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Illinois Poetry Out Loud State Champion Crowned in Springfield
After three rounds of powerful recitations at the Poetry Out Loud state finals, Illinois Poet Laureate and special guest Angela Jackson gazed out over the talented high school competitors and declared their performances "a feast for the heart." Thirteen students from across Illinois gathered at the Hoogland Center for the Arts on Monday, March 17, vying for the opportunity to represent the prairie state at the national contest in Washington, D.C., this May. Emerging as the 2025 Illinois Poetry Out Loud
Springfield Native Ed Curtis to Retire as President and CEO after 50-Year Career at Memorial Health
SPRINGFIELD – When Ed Curtis arrived at Springfield Memorial Hospital in 1975 as a new nursing graduate, he had no idea he was beginning a 50-year career that would culminate as president and CEO. Curtis, a native of Springfield and a graduate of Lanphier High School, had been inspired to become a registered nurse after witnessing the compassionate care a family member received during a hospital stay. After graduating with a nursing degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, he took a bedside
LLCC’s Professor Rebecca Miller named ITC Outstanding Distance Educator
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College Psychology Professor Rebecca Miller has been named the Instructional Technology Council’s (ITC) 2025 Outstanding Distance Educator during the ITC annual conference held in Charleston, South Carolina, in early March.The Outstanding Distance Educator Award recognizes a single educator each year who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to online teaching, student engagement and the creative use of technology to enhance learning.Miller has taught LLCC online
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD AND EVANS RECYCLING OFFER FREE SPRING YARD WASTE DROP-OFF FOR RESIDENTS
Springfield, IL—In collaboration with Evans Recycling, the City of Springfield’s Office of Public Works announces the annual free drop-off weeks for the spring season. City of Springfield residents can drop off their yard waste bags at Evans Recycling, 2100 J David Jones Parkway, with a photo ID from April 7, 2025, to May 3, 2025. The hours for Evans Recycling are as follows: Monday to Friday – 7 am to 5 pm Saturday – 7 am to 12 pm Branch drop-off is free year-round at Evans Recycling. Please call
UIS expands in-state tuition program for students in Missouri, Iowa and Indiana
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield will expand its in-state tuition pilot program to include additional counties in Missouri, Iowa and Indiana, following approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.The three-year pilot program, which began in fall 2024, initially offered in-state tuition to students from St. Charles and St. Louis counties in Missouri and Scott County in Iowa. The expansion will now extend in-state tuition to students from Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties in
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LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION EMPLOYEE MICHELLE HARVEY NAMED OAKLAND BRANCH MANAGER
Decatur, Illinois, March 3rd, 2025 – Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced that Michelle Harvey will now serve as Branch Manager at the Oakland Ave. location. Harvey has 31 years of experience in the banking industry and has been with LLCU for 25 years, serving in the following positions: Teller, Teller Supervisor, Mound Rd. Branch Manager, Decatur Operations Manager, and Mortgage & Commercial Loan Processing Manager. "LLCU’s Oakland branch is our busiest location,” states Jeri Phillips, SVP Chief
Join Us for Afternoons of Bridal Bliss! Goodwill Hosts Three Upcoming Bridal Gown Shows
Springfield, IL – March 14, 2025 – Future brides, mark your calendars! Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries is thrilled to announce three upcoming Bridal Gown Shows, offering an incredible selection of new and gently used wedding dresses in various styles and sizes—all at unbeatable prices.These special events will showcase a stunning array of over 200 bridal gowns, flower girl dresses, mother-of-the-bride dresses, and a limited selection of bridesmaid dresses. Thanks to a generous donation from a local
The Cher Show Is Making Its Springfield Debut at the UIS Performing Arts Center April 17th
The Tony Award®-winning musical The Cher Show is bringing the legend, the music, and the dazzling spectacle to Springfield for the first time! This National Broadway Tour makes its highly anticipated local debut for one night only on Thursday, April 17, delivering an unforgettable journey through the life and career of the iconic Cher.With 35 smash hits, stunning costumes, and the story of a true trailblazer, The Cher Show is a non-stop celebration of one of music’s greatest icons. This high-energy
CEFCU Announces Hoffmire Retirement & Hanley Promotion
CEFCU announces the retirement of Mark Hoffmire, Chief Lending Officer, after 43 years of service, effective May 1, 2025. Throughout his tenure, Hoffmire has held various roles, including Chief Operations Officer, Senior Vice President of Lending, Community President in San Jose, CA, and Vice President of Mortgages. He has been a committed member of the community and currently serves as the Board Chair for Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois. CEFCU announces that Doug Hanley will assume the role of
