News

Amelia and Oliver Again Springfield’s Top Baby Names for 2020

SPRINGFIELD – Amelia and Oliver held onto to their titles as the most popular boys’ and girls’ names in Springfield for 2020. They were the top favorites for 2019 as well.Oliver and Levi were tied for top boys’ names in 2019. This year, Levi didn’t even break into the top 10, coming in at 13th.“We love meeting all of the moms who come to St. John’s for their child’s birth,” said Jessica Gonko, nurse manager of the women and infants center at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. “This past year was very different for

HSHS Medical Group Opens New Medicare Clinic

(Springfield, Illinois) HSHS Medical Group has opened a new clinic in Springfield exclusively for Medicare patients and those age 60 and older. HSHS Medical Group Medicare Clinic is the first of its kind in the area and provides comprehensive health care featuring longer appointment times, chronic disease care and medication management as well as onsite lab and x-ray.   “Our new Medicare Clinic is dedicated to providing patient-first care to our Medicare population and those aging into Medicare,” said

$25,000 Awarded Locally To Support Racial Healing

United Way of Central Illinois was awarded $25,000 to provide grants to local organizations through the Healing Illinois project for Sangamon and Menard Counties. United Way of Central Illinois announced today the local organizations who will be receiving those grants. In total, $25,000 was awarded to the following organizations: Downtown Springfield Inc. - $5,000 Springfield (IL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. - $5,000 Springfield Branch NAACP - $5,000 Southern Illinois University

“Discover LLCC” events for prospective students

“Discover LLCC” events for prospective studentsInformation on college and career training   SPRINGFIELD — Prospective students are invited to virtual events in February, March and April to learn more about the many transfer and career program options and how to get started at Lincoln Land Community College. The events will culminate with a Campus Cruise on April 21.  Virtual information sessions on transfer programs will be held Friday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; Tuesday, March 23, 3 and 6 p.m.;

UIS Visual Arts Gallery to present “Duet,” a mixed-media exhibit from Chicago-based artists Shir Ende and Max Guy

SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “Duet,” a mixed-media exhibit by Chicago-based artists Shir Ende and Max Guy. “Duet” will open on Tuesday, Jan. 19 and will run through Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. There will be no public reception for this exhibition. The Visual Arts Gallery will host a remote artist talk with Shir Ende and Max Guy as a program for “Duet.” This remote event will take place via Zoom on at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 at

Drive-Thru Food Giveaway in Rushville on Thursday, January 21, 2021

CWLP STILL ACCEPTING REBATE APPLICATIONS

CWLP is still accepting applications for its Small Business Rate Relief Rebate for Springfield small businesses. This program is designated for CWLP’s small business electric customers located in Springfield corporate limits including independent restaurants and bars and Veterans associations operating commercial kitchens. One-time rebates in the form of a CWLP bill credit for August and September 2020 billings for corresponding electric charges up to $3,000 will be awarded to qualifying small business

UIS and Community Health Roundtable to host a webinar on the COVID-19 vaccine and immunity

SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Hub, UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership and the Community Health Roundtable will host a free public webinar titled “COVID-19 Vaccine: The Journey to Immunity” at Noon Friday, Jan. 15 via Zoom.Public health and health care panelists will join together to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and answer important questions around the safety and efficacy of each vaccine, allocation and distribution. Additionally, panelists will discuss COVID-19’s

Springfield Area Arts Council Announces 2021 Community Arts Access Grant Recipients

The Springfield Area Arts Council is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2021 COMMUNITY ARTS ACCESS grants in Sangamon and Menard counties.   Community Arts Access grants are given in conjunction with the Illinois Arts Council Agency and the City of Springfield. The grants provide the opportunity for local arts agencies like the Springfield Area Arts Council to distribute state funds in their own service areas according to local needs. The program is designed to give the community more access to the

Land of Lincoln Credit Union Assisting Small Business Owners with the Reopened SBA Paycheck Protection Program Loans

Decatur, Illinois, January 11th, 2021– Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) is offering small business owners assistance as they navigate through the qualifications and application process for the Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. LLCU is an SBA Express Lender and have dedication commercial loan officers ready to assist . This round of PPP loans presented several changes to avoid fraudulent activity and larger corporations from consuming large portions of the

United Way of Illinois Launches ‘21 Week Equity Challenge’

United Way of Illinois Launches ‘21 Week Equity Challenge’The statewide association invites all Illinois’ residents to take the learning challenge  Springfield, IL. – United Way of Central Illinois is partnering with United Way’s across Illinois for the United Way of Illinois ‘21 Week Equity Challenge.’ Following a year of unrest and strife, this free, online learning program will provide lessons and resources for Illinoisians to learn about racial issues and systemic inequalities, together. “Our

