Tiny Christmas Forest Fundraiser
UIS student Abigail Hemmer of Springfield honored with Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award
University of Illinois Springfield senior Abigail Hemmer of Springfield has been named the UIS recipient of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ prestigious 2025 Student Laureate Award. Each year, one student from each four-year university in Illinois is selected for the honor.Hemmer, a medical laboratory science major and commuter student, plans to pursue a master’s degree and become a certified pathologists’ assistant after graduation.“I am immensely grateful to God and the Lincoln Academy of Illinois for the
South Mahomet Road extension wins APWA Illinois award
The American Public Works Association’s (APWA) Illinois Chapter recognized Hanson Professional Services Inc. with a Public Works Project of the Year Award during the chapter’s annual awards dinner Nov. 5 in Peoria, Illinois. Hanson received the award in the transportation category for projects that cost $5 million but less than $25 million for the South Mahomet Road project in Mahomet. Completed in 2024, the road was extended to address projected traffic congestion, providing Mahomet-Seymour Community
SMTD Will Continue to Offer Free Rides on Veterans Day
The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) Board of Trustees at their last regular meeting waived fixed route fares for Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11th. “SMTD has fielded requests over the years for free rides for Veterans on Veterans Day,” said SMTD Managing Director Steve Schoeffel. “This is the third year we’ve provided this honor for our Veterans. SMTD believes waiving fares for all fixed route passengers better serves Veterans and actually honors them in a bigger way. “By everyone’s fixed route
City of Springfield Announces 2025 Holiday Planter Contest
Community Invited to Help Spread Holiday Cheer Throughout Downtown The City of Springfield, in partnership with the Department of Public Works, is pleased to announce the 2025 Holiday Planter Contest, inviting residents, businesses, community groups, and nonprofits to help fill Downtown Springfield with festive holiday cheer. After last year’s success, the City is excited to continue this creative and community-driven tradition, and participation remains free. “Downtown shines brightest when our
UIS expands Prairie Promise to include transfer students beginning fall 2026
Transfer students who choose the University of Illinois Springfield will soon have a new way to earn their degree without the financial burden of tuition and fees. Beginning in fall 2026, UIS will expand its Prairie Promise financial aid program to include eligible transfer students.The initiative builds on UIS’ existing Prairie Promise, launched in October 2023, which guarantees full coverage of tuition and fees for qualified first-time, first-year undergraduate students.“Expanding the Prairie Promise to
LLCC honors veterans at 30th annual Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11
Lincoln Land Community College will honor veterans at its 30th annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. in A. Lincoln Commons on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road, and a reception will follow. The public is invited to attend. Scouting America Troop 310 from Chatham will post the colors. The program includes Wayne Rosenthal, LLCC Board of Trustees Chair and retired Brigadier General, Illinois Air National Guard, serving as master of ceremonies; Sgt.
Free Community Health Talk: Bunions, Hammertoes & Other Foot Woes
Memorial Health and Springfield Clinic will co-host a free community health talk on bunions, hammertoes and other common foot conditions at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Edgar J. Curtis Memorial Learning Center located at 228 W. Miller St. in Springfield. Springfield Clinic orthopedic surgeons Benjamin Stevens, MD, and Kathleen Kay, MD, will discuss symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, surgical procedures and recovery expectations for various foot conditions. "It's easy for the foot and the ankle
SNAP cuts + ALICE families = growing hunger crisis.