UIS announces inaugural class of Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield has released the names of the inaugural class of the Promising Prairie Star Recognition Program. This program, established by the Young Alumni Committee, honors outstanding graduates under the age of 40 or those who have graduated within the previous five years. The honorees are selected for their emerging and unique innovation, creativity and success in their chosen career or life's work.“This program serves as an inspiration to our alumni and future
Sangamon County Fair Annual Pre-Fair Party this Saturday
Sangamon County Fair Announces Annual Pre-Fair Party – A Fun Kickoff to Fair Season! Event: Sangamon County Fair Annual Pre-Fair PartyDate: Saturday, March 22, 2025Time: Doors open at 6:00 p.m. | Music starts at 7:00 p.m.Location: Main Building, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, ILThe Sangamon County Fair is kicking off the 2025 fair season with its Annual Pre-Fair Party, featuring a night of great music, delicious food, and exciting activities for the whole family. Join us on Saturday, March
UIS students gain access to free test prep through the new Prepare for Illinois’ Future program
SPRINGFIELD – The Prepare for Illinois’ Future program, a statewide partnership administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, is providing University of Illinois Springfield students with free access to Kaplan’s test prep resources for graduate admissions, licensure and credentialing exams, as well as skills development courses.The initiative is designed to help students prepare for their careers and create equitable pathways to in-demand fields such as nursing, teaching and
CWLP ENCOURAGING CUSTOMERS TO SAVE WATER FOR FIX A LEAK WEEK March 17-23
City, Water, Light and Power is seeking to help its customers save water resources and money as a partner in “Fix A Leak Week” March 18 to 24th. This annual event, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “We’re for Water” campaign, strives to educate consumers about the importance of water efficiency and how to address the estimated more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted from household leaks each year. “Leaks can easily account for more than 10,000 gallons of water lost in an
EP!C’S 14TH ANNUAL BON APPÈTIT TO HOST FOOD NETWORK STAR, CHEF AMANDA FREITAG
PEORIA – On Thursday, March 20, 2025, EP!C—Empowering People Inspiring Capabilities—will host their 14th AnnualBon Appétit with help from Chef Jonathan Scrivner and the team at the Par-A-Dice. Voted as one of the Top 3 Best Local Events from the Journal Star People’s Choice awards for several years running, this culinary evening features a four-course meal by a celebrity chef, cooking demos, along with opportunities to support EP!C’s mission. Proceeds from the event help to raise critical funding that
SMTD Opens In-Person Customer Service at Transfer Center
Facility Serves Walk-Up Passengers Utilizing SMTD Fixed Route Service Springfield, IL – The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) opened its new customer service window at the Transfer Center at the Springfield Sangamon County Transportation Center (The HUB) Monday morning. The opening marks the first time customer service representatives have been available to SMTD passengers at the Transfer Center to facilitate bus pass sales, answer questions, and renew certain types of discount passes. “We are excited
LLCC to host regional science fair March 22
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College will host the annual Illinois Junior Academy of Science (IJAS) Region 10 Science Fair on Saturday, March 22 in Cass Gym on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. The public is invited to view the science projects on display from noon to 2 p.m. An awards ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Students will present their research in a variety of STEM fields, including biology, chemistry, engineering and environmental science. Each project will be judged by a
Graham Named February Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health
Ryan Graham, an electronic technician, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for February. Graham took on a new role and worked diligently to learn the systems he was responsible for – not only to understand the systems but also to learn the governing codes and how his work impacts patient care. He was called in after hours to help troubleshoot an issue and worked tirelessly to resolve the problem in a way that caused patients the least amount of disturbance. “Ryan’s tenacity and
HSHS St. John’s Hospital Offering Free, At-Home Colon Cancer Screening Tests March 27
During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, HSHS St. John’s Hospital wants to put community members at ease by giving away at-home screening tests while highlighting that colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States when cases for men and women are combined, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Individuals 45 or older or those with an immediate family member diagnosed with colon cancer are eligible to pick up a FIT kit at-home screening test
CWLP GIVES STORM & POWER OUTAGE PREP TIPS
Springfield, Illinois – City Water, Light and Power is sharing storm and power outage preparation tips ahead of the chance of stormy weather beginning Friday. With the possibility for severe weather and high winds and storms that can topple utility poles or even just cause trees to make contact with power lines, power outages can result. Here are CWLP’s tips: Be Storm Ready• Follow National Weather Service for the area and stay in tune with local news media on weather alerts, watches and warnings.• Have a
