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Hydrant flushing rescheduled for Val-E-Vue
The Springfield Fire Department, in coordination with City Water, Light and Power, has rescheduled its Fire Hydrant Testing to June 9th and 10th for Val-E-Vue Subdivision. Testing is expected to occur between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. As a reminder, other testing around the city is scheduled to be continue through July 31. Annual testing is essential to ensure fire hydrants are operating efficiently for fire protection purposes. Testing may be rescheduled due to inclement weather. Water can become
LLCC announces 2020 graduates
Lincoln Land Community College conferred more than 1,500 degrees and certificates at the college’s virtual commencement ceremony Friday, May 15. Also recognized at the ceremony were the recipients of the 2020 Honored Alumni and Outstanding Graduate awards. The recipient of the 2020 Honored Alumni Award is Tyson Manker of Jacksonville. Manker first came to LLCC in 2004 following overseas service with the United States Marine Corps. Following several setbacks, he earned his associate degree in liberal arts
ALL CEFCU ILLINOIS MEMBER CENTER LOBBIES RE-OPEN EFFECTIVE JUNE 5
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 4, 2020 Peoria, IL – CEFCU Illinois Member Centers will reopen on Friday, June 5 during normal business hours with social distancing guidelines and safety measures in place. Employees, members, and guests will be required to wear masks inside the Member Centers. Members will be asked to temporarily remove their mask for security and identification purposes. Plexiglas
Restore SMTD Service Plan Released
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2020 Restore SMTD Service Plan ReleasedRidership to Dictate Return to Full Schedules Springfield, IL – Today, Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) released their plan to restore service to pre-COVID-19 levels. With the Governor’s requirement for essential travel only lifted Friday, May 29th, SMTD expects ridership to begin to increase and wants the public to know there is a plan in place to restore service accordingly. In late March, SMTD reduced weekday service to
Kidney Transplant at Memorial Medical Center Changes Jacksonville Woman’s Life
A 56-year-old Jacksonville woman says her life was forever changed by a kidney transplant at Memorial Medical Center. The March 23 procedure, which involved a kidney from a deceased donor, freed Denise Hickox from exhausting dialysis sessions to stay alive after being diagnosed with a rare, degenerative kidney disease in 2016. “I went through dialysis four days a week, 3½ hours a day,” she said. “I just really didn’t care if tomorrow came or not. Now, I have energy. I actually feel good about being up,
SJ-R Hosting Free Digital Marketing Seminar
The State Journal-Register is excited to announce that it is hosting a virtual digital marketing seminar on June 23rd, 2020 with Google. All Chamber members are invited to attend. Google will be sharing digital marketing strategies that will drive sales and awareness during uncertain times, and help your business grow. Chamber members can REGISTER by clicking here.
Veteran university leader Karen Whitney named interim chancellor at UIS
June 3, 2020 Veteran university leader Karen Whitney named interim chancellor at UISWhitney takes the helm after leading Pennsylvania system, Clarion UniversitySPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Karen M. Whitney, a nationally recognized higher education leader, has been selected to serve as interim chancellor of the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS), University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen announced today. Whitney is the president emerita of Clarion
LLCC students named to Phi Theta Kappa leadership positions
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2020 LLCC students named to Phi Theta Kappa leadership positionsFaculty advisor and recent graduate win awards SPRINGFIELD — Two Lincoln Land Community College students have been elected to officer positions for the Illinois Region of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.Hyler Pence of Palmyra was elected president, the first time a member of the LLCC chapter has achieved this honor. This year, he was also named to the Phi Theta Kappa
LLCC welcomes new dean of English and humanities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2020 SPRINGFIELD — Joel Dykstra, Ed.D., from Roswell, New Mexico, has joined Lincoln Land Community College as dean of English and humanities. He began his new duties May 18. Dr. Dykstra comes to LLCC from the New Mexico Military Institute where he served as associate dean of the humanities division for eight years. He also taught Arabic and Spanish at NMMI for 15 years. In 1999, Dykstra enlisted in the U.S. Army as an Arabic linguist. He served
