Meet Four Central Illinois Tech Partners IT Experts at the Chamber's October 15 Shoes, Brews and Biz Event
Central Illinois Tech Partners (CITP), a multi-specialty group providing IT, AI, Data Science and Business Solutions, will have a table at the Chamber's October 15 Shoes, Brews and Biz Event. It will be staffed by the following four people on hand to answer your questions about our services: Keinn Draper from STL, a leading MSP in the Midwest with 35 years of experience, a one-stop shop for daily IT, cybersecurity and compliance needs. Adam Gurski, an AI educator, consultant and software builder who
Public Invited to Join Sangamon and Menard County Trick or Trek Wellness Challenge Throughout October
Springfield Memorial Hospital is inviting residents throughout Sangamon and Menard counties to participate in the free Trick or Trek Wellness Challenge, a month-long community wellness event running Oct. 1–31, 2026. Pamela McGowan, 74, participated in the May Mindful Miles walking challenge and appreciated the opportunity to be intentional about moving more regularly. “Retirement slows you down, and you need to put yourself on an exercise schedule,” she said. “I lost weight, my A1C numbers came down, and
UIS invites alumni to celebrate 2026 award recipients at Alumni Gala
The University of Illinois Springfield will welcome alumni and friends back to campus for the 2026 UIS Alumni Gala, “A Night Among the Stars,” from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, in the UIS Student Union Ballroom.The annual celebration will bring together Prairie Stars for an evening of dinner, drinks, music and dancing while recognizing six alumni and community members for their achievements, service and contributions to UIS and their communities.The 2026 award recipients are:Dolan Dalpoas,
Tori Cottingham Named Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group
Tori Cottingham, a recovery peer specialist with Memorial Behavioral Health (MBH), has been named Colleague of the Month for July for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Cottingham helps support individuals at the West Lake location in the Supervised Residential program, Community Conditional Release program and Crisis Center. She responds to safety concerns, medical needs and mental health crises while helping ensure a safe and supportive setting for those in her care. “Tori is one of the best
LLCC to host Campus Visit Day Oct. 12
Prospective students interested in starting or restarting college or training for a new career are invited to visit Lincoln Land Community College for a campus visit day on Monday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m. to noon. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. The free event will be held at LLCC’s Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd. “Choosing a college is an important decision and Campus Visit Day is an opportunity to discover all that LLCC has to offer,” says LLCC President Curt Oldfield, Ed.D. “Whether you’re interested in
Springfield Fire Department Maintains ISO Class 1 Rating
The Springfield Fire Department has once again earned a Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office following the completion of the 2026 Public Protection Classification review.ISO (Insurance Services Office) evaluates fire departments and the communities they serve based on several areas that contribute to fire protection, including emergency communications, water supply, department resources, deployment, training, equipment, operations, and Community Risk Reduction. Class 1 is the highest rating a
Schafer and Earhart Announce Plans to Retire
Lisa Schafer, Vice President of Operations, and David Earhart, Vice President - Member Services, have both announced their plans to retire during the first quarter of 2027. Lisa will retire after more than 32 years of service to The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, while David will conclude a tenure of more than 23 years. Their combined 55-plus years of service represent an extraordinary commitment to The Chamber and the Greater Springfield business community. The Chamber has benefited
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD LAUNCHES FOURTH YEAR OF BUILD SPRINGFIELD
The City of Springfield is proud to announce the fourth year of BUILD Springfield, an initiative championed by Mayor Misty Buscher to promote community development, address blight, and enhance public safety in Springfield's neighborhoods. The upcoming community outreach event, scheduled for October 3rd, will showcase exhibits from a diverse range of community partners and City of Springfield departments. The event aims to gather feedback from the community on strengthening community ties and offer vital
SPRINGFIELD ART ASSOCIATION PRESENTS 38TH ANNUAL EDWARDS PLACE FINE ART FAIR
One of Springfield’s seasonal traditions, the Edwards Place Fine Art Fair, is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 19th and 20th. The lawn of Historic Edwards Place at the Springfield Art Association will be filled with artists’ booths brimming with original works of art in a variety of media. In addition, live music will be performed by local groups throughout both days, FREE self-guided tours of Edwards Place, food vendors, art demonstrations, games and crafts for kids, and a GIANT used book sale
HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital Offering Free Car Seat Safety Check on Sept. 26
A car seat only protects if it's installed right. HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital is closing out Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 20–26) by hosting a free Car Seat Safety Check on National Seat Check Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Women and Children's Clinic parking garage at 400 N. 9th St. A certified child passenger safety technician will work one-on-one with parents and caregivers to ensure their child's car seat or booster seat is properly installed and appropriate for their
Prostate Cancer and Men’s Health Event Set for Sept. 30
Springfield Memorial Hospital will co-host a Prostate Cancer and Men’s Health Event, in collaboration with the SIU Health D.E.P.O.T.S. (Delivering Equity Places Outside Traditional Settings) and The Springfield Project, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at CAP 1908 - The Springfield Project, 1100 S. Grand Ave. E., in Springfield. The free community event is designed to raise awareness about prostate cancer and overall health, with a special focus on encouraging Black men to take proactive steps toward
Marcia Carroll Named August Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health System Resources
Marcia Carroll, an Epic analyst with Memorial Health System Resources, has been named August Colleague of the Month for her expertise, leadership and commitment during the health system’s Epic implementation. Colleagues described her as a trusted expert who has played a critical role in supporting operations, helping teams understand workflows, build decisions and testing outcomes. In addition to her technical expertise, Carroll is recognized for her collaborative approach and dedication to helping others
City of Springfield Public Works Department to Host Voucher-Only Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event
The City of Springfield Public Works Department, in collaboration with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), will host a voucher-only residential Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, October 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Chamberlain Park, 319 McCreery Ave. Because the event is being held in partnership with the IEPA, it is open to all Illinois residents. Residents must obtain a voucher from the City of Springfield’s Office of Public Works prior to participating.
University of Illinois Springfield welcomes second-largest freshman class in school history
The University of Illinois Springfield has enrolled 353 freshmen for fall 2026, a 13.1% increase from last fall and second only to the record 373 freshmen enrolled in fall 2019. Incoming transfer enrollment also increased 2.6%, from 420 students last fall to 431 this fall.The growth among new students helped increase UIS undergraduate enrollment to 2,359 students, up from 2,337 last fall.“The growth we’re seeing in new undergraduate enrollment reflects the high-quality, personalized educational experience
Kidzeum Honors The Adults And Youth Who Show Up For Local Kids
WHAT: Kidzeum of Health & Science hosts its inaugural For the Kids Awards Dinner, celebrating 24 community members nominated by the public for the extraordinary ways they show up for children across Central Illinois. Community members were invited to nominate the people they see making a difference in the lives of children, and a panel of six community judges reviewed every nomination. Award recipients will be revealed for the first time from the stage that evening.The evening also features a silent auction
UIS celebrates Constitution Day with performances of “What the Constitution Means to Me”
The University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership is partnering with the UIS Performing Arts Center for the production of “What the Constitution Means to Me” in celebration of Constitution Day. There will be four performances of the show from Sept. 17-20 in the UIS Studio Theatre. There will be a post-show panel discussion on Sept. 17 featuring Ursula Phillips-Eccles, Deborah Anthony, professor of legal studies at the University of Illinois Springfield, and Carly Shank, director
Jerry Seinfeld Coming to UIS Performing Arts Center December 19
The UIS Performing Arts Center and JS Touring announced today that America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, will perform on the Sangamon Auditorium stage on December 19, 2026! Tickets go on sale to the general public on September 18 at 10 am. America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, comes to the Sangamon Auditorium stage in Springfield, Illinois, to perform his newest stand-up routine on Saturday, December 19, 2026, at 7 pm. FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center can pre-purchase starting Wednesday,
Toast to Downtown
Resource One, INB, Isringhausen Imports, Inc and Troxell invite you to raise a glass in one of Springfield's most iconic settings. Walk where Lincoln walked at the historic Old State Capitol for an evening of great food, drinks and company, all in support of HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital. Tickets include food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and entertainment. Saturday, October 17 from 6-8PM at the Old State Capitol.Parking available at Resource One, 321 E Adams St. Proceeds support HSHS St.
