CREWS RESPONDING TO POWER OUTAGES
Electric crews are responding to power outages following damage caused by storms with high winds last night that broke several poles and brought power lines down. Damage assessment and crew work is underway by CWLP, contract crews, City personnel and other first responders. Crews are working to restore power to the largest groups of customers as quickly and safely as possible.At the height of the storms over 5,300 customers were impacted. Current outages as of 9:15 a.m. are at 1,270 customers located in
Springfield’s Mary Bryant Home celebrates 80 years of service to blind and visually impaired community
The Mary Bryant Home for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Springfield, Illinois, is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026, marking eight decades of providing safe, supportive and independent housing for adults who are blind or visually impaired in central Illinois. Licensed by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Mary Bryant Home is a certified supportive living community serving up 42 residents ages 22 and older. The home offers health care, dining, activities and support
DR. IAN MARTIN SELECTED AS NEXT PROVOST, DEAN AND CEO OF SIU MEDICINE
Southern Illinois University has selected Ian B.K. Martin, M.D., M.B.A., FACEP, FAAEM, to serve as the next provost and dean of SIU School of Medicine. Martin will also serve as CEO of SIU Medicine, the school’s faculty practice. Martin was selected following a highly competitive national search because of his extensive experience in academic and clinical leadership and health system strategy, along with his commitment to mission-driven healthcare. Throughout the process, he distinguished himself as a
Study finds waste sites with cancer-causing chemicals more common near marginalized communities
A new nationwide study led by a University of Illinois Springfield faculty member finds that people in lower-income communities and communities of color are more likely to live near sites where industries dispose of cancer-causing chemicals. The research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute.Jessica M. Madrigal, associate professor in the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability and Public Health in the UIS College of Health,
Smarter Visual Marketing for Professional Services Using Adobe Firefly
What Is Adobe Firefly? Adobe Firefly is a generative artificial intelligence application that produces high quality images, videos, and audio clips from simple text descriptions. It operates by interpreting natural language commands and turning them into professional visual and auditory assets that can be customized for various media platforms. All files generated through its features out of beta are fully cleared for commercial use because the system was trained exclusively on licensed Adobe Stock images
Krista Kinison Named May Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health, System Resources
Memorial Health has named Krista Kinison as the May Colleague of the Month for System Resources. Kinison joined Memorial Health in November 2021 and works as an insurance pre-authorization specialist in patient access services. Colleagues describe her as a steady, generous presence in the department and someone who brings expertise and warmth to every interaction, regardless of what is happening around her. "Krista is a valuable resource in many ways, consistently maintaining a great attitude and a calm,
Artist in the Park Kicks Off Summer Season with Strong Attendance
The Springfield Area Arts Council is celebrating a successful start to the 2026 Artist in the Park at Food Truck Fridays season after welcoming nearly 200 attendees to the kickoff event on May 29. The organization invites the community to join them for the remaining nine weeks of free live entertainment in downtown Springfield. Held at Union Square Park, 500 E. Madison Street, the opening performance featured Mike Anderson the Dulcimer Guy and brought together residents, downtown workers, and visitors for
Misty Buffenmeyer Named May Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health Ambulatory Group
Misty Buffenmeyer, an advanced practice provider at Memorial Care Urgent Care on US 36 East in Decatur, has been named May Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Buffenmeyer joined Memorial Health in March 2024 and has distinguished herself as a provider who combines clinical precision with compassion. Colleagues say she brings the same calm, solutions-focused approach to every patient encounter. Nominated for her ability to make patients feel heard while maintaining efficiency,
Deborah Edmonson Named May Colleague of the Month at Springfield Memorial Hospital
Springfield Memorial Hospital (SMH) has named Deborah Edmonson, RN, as its May Colleague of the Month. Edmonson has been a nurse at SMH since October 1997, spending nearly three decades caring for patients on the 5A/G Adult Psych unit. She is a colleague others look to for both her clinical knowledge and the steady, empathetic presence she brings on even the most demanding days. She works across multiple units, remains kind and hardworking regardless of the challenges in front of her, and takes time to