When working families still can't afford basics, hunger isn't a distant issue. It's here in our neighborhoods.In Illinois, 12% of households live in poverty and 25% are ALICE (employed but income-limited), meaning 37% of households cannot meet the basic cost of living.Now, with SNAP benefits ending, the situation is critical. Local pantries are already at capacity, and this will strain them even further.United Way of Central Illinois is responding and ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry. We have started a
Springfield Police Department Warns Public About Fraudulent Donation Scams
The Springfield Police Department is warning the public after reports of fraudulent solicitation occurring in October at several west side retail areas. Multiple male suspects approached individuals claiming to collect donations for the Boys and Girls Club, requesting credit card payments. Once provided, the suspects charged amounts significantly higher than those agreed upon. Investigators confirmed the suspects were not affiliated with the Boys and Girls Club in any way. “With the holiday season
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Andy Lunt
Andy LuntSales – Business Development SpecialistMASCO Packaging & Industrial Supply (217) 744-0339andy@mascopac.com What products and services does your business offer? Distributor of packaging products, boxes, tapes, mailers, corrugated, packing peanuts, COVID-19 supplies, janitorial supplies and equipment. What is one thing you'd like for people to know about your business? Female, family owned. Buy local – shop local! The Ambassadors are The Chamber's membership committee. Committee
.png)
LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION DONATES $52,500 in TOTAL to VARIOUS CENTRAL ILLINOIS FOOD PANTRIES AMID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) made a total donation of $52,500 to ten different central Illinois area food pantries and service organizations on Friday. The food pantries that received funds included Northeast Community Fund in Decatur, Empowerment Opportunity Center of Decatur, Holy Family Food Pantry in Springfield, 6:35 Pantry in Vandalia, Catholic Charities of Effingham, Mattoon Community Food Pantry, Loaves & Fishes Pantry in Pana, Nokomis Food Pantry, Centralia Community Benevolent Association,
11TH STREET AND NORTH GRAND AVENUE TO CLOSE FOR FINAL PHASE OF WATER MAIN RELOCATION WORK FOR RAILROAD PROJECT
Beginning Monday, November 3, 11th Street from Reservoir Street to Converse Avenue and North Grand Avenue from 9th Street to 13th Street will be closed for six weeks for the fifth and final phase of City Water, Light and Power’s project to relocate 2,000 feet of a 24-inch water main for the Springfield Rail Improvements. Detours will be posted at 9th and 19th Streets for North Grand Avenue and Carpenter Street and Converse Street for 11th Street. This project represents part of the City of Springfield’s
Mayor’s Statement on the Verdict in the Sean Grayson Murder Case
Today, the jury returned a verdict of second-degree murder in the case of former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. Sean Grayson did not just murder Sonya, he took away the life the Massey family once knew. My thoughts are with Sonya’s family, friends, and loved ones. Her murder is a tragedy that should never have happened. She called 911 seeking help and compassion and instead lost her life in her own home. No words can ease this pain. I understand
News Release: 10/30/2025
The Springfield Art Association is pleased to announce Art Synergy, an evening of creative competition and fun. This gala is the Art Association’s year-end fundraising event. The event raises critical funds to fulfill the mission of the SAA to provide visual art education and opportunities to the greater Springfield community and preserve and protect Historic Edwards Place and the collections of the SAA. For this event, the SAA has paired 17 local leaders with local artists to create original works of
Apilado Named October Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
John Apilado, RN, at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for October. A unique circumstance led to Apilado’s nomination and award for Colleague of the Month. His nominator wrote that a door on the blanket warmer in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) came off its hinges due to normal wear and tear. The nominator arrived late in the day to address the work order, but the fix was a two-person job. “John saw me struggling to make the necessary repairs, and he
Ambassador of the Quarter: Angelyn Howe
Angelyn HoweRealtor Keller Williams Capital Realty (815) 501-9674angelynhowe@kw.com In the third quarter of 2025, Angelyn Howe, Realtor, Keller Williams Capital Realty earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Angie made six member contacts, attended 15 ribbon cuttings, worked at two Chamber on Tap events, attended one Coffee & Connections, and attended two Ambassador committee meetings. Angie will receive a gift certificate to a Chamber member business. Earning honorable mention for the 3rd
Public Invited to Participate in Lake Springfield History Hunt
As part of the ongoing celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Lake Springfield, City Water, Light and Power (CWLP), in partnership with the Sangamon Valley Collection at Lincoln Library, is inviting the public to take part in the Lake Springfield History Hunt, a self-guided exploration of the lake’s rich history and legacy. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about Lake Springfield and its influence on the community while utilizing a variety of resources available through the Sangamon
HSHS St. John’s Foundation Invites Community to Celebrity Bartender Night Combining Fun and Philanthropy
HSHS St. John’s Foundation is excited to invite the community to a special event that blends fun, philanthropy and fantastic company. Join us for our Celebrity Bartender Night on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Papa Frank’s, located at 4111 Wabash Ave., Springfield. This unique event promises an entertaining evening featuring St. John’s celebrities, including Brian Brennan, President and CEO of HSHS St. John’s Hospital, along with Foundation Leadership Council members and nurse managers.
Woare's Inc. Customer Appreciation Event
Bank of Springfield Celebrates 60 Years
Bank of Springfield (BOS) is celebrating their 60th anniversary on October 29th, 2025. The bank was founded in 1965 by Jack A. Marantz and a group of local businesspeople in Springfield, Illinois. The original branch is still in operations at 2600 Adali Stevenson Drive. Jack’s vision when opening the first branch was to provide the community with exceptional banking products and services through excellence and local ownership.The tradition continues under the leadership of Tom Marantz, Chairman of the
LAWRENCE LANES TO CLOSE FOR SERVICE LINE REPAIRS
Beginning Monday, October 27, both eastbound lanes of Lawrence Avenue will close at Walnut Street while City Water, Light and Power crews repair a leaking water service line. Lanes will reopen once road surface repairs are complete. Motorists are encouraged to plan for alternate routes.
