Events Upcoming
New Members
LLCC President Charlotte Warren announces retirement
After two decades of distinguished leadership and service, Lincoln Land Community College President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., has announced she will retire from her role as LLCC’s sixth president in June 2026. Dr. Warren shared the news in a heartfelt message to faculty and staff during the college’s annual convocation on the morning of Aug. 22. “Serving our students and strengthening the communities we call home has been a privilege beyond measure. I am deeply proud of all that LLCC’s students, faculty,
Bret Mahoney Joining Memorial Health Human Resources Division
Bret Mahoney joined the Memorial Health Human Resources Division as system director of Talent Management effective Aug. 18. Mahoney has more than 14 years of experience in talent management, most recently as executive director of training and organizational design at Loma Linda University Health in Loma Linda, California. In his new role leading Memorial Talent Management, he will develop and educate leadership and support internal talent mobility initiatives. He has a Ph.D. in leadership from the
Explore timely topics at UIS’ Fall Lunch & Learn Series
The University of Illinois Springfield will host four Lunch & Learn Series events this fall, presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.Sept. 15 – “Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life”1:30 to 2:30 p.m., UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield, 9 Club Area, Springfield UIS faculty members Hei-Chi Chan and Neetu Singh, co-founders of the UIS AI Campus Learning Community, will lead a hands-on session exploring real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
Knutelski celebrates 25 years with Hanson
Jim Knutelski, P.E., G.E., senior geotechnical engineer, recently celebrated 25 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc. Knutelski, who joined the Springfield headquarters in 2000, performs geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations; provides foundation, geotechnical and seismic design recommendations; inspects the safety of dams and levees; and manages construction inspection services. He has provided services for projects including the Southern Illinois University School of
The Heroes Open
Sewer Work Begins
Beginning Tuesday, August 19 daily lane closures are planned during day work hours for sewer rehabilitation work. In the event of inclement weather, work will be rescheduled. Motorists are urged to seek alternate routes and drive with caution in work zones. • 6th Street and Washington Street (work expected to be complete Friday 8/22) • Washington Street between 5th Street and 6th Street (work expected to be complete Friday 8/22) • 6th Street lanes reduced to a single lane from Adams Street to Jefferson
Labor Day Party at Firefighters Lake Club
LABOR DAY PARTY AT FIREFIGHTERS POSTAL LAKE CLUBSunday, August 31, 2025 4pm-midnightMusic by JAMESON FREEWAY BAND 6:30pm-10:30pm. Open to the public, no cover charge. Food and drinks available for purchase (no outside food or drinks allowed).
Kay Lyn Pace performing at Firefighters Lake Club
Firefighters Postal Lake Club Presents on Friday, September 5th:KAY LYN PACE, Nashville Recording Artist with Jason McKenzie Doors open at 5pm with music by Jason McKenzie at 5:30pm, followed by Kay Lyn Pace. Open to public, no cover charge. 940 West Lake Shore Drive, Springfield Food and drinks will be available for purchase. (No outside food or beverages allowed) Brought to you by these sponsors: Sugar Daddy's Pub, Taylorville Flowers Trucking Inc., Virden Busch Light
Firearms Frenzy for Guns or Cash Tickets
Firearms Frenzy for a chance to win Guns or Cash tickets are still available. Firefighters Postal Lake Club is still selling chances to win one of 20 guns or cash. Tickets are $25 each. Buy tickets through this link below:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/firefighters-postal-lake-clubs-gun-raffle--2025 Your emailed receipt is your ticket to the Drawing Party on 9/16/25 at 6pm. Firefighters Postal Lake Club 940 West Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL Food-Prizes-Beer-Drawings-Fun
Prairie Engineers Celebrates 15 Years of Growth, Innovation, and Impact
The sta&##1049007; of Prairie Engineers is proud to celebrate its 15th anniversary. This marks a decade and a half of purposeful growth, trusted client partnerships, and a flexible, people-first culture. Since its founding in 2010 by President and Owner Lisa Kramer, the company has grown from a one-person startup into a multidisciplinary powerhouse. Currently, there are more than 100 employees across 12 o&##1049007;ices in five states. From day one, Prairie Engineers set out to deliver practical, lasting
Sertoma Club of Springfield helps BGCCIL fill backpacks for Return to School
The Sertoma Club of Springfield assisted the Boys of Girls Clubs of Central Illinois (BGCCIL) on August 12th in filling backpacks for its students to return to school with necessary supplies. Sertoma provided funds to purchase some school supplies, and its members volunteered to help BGCCIL fill 100 backpacks. The filled backpacks were subsequently provided to BGCCIL students who will attend Springfield Public School District 186 schools, as well as certain parochial schools in the area. Students who report
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Dalton Garecht
Dalton GarechtAssistant Branch ManagerINB N.A. (217) 747-8506dgarecht@inb.com What products and services does your business offer? At INB, we offer a wide variety of products for individual and business customers. With several different departments, it allows us to provide the services of large national banks, but we’re still able to develop strong customer relationships and offer the community bank feel. Customers can go to any branch knowing they will receive the proper assistance. A few
LLCC offering extended hours for fall registration
Lincoln Land Community College Student Services and Bookstore on the Springfield campus will be offering extended hours for fall registration in August. During the week of Aug. 18, LLCC Student Services, Bookstore and Outreach Centers will be open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 23, Student Services and the bookstore will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fall semester weekday classes begin Aug. 25. Eight-week classes begin Aug. 25 andOct. 18.