THE DAVE SHAW AND DIANE EDWARDS CREATIVE PURSUIT FUND
Applications due May 15th, 2025Awards announced May 30th, 2025March 13, 2025 (Springfield) - The Springfield Art Association is pleased to announce a new monetary award in memory of Dave Shaw and Diane Edwards. Dave Shaw was a beloved Visual Art and Drama teacher at Rochester High School. He was an accomplished artist, set designer, and spectacular supporter of all his students and their creative endeavors. Diane Edwards was passionate about education. She was an elementary school teacher for many
UIS offers graduates the option to receive a certified electronic diploma
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield is now offering graduates the option to receive an eDiploma, a certified electronic version of their traditional paper diploma. This new option does not replace the paper diploma, which graduates will continue to receive, but provides an additional, convenient way to verify their academic achievements.The UIS eDiploma is a signed and certified PDF of the original paper diploma, designed to facilitate easy diploma verification. The eDiploma is available
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Dalton Minder
Dalton MinderMarketing / Sales AssociateAgility Technologies NA(217) 391-2104dalton.minder@agcomtech.comWhat products and services does your business offer?At Agility, we provide comprehensive managed IT services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses. Our solutions include cybersecurity protection, cloud-hosted VoIP phone systems, secure backup solutions, compliance support, and 24/7 network monitoring to keep businesses running smoothly. We also specialize in business security, offering
Three LLCC students featured in St. Louis art exhibit
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College students Emily Calcara of Athens, Abigail Oller of Springfield and Kavita Sundaram of Springfield have their artwork featured in “Varsity Art 29,” a multi-media exhibition of original artwork by regional artists from Missouri and Illinois. The show is being presented in the Art Saint Louis Gallery in downtown St. Louis from March 1-27. “We are incredibly proud of our students for having their artwork selected for the ‘Varsity Art 29’ exhibit at the Art Saint
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
Dabble and Mike Murphy featured on WSIU’s “InFocus''
Ashley Striplin, Co-owner of Dabble, and our very own Mike Murphy were recently featured on WSIU’s “InFocus” segment. To view the interviews, click the link below.https://www.wsiu.org/shows/infocus/episodes/infocus-building-a-business-in-illinois-ryfjl1
HSHS names System Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, announced today that Kelley Kostich, Ph.D., RN, NE-BC, has been named System Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive. She will join HSHS on March 31. In this role, Kostich will oversee system nursing practice, nursing standardization, clinical education and St. John’s College of Nursing in Springfield. Kostich is an exceptional nursing executive with depth of
UIS Visual Arts Gallery partners with the Kidzeum to present “Bit by Bit: An Exhibition on Healing”
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is partnering with the Kidzeum of Health and Science, 412 E. Adams St., Springfield, to present “Bit by Bit,” an exhibition exploring the concept of healing through contemporary art. The exhibition will run from March 28 to May 11. Admission to the exhibition is included with Kidzeum entry. Curated by the UIS Visual Arts Gallery, the exhibition at the Kidzeum features professional artists working in fiber, handmade paper, animation,
LLCC students qualify for Illinois SkillsUSA Competition
SPRINGFIELD — Forty-seven Lincoln Land Community College students qualified for the 2025 Illinois SkillsUSA Competition after earning high scores at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition held last month at LLCC and the Capital Area Career Center (CACC). The regional competition showcased the expertise of students competing in automotive and diesel technologies, welding and welding fabrication, culinary arts, and baking and pastry arts. SkillsUSA, a national organization dedicated to preparing students for
LLCC student Zorah Austin named 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College student Zorah Austin of Virden has been named a 2025 Coca-Cola AcademicTeam Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. She will be recognized during Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention, PTK Catalyst, in Kansas City, Missouri, April 3-5. Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community service. “As our chapter’s vice president
UIS students to spend spring break cleaning up waterways in Memphis
SPRINGFIELD – A group of 10 University of Illinois Springfield students will spend their spring break helping to remove garbage and debris from waterways in Memphis, Tennessee, as part of the Prairie Stars Service Trip.The students will depart UIS on Sunday, March 9, and volunteer Monday through Thursday before returning to Springfield. They will work at McKellar Lake, a tributary of the Mississippi River, with Living Lands & Waters, a nonprofit environmental organization founded in 1998. The organization
Fourteen students from around Illinois will participate in state-wide poetry recitation contest.
