News

Central Illinois Tech Partners (CITP) Launches Its New IT Services Group

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - CITP was created to meet the rapidly growing technology needs in the Central Illinois Tech Triangle. Visit us at https://centraliltechpartners.com.  WHAT OUR PARTNERS DO & THEIR CONTACT INFORMATION STL is a leading MSP in the Midwest with 35 years of experience providing proactive & strategic IT solutions. A one-stop shop for all daily IT, cybersecurity, & compliance needs. Whether you have 20 employees or 250, STL has you covered! Contact Keinn at kdraper@poweredbystl.com. Tom

SMTD’s “Holly” the Holiday Bus Returns for 2024 Season

Springfield, IL – The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) is announcing the holiday bus “Holly” appearance schedule for 2024. “Holly is no question the most popular thing SMTD does in our community,” said SMTD’s Managing Director Steve Schoeffel, “and we’re looking forward to getting Holly out more this year than ever before.” Getting a significant overhaul a year ago, Holly contains over eleven thousand lights, including programable LEDs. The improvements last year replaced lights and netting that were

Record $55 Million Extraordinary Dividend Distributed to CEFCU Members

Peoria, IL – A record $55 million Extraordinary Dividend was approved by CEFCU’s Board of Directors and distributed to the Credit Union’s member/owners. The amount returned to members in good standing is divided between savers and borrowers, with, starting this year, a portion also being returned to Debit Card users. On December 2, funds were deposited to members’ Savings accounts.   Over the last 24 years, CEFCU has returned half a billion dollars in Extraordinary Dividends to members. CEFCU Board Chair,

Knob Hill Landscape Company Receives Multiple National Awards for Excellence in Outdoor Living Construction

Knob Hill Landscape Company Receives Multiple National Awards for Excellence in Outdoor Living Construction Springfield, IL – December 2, 2024 – Knob Hill Landscape Company, a premier design and build outdoor living construction company based in Springfield, IL, has earned three prestigious national awards in the last 14 months. This recognition highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to quality, creativity, and craftsmanship in creating exceptional outdoor spaces for residential and commercial

LLCC Foundation announces 2024-2025 scholarship recipients

SPRINGFIELD — The Lincoln Land Community College Foundation has announced the recipients of over 330 scholarships totaling more than $835,000 for the 2024-2025 academic year. The LLCC Foundation awards scholarships every year thanks to the support and generosity of individuals, community businesses and organizations.  For the 2025-2026 academic year, the application period for LLCC Foundation scholarships is open through Feb. 15. For the online application, frequently asked questions, helpful scholarship

DOT Drug Testing Now Available at Identi-Check

SPD Press Release

We are aware of recent social media rumors circulating concerning potential threats involving Venezuelan gangs. The Springfield Police Department did not generate this information and has no evidence to support claims of gang-related activity involving Venezuelan migrants. The Springfield Police Department has recently made arrests of individuals in a retail theft incident and is working with law enforcement partners on two ATM thefts in Springfield. There is no information indicating these incidents are

Biggart Named November Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health

SPRINGFIELD – Cindy Biggart, a call center nutrition associate, is the System Resources Colleague of the Month at Memorial Health for November. Biggart has worked for Memorial for nearly 50 years and is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of her job in Food and Nutrition Services. She makes sure patient diets are current and correctly entered in the computer. She pitches in and takes on overtime and extra shifts when necessary. She stays in constant contact with nursing units and dietitians to ensure tube

Garner Named November Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital

SPRINGFIELD – Lillian Garner, patient care technician, is the Springfield Memorial Hospital Colleague of the Month for November. Garner was recognized by her nominator for being helpful, attentive and kind to those around her. She embodies Memorial values including safe care, integrity, quality and stewardship. “Lily is one of a kind,” the nominator wrote. “She keeps her patients safe by helping them ambulate (walk independently) properly. She is a wonderful patient care technician, and I’m so excited for

SIU Medicine shares findings from economic impact study

 Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is one of the top employers in central and southern Illinois and has become an essential economic engine in the Mid-Illinois Medical District and its clinic sites across the region.  An SIU research team led by Dr. Jeb Asirvatham and Dr. Scott Gilbert found SIU Medicine has an annual economic impact in Illinois of more than $1 billion, generating 5,542 jobs in health care and supporting industries in the state.  SIU School of Medicine is part of

