Events Upcoming
New Members
CWLP Opening Enrollment in Its Home Weatherization Program For Low-Income Homeowners
Beginning Tuesday, July 15th at 9 a.m., City Water, Light and Power’s Energy Services Office is opening enrollment in “Helping Homes,” its home weatherization and energy efficiency program. This special assistance program helps qualifying low-income homeowners reduce their energy costs through installation of new energy-saving retrofits in their homes.Awarded applicants will first be scheduled for a home energy audit to determine the type and scope of retrofit for weatherization and efficiency improvements
UIS study shows political messages affect refugee policy support
A University of Illinois Springfield researcher has co-authored a new study showing that the way political leaders talk about refugees can significantly influence public opinion.The study, published June 26 in the Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties, found that people are more likely to support stricter refugee policies when refugees are described as “potential terrorists.” When described as “families fleeing violence,” support for restrictions drops.Isabel Skinner, assistant professor in the
Mitchell Named June Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
Victoria Mitchell, a research nurse in the Cancer Center at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for June. As a research nurse, Mitchell works closely with oncologists to help patients get enrolled in clinical trials, and she follows them throughout the process to make sure everything is on track—from treatments to follow-ups. She was nominated for the care she provided to support a patient who qualified for a clinical trial to treat squamous cell carcinoma but
Downtown Springfield Inc. Community Meeting
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) welcomed community members to a public meeting held at Horace Mann. The event brought together a passionate crowd dedicated to the future of downtown Springfield and provided a comprehensive update on DSI’s progress, upcoming initiatives, and long-term vision.During the meeting, DSI presented key highlights from the first half of 2025, offered a preview of initiatives planned for the remainder of the year, and shared insights from
UIS Innocence Project secures exoneration of six men after 124 years of wrongful imprisonment
The Illinois Innocence Project, based at the University of Illinois Springfield, announced the full exoneration of six clients in Cook County today after they collectively served 124 years in prison for a murder they did not commit.Brothers Robert Cardona and Gregorio Cardona, Lowell Higgins-Bey, Harry Rodriguez, Michael McCastle and Fernando Gomez were all teenagers or young adults when they were wrongfully convicted in 1989. Their exoneration follows decades of advocacy and a 2022 post-conviction DNA test
Austin Named June Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month
Schantel Austin, a medical assistant with Memorial Care in Chatham, is Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Austin embodies the characteristics of teamwork according to her colleagues. When the waiting room is packed, she will step in to pick up additional nurse visits for urgent care patients to lessen their wait times. She displays exceptional time management skills and treats patients kindly with patience and positivity. “Schantel is a joyful person,” wrote one of her
CWLP CREWS RESPONDING TO POWER OUTAGE CAUSED BY CRASH AT VETERANS AND WEST LAWRENCE
City Water Light and Power crews are responding to a power outage caused by a semi-truck crash that broke two power poles at the intersection of Veterans Parkway and W Lawrence Avenue, which is currently closed to traffic. Customers currently impacted are along Veterans Parkway and Durkin Drive areas, between W Washington Street and Old Jacksonville Road/Monroe Street. Crews will work to make repairs and restore power to all customers as quickly and safely as possible.
UIS Innovation Center leasing space at Horace Mann to grow programs that support economic development
The University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Center will lease space at Horace Mann’s downtown Springfield campus to expand programs that support economic development in the region. The 2.5-year lease will allow the center to broaden programming and services focused on innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration. The move is expected to be completed by September.Innovate Springfield, the UIS business incubator that has supported regional entrepreneurs and startups for 10 years, will become part of
GARY CECIL JOINS LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION AS MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
Decatur, Illinois, June 20th, 2025– Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) welcomes Gary Cecil as a Mortgage Loan Officer, serving membership in our Decatur, Bloomington, and Springfield regions. In this role, he will assist individuals in finding the right loan products and guide them through the mortgage loan application process. Gary comes to LLCU with a background in social work and education, holding previous positions as a Child Welfare Specialist for DCFS, a Teaching Assistant for Meridian Elementary
LLCC announces spring 2025 Dual Credit President’s and Vice President’s lists
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its Dual Credit President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and achieved President’s list honors. Students who earned a GPA of 3.5-3.99 achieved Vice President’s list honors. LLCC partners with area high schools to provide college-level classes through Dual Credit (taught by teachers in high schools) and also College Now (taught by LLCC
Rumble Around the Lake - Firefighter's Postal Lake Club
SAVE THE DATE: Rumble Around the Lake hosted by Firefighter's Postal Lake Club Wednesday July 16th, 20256 to 9 PM 940 W. Lake Shore Drive 627122025 Charity AmTryke - ABC Springfield FOOD, BEVERAGES, PROMO ITEMS, RAFFLES, GIVEAWAYS AND MUSIC OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! Register to become a qualifier to WIN our Grand Prize, a 4-day, 3-night trip to the Ozarks BikeFest 2025! Two qualifiers will be drawn at 8:30 PM Watch for more details to come!
