive management team, overseeing the design & implementation of LLCU’s human resources strategies. Initiatives under her purview include HR administration, Training & Development, Culture Enhancement, Talent Acquisition, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI). “Over the last few years, LLCU has grown

NEW DIGITAL FLIP BOOK FOR ZG WORLDWIDE CONSULTANTS

ZG Worldwide, headquartered in Springfield, offers a broad range of local associates across Central Illinois and remote providers in other U.S. states as well as other countries. We are a multi-specialty group of consultants and subject matter experts, a one-stop resource with IT, business, healthcare and marketing solutions.  Our business model is somewhat similar to those of the huge multinational management consulting firms you find in Chicago and other major cities. Such firms have many capabilities,

Scarber Named February Colleague of Month for System Resources

Martine Scarber, a spoken language interpreter with Language Access Services, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for February. Scarber primarily works with patients who speak French, but she is also fluent in Luxembourgish, German and Dutch. She is known for her diligent work ethic and follow-through. Recently Scarber assisted with compassion and attention to detail during a pregnancy loss for a patient. She facilitated the communication to help the parents navigate coordination

CWLP CREWS RESPONDING TO POWER OUTAGES

Crews and our Electric Dispatch have been working hard at getting power restored to the multiple areas impacted by power outages today. Crews have been able to restore power to approximately 900 customers since the start of the outages before noon today. Strong winds have been the major factors causing trouble.  Current outage count is at 2,300 customers.  A new outage that began after 2 p.m. is affecting over 1,300 customers in an area east of 12th St to Groth St approximately between Ash and Cook.

Springfield YMCA to unveil new kids’ bus, a donation from Friendly Chevrolet, on March 6 ribbon cutting event at the Downtown Y.

 SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS--The Springfield YMCA has received the gift of a brand-new, full-sized bus, customized for the Y, donated by Friendly Chevrolet in Springfield. The “YMCA Friendly Fun Bus” will be unveiled at a March 6, 10:30 am ribbon cutting event at the Downtown Y, 601 N. 4th Street. After the March 6 ribbon cutting, the bus will take kids from our YMCA after school program on an inaugural ride to Friendly Chevrolet, 2540 Prairie Crossing Dr, Springfield, for a pizza party.  The YMCA Friendly Fun

Upcoming Public Hearings & Comment Period

On Monday, March 6, at 1:00 p.m., the City of Springfield will hold a public hearing focused on the Adirondack Community Development project, also called “The Lofts on Madison” regarding the development of a targeted TIF.  This project is proposed as a six-story structure located at the corner of 5th Street and Madison in downtown Springfield. The ground floor would be retail and commercial space, with five upper stories consisting of apartments. The project is seeking to use $4.5 million in targeted TIF

CURBSIDE BRANCH COLLECTION BEGINS MARCH 6

The City of Springfield’s 2023 curbside branch pick-up will begin March 6 in the Northwest Area. The City’s branch program provides four curbside collections each calendaryear, and this is the first pick-up for 2023. The other pick-up months are May, August, and November.   The curbside pick-up schedule is pre-set and crews will work in specified areas of the city each week. Each resident will receive one pick-upin March and branches must be placed curbside by 7:00 a.m.on Monday of their area’s pick-up

Mental health matters- now more than ever!

A life is lost to suicide every 12.8 minutes in the United States. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among fifteen to twenty-four year olds and the second leading cause of death among college students.  Most Americans remain unaware that suicide is a national health problem. The impact suicide has on the lives of family members, friends, co-workers and the community is devastating. The loss of human potential is enormous. But help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline ("988").

Chamber seeking Nominations for Small Business Awards

Chamber seeks nominations for Small Business Awards!Nominations are now being sought for The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Awards. The Chamber recognizes area small business owners who have demonstrated outstanding performance through innovation, growth, staying power and contributions to the community in four different categories:Not-For-Profit Business Director of the YearNew & Emerging Business Owner of the YearSmall Business Owner of the YearLifetime Award - Business Owner of

Madison & Jefferson Streets Temporarily Closed

SMTD Launches New Go!SMTD App

Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) announced today the release of their new smartphone app called “go!SMTD”. The new app is a continuation of the implementation of SMTD’s Genfare farebox system and gives passengers access to more options to purchase passes, pay their fare, receive alerts, and plan their trips. “We’re excited to release the go!SMTD app, because this takes SMTD to a new level of customer service,” said SMTD Managing Director Steve Schoeffel. “Instead of passengers having to find a