Community Foundation Announces $100K in Grants to Celebrate 100th Anniversary

Springfield, IL – Most organizations only have one birthday, but the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln celebrates two.   This year, the Community Foundation’s predecessor organization, the Sangamon County Fuondation, is celebrating its 100th anniversary. With roots tracing back to 1924, the Sangamon County Foundation was established by three local banks, when they joined forces to create a philanthropic organization to provide financial resources to local charitable causes.   The original

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN PERFORMED BY GARY MULLEN & THE WORKS TO PERFORM IN SPRINGFIELD ON MARCH 20TH

Tickets on sale Friday, November 22nd at 10 AM  Tickets go on-sale to the public on Friday, November 22nd at 10 am.  Ticket prices are $69.50, $49.50, $39.50 and $29.50 and can be purchased at UISpac.com or by phone (217) 206-6160.  Pre-sale tickets will be available to members of FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center beginning Wednesday, November 20th, (to become a FRIEND or read about our Membership levels, visit UISpac.com/FRIENDS) all remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday,

APPLICATIONS OPEN DECEMBER 2 FOR CWLP BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

City Water, Light and Power customers who need help paying their bills could qualify for assistance from the utility’s Project RELIEF program. The first step in applying for assistance from Project RELIEF is to go through Sangamon County’s LIHEAP application process. Then to qualify for CWLP Project RELIEF, call the appointment line at 217-789-2414 on or after Monday, December 2nd. Customers meeting the minimum eligibility requirements will be scheduled for a meeting with Fifth Street Renaissance, the

Mahan Named November Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month

SPRINGFIELD – Marissa Mahan, an advanced practice provider with Memorial Care in Chatham, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month for November. Mahan was praised for an empathetic, caring and thorough approach to her patients, working tirelessly to provide care and, when necessary, obtain referrals for next steps. “She is amazing to all,” her nominator wrote. “She does not see physical variables, size, color, sexual orientation. She speaks to her patients on an equal level, builds a

LLCC Workforce Institute hosts information nights for high-demand programs

SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land Community College will host information sessions for students interested in the college’s high demand workforce programs including commercial electrical and industrial maintenance, construction occupations, diesel technologies, hospitality management and culinary arts and welding. All sessions will be held at the Workforce Careers Center on the LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd., Springfield.  Each information session will provide an in-depth look at the curriculum, career pathways

LLCC Foundation 2025-26 scholarship applications open Nov. 15

SPRINGFIELD — The application period for 2025-2026 Lincoln Land Community College Foundation Scholarships begins Nov. 15. Students planning to attend LLCC beginning in fall 2025 are encouraged to apply at llccfoundation.org/scholarships. Applications will be accepted through Feb. 15, 2025.   LLCC Foundation scholarships are available for first-time and continuing students who will be enrolled full- or part-time at LLCC. Many of the scholarships are open to students in any program of study, with the

UIS to host a virtual panel discussion on foreign affairs and the 2024 U.S. election

SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield School of Politics and International Affairs and the Center for State Policy and Leadership will host a virtual panel discussion, “Foreign Affairs in the 2024 U.S. Election and Beyond,” from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21.The discussion will examine the role of foreign policy in the 2024 elections, recent global elections held throughout 2024 and key foreign policy issues anticipated to remain significant in the coming months.The panel will feature UIS

EXAM SLOTS AVAILABLE FOR APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN POSITIONS AT CWLP

Springfield, Illinois – The City Water, Light and Power Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee is announcing available exam slots for Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 12 p.m. for those interested in starting a career as an Apprentice Electrician at CWLP. The CWLP Electrical Apprenticeship program includes on-the-job training and coursework to provide knowledge and technical information about the various positions. CWLP will be hiring for Linemen and Substation Electricians Apprentices in early 2025.  All

Whose Live Anyway? Is Coming Back to the UIS Performing Arts Center - March 26th

The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are proud to present their new improv tour: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?, appearing live on Wednesday, March 26. Tickets on sale to FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center starting Wednesday, November 13th. Remaining tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, November 15th at 10 a.m. at UISpac.com. Tickets are $67 & $57 and available at UISpac.com.WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on

UIS researchers partner with the SIU School of Medicine to study how cancer spreads