Line joins Hanson’s headquarters as project administrator
— Gabby Line, project administrator, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters. She will assist project managers in all areas of the project process, including planning, startup, execution, monitoring and closeout, as well as the financial aspects, such as invoicing, budget reports and accounts receivable tracking. Line previously was an intern for Aarhus University’s Danish Centre for Food and Agriculture, where she assisted with research efforts and event
UIS earns national recognition for commitment to first-generation student success
SPRINGFIELD – FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, has named the University of Illinois Springfield as one of 60 new members of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2025-26. The designation recognizes UIS for its strong commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.UIS supports this work through its First Gen Initiative, which helps first-generation students navigate the collegiate experience by providing guidance on
MICHIGAN AVENUE TO CLOSE FOR ROAD WORK
Beginning on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Michigan Avenue will be fully closed to traffic between North Grand Avenue and Converse Avenue for resurfacing and the construction of new parking spaces. The closure is anticipated to remain in place until Sunday, October 5, 2025. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid delays and to drive slowly and cautiously around the work zone.
The UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents “L’Éphémère” by celebrated Illinois artist Rosalyn Schwartz
The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is proud to present “L’Éphémère,” an exhibition of recent paintings by celebrated Illinois artist Rosalyn Schwartz. The exhibition opens Aug. 25 and runs through Oct. 2, 2025. A public reception will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.In conjunction with the exhibition, the UIS Visual Arts Gallery will host a conversation featuring Schwartz in dialogue with
UIS Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon artists in residence to debut works
WHAT: Artists in residence at the University of Illinois Springfield’s Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon will debut original works inspired by the Emiquon Preserve during “Summer Projects Unveiled.” The event is free and open to the public. WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 24 WHERE: UIS Therkildsen Field Station, 11316 N. Prairie Road, Lewistown, Illinois DETAILS: Visitors will experience a variety of original works inspired by the Emiquon Preserve, including ceramics, paintings and a live
Mel-O-Cream S. 6th Street Ribbon Cutting & Celebration
Springfield, IL – Mel-O-Cream donuts is excited to announce a ribbon cutting celebrating the new Route 66 shield shaped donut sign and extended menu and hours. In December of 2024 Sangamon Donuts, (owner and operator of 5 Mel-O-Cream stores in Springfield, IL) applied for a grant to create a large Route 66 shield shaped donut sign in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Route 66. This installation also celebrates the Mel-O-Cream legacy on Route 66. The sign was completed and installed by Ace
Sertoma Club of Springfield Conducts Successful Food Drive
The Sertoma Club of Springfield completed its second annual food drive in August, helping to meet the needs of the almost 25,000 people in Sangamon County who are hungry. Food/pantry items and cash donations were collected at Club meetings during the summer months. Two hundred food and pantry items from the drive were donated to the Grant Middle School Micro Pantry and Grace Lutheran Church food pantry. Cash donations of $500 were given to the Central Illinois Food bank and the Grace Lutheran Church food
LANE CLOSURE ON NORTH PEORIA ROAD FOR EMERGENCY WATER MAIN REPAIRS
A broken 6-inch water main at North Peoria Road near Garfield Street necessitates emergency repairs by water crews today to limit damage to the roadway. Currently, the south-bound curb lane of North Peoria Road will be closed to accommodate CWLP Water Department repairs. This lane will remain closed until road surface repairs are complete. Motorists should plan to take alternative routes to avoid delays and should slow down and drive with caution around this work zone.