ISAWWA recommends flushing water pipes during low-consumption, or no consumption, due to Coronavirus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Illinois Section of the American Water Works (ISAWWA) recommends flushing water pipes to maintain water quality during low-consumption, or no consumption, due to Coronavirus Many buildings and businesses have been closed for weeks, or months, due to COVID-19 stay at home and work from home orders and policies. These work at home orders, and business closures, have reduced water usage within commercial buildings, industrial buildings and schools which can potentially result in
Ameren Illinois Offers Hardship Grants to Small Businesses and Non-profit Organizations
Ameren Illinois announced that funding is available for small businesses and non-profits that have fallen behind on their electric bills. Under the company's COVID-19 Economic Hardship Recovery Program, one-time grants of up to $500 will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis until June 30, or until the funds are exhausted. "This has been a challenging time for many small businesses and non-profits that have experienced economic hardship due to COVID-19," said Richard J. Mark, chairman and
LLCC Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) hosting discussion on pandemic’s impact on local restaurants
MEDIA ALERT June 1, 1 p.m. via Zoom Lincoln Land Community College’s Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) has quickly adapted to virtual programming, embracing learning, exercise and interaction while also supporting local businesses. ALL is kicking off June programming with a focus on local restaurants. Dr. Charlotte Warren, LLCC president, will moderate a Zoom discussion for ALL members June 1, 1 p.m. with Chef Michael Higgins, owner of Maldaner’s restaurant, on the impact of the COVID-19
RMHCCI CEO Search
For Immediate Release The Board of Directors of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois (RMHCCI) has announced an upcoming leadership change for their non-profit organization which spans 29 counties across central Illinois. CEO Kelly Thompson has given notice of resignation as she will be relocating in conjunction with her daughter's transition to college this summer. After over nine years of service to the charity, the RMHCCI board members, staff, and volunteers wish Thompson well in her
LEVITT AMP SPRINGFIELD SERIES POSTPONED UNTIL 2021
FOR MORE INFORMATIONScott Troehler, Downtown Springfield Heritage Foundation 816-7166Sheila Walk, Springfield Area Arts Council 753-3519Lisa Clemmons Stott, Downtown Springfield Inc 544-1723 CUDNTWN - Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the status of large public gatherings in Illinois due to the COVID-19 pandemic -- and out of concern for the health, safety and well-being of our community -- the organizers of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, in consultation with the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt
Hydrant Flushing Planned for Val-E-Vue
News Release May 28, 2020Amber Sabin, 217.789.2116 ext.2629 Mobile, 217.899.5497SFD Deputy Division Chief Brandon Blough 217-788-8474 ext. 4502 The Springfield Fire Department, in coordination with City Water, Light and Power, will be conducting Fire Hydrant Testing on June 1, 2020 in Val-E-Vue Subdivision. Testing is expected to occur between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. As a reminder, other testing around the city is scheduled to be continue through July 31. Annual testing is essential
3rd Annual Tom’s WALK4CHOI Continues
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Shelli Dankoff, Media Relations Supervisor – OSF HealthCare (309) 634-8583 3rd Annual Tom’s WALK4CHOI ContinuesSecond part of walk connecting OSF hospitals taking place this week (May 26, 2020 | Peoria, Ill.) – After starting his trek on May 13, Tom Brewer is continuing the third year of his four year journey to raise funds and awareness for OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois this week. The ultimate objective of Tom’s Walk4CHOI is to walk a path denoting a
Update Your Business Opening Status on SpringfieldZoom.com
If your business is offering outdoor dining, be sure to update your listing on www.springfieldzoom.com. If you're already registered on the site, just login and update your listing. You will see an option to select "outdoor seating" within your Status Tag. If you're not registered, we encourage you to log on so that your customers know you're open and ready for business! The screenshot below is for your reference.