Toast on 66
The Riemer, Buscher, Killebrew, Pence, Vance, Gurnsey, Williams, Davlin and Clatfelter families invite you to rev up for a good cause on Springfield's legendary Route 66 on Friday, November 13 from 5:30-9PM at Motorhead's. This high-energy night will have great food, drinks and features a live performance by touring southern rock band Kobanova. Founded in Athens, Georgia, and now based in Atlanta, Kobanova "blends the soulful grit of southern rock with the narrative depth of modern folk rock." You won't
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Chris Walcher
Chris WalcherBranch PresidentAmerican Bank of Freedom (217) 498-7111cwalcher@myamericanbank.netWhat products and services does your business offer? American Bank offers a full suite of items to meet our consumer and business clients needs. A sampling of our products is listed below: Checking - Free and Interest Bearing Accounts Money Markets Savings Certificate of Deposits Safe Deposit Box Small and Large Commercial Loans Agriculture Financing What is one thing you'd like for people to know
UIS to package meals to help feed 15,000 people during Sept. 11 Day of Service
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center will host a service event as part of the Sept. 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance (9/11 Day). Students, faculty and staff will partner with the Midwest Mission Distribution Center to package enough meals to feed more than 15,000 people experiencing food insecurity. WHEN: 3-6 p.m. Sept. 11 WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive, Springfield DETAILS: 9/11 Day is one of only
Miranda Buckley Named August Colleague of the Month at Springfield Memorial Hospital
Miranda Buckley, RN, a nurse on the Intermediate Care Unit at Springfield Memorial Hospital, has been named August Colleague of the Month. Buckley was nominated by a patient who described the positive impact she had during a hospital stay. Buckley took time to listen to concerns, clearly explain care plans and ensure the patient felt involved in decisions about treatment. Her calm presence provided reassurance during a difficult time and helped the patient feel valued as an individual. “I never felt
City of Springfield Launches BEACON Project as Rescue 1 Goes Into Service
The Springfield Fire Department and the City of Springfield officially launched the BEACON Project (Bridging Emergency And Community Outreach Network) today, marking the beginning of a new approach to responding to mental health, substance use and opioid-related emergencies in the community. Mayor Misty Buscher joined Springfield Fire Department leadership and members of the BEACON team at Fire Station 6 to mark the launch and unveil Rescue 1, the Springfield Fire Department apparatus that will respond
Katelyn “Katie” Stewart Named August Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health Ambulatory Group
Katelyn “Katie” Stewart, an LPN at Memorial Care on North Dirksen, has been named Colleague of the Month for August for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Stewart is recognized for supporting patients and colleagues throughout the clinic, sharing her clinical knowledge and helping coordinate timely care. Although Stewart works primarily with one physician, she regularly assists others across the clinic. She rooms patients, responds to patient phone calls and steps in wherever help is needed. Stewart
Bank of Springfield Appoints Jennifer Gill to Board of Directors
Bank of Springfield (BOS) has announced the appointment of Jennifer Gill to its Board of Directors, effective August 12, 2026. Jennifer retired in June 2026 as superintendent from Springfield Public Schools District 186 with 35 years in public education. She is currently an educational consultant with Hazard Young Attea & Associates and serves as a Director of Academic Empowerment for the Illinois Association of School Administrators. In addition to serving as District 186 superintendent, Jennifer was
LLCU Completes Acquisition of Williamsville State Bank & Trust
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (“LLCU”) of Decatur, IL, today announced the completion of its purchase and assumption transaction with Williamsville State Bank & Trust (“WSBT”) in which LLCU has acquired substantially all the assets and assumed substantially all the liabilities of Williamsville State Bank & Trust. With the acquisition complete, LLCU has expanded its footprint to include branches in Sherman and Williamsville, IL bringing us to a total of 15 branches. Robert Ares, President and CEO of Land
UIS Chancellor’s Thinkers Series to feature former Congresswoman Cheri Callahan Bustos
WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch will host a conversation with former Congresswoman and UIS alum Cheri Callahan Bustos as part of her Chancellor’s Thinkers Series event titled “A Call to Think: Authentic Leadership.” WHEN: 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. Sept. 15 (reception to follow) WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive (visitor parking available in Lot J)DETAILS: The conversation will explore authentic leadership, focusing on what it means to
Springfield Area Arts Council Hires New Program Director to Lead Levitt AMP Springfield and Major Arts Programs
The Springfield Area Arts Council has hired Andrew Schneider as program director, effective September 1, 2026, bringing together his experience as an entrepreneur, creative practitioner, community arts leader and statewide policy advocate. As SAAC’s program director, Schneider will take a leading role in the production and long-term development of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series, a nationally recognized program of the Springfield Area Arts Council. He will also support other programs ranging from
UIS Friday Night Star Parties return for fall season
The University of Illinois Springfield’s popular Fright Night Star Parties will resume this week and run through the end of October. The dates are Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Friday Night Star Parties are held from 8 to 10 p.m., weather permitting, at the UIS Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library.The 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
LLCC to host honey harvest demonstration Sept. 23
Lincoln Land Community College invites the public to a live honey extraction demonstration on Wednesday, Sept. 23, beginning at 10 a.m. at LLCC’s West Lake Nature Grove, located at 2321 West Lake Shore Drive, Springfield. The event will be led by Dave Cox, LLCC professor of biology, in collaboration with members of the Prairie State Beekeepers Association. Attendees will have the opportunity to observe the full process of honey extraction, beginning with hive demonstrations and the removal of honey supers
Bistro Verde to reopen Sept. 8 at LLCC
Bistro Verde, Lincoln Land Community College’s student-led café, will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8 and will serve customers Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The café will be open as Bistro To Go, a counter service concept, from Sept. 8-Oct. 8, offering soups, salads, sandwiches, weekly student chef specials, baked goods, coffees and drinks. From Sept. 8-18, Bistro Verde will participate in the Chicago Gourmet Dine Around event, offering a raspberry and orange salad and pineapple
New general surgeon brings minimally invasive expertise to Springfield
HSHS Medical Group welcomes Michelle Zhang, MD, a general surgeon, to HSHS Medical Group General Surgery-Springfield, 301 N. Eighth St., Fifth Floor, in the HSHS St. John's Hospital Pavilion. Dr. Zhang specializes in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques. She cares for patients who need hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, appendix surgery or breast surgery, including care for benign breast conditions and breast cancer. Her advanced training in robotic approaches supports faster recovery and
UIS and the UIC College of Nursing Springfield Campus to host a “Nurse for a Day” program for high school students
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield and the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing Springfield campus will host a “Nurse for a Day” program for local high school students. Participants will explore nursing and athletic training facilities at UIS and have the opportunity to ask questions about applying to the pre-nursing program. WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 1 and 2 WHERE: UIC College of Nursing Springfield (located on the UIS campus), 2399 Nelson Algren Lane,
Potter Drug Offering On-Site Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinics for Businesses, Assisted Living & Senior Living Facilities
Potter Drug is now scheduling convenient, no-hassle flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics for local businesses, senior living facilities, and community organizations. Instead of sending employees or residents to the pharmacy, Potter Drug brings the clinic directly to you. We handle the vaccination process and make the clinic as simple and convenient as possible. Clinics are available for businesses of all sizes, independent and assisted living facilities, senior living communities, nursing and long-term-care
'Beer, Brats & Beginnings’ will highlight brewery’s connection to Springfield medical district