Springfield Area Arts Council Hosts 3rd Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser at Pole Barn Chic
The Springfield Area Arts Council invites the community to put their art knowledge to the test at its 3rd Annual Trivia Night on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Pole Barn Chic, located at 4491 Old Chatham Rd, Springfield, IL 62711. Doors open at 5:00 PM, and trivia kicks off at 6:00 PM. This event serves as a fundraiser, supporting the free programs and services the Arts Council provides to the community. The night will feature ten exciting rounds of general trivia, a silent auction with unique items and
Seasonal Marketing That Doesn’t Feel Like a Gimmick
Seasonal promotions aren’t just about pushing holiday deals or throwing last-minute signage on the window. For small businesses, they’re strategic inflection points—brief windows when attention surges and spending habits loosen. But too often, what could’ve been a moment of real momentum gets flattened into noise. The trick? Treating seasonal promos not as reactive flash sales, but as rhythmically tuned campaigns—with tension, timing, and personality. Plan Like It’s a Product LaunchThe best seasonal
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CENTRAL IL BUSINESSES ARE INVITED TO HELP FIGHT HUNGER AT MIDWEST MISSION SEPTEMBER 25 + 26
08/07/2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information: Contact Mallory Webster, Communications ManagerPhone: 217.415.0456 Email: mallory@midwestmission.org CENTRAL IL BUSINESSES ARE INVITED TO HELP FIGHT HUNGER AT MIDWEST MISSION SEPTEMBER 25 + 26 Midwest Mission is inviting businesses around Central Illinois to participate in their annual Rice and Soy Blessing Bag Pack on September 25 and 26. They are hosting two days of making meals for the food insecure around the world. Their goal
HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital Offering Free Car Seat Safety Check on Sept. 13
Car seats save lives – if they’re used correctly. HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital will host a free Car Seat Safety Check on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Women and Children’s Clinic parking garage at 400 N. 9th St. A certified child passenger safety tech will work with parents and guardians to ensure their child’s safety seat is installed correctly and answer any questions. Illinois law requires all children under 8 years old to be secured in a child safety restraint system,
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LLCU DONATES $5,000 TO COMMUNITY POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN SUPPORT OF NATIONAL NIGHT OUT INITIATIVE
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) donated a monetary donation of $5,000 among several local area law enforcement agencies that fall within the communities served by LLCU. The donation was made in support and recognition of National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5th. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make communities safer. Numerous events, including block parties, cookouts, parades, safety demonstrations,
Beran joins Hanson’s headquarters as senior structural engineer
Steve Beran, P.E., S.E., senior structural engineer, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters. He will use his experience in bridge inspection, maintenance and design for various bridge projects. Beran previously worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation for about 30 years, most recently as the District 6 bureau chief of operations. He also served in the U.S. Navy for six years, achieving the rank of petty officer first class. Beran received an associate
Yathaputanon Named July Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health
June Yathaputanon, an associate with Food and Nutrition Services, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for July. Colleagues and visitors alike appreciate Yathaputanon’s friendly and professional attitude at the cash register in the Springfield Memorial Hospital cafeteria. “June is dedicated to efficiency and accuracy while also being friendly and polite,” wrote her nominator. “She has a strong work ethic and is respectful to everyone who visits the cafeteria.” Yathaputanon has
Local Girl Scouts Make Cookie Delivery at Springfield Memorial Hospital
Operation Cookie Share, now in its eighth year, provides cookies to first responders, military personnel and health care workers. The donations were supported by a community fundraising drive held in June. “We’re honored to be among the organizations that benefit from Operation Cookie Share,” said Jay Roszhart, president and CEO of Springfield Memorial Hospital. “It means a lot to our frontline caregivers to know the community supports them and recognizes their hard work.”