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS REMINDS RESIDENTS OF JULY 2025 BRANCH PICKUP SCHEDULE
The City of Springfield’s Department of Public Works reminds residents that the next round of branch pickup for 2025 will start on July 7. This program, conducted in quadrants, provides residents with a scheduled week for collection. Residents must have their branches curbside by 7:00 am on their designated pickup week. 2025 July Branch Pickup Schedule by Quadrant:July 7- Northwest Quadrant (North of South Grand Avenue and Old Jacksonville Road, and West of Walnut Street/J David Jones Parkway)July 14-
Fun activities, emergency vehicles to make happy memories at Touch a Truck Back-to-School Supply Drive
A favorite summer tradition returns to HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital on July 17, when the hospital hosts the popular Touch a Truck Back-to-School Supply Drive from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the public. Pediatric patients at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital and members of the community will get to see emergency vehicles up close, with a private time scheduled for patients. Other activities for the event located in front of the hospital will include temporary tattoos, bubble machines and fun photo
HSHS Executive, Central Illinois Market leaders honor new Central Illinois Market President and CEO
Members of Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) Executive and Central Illinois Market leadership teams today honored Brian Brennan, MHA, FACHE, with a Commissioning Ceremony in HSHS St. John’s Hospital’s chapel. Brennan joined HSHS as Central Illinois Market President and CEO and HSHS St. John’s Hospital President and CEO on May 27. In addition to HSHS St. John’s Hospital, hospitals in this market include HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur; HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, Effingham; HSHS St. Francis
RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE NEWLY OPENED CARPENTER PARK ROUTE 66 ALIGNMENT
Visit Springfield is excited to unveil a hidden gem from the past: the Carpenter Park Original Route 66 Pavement. Nestled beside the Sangamon River, this quarter-mile stretch of road has been hidden away, untouched and overgrown, for nearly 90 years. Initially part of the original stretch of Route 66, this segment was only in use for about a decade before the highway's alignment changed. Join us as the segment is officially opened for visitors, Route 66 enthusiasts and residents to enjoy this historic
City of Springfield to Launch “Community Connection” as Part of Mayor Buscher’s Communication Initia
As part of Mayor Misty Buscher’s ongoing effort to improve transparency, accessibility, and public trust in local government, the City of Springfield will officially launch Community Connection on June 30. This new tool represents the second prong of the Mayor’s three-part communication initiative, aimed at strengthening relationships between residents and their local government. Community Connection will be available through the new City Navigator, an online portal that centralizes access to City
LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES DESIREE BEHL AS THE NEW BRANCH MANAGER OF EFFINGHAM SOUTH BRANCH
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced that Desiree Behl has been hired as the new Branch Manager of the Effingham South branch. Behl will oversee the sales and operations of the Effingham South branch, as well as serving as a Loan Officer. Over the last 25 years, Desiree has gained experience in the financial industry as an Administrative Assistant in wealth management, Loan Deposit Specialist, and a Mortgage Underwriter. Most recently, Desiree was employed as Branch Manager for United Fidelity Bank
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Jeremy Logue
Jeremy Logue AVP, Mortgage LendingHeartland Credit Union (217) 726-2101 Ext. 236 jlogue@hcu.orgWhat products and services does your business offer? Mortgage purchases Mortgage refinances HELOCs Auto Loans Personal Loans Savings Accounts Checking Accounts Heartland Credit Union offers a variety of products and services for all stages of life. Members can enjoy the convenience of one of our three locations in Springfield or our user-friendly online services. What is one thing you’d like
Local High School Students Step into World of Health Care
Ever want to observe a gastric bypass surgery, meet babies in the NICU or learn CPR with hands-on demonstrations? Area students got a glimpse into a career at HSHS St. John’s Hospital by participating in a recent High School Healthcare Bootcamp. “It’s one thing to read about health care in a textbook or to see your parents leave for their shift at the hospital each morning, but seeing it in person brings the career to life. Many of these students will remember this experience for years to come,” said