Tamar Kutz Named CEO of Lincoln Memorial Hospital
Tamar Kutz has been named president and CEO of Lincoln Memorial Hospital, effective Oct. 27. Kutz, a Lincoln resident, has been with Memorial Health since 2010, most recently as vice president for quality and operations at Decatur Memorial Hospital. She had also served earlier this year as DMH’s interim president and CEO. As LMH president and CEO, she steps into a role being vacated by Dolan Dalpoas, who was promoted to chief community impact and philanthropy officer at Memorial Health. “With her wealth of
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Sarah Bruntjen
Sarah BruntjenDonor Relations CoordinatorLincoln Land Community College Foundation(217) 786-3423sarah.bruntjen@llcc.eduWhat products and services does your business offer?Through the generosity of our donors, the LLCC Foundation helps to build new facilities, update equipment and technology, and award scholarships. We positively impact a diverse group of individuals who believe in the value of an education and the opportunities that knowledge offers. Our students go on to continue their education at
City of Springfield Launches BEACON Project to Strengthen Community Crisis Response
Mayor Misty Buscher announced the launch of the Springfield BEACON Project (Bridging Emergency And Community Outreach Network), a new initiative funded by national opioid settlement dollars aimed at transforming the city’s response to opioid-related and mental health calls for service. The BEACON Project brings together the Springfield Police and Fire Departments, the Office of Community Relations, and local behavioral health partners to create a unified crisis response system. The initiative deploys
Springfield Tourism Numbers Are Strong Through First Three Quarters of 2025
According to STR reports, 597,159 hotel rooms night have been sold in the City of Springfield in 2025 from January – September resulting in almost 9,000 more hotel room nights sold year to date vs. 2024. Local events such as the World Clydesdale Show, Illinois State Fair, Springfield Mile, Farm Progress Show and International Route 66 Mother Road Festival along with strong leisure travel have contributed to the increase. Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar), a key hotel indicator, has risen 4.9% year
CIC SHRM Half-Day Educational Conference
CIC SHRM Half-Day Educational Conference The Central Illinois Chapter of SHRM (CIC SHRM) invites you to attend the Half-Day Educational Conference on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Memorial Center for Learning & Innovation in Springfield, IL. This annual event brings together HR professionals, business leaders, and community members for a morning of learning, dialogue, and recognition. Attendees will gain insights on key workplace issues and have the opportunity to connect
3RD ANNUAL DIWALI GALA HELD TO BENEFIT PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE DIFFERENCES
Diwali is the “Festival of Lights," which is annually in autumn, usually between mid-October and mid-November, to honor the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. In celebration and to be a light in their communities, the Indo-American Society of Peoria (IASP), along with PJ Dance Academy, will host their 3rd Annual UTSAV Diwali Gala on October 25th at the Peoria Civic Center. The event consists of a spectacular theatre performance followed by fireworks and a Gala
Memorial Health Names New Vice President, Emergency Management and Safety
Memorial Health has hired Ben Wooten as vice president for Emergency Management and Safety.“Safety is our first value at Memorial,” said Mandy Eaton, president and CEO. “It’s essential that our facilities are safe and secure and that we’re prepared to respond quickly in the event of an emergency. Ben’s expertise will help us in those efforts.”Wooten has more than 15 years of experience leading emergency management programs, including responses to multiple hurricanes, tropical storms and winter storms with
Turn In, Don’t Toss: HSHS St. John’s Community Pharmacy Supports National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Year-Round
Safe medication disposal shouldn’t have an expiration date. That’s why HSHS St. John’s Community Pharmacy accepts unused or expired prescription drugs year-round. As the fall National Prescription Drug Take Back Day approaches on Saturday, Oct. 25, pharmacy manager Natalie Howes reminds residents to bring in their old medications. “Our goal is to be more than a pharmacy – we are your health care partner,” said Howes, PharmD, Outpatient Pharmacy Manager, HSHS St. John’s Hospital. “Flushing or throwing
Experts to discuss impact of 2025 government shutdown at UIS panel
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield invites the public to a virtual lunch and learn panel discussion, “What You Voters Need to Know About the 2025 Government Shutdown.” The event will feature UIS faculty members Matt Geras, John Transue, Patty Byrnes and Ty Dooley, who will examine the causes and consequences of the ongoing partial government shutdown. WHEN: Noon Oct. 21 WHERE: Zoom DETAILS: Panelists will discuss how interactions between Congress and the Trump administration
Heartland Credit Union Announces Appointment of Patrick Smith as Chief Financial Officer
Heartland Credit Union (HCU) is proud to announce the appointment of Patrick Smith as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). “I am excited to have a professional with Patrick’s experience and credentials join us at HCU,” said Tom Lex, President and CEO of Heartland Credit Union. “Patrick will be a great asset to the credit union. His expertise will play a key role in advancing our financial objectives and supporting the continued success of our members and community.” Most recently, Mr. Smith served
Drain for the Cure - Sunday Funday Sponsorships