NEXT PHASE OF WATER MAIN RELOCATION WORK TO CLOSE RESERVOIR STREET
Beginning Thursday, August 7, CWLP’s Water Department will move to the next phase of a project to relocate 2,000 feet of a 24-inch water main for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project on North Grand Avenue. This phase of work, expected to last four weeks, requires a street opening and road closure on Reservoir Street from the 9th Street intersection to 11th Street. This project represents part of the City of Springfield’s match towards the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, and is the largest
No Studio Required: A Real-World Guide to Video Marketing for Small Brands
Small business owners juggle more than just sales and service—they’re often the entire marketing department too. As customer attention becomes harder to hold, video has quietly taken the lead as the most powerful medium to connect, explain, and convert. But diving into video doesn’t mean chasing viral fame or blowing the budget on gear. It means being strategic about how video supports a bigger message—and making it work with what’s already in place. Go Where the Eyes Already Are There’s no need to
Memorial Health Partners with Area Libraries to Distribute Mental Health Wellness Kits
As part of a regional community health initiative, Memorial Health will partner with public libraries in Decatur, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Springfield and Taylorville to provide free, family mental health kits to area residents. The kits include books about emotions and mental health, worksheets on breathing and grounding techniques, coloring pages, local support and mental health resources. The kits, designed for ages 3 and older, can be checked out for a two-week period. Anyone in the community is free to
Hospital Sisters Health System introduces HSHS Community Connect
For 150 years, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) has been a leader of health and wellness in the communities we serve across Illinois and Wisconsin. To address the needs of our communities, HSHS proudly launches HSHS Community Connect, a digital database of free or reduced cost community-based programs and services available in the communities we serve. “HSHS is committed to improving community health and addressing ever-changing needs and factors within the community landscape,” said Kim
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Sertoma Club of Springfield Supports Motherland Community Project
The Sertoma Club of Springfield joined Motherland Community Project on August 2, 2025 to celebrate the conclusion of its summer program, 'From Seeds to Table,' for students from K-12th grade from disadvantaged neighborhoods in the city. With a $2,000 grant from Sertoma International, the Motherland Community Project was able to purchase seeds and plants, in addition to provide program materials. Sertoma joined a variety of other community partners in supporting programming at Motherland. During the summer
Springfield Memorial Hospital Seeks Feedback on Birth Experience
Springfield Memorial Hospital (SMH) Family Maternity Suites seeks feedback on the birth experience from families who have welcomed a baby at the hospital during the past two years, as well as pregnant women who plan to give birth at SMH who have previously delivered at SMH. Patients and family members are invited to attend a community event with refreshments at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, to join a discussion on the importance of respectful maternity care. “We want to make sure we provide respectful care
Memorial Health Appoints Dr. Ted Clark as Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer
Ted Clark, MD, MPP, has been named Memorial Health’s senior vice president and chief clinical officer, effective August 4, 2025. In his new role, Dr. Clark will oversee Memorial Medical Group, Memorial Behavioral Health and the health system’s quality and safety teams and its home health services. Dr. Clark has served as Decatur Memorial Hospital’s chief medical officer since 2020 and previously led the hospital’s Emergency Department from 2017 to 2020. He has been a practicing emergency medicine
Mennonite College of Nursing Springfield Inaugural Class Graduates
Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) proudly announces the graduation of its first cohort of nursing students in Springfield, marking a historic milestone for the college and the surrounding community. The inaugural class of 25 students received their degrees during a commencement ceremony held in May. Over 30% of the graduating class have signed on with Memorial Health. “This momentous occasion is the culmination of a great deal of planning and collaboration between our two
Ambassador of the Quarter: Wendell Zulauf, Jr.
Wendell Zulauf, Jr. Manager Sunbelt Rentals 217-528-1065 pcm389@sunbeltrentals.comIn the second quarter of 2025, Wendell Zulauf, Jr., Manager, Sunbelt Rentals earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Wendell had 11 member leads join The Chamber, made eight member contacts, attended eight ribbon cuttings, worked at two Chamber on Tap events and one Coffee & Connections, and attended three Ambassador committee meetings. Wendell will receive a gift certificate to a Chamber member
Stars, stripes, and Zyn: Philip Morris wants you to know it's 'invested in America'
Lara O'Reilly is a senior correspondent who covers the digital advertising industry, marketing, and media. Her beat includes big tech companies like Apple, Alphabet, and Meta, and adtech firms, agencies, publishers, and CMOs. Lara has previously worked as a reporter and executive producer at titles including The Wall Street Journal, Digiday, Yahoo Finance, and Marketing Week. She was also previously Business Insider's senior global advertising editor between 2014 and 2017. Lara was named "Digital
American Airlines Enhances Service between Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport with Improved Flight Schedules and New Larger Aircraft