Memorial Health System Expands Telehealth With Convenient Online Platform During COVID-19 Pandemic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 26, 2020 CONTACT: Dean Olsen 217-836-1068 olsen.dean@mhsil.com Media Phone 217-303-1583 media@mhsil.com SPRINGFIELD — Memorial Health System has launched a major expansion of telehealth to provide safe and convenient outpatient services when an in-person visit isn’t required. Two-way, real-time video visits, which began on a limited basis in April, are available for patients of Memorial Physician Services, Decatur Memorial Hospital Medical Group, Memorial Weight Loss &
UIS to hold a virtual star party on May 30
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: May 26, 2020 Contact: John Martin, 217-206-8342 SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular summer star parties are going virtual. The Astronomy-Physics Program will broadcast a star party live on Zoom (rain or shine) from 8-9 p.m. Saturday, May 30. John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy/physics, will give tips for finding Venus, the Big Dipper and other bright stars and constellations in the late spring and early summer evening sky and
Rotary Club of Springfield Announces ''The New Normal'' Series
PRESS RELEASEFor Immediate Release Rotary Club of Springfield PO Box 615 Springfield, IL 62705 Date: May 26, 2019 Contact: Bonnie Styles, PR Chair, Rotary Club of Springfield, for information or names of program participants for interviews and testimonials Rotary Club of Springfield Announces "The New Normal" Series Speakers The Rotary Club of Springfield will host a new virtual program series as part of their weekly club meetings on Monday nights in June and July. This series of free,
Community Foundation Announces Student of the Year; Awards More Than $175,000 in Scholarships
SPRINGFIELD – The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln announces 96 scholarship awards and scholarship renewals totaling more than $175,000. In 2020, more than 35 individuals, families and organizations made these scholarships possible through charitable funds established at the Community Foundation. This year’s awards bring the cumulative scholarship distributions to more than $1,400,000 over the past 16 years. This is the sixth year that the Community Foundation assumed responsibility
Illinois Times announces $100,000 advertising matching available for area businesses
Press Release May 21, 2020 A local newspaper can’t thrive without a strong small business community. “Since 1975, Illinois Times has been an indispensable source of high-quality, local journalism. Throughout these unprecedented events that have devastated our local economy, your local community newspaper has brought you to-the-minute updates on closures, the mayor’s decisions, the city council’s moves and what you can do to keep from going stir crazy while quarantined,” said Michelle Ownbey,
Water Main Relocation Work to Close 4th & Carpenter Streets
News Release May 22, 2020Amber Sabin, 217.789.2116 ext.2629Mobile, 217.899.5497 Beginning Wednesday, May 27th, Carpenter Street will be closed between Second and Fourth Streets and Fourth Street will be closed between Mason and Carpenter Streets as a second phase for a water main relocation project. This work, in conjunction with construction of the new YMCA building, will include trenching and pavement opening along Carpenter Street. Work is expected to take multiple days and will be rescheduled in the
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Land of Lincoln Credit Union will Re-Open Lobbies on Friday, May 29
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Cayla Hittmeier, Chief Marketing Officer Land of Lincoln Credit Union (217) 615-3717 chittmeier@llcu.org Decatur, Illinois, May 22 nd, 2020 – Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced today that all LLCU offices throughout central Illinois will re-open lobbies beginning Friday, May 29 th . Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LLCU lobbies have been closed to members and facilities have been operating as drive-up only since March 19th . On FRIDAY, MAY 29th,
LLCC’s summer College for Kids to be offered online
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 21, 2020 LLCC’s summer College for Kids to be offered online Registration open through June 15 SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College’s College for Kids programs will be offered online for summer 2020. Registration is open through June 15. “We are excited to continue our tradition of providing quality youth enrichment activities and look forward to sharing innovative online experiences to help youth learn
Athens Resident Donates 3D-printed Personal Protective Equipment To Memorial Health System
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 21, 2020 CONTACT: Dean Olsen 217-836-1068 olsen.dean@mhsil.com Media Phone 217-303-1583 media@mhsil.com SPRINGFIELD — Casey Primm wanted to do his part to help people on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he had a 3D printer. So he got to work. The Athens man ran his printer in his home office almost nonstop for a month to create more than 1,300 pieces of personal protective equipment for local health-care workers. He donated most of the plastic items — 800
Illinois Symphony Orchestra Launches New Sunday at Six Recital Series Via YouTube Live
Be inspired by the talented musicians of the Illinois Symphony Orchestra as they launch a new Sunday at Six Recital Series that you can enjoy and experience from the comfort of your own home through the ISO’s YouTube Channel. The series will begin on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 6:00 PM and will run through Sunday, June 28, 2020. Each recital will be followed by Coda Conversations via Zoom with Music Director Ken Lam, Executive Director Trevor Orthmann and the featured musician(s) beginning at 6:45