MONROE STREET TO CLOSE FOR WATER MAIN INSTALLATION
Beginning Wednesday, June 25, Monroe Street will be closed between Walnut Street and Lewis Street to accommodate City Water, Light and Power’s installation of a new 10-inch water main for Springfield High School’s building addition project. This project is expected to take multiple days to complete and in the event of inclement weather, work will be rescheduled. This road will reopen once road surface repairs are complete. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and be aware of workers and equipment in the
Official field for the 2025 Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS
The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS announced the official field list for the 2025 Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS. Two past champions and seven of the top ten on the current Korn Ferry Tour points list will be competing June 26 – June 29 in Springfield, giving the 2025 Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS one of its strongest and most entertaining player fields competing at Panther Creek Country Club. Former champions in the field include Paul Haley II (2022), and
REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN FOR EXCITING PICKLEBALL EVENTS IN THE CAPITAL CITY
The Springfield Park District reminds all area pickleball enthusiasts that the registration deadline for the Scheels Capital City Classic Pickleball Tournament is fast approaching. Players must register by Monday, July 1, 2025, to secure their spot in this exciting event held at Iles Park, located in the heart of Springfield. The tournament, proudly sponsored for many years by Scheels and Springfield Clinic, will take place on Friday, July 17th through Sunday, July 20th, welcoming players of all skill
Suresh Krishnan Named Memorial Health Chief Information Officer
Suresh Krishnan will join Memorial Health as chief information officer effective July 28. Krishnan most recently served as chief technology officer at Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is very familiar with Illinois, having spent more than 30 years with health care organizations in the Chicago area earlier in his career.He graduated with honors from the University of Madras in Chennai, India, earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.“I was fortunate to work with Suresh at Cone
SECOND PHASE OF WATER MAIN RELOCATION WORK TO CLOSE NEXT SECTION OF 9th STREET
Beginning Tuesday, June 24, CWLP’s Water Department will move to the second phase of a project to relocate 2,000 feet of 24-inch water main for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project on North Grand Avenue. This phase of work, expected to last three weeks, requires a street opening and road closure on N. 9th Street from the North Grand Avenue intersection to Reservoir Street. This project represents part of the City of Springfield’s match towards the Springfield Rail Improvements Project, and is the
Blue light brings bladder cancer into focus during Men’s Health Month
Blue light may have a bad reputation for disrupting sleep, but in the hands of a skilled urologist, it reveals hard-to-reach bladder tumors that once hid in the dark. HSHS St. John’s Hospital is excited to offer Blue Light Cystoscopy with Cysview, which enhances the visibility of cancerous bladder tumors that often go undetected with traditional white light. The innovative, quick procedure leads to a quicker diagnosis and treatment for patients. “This new procedure is more than a technological upgrade –
CWLP TO UPDATE CITY COUNCIL ON WATER DIVISION WORK, ELECTRIC DIVISION IRP
At the Tuesday, June 24th Committee of the Whole meeting City Water, Light and Power will present on Water Division activities, including lead service line replacement work and other projects, as well as provide an update on Electric Division work for the utility’s next Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Ways to WatchCity Council meetings are held at on the third floor of Municipal Center West at 300 S. Seventh Street and begin at 5:30 p.m. You can watch: • Locally on Comcast Cable Channel 18 and AT&T TV
Springfield Clinic Dome at SCHEELS Sports Park Inflated Largest air-supported sports dome in the world
The largest air-supported sports dome in the world rose from the ground at SCHEELS Sports Park in the past two days and is now fully inflated. Named for its sponsor, the Springfield Clinic Dome is expected to be open for youth sports competitions late this year. The dome is part of the SCHEELS Sports Park development at Legacy Pointe that will also feature outdoor turf fields for baseball, softball, football and soccer. The park is located behind the SCHEELS superstore on South MacArthur Boulevard in
Prairie Cardiovascular patients get significant relief from irregular heartbeat