'BEER, BRATS & BEGINNINGS' TO HIGHLIGHT BREWERY'S CONNECTION TO MEDICAL DISTRICT Southern Illinois University School of Medicine wouldn’t be where it is today without the help of a local brewery. It is hosting an event to celebrate that fact on September 10. The Reisch Brewery opened in 1849 and for 117 years operated on the exact site of the medical school’s education building, at 801 North Rutledge St. in Springfield. Since its founding in 1970, SIU Medicine has
UIS athletic training program supports historic inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball League season
Faculty and students from the University of Illinois Springfield’s Master of Athletic Training program are gaining hands-on experience this summer while supporting athletes competing in the inaugural season of the Women’s Pro Baseball League at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield.Members of the UIS athletic training program are providing athletic training services to WPBL players, including injury prevention, mobility and warm-up support. The experience allows UIS students to apply what they are learning
LLCC educator receives international Outstanding Course Award
Jaclyn Tabor, Ph.D., instructional designer and instructor of sociology at Lincoln Land Community College, has been recognized by Instructure with the 2026 Outstanding Course Award, part of their Academic Excellence Awards. The award honors exceptional achievements in education and recognizes the impact of innovative teaching practices that enhance student learning. Dr. Tabor’s online, 16-week introduction to sociology course was selected for its cutting-edge PANDA module architecture,
UIS Visual Arts Gallery celebrates new location with faculty and alumni exhibition
The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery will open in a newly renovated space in the Public Affairs Center (PAC) this fall, marking the gallery’s first move in more than three decades.The new location reflects UIS’ continued investment in the visual arts and strengthens the role of contemporary art within campus life. Located in PAC 115, the new space provides a dedicated venue for exhibitions, artist talks and public programs in a central location on campus. The move places the gallery
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
DEFREEZER JOINS CWLP PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
City Water, Light and Power announces Dana DeFreezer has joined the utility as Public Information Officer (PIO). DeFreezer will work in the area of CWLP’s public information and communications, social media channels, websites, press communications, community events, and more.DeFreezer joins CWLP from Illinois College, where she successfully served as the Social Media Manager since 2023. In addition to expert social media content management, she brings a strong professional background in leading
LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES TAYLOR RHODES AS THE NEW BRANCH MANAGER OF EFFINGHAM SOUTH BRANCH
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced that Taylor Rhodes will now serve as Branch Manager of the Effingham South branch (2302 S. Banker St.). Rhodes will oversee the sales and operations of the Effingham South branch, as well as serving members as Loan Officer. Rhodes has been with LLCU for two years and during that time has successfully transitioned from the role of Teller to Universal Banker at LLCU’s at Vandalia, IL branch. Prior to working for LLCU, Rhodes worked at The FNB Community Bank.
AMERICAN PICKERS to Film in Iowa & Illinois
The American Pickers are excited to return to Illinois and Iowa! They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in September 2026. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable
Damon Priddy State Farm Launches ''Red Nets Program'' to Revitalize Community Basketball Courts
Springfield, IL — Damon Priddy State Farm is proud to announce the launch of its Red Nets Program, a community-driven initiative focused on replacing worn and missing basketball nets on courts throughout the Springfield area and surrounding communities. The Red Nets Program is designed to bring new life to local courts, creating a more welcoming and engaging environment for families, kids, and athletes of all ages. By identifying courts in need and installing fresh, vibrant red nets, the initiative aims
Damon Priddy State Farm Sponsors Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the Month of March in Partnership with United Way of Central Illinois
Damon Priddy Insurance & Financial Services - a State Farm Agency is proud to partner with the United Way of Central Illinois and its sponsorship of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for the month of March, reinforcing the agency’s continued commitment to education, literacy, and community investment. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a globally recognized literacy initiative founded by Dolly Parton that provides free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five. Each