LLCC Community Education offering 10 free, non-credit online classes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 20, 2020 Contact: Kyla Kruse, kyla.kruse@llcc.edu LLCC Community Education offering 10 free, non-credit online classes SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College’s community education program is offering 10 free, non-credit online classes from now until June 30. Once signed up, participants can complete these courses at their own pace within three months. Classes include 12 Steps to a Successful Job Search,
Springfield Ballet Company and Springfield Youth Performance Group Align Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: SBC Artistic Director Julie Ratz 217-553-3993 (cell) julienneratz@gmail.com May 20, 2020 (Springfield, IL) – The Springfield Ballet Company and the Springfield Youth Performance Group are excited to announce an alliance that offers each organization the opportunity to enhance and expand their current dance programming. Together, the two non-profit organizations will share resources to create the Springfield Youth Ballet Company, which will allow local youth the
RSM US Foundation Donates $20,258 to the Central Illinois Community to alleviate food insecurity
Peoria, IL (May 19, 2020) – RSM US LLP (“RSM”) – the nation’s leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market – is honored to support the communities of Central Illinois with the donation of $20,258 to local food banks by the RSM US Foundation. The organizations receiving benefits are the Peoria Area Food Bank, Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Central Illinois Foodbank and FISH of Galesburg. These donations are part of a larger firm-wide initiative to support our local
CWLP Shares ''Stay Home'' Efficiency Tips
News Release May 19, 2020 Amber Sabin, 217.789.2116 ext.2629 Mobile, 217.899.5497 CWLP SHARES “STAY HOME” EFFICIENCY TIPS Being home more doesn’t have to mean using more energy. CWLP’s Energy Services Office is sharing some tips on some home efficiency tune-ups residents can do to save energy around the house. General Tips 1. Replace incandescent bulbs with energy saving lights. LED lights use up to 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs while lasting up to 25 times longer.
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Pandemic Response: donors needed as blood utilization is on the rise
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Central Illinois Community Blood Center CONTACT Kirby Winn Manager, Public Relations kwinn@mvrbc.org | (563) 349-1571 Pandemic Response: donors needed as blood utilization is on the rise After weeks of reduced need, patient need is increasing across Blood Center service region (May 18, 2020 | Springfield, Ill.) – Central Illinois Community Blood Center (CICBC) is calling on blood donors to help respond to an increase in blood utilization by hospitals within its four-state service
King’s Daughters Organization Fund Awards $150,000 in Grants
King’s Daughters Organization Fund Awards $150,000 in GrantsCumulative grant making tops $1.65 million for programs serving the elderlySPRINGFIELD – The King’s Daughters Organization Fund at the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln announced the recipients of its 2020 grant awards. A total of $150,000 was awarded to 19 programs that serve seniors in Sangamon County. More than $1.65 million in grants have been awarded over the last 13 years. “In these unprecedented times, it is our honor to be
Central Illinois Foodbank’s Local Hunger Relief Efforts During COVID-19 Get Boost from AT&T
Central Illinois Foodbank’s Local Hunger Relief Efforts During COVID-19 Get Boost from AT&T Springfield, Quincy, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Carlinville, Decatur, Taylorville among the communities in foodbank’s 21-county service area SPRINGFIELD, May 15, 2020 – Ten thousand dollars from AT&T* will immediately help the Central Illinois Foodbank buy much needed food and resources benefiting children, adults and seniors who are struggling to make ends meet during this challenging time. AT&T’s $10,000 contribution
Identifying & Inviting COVID Community partners to Participate in VIRTUAL FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (VFAC)
Hello Community Partners: As you are aware, many families have experienced a disrupted bereavement and grief process due to restrictions related to COVID-19. In order to provide support to families and communities who have suffered loss of loved ones, the American Red Cross has developed a Virtual Family Assistance Center (VFAC) – www.redcross.org/vfac - as a hub for resources and contact with our partners. Our VFAC will list resources that you have available to families and a link to those
UIS Professors part of a $500,000 USDA grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: May 14, 2020Contact: Blake Wood, 217-206-6716 UIS professors part of a $500,000 USDA grant studying the use of pesticides in urban agricultural communities SPRINGFIELD – Two University of Illinois Springfield professors, in collaboration with professors at Tuskegee University in Alabama, have received a three year $500,000 United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant to assess the risk of pesticide use and air dispersion in