Patients at Prairie Cardiovascular whose irregular heartbeats are resistant to medication treatment are finding relief as part of the first clinical trial of a safer and precisely targeted noninvasive method of treating persistent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Prairie Cardiovascular Executive Medical Director Dr. Ziad Issa noted the innovative procedure uses pulsed field ablation (PFA) – short, rapid pulses of electricity – to target and destroy the heart tissue causing the irregular heart rhythm. The
Touch a Truck School Supply Drive Seeks Donations for Local Students
The academic year may have just ended, but HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital is already thinking ahead to fall by scheduling its annual, popular Touch a Truck Back-to-School Supply Drive for July 17 in front of the hospital. “We look forward to this event every year, since it combines our mission and fun,” said Abigail Salzeider, MSNED, RN, Nurse Manager of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the children’s hospital. “Community residents can donate school supplies for local students
Traffic Alert: Temporary Closure at Laurel and MacArthur Due to Accident Investigation
The City of Springfield Public Works Department is announcing a temporary road closure at Laurel and MacArthur due to an ongoing investigation into an accident in the area. Effective immediately, both eastbound and westbound traffic will be closed on Laurel Street from MacArthur Boulevard to the east alley. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and use caution when traveling near the area. The closure will remain in place until further notice as officials work to safely complete the
LLCC announces spring 2025 full-time President’s and Vice President’s lists
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Full-time students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and earned President’s list honors. Full-time students who earned between a GPA of 3.5-3.99 earned Vice President’s list honors. Full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. Arenzville – Kj Beck, Seth M. Burchard, George Gallegos Ashland – Kashton D.
LLCC announces spring 2025 part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College has announced its part-time President’s and Vice President’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. Part-time students, enrolled in six to 11 credit hours, who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and achieved President’s list honors. Part-time students who earned a GPA of 3.5-3.99 achieved Vice President’s list honors. Arenzville – Olivia Curry, Wade T. Swan*, Jeris A. Wankel, Amber R. Zinkula Ashland – Carson O. Arthalony*, Eric M.
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Robert Patterson
Robert PattersonFinancial Advisor - Asst. Vice PresidentPNC Investments (217) 753-7162r.patterson@pnc.com What products and services does your business offer? Comprehensive Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, Investment Solutions, Tax-Efficient Investments, Life and LTC Insurance Planning What is one thing you'd like for people to know about your business? The names, faces, and circumstances may change and vary, but if there's one inescapable pattern to the markets and investing it's this: We
UIS launches online graduate marketing certificates in partnership with Risepoint
The University of Illinois Springfield is expanding opportunities for working professionals to gain in-demand marketing expertise through the launch of its new MBA Certificate in Marketing and Graduate Certificate in Marketing. Beginning in Fall 2025, these programs will be available in an online format, offering flexibility for students looking to advance their careers while balancing work and personal commitments.As an early adopter of online education, UIS recognizes the potential of this modality to
HYDRANT FLUSHING PLANNED FOR VAL-E-VUE & YOUNGSTON HILLS
The Springfield Fire Department, in coordination with City Water, Light and Power, will be flushing and testing hydrants for operations and efficiency in Val-E-Vue and Youngston Hills subdivision in the weeks ahead. Val-E-Vue is planned for June 17 and Youngston Hills is planned for July 7 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 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
Patriot Award Recognizes Outstanding Support from Memorial Health for National Guard and Reserve Members
Anne Murphy, manager in the Clinical Informatics Department at Memorial Health (MH), received a Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an office established in 1972 under the Department of Defense. The award is given to a supervisor or manager who makes a special effort to support a working National Guard or Reserve member with flexible scheduling, time off before and after deployment, care for families, and if necessary, leaves of absence. Tamera
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
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