SPRINGFIELD – Scientists at the University of Illinois Springfield and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine are teaming up to investigate how certain cells in the body connect and encourage the spread of cancer.The project, led by Natalya Zinkevich, UIS assistant professor of integrated sciences, and Sophia Ran, SIU professor of medical microbiology, immunology and cell biology, focuses on two types of cells – immune cells from bone marrow and specialized cells from the lymphatic system – and how

Carpenter joins Hanson as marketing coordinator

Kendall Carpenter has joined Hanson Professional Services Inc. as a marketing coordinator. Working from Texas, she will develop and prepare business proposals, statements of qualifications and presentations. Carpenter previously was a sales and marketing specialist for Inframark. She received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The University of Texas at Dallas and a master’s degree in leadership from Purdue University Fort Wayne. Hanson is a national, employee-owned consulting firm providing

ANNUAL WATER MAIN LEAK DETECTION WORK FOR CWLP BEGINS NEXT WEEK

Over the next four weeks, city residents may notice work crews surveying areas in the right-of-way and near the roadway in Springfield. The crews are from City Water, Light and Power’s contractor, McKim & Creed, which will be surveying for water main leaks in the southeast part of town, east of I-55 and southeast of I-72.The company’s technicians will be using acoustic devices along 113 miles of water main for their work.This annual survey began in 2008 as an extension of other CWLP water conservation

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

New Book on Negotiation by ZG Worldwide Associate Geoffrey Michael, J.D.

IF THEY WON'T BEND, BREAK THEM!®!®Tips, Tactics and Strategies You Need to Negotiate Like a ProTM We all negotiate every day, sometimes without realizing it, and it’s not always about price. If you want to maximize every negotiation you ever do, no matter what the subject or stakes, you’ve come to the right place. This 240-page book is based on my myriad experiences negotiating in the trenches for over four decades. I focus on time-tested, fundamental principles and explain the tactics and strategies I

Memorial Health Hospitals Help Raise Awareness about Faith Perspectives on Organ Donation

SPRINGFIELD – Memorial Health hospitals are hosting information tables throughout November to help raise awareness about faith-based perspectives on organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation. In the past year, 13 organ donors and 69 tissue donors have donated at Memorial Health hospitals. “Some potential donors may question their faith’s position on organ and tissue donation when registering as an organ donor,” said Angie Hermes, RN, nurse manager for 3C ICU at Springfield Memorial Hospital. “The

Mayor’s Awards for the Arts Winners Announced: Honoring Outstanding Achievements in Arts and Culture

The Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) and the City of Springfield proudly announce the winners of the 2024 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts, recognizing exceptional talent and dedication to the arts in Sangamon and Menard counties. This year’s honorees were celebrated at the awards ceremony held on November 2, 2024, at the Inn at 835. The event brought together community members, supporters, and artists, celebrating those who have made outstanding contributions to the local arts scene. Each winner exemplifies

Brown Named October Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month

SPRINGFIELD – Jane Brown, an urgent care advanced practice provider with Memorial Care on Koke Mill, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month for October. Brown’s nominator described how she did a DCFS wellness visit with a minor. During the conversation, she realized from the information provided by the child and obvious injuries that the child was not in a safe environment. She reported the situation and brought DCFS and police officers to the clinic to investigate further. All agreed the

Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Ethan J. Posey

Ethan PoseyDirector of Community Relations City of Springfield (217) 789-2270ethan.posey@springfield.il.usWhat products and services does your business offer? The Office of Community Relations addresses landlord/tenant issues within the city of Springfield, coordinates efforts of the Homeless Outreach Team, is in charge of the BUILD Springfield Program, created the My First Home Initiative, and collaborates with non-profit organizations and small businesses to give city support to local events and

Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screenings Available at Memorial Health Year-Round

SPRINGFIELD – Lung cancer screening helps detect this deadly form of cancer before symptoms appear, making treatment options more effective.  National Lung Cancer Screening Day is Saturday, Nov. 9, and was created to raise awareness of the importance of scheduling lung cancer screenings. “According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the United States,” said Kristin Perucho, medical imaging nurse navigator at Springfield Memorial Hospital. “We perform

LLCC names new athletics director

SPRINGFIELD – Lincoln Land Community College has named Diana Couch of Titusville, Florida, as its new athletics director. She replaces Ron Riggle, who retired in August.  Couch comes to LLCC with experience in coaching women’s basketball and serving as the associate director of athletics and then the director of athletics at Florida State College at Jacksonville. While at FSC, she also served as an adjunct professor of sports management, director of the outdoor education center, supervisor of game day