Effective October 7th, Springfield area air travelers will enjoy a more convenient flight schedule as American Airlines reinstates the popular early morning departure from SPI. The enhanced flight schedule gives passengers earlier access to American Airlines’ hub at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), making it easier to connect to hundreds of popular destinations across the country and around the world. The updated schedule is now available in the reservation system and open for booking: Depart
VISIT SPRINGFIELD ANNOUNCES FREE NEW TOURISM AMBASSADOR ONLINE ACADEMY
Visit Springfield has created and launched a Tourism Ambassador Academy online course and training certification to help us shape the future of Springfield, IL. This course that has been created by Visit Springfield with the intention that participants will gain insight into the program’s unique training modules, which cover topics like visitor engagement, greetings, handshakes, and what tourism means to our city. “We’re excited to invite community partners, business and anyone interested in supporting
Take a Step Toward Heart Health with the Powered by Prairie Walk and Health Fair
Heart health is a community effort. HSHS St. John’s Hospital and the Prairie Heart Foundation are proud to promote cardiac health with the Powered by Prairie Walk and Heart Fair on Sept. 6 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Southwind Park in Springfield. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming a life every 34 seconds, according to the American Heart Association. All proceeds raised by the low-impact, high-fun event will benefit cardiac rehabilitation services at HSHS
Nordhoff Named July Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
Kerry Nordhoff, a sterile processing technician at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for July. Nordhoff is respected by others for his “can-do” attitude, knowledge of sterile equipment and instrumentation and a relentless focus on patient safety. Nominated by five different colleagues, his ability to troubleshoot issues in a timely manner while being kind and professional was mentioned multiple times. “Kerry goes above and beyond for the surgery department
SENATOR DURBIN & SIU MEDICINE LEADERS EXPRESS CONCERNS ABOUT FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS
Health care leaders and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin gathered at Southern Illinois University (SIU) School of Medicine on July 25 to strongly denounce sweeping federal budget cuts to Medicaid, student loan support and medical research—pillars that sustain both local patient care and the next generation of physicians. “The new federal directives are not theoretical,” said Dr. Jerry Kruse, dean and provost of SIU Medicine. “They will directly harm the people and communities we serve—especially in rural and
UIS Lincoln Studies director featured on HBO Max, Magnolia Network series ‘Back to the Frontier’
SPRINGFIELD – University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies Director Jacob Friefeld is featured as a historical expert on the new HBO Max and Magnolia Network series “Back to the Frontier,” which immerses three modern-day families in the rugged realities of 1880s life without modern conveniences.The show places the families in an environment without phones or electricity and challenges them to survive using 19th century methods. Friefeld appears on the program as a guide,
WIN GUN OR CASH RAFFLE
WIN one of 20 GUNS or CASH - Firearm Frenzy drawn 9/16/25.$25.00 each ticket sold through link below:https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/firefighters-postal-lake-clubs-gun-raffle--2025Sponsored by the Firefighters Postal Lake Club 940 W. Lake Shore Drive, Springfield, IL (217-691-6472) Your emailed receipt is your ticket to the drawing party on September 16, 2025 at 6pm.Winners need not to be present, must follow all State and Federal Firearms Laws. FOOD * PRIZES * BEER * DRAWINGS * FUNFirearms to
Back to School Brunch Fundraiser
Join us in celebrating the impact you make!Mark your calendars! Our annual Back to School Brunch will take place on Sunday, September 14 at Erin’s Pavilion. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.Tickets are available now. For more information, contact Senior Donor Relations Manager Brandy at 217-481-4651 or brandy@compassforkids.orgBuy Tickets Now
The Damon Priddy State Farm Team is Growing!
Springfield Illinois - March 2025 - Damon Priddy Insurance & Financial Services - a State Farm Agency is proud to announce the addition of three talented professionals - Chadd Pfeiffer, Marc Reeves and Heath Bilyeu - to it's growing team. As the agency continues to expand its footprint in the Springfield community, these new team members bring a wealth of knowledge, industry experience and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients. "This growth reflects our dedication to helping more
Damon Priddy State Farm recognized as both Best Agency & Best Agent in Springfield!
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - November 2024 The Damon Priddy State Farm Team, a leader in providing quality insurance & financial service solutions, is proud to announce it's recent awards for Best Insurance Agency and Best Insurance Agent in Springfield by the Community Choice Awards. These prestigious honors reflect the agency's dedication to clients, community engagement and exceptional service. This is the third consecutive year that the agency has taken home both awards! The awards were presented at the
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Damon Priddy State Farm Team Rebrands ''What is Service''
This week the agency has taken part in multiple events and recognized their service team for National Customer Service Week! Nearly four years into the launch of the Damon Priddy State Farm Agency, our team is "rebranding" the customer service team and the way we "do service". "I came from a background in hospitality, managing multiple hotels and major brands along the way. Taking care of people is engrained in who I am. That hospitality training and care for detail doesn't go away. Launching the agency in