Springfield Airport Authority Welcomes the Return of American Airlines to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS – American Airlines has resumed its scheduled daily flights at the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI). The return follows a pandemic related hiatus, which impacted the SPI to Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) route between October and early January. American Airlines resumed regular service between SPI and Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) on Jan. 5, 2021, marking a highpoint in the airport’s COVID-19 recovery efforts.  “We welcome American’s resumption of service to Springfield. We are excited and

Springfield author donates book sales to Central Illinois Foodbank and Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County

"The Sergeant's Daughter" (She Writes Press) is a coming of age memoir of courage, bravery, and perseverance. In the book, local author Teressa Shelton boldly recounts her life growing up with her two sisters, a verbally and physically abusive father, and her mom who struggled to run interference in the face of punishment Teressa, and her sisters experienced growing up. Teressa endured her extreme childhood with grace and strength. She found comfort in music and books. She found consolation in friends,

SUBWAY to Give Away 6,000 Box Lunches on January 23, 2021

Springfield, IL, January 2021—The local Owners of Subway restaurants would like to give back to our community! We feel so fortunate to have so many loyal Subway fans in the Springfield area and we know how hard this past year has been. If you are in need, we welcome you to stop by your local Subway restaurant on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 9AM for a FREE BOX LUNCH. We plan to give away over 6,000 boxed lunches to anyone in need across Central Illinois. For ease of pick-up, we will serve Box

Vandeventer Named Memorial Medical Center Colleague of the Year

SPRINGFIELD – Brandi Vandeventer of Springfield, a certified respiratory therapist, is the Memorial Medical Center Colleague of the Year. Vandeventer’s supervisor, Kris Reichert, said that Vandeventer personifies Memorial Health System values in her compassionate work with respiratory patients. Vandeventer also assisted in forming early protocols for treating the hospital’s first COVID-19 patients, keeping safety a top priority. “She shared her expertise from the [respiratory therapy] perspective to help us

LLCC-Medical District has new name, growing opportunities

SPRINGFIELD – Lincoln Land Community College has changed the name of a training facility to better reflect its connection to the college, location and mission.  LLCC’s facility at 130 W. Mason, located in the Mid-Illinois Medical District and blocks away from two major hospitals, will now be known as LLCC-Medical District. The facility opened in 1999 as the Capital City Center, a state-of-the art training facility to meet the growing technology training needs of local employers. The Center’s career

Applications Now Open for Grants to Support Local Nonprofits Serving Elderly, Women and Children

Applications Now Open for Grants to Support Local Nonprofits Serving Elderly, Women and ChildrenDeadline for submissions is February 5, 2021 SPRINGFIELD – The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is currently accepting applications for two separate grant cycles:  King’s Daughters Organization FundThe King’s Daughters Organization (KDO) Fund provides financial support to programs and services that enhance the quality of life and address the unmet needs of older residents (55 years of age and older)

EMERGENCY FUNDING ADDED TO CWLP PROJECT RELIEF FOR RESIDENTS, SMALL BUSINESS REBATES STILL AVAILABL

City Water, Light and Power is set to help more residential customers who need help paying their bill this winter season. The utility’s Project RELIEF program was allocated additional emergency funding to assist customers with overdue bills because of COVID-19 and more families in hardship. With this new funding, many more residents in need can get help, plus customers that received Project RELIEF assistance last year, whom normally would be excluded, would be eligible to again apply this year. The first

Memorial Health System to Complete First Round of COVID-19 Vaccinations Within Weeks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 30, 2020   SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Health System has received several thousand doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines this week and expects to complete the process of first vaccination dosage to its colleagues within the next two to three weeks.The hospital system has received 6,235 doses of vaccine since Dec. 16, the day it administered the first vaccinations, said Chuck Callahan, president of the MHS hospital group and president and CEO of Memorial Medical Center. About 80 percent

Care for your emotional health this year

(Springfield, Illinois) We're coming off a bad year. There's no question that 2020 left a lot to be desired. That's why it's important in this new year to make a resolution to care for your emotional health as well as your physical health.“Being emotionally healthy is vital for your overall health,” said Diana Widicus, MD, FAAFP, HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine physician. “Not only do you feel good about yourself, but you have good relationships, you’re aware of your emotions and have the capability to

Memorial Drive-Thru Lab and COVID-19 Testing Site Expanded to Indoor Drive-Thru Structure

SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Health System has expanded its drive-thru lab and respiratory testing site on South Sixth Street in Springfield to include indoor lanes. Patients can now drive into a structure, so they are protected from the winter weather. The new drive-thru lanes replace the tents that had been at the location. The structure creates a more convenient and safe experience for patients, who do not have to leave their vehicles, and for healthcare employees. The expanded drive-thru lab and testing

Central Illinois Foodbank Receives Generous Year-End Gift from Anonymous Donor

Springfield, Illinois (December 28, 2020) – A $500,000 contribution from an anonymous donor has been awarded to Central Illinois Foodbank in Springfield. The gift will be used to address the growing need for food assistance throughout the Foodbank’s 21-county service area as a result of the economic impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on employment. Pam Molitoris, Executive Director of the Central Illinois Foodbank, said, “The Foodbank is so honored to be the recipient of this incredibly generous gift

SMTD Names Schoeffel Next Managing Director Effective January 1, 2021

Springfield, IL – The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) Board of Trustees named Deputy Managing Director Steve Schoeffel the next Managing Director at its monthly meeting last week. The appointment takes effect January 1, 2021. Schoeffel, 49, takes over after the retirement of Frank Squires, who has managed the district since 2012 after serving on the Board of Trustees for fourteen years – five of which were as Chairman. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Brian Brewer, said the board chose Schoeffel

Young Philanthropists More than Doubles Annual Grantmaking

Young Philanthropists More than Doubles Annual GrantmakingGiving circle awards $24,000 to nonprofits serving Springfield-area children  SPRINGFIELD – In its 15th year of philanthropy, the Young Philanthropists (YP) giving circle at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln has announced that all of its past grant recipients will receive a second round of unrestricted grants to support general operations.The first round of grants was announced in July at Young Philanthropists’ annual kick-off

Town and Country Bank Welcomes Christina Bolsen Baker as VP, Treasury Management Sales Officer

DECATUR, IL ꟷ Town and Country Bank is happy to announce that Christina Bolsen Baker has joined its growing Treasury Management team as VP, Treasury Management Sales Officer. “Town and Country Bank is delighted Christina has joined our Commercial Banking and Treasury Team. Christina’s vast banking and treasury management experience in addition to her passion to help clients makes her an asset to our organization. We are so proud to have Christina at our bank to offer her expertise and dedication to clients

UIS Observatory to hold a virtual Star Party for the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn

SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Observatory is holding a virtual Star Party for the great conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn from 5-6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21.Participants can learn more and watch the virtual start party on Zoom by accessing the link at go.uis.edu/starparties.The conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn is an infrequent event occurring when the apparent positions of the planets converge in the sky. Normally, just one planet is visible through the telescope at a time. During this

LLCC Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year

LLCC Foundation accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic yearDeadline to apply is March 1 SPRINGFIELD — The Lincoln Land Community College Foundation is currently accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 academic year. Students considering or planning to attend LLCC beginning in fall 2021 are encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2021.  LLCC Foundation scholarships are available for first-time and continuing students who will be enrolled full or part time

The Importance of EP!C Host Homes

“EP!C’s Host Homes Program has given me the chance to have a family again and also be a part of my community,” David, a participant in EP!C’s Host Home Program shares. “My provider is helping me become more independent and work on goals I want to achieve. Because of EP!C I have an awesome place to live and get to be a part of the Bulldogs Basketball team. They make me a better man and I cannot thank EP!C enough for everything.” To watch David's story, check out his video here.  Why is the Host Homes model

ALPLM announces 2021 Illinois Gallery Special Exhibit

The State of Sound:  A World of Music from Illinois, will be a 2021 special exhibit in the Museum’s Illinois Gallery. Written by the award-winning author, documentary-producer, and former Chicago Sun-Times columnist and critic, Dave Hoekstra, and produced by the ALPLM, the exhibit will open in the spring of 2021. From Muddy Waters to REO Speedwagon, Cheap Trick to Earth, Wind and Fire, and Chance the Rapper, the land of Lincoln has produced some of the most highly celebrated music in rock history.

EP!C Host Homes are Expanding in Springfield! What is a Host Home and What is the Benefit?

For 35 years, EP!C has been a leader in providing natural living options for people with disabilities through our Host Homes program. We have given the gift of independence to the people we serve by finding a home designed to encourage independence in a home setting and offering unique person-centered opportunities for people with disabilities.    In a Host Home, we match an individual with a contracted provider in the community of their choice. Providers are people that are passionate about making a