Romanotto celebrates 30 years at Hanson’s headquarters

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Jeff Romanotto, senior survey field technician, recently celebrated 30 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters. Romanotto provides surveying and construction observation services for projects involving airports, bridges, railroads and roadways. As a surveyor, he has worked on projects such as Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport’s main entrance road relocation and the Springfield corridor study for the Illinois High-Speed Rail Chicago to St. Louis

Vignali Named October Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital

SPRINGFIELD – Mary Vignali, a registered nurse in cardiac surgery, is the Springfield Memorial Hospital Colleague of the Month for October. For more than 40 years, Vignali has cared for patients with care, compassion and expertise. She was nominated by a patient’s family member who raved about the quality of care shown to their loved one even after being transferred off Vignali’s unit. “Mary continues to deeply care for her patients even after they leave her floor!” wrote the nominator. “You truly connect

UIS student Anna Schurz honored with Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award

SPRINGFIELD – University of Illinois Springfield senior Anna Schurz of Carbondale has been selected as the UIS recipient of the prestigious Student Laureate Award from the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. Each year, only one UIS student is chosen for this esteemed honor.     Schurz is majoring in environmental studies with minors in biology and chemistry, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She is also a member of the Capital Scholars Honors Program. Schurz plays on the UIS women’s soccer team where she has received the

UIS students win $10,000 at Innovate Springfield startup business pitch competition

    SPRINGFIELD – A group of five University of Illinois Springfield students won $10,000 in seed funding for their startup business, TredBase, during a pitch competition hosted by Innovate Springfield on Oct. 28. The competition featured three entrepreneurial teams pitching innovative ideas.     Kayode Ojedele, CEO and co-founder of TredBase, describes it as “a global edtech solution focused on streamlining tuition management for schools,” which aims to enhance financial transparency for K-12 institutions

UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents the 2024 silent auction and benefit both online and at the gallery

SPRINGFIELD – The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is excited to announce its annual silent auction and benefit, featuring a diverse collection of original art, reproductions, decorative objects and crafts donated by artists and community supporters. This year’s auction will be held both online and in person, making it easy for collectors and supporters across the region to participate.The auction opens online on Nov. 11 with bidding available through 7 p.m. on Dec. 5. Artworks will be

CWLP AWARDED SMART ENERGY PROVIDER BY THE AMERICAN PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION

Springfield, Ill.—City Water, Light and Power is one of 45 U.S. public power utilities, which has earned the 2024 Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for a commitment to and proficiency in efficiency, distributed energy resources, renewable energy, and environmental initiatives, while also providing affordable electric service. Achieving the SEP designation—an honor the utility also earned in the last award cycle in 2022, helps CWLP benchmark and

NEIGHBORS CAN HELP NEIGHBORS IN CWLP PROJECT RELIEF

Each year, a number of Springfield families have trouble paying their basic household bills, and times can get tougher during the winter when home heating costs are added in. Through Project RELIEF, City Water, Light and Power customers can add $1 or more to their monthly CWLP bill, which will be routed as payment assistance to other Springfield families in need during the winter heating season. Last season, over $25,000 in donations were routed to help 111 families.“Donating to Project RELIEF through your

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

Charlie Berens Coming to the UIS Performing Arts Center on February 2, 2025

Charlie Berens announced that his tour will stop at the UIS Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 2, 2025. Tickets on sale to FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center starting Wednesday, September 25th. Remaining tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, September 27th at 10 a.m. at UISpac.com. Tickets are $29.50 - $57.50 and available at UISpac.com.CHARLIE BERENS is a comedian, New York Times Best Selling Author, Emmy-winning journalist, musician and creator of the Manitowoc Minute. He creates

The Prophecy Show – A Tribute to Trans ~ Siberian Orchestra Is Coming Back to the UIS Performing Art

St. Louis powerhouse The Prophecy Show will bring their signature and highly-energized Rock Opera back to the UIS Performing Arts Center on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 8 p.m.  Launching their 18th touring season of an extravagant Christmas musical production! This powerhouse group of classically trained musicians come together to create nothing short of an electrifying evening of holiday rock music.  Performing in the style of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Prophecy Show has spared no details when it

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