Summer Season of Old Capitol Farmers Market Starts May 16 with Social Distancing Changes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 11, 2020CUDNTWN - DSI is kicking off the 21st summer season of the Old Capitol Farmers Market on Saturday, May 16 at 8 a.m.. The "outdoor grocery store" will still take place on Adams Street, but COVID-19 will change the way shoppers experience the Market this summer. According to Market Manager Kayla Graven, shoppers should consider it much like a grocery store experience: one shopper per household, do not shop if you are sick, and maintain at least six feet between yourself
Graduate Public Service Internship Program honors recent graduate and state agency supervisor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: May 13, 2020Contact: Blake Wood, 217-206-6716 SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) Program has honored a recent graduate and a state agency supervisor with awards for excellence during the 2019-20 academic year. Christopher Poetschner of Springfield was awarded the Brian T. Milbrandt Internship Award for academic and professional excellence in public service. Poetschner graduated on May 9, earning a master’s degree
LLCC Financial Aid offers ''Moving Forward'' FAFSA and Financial Aid assistance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2020 Contact: Lynn Whalen, lynn.whalen@llcc.edu SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College’s Financial Aid office is offering free, personalized financial aid assistance and help in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Current and future LLCC students are invited to schedule a one-on-one, “Moving Forward” Zoom meeting with a financial aid advisor any weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
LLCC Students honored in virtual Student Recognition Ceremony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 8, 2020Contact: Kyla Kruse, kyla.kruse@llcc.edu LLCC students honored with academic, leadership and special awards in virtual Student Recognition Ceremony Erica Lay of Jacksonville named Outstanding Graduate SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College recently recognized students with academic, leadership and special awards in a virtual 2020 Student Recognition Ceremony video. The video can be viewed at
UIS partners with CWLP to keep Lake Springfield clean by deploying new cigarette butt voting bins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: May 11, 2020Contact: Anne-Marie Hanson, 217-206-8162Tom Rothfus, 217-206-7418 UIS partners with CWLP to keep Lake Springfield clean by deploying new cigarette butt voting bins SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Field Station at Lake Springfield has partnered with Springfield’s public utility City Water, Light, and Power (CWLP) to test the effectiveness of new “this or that” cigarette butt voting bins to curb litter near Lake Springfield.The bright yellow
Chalk It Up! May 15, 16, 17
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Chalk It Up! May 15, 16, 17 Looking for some outdoor fun with a positive purpose? The Springfield Art Association and The Capitol Radio Group present “Chalk It Up!” On May 15th, 16th, and 17th. Offering creative fun and hope to our great city and surrounding communities, we want everyone to "Chalk Up" their driveway, patio, or sidewalk. The concrete is the canvas for the next great masterpiece. We are “Chalking It Up” to enliven and embolden our city's fight against
$150,000 in Grants Awarded from COVID-19 Response Fund
$150,000 in Grants Awarded from COVID-19 Response FundCumulative grantmaking reaches $475,000 to support frontline nonprofit organizations SPRINGFIELD – TheCommunity Foundation for the Land of LincolnandUnited Way of Central Illinoisannounced today the sixth round of COVID-19 Response Fund grant recipients. In total, $150,000 was awarded to the following organizations: Helping Hands of Springfield - $23,000C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation - $20,000Mu Delta Lambda Charitable Foundation -
Respiratory Clinic Operated by Decatur Memorial Hospital Closes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2020 CONTACT:Dean Olsen217-836-1068olsen.dean@mhsil.comMedia Phone217-303-1583media@mhsil.com Respiratory Clinic Operated by Decatur Memorial Hospital Closes DECATUR — A respiratory screening clinic that has operated at Decatur Memorial Hospital’s ExpressCare East since March 19 closed Friday.Going forward, the clinic at 4455 U.S. Route 36 East will serve only patients needing COVID-19 testing as they prepare for surgical procedures at Decatur Memorial
CWLP Cross-Connection Water Survey Underway
May 8, 2020 Amber Sabin, 217.789.2116 ext.2629 Mobile, 217.899.5497 CWLP CROSS-CONNECTION WATER SURVEY UNDERWAY Reduces risk for backflow contamination into water supply. City Water, Light and Power is asking all of its residential and commercial customers to participate in its Cross-Connection Water Survey (cwlp.com/survey) to help protect water quality within the distribution system. In spite of CWLP's efforts to produce high quality drinking water, contaminants that "backflow" into the
Central Illinois health-care providers promote correct mask use to reduce spread of COVID-19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2020 CONTACT:Dean Olsen, Memorial Health System217-836-1068olsen.dean@mhsil.comErica Johnson, HSHS St. John’s Hospital217-303-6344erica.johnson@hshs.org Guidance On Correct Use Of Masks Promoted by HSHS Illinois, Memorial Health System, SIU Medicine, Springfield Clinic SPRINGFIELD — Masks worn in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should cover the bridge of the nose, mouth and chin to be most effective, local health-care providers say.The advice comes in the