Dolan Dalpoas Named Memorial Health Chief Community Impact and Philanthropy Officer
Longtime Lincoln Memorial Hospital CEO Dolan Dalpoas will take on the expanded role of senior vice president and chief community impact and philanthropy officer at Memorial Health effective Oct. 27. In this role, he will oversee the three Memorial critical access hospitals – Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital – as well as the five hospital foundations of Memorial Health and the organization’s region-wide community health improvement work. “Dolan is
CWLP LINEWORKERS SHOWCASE SAFETY & SKILLS AT RODEO
City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) Journeymen and Apprentice Electricians represented the utility at the annual Lineman’s Safety Rodeo, coordinated by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC). CWLP’s team competed against 18 other teams from around the state at the event held at Lincoln Land Community College’s Line School facility on September 25th. Line personnel competed in several skills challenges, including an armor rod install, cutout change, hurt man rescue, 40-foot transition climb
LLCC’s “Haunted Lab” returns Oct. 24
Lincoln Land Community College invites families to experience the return of the popular "Haunted Lab" on Friday, Oct. 24 from 5-8:30 p.m. in upper Sangamon Hall on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. This free event is open to children of all ages, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Attendees will enjoy spooky science demonstrations, hands-on activities and learn about simple experiments they can try at home. Science shows, led by club members, under the guidance of Jennifer Davis, LLCC
CWLP LANDS $1M GRANT FOR ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
The US Department of Energy through the Illinois Finance Authority is providing City Water, Light and Power $1.1 million towards a $1.6 million project to upgrade electric infrastructure in Springfield. The grant, which prioritizes funding to support reliability, innovation, and disadvantaged communities, was approved by the City Council last night. Work is set to begin by the end of this year and be completed in 2028. CWLP’s electric engineering group and crews will manage and complete all work
HSHS, Chapter Partner to Offer Free Guidance, Education for Patients Seeking Medicare Plans
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) and Chapter, an independent Medicare adviser, are partnering to offer current and newly eligible Medicare patients free, unbiased consultations on choosing a Medicare plan that best fits their health care needs. Chapter advisers provide expert, up-to-date information about Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap), Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans. They are trained to assist existing Medicare patients aged 65 or older maintain or change plans during the
NEXT PHASE OF WATER MAIN RELOCATION WORK TO CLOSE 11th STREET
Beginning Thursday, October 9, CWLP’s Water Department will move to the next phase of a project to relocate 2,000 feet of a 24-inch water main for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project on North Grand Avenue. This phase of work, expected to last four weeks, requires opening and closing 11th Street from Reservoir Street to North Grand Avenue. This project represents part of the City of Springfield’s match towards the Springfield Rail Improvements Project and is the largest of the multi-year project
Elmore celebrates 45 years with Hanson
Mark Elmore, senior technician, recently celebrated 45 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc. Elmore, who joined Hanson’s Springfield headquarters in 1980, has provided computer-aided design and drafting services and has prepared construction and bid documents for a variety of projects, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Coliseum renovation at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, HSHS St. John’s Women and Children’s Clinic, the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd
High School Healthcare Bootcamp to be held Dec. 30 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital
HSHS St. John’s Hospital will be hosting a High School Healthcare Bootcamp on Tuesday, Dec. 30. The bootcamp is designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in a career in health care to experience a realistic look into various health care roles and make connections in their field of interest. “This job shadowing experience is a great opportunity for students interested in choosing a career in health care to learn about the different roles at our hospital and experience hands-on skills sessions
CWLP CELEBRATING PUBLIC POWER WEEK AND ITS COMMUNITY BENEFITS
City Water, Light and Power is celebrating Public Power Week (#PublicPowerWeek), October 5-11 with the American Public Power Association and the other community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 49 million Americans. This year, CWLP is focusing on the pride it has in serving Springfield. During Public Power Week, CWLP celebrates the benefits it strives to provide including: • Low rates • High reliability • Dedicated, local service • Community focus •
Explore timely topics at UIS’ Fall Lunch & Learn Series
The University of Illinois Springfield will host four Lunch & Learn Series events this fall, presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.Sept. 15 – “Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life”1:30 to 2:30 p.m., UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield, 9 Club Area, Springfield UIS faculty members Hei-Chi Chan and Neetu Singh, co-founders of the UIS AI Campus Learning Community, will lead a hands-on session exploring real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
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
.jpeg)
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