Crawford, Murphy & Tilly Announces Leadership Transition

Engineering and consulting firm Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. has announced William (Bill) Bailey, PE, SE, as the company’s CEO, effective as of the firm’s annual meeting of shareholders, which took place Feb. 25, 2023. Over the course of his 34-year career with CMT, Bailey has taken on diverse and progressively responsible roles, including chief structural engineer, Continuous Improvement program leader, human resource officer, and president. In addition to assuming the role of CMT’s sixth CEO, Bailey

Carter Announcement Spotlights Role of Hospice Care

After a series of short hospital stays, former President Jimmy Carter, 98, decided to receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention. That announcement last month from The Carter Center sparked an outpouring of support for the 39th president, but it also sparked questions from the public about what hospice involves and the decision to receive hospice care. Registered nurse Holly Thomas is a clinical manager for Memorial Home Hospice, which is based in Springfield and serves families across

PNC SURVEY SHOWS SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS SEE BRIGHT FUTURES FOR THEIR OWN BUSINESSES

Based on the results of PNC's latest semi-annual survey of small and mid-sized businesses, which concluded Feb. 6, it appears that resilient business owners are defying predictions of an economic downturn later this year. In fact, business owner optimism about the outlook for their own businesses in the next six months has reached a 20-year survey high.Six in 10 business leaders feel highly optimistic about the prospects for their own company despite remaining cautious about the national and their local

UIS celebrates 25 years as a pioneering leader in online learning

The University of Illinois Springfield is celebrating 25 years as a pioneering leader in online learning. In 1998, UIS launched its first online program with the goal of giving students an opportunity to learn in a flexible manner. At the time, UIS was one of only a few institutions that offered online education in the United States. “UIS led in many ways,” said Ray Schroeder, an emeritus professor who helped start UIS’ first online programs. “Individual faculty members had experimented with online segments

Free colorectal cancer screening kits available Mar 20 at SCI

Simmons Cancer Institute will provide free colorectal cancer screening kits to area residents at a drive-through event from 4 – 6 p.m. on Monday, March 20. Guests can enter Simmons Cancer Institute’s circle drive (315 W. Carpenter) and remain in their vehicle while a kit is brought to them.  Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among both men and women in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer deaths when the groups are combined. Colorectal cancer is

Icenogle joins Hanson’s headquarters as construction observer

Matt Icenogle, construction observer, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters. He will monitor the contractor’s progress and ensure compliance with construction documents for Hanson’s aviation division. Prior to joining Hanson, Icenogle was an installer for Ace Sign Co. in Springfield. Hanson is a national, employee-owned consulting firm providing engineering, planning and allied services. The firm’s corporate headquarters is located at 1525 S. Sixth St.,

NORTH BOUND MACARTHUR TO DETOUR FOR WATER WORK

Beginning Monday, February 27, north-bound traffic on S. MacArthur Boulevard will be closed to thru traffic between Ash and Laurel Streets for repairs to a broken water main. Access to businesses will be permitted and a detour route will be posted. Crews will be working on the south side of the intersection of MacArthur and Laurel. After repair work is complete, some lanes will remain closed for road surface repairs. This work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled as necessary. Motorists should plan

UIS presents awards for alumni achievement, service and humanitarianism during annual celebration

The University of Illinois Springfield presented awards for alumni achievement, service and humanitarianism during the annual UIS Alumni Gala in the UIS Student Union on Feb. 24, 2023.The 2023Alumni Achievement Award for outstanding success and national or international distinction in one’s business, profession or life’s work was presented to Mitch Pugh, a native of Riverton. Pugh earned his bachelor’s degree in English from UIS in 1998. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and is currently the

Five facts to know about AFib

February is Heart Month, and health care providers with Prairie Heart Institute at HSHS St. John’s Hospital are raising awareness of common heart issues. A steady heartbeat drives good health. But sometimes, that steady beat can get thrown off rhythm. That's what happens with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Certain cells in the heart create electrical signals. These signals then cause the heart to contract and pump blood. But with AFib, the heart's two upper chambers—the atria—don't beat like they should.

Job Fair - March 29

Chamber Job Fair Scheduled for March 29The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce along with Presenting Sponsor, Lincoln Land Community College will host The Chamber Job Fair from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29 at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center.This event provides a convenient and cost-effective way for employers across Central Illinois to connect with jobseekers of all ages, as well as individuals interested in new or advanced careers.The Chamber Job Fair continually brings together the