“Poetry is essential, as needful to us as water.” Angela Jackson Award-winning teenagers from around Illinois are set to compete in Springfield for a slot in the 2025 Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest in Washington, D.C., in early May. The state event is free, accessible, and open to the public. It is set to begin at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, March 17, 2024, in the LRS Theatre of the Hoogland Center for the Arts at 420 South Sixth Street in downtown Springfield. A special guest will be Angela
Berry celebrates 30 years at Hanson
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Darrel Berry, manager of Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s corporate communications department, recently celebrated 30 years of service at the firm’s Springfield headquarters. Berry joined the company in 1995. He provides services for and oversees the production of marketing materials, employee newsletters, Hanson’s blogs and social media, presentations, advertising, videos and websites for the company and clients. He also assists with public-involvement activities for projects and
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Kyle Edmiston
Kyle H. EdmistonFinancial AdvisorEdward Jones (217) 606-0696Kyle.Edmiston@edwardjones.com What products and services does your business offer? Edward Jones is a full-service brokerage firm that delivers a true individualized approach to advice and planning for your financial goals. What is one thing you'd like for people to know about your business? Whether you are looking for a trusted relationship to provide financial advice or a more thorough trusted advisor acting as a fiduciary to
UIS recognized as a research university by the American Council on Education and Carnegie Foundation
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield has been named to the newly established Research Colleges and Universities (RCU) category by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The designation, released Feb. 13, recognizes research activity at colleges and universities that have historically not been acknowledged for their research efforts.“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our faculty and staff, who are
Boston Named February Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month
SPRINGFIELD – Kindra Boston, an LPN with Memorial Care on Koke Mill in Springfield, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group Colleague of the Month for February. Boston is praised for her exceptional patient care, her leadership skills and for being a supportive teammate. Colleagues applaud her open communication style and her willingness to embrace continued learning and improvements in her field. Patients appreciate her care and compassion because she takes time to truly understand their needs and works
Tabb Named February Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
SPRINGFIELD – Jobi Tabb, a social worker with Advanced Care Management at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for February. Tabb treats every patient with respect. She sits with patients and asks them about their situation. She also anticipates needs and ensures those needs are met. She is known as the “go-to” colleague on the floor for advice and support. “Jobi is an outstanding human being in so many ways,” wrote her nominator. “In the short time she has
UIS Friday Night Star Parties return this spring
SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Star Parties will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. on March 7 and April 4, weather permitting, at the UIS Campus Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library. Star Parties are hosted by John Martin, UIS associate professor of astronomy and physics. During the events, the observatory’s telescopes will be used to view a variety of celestial objects, including the moon, the planets Jupiter and Mars, the Orion Nebula and star clusters. The events are free
LLCC to host Engineer in the Classroom for fifth graders March 1
SPRINGFIELD — “Outlandish machines” designed by area fifth graders will be on display as Lincoln Land Community College hosts the 18th annual Springfield Area Engineer in the Classroom, a Rube Goldberg Showcase, on Saturday, March 1. The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. in the Student Union in the lower level of Menard Hall on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. There is no admission fee, and the public is invited to attend. This year’s competition involves
Alliance Community Bank Opens New Location in Springfield
Springfield, IL – Alliance Community Bank is pleased to announce the opening of its newest location at 4427 Yucan Drive, Springfield, IL 62711. This 3,000 sq. ft. full-service location is the bank’s sixth overall and its first in the City of Springfield. John Leinberger, President and CEO, explained that the expansion aligns with the bank’s strategic growth plan. “Springfield is a natural fit for our community-focused approach,” said Leinberger. “We look forward to working with local leaders to bring
SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT INVITES FAMILIES TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES AT CABIN FEVER!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Tammy NaumovichDate: February 19, 2025 Phone: (217) 585-2941 ext 2301 SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT INVITES FAMILIES TO BEAT THE WINTER BLUES AT CABIN FEVER!(Springfield, IL) – The Springfield Park District is excited to announce Cabin Fever, a fun-filled event designed to get kids moving, playing, and staying active during the winter season. This highly anticipated event will take place on Saturday,
RISE Springfield to Offer Leadership Conference for Young Professionals
Springfield, IL – The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals’ program, RISE Springfield, will hold their first annual RISE Springfield Leadership Conference presented by INB at the Memorial Learning Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. This will be a full-day event designed for young professionals eager to enhance their leadership and professional skills. Event speakers will cover a wide range of professional development topics including effective communication skills, team building
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
Orion Marty with Damon Priddy State Farm recognized with Wow Award!
Join us in celebrating the latest Central Illinois Customer Service Association “WOW” Award Winner, Orion Marty, Senior Account Manager with Damon Priddy State Farm!The “WOW” Award, sponsored by 92.7 WMAY, is an opportunity to recognize those unsung heroes that lift our spirits and inspire us through their simple or extraordinary acts of kindness or superior customer service.?By recognizing those who make a difference in our lives, we are challenged to think about how we can do the same for others. It’s