CWLP WATER PLANT OPEN HOUSE SET FOR NEXT CITY COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS EVENT
Mayor Misty Buscher invites the public to an open house at the City Water, Light and Power Water Plant for the next City Community Connections event to learn about Springfield’s water supply and purification process. CWLP customers, friends and family are encouraged to attend the open house on Monday, June 15 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the plant located at 3100 Stevenson Drive.On the front lawn of the water plant, guests will have the chance to meet Water Department staff, see equipment, earn giveaways,
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Kyle Edmiston
Kyle H. Edmiston, ChFC®Financial AdvisorEdward Jones (217) 606-0696Kyle.Edmiston@edwardjones.comWhat products and services does your business offer? Edward Jones is a full‑service financial firm offering investment management, financial planning, insurance, retirement, estate, and banking solutions to individuals, families, and business owners. 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
LLCC offering free Media Makers Camps
Lincoln Land Community College is offering free Media Makers Camps July 13-16 for rising high school sophomores, juniors and seniors to get an introductory, inside-look at the field of 21st-century graphic design, also known as integrated media design. The camps will be held at LLCC-Medical District, 130 W. Mason St., Springfield. Each camp is four days with morning (9 a.m. to noon) and afternoon (1-4 p.m.) options. The morning camp will focus on digital photography and video. The afternoon camp will
Lake Springfield Host to State Bass Fishing Tournament
Lake Springfield is host to the Illinois High School Coaches and Student State Tournament for bass fishing on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday May 31. The Lindsay Boat Launches will be reserved for the tournament beginning Friday, May 29th at 10 p.m. through Sunday, May 31st around 3 p.m. The Harbor Point and Sailboat Launches in Center Park, the Spaulding Dam Launch and Marine Point Launch will remain open to the public.The public is invited to attend and view from the Lindsay Boat Launch but the launches will
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Robert Patterson
Robert PattersonFinancial Advisor - Asst. Vice President PNC Wealth Management (217) 753-7162r.patterson@pnc.com What products and services does your business offer? Comprehensive Financial Planning, Retirement Planning, Investment Solutions, Tax-Efficient Investments, Life and LTC Insurance Planning What is one thing you'd like for people to know about your business? The names, faces, and circumstances may change and vary, but if there's one inescapable pattern to the markets and investing it's
LLCC to host Campus Visit Day June 16
Prospective students interested in starting or restarting college, training for a hands-on career or building new skills are invited to visit Lincoln Land Community College for Campus Visit Day on Tuesday, June 16, 5-7:30 p.m. The free event will be held at LLCC’s Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd. “Campus Visit Day is a great opportunity for students to explore what’s possible at LLCC,” said LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D. “Whether they’re pursuing a transfer degree, preparing for a workforce
CWLP EV Charger Installations Underway
City Water, Light and Power’s first sets of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have been installed and are now in operation at multiple sites across Springfield. When complete, the project will provide 40 charging ports across nine locations citywide. In an effort to advance Springfield's infrastructure to support clean transportation options, these ports are being deployed to sites where driving patterns match sites with potential for high usage.The first chargers are operational at University of
Johnson celebrates 25 years with Hanson
Bob Johnson, a senior technician at Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters, recently celebrated 25 years of service with the firm. Johnson, who joined the company in 2001, has provided computer-aided design and drafting services for transportation projects, including the Springfield Rail Improvements Project; replacement of the eastbound span of the McClugage Bridge in Peoria and Tazewell counties; widening and reconstruction of a 22-mile section of Interstate 90 (Jane Addams
Springfield Fire Department Launches Residential Knox HomeBox® Loaner Program as Part of Community Risk Reduction Efforts
The City of Springfield and the Springfield Fire Department are proud to announce the relaunch of the Residential Knox HomeBox® Loaner Program. This loaner program is a proactive initiative focused on reducing risk, improving emergency response times, and enhancing community safety. As part of the department’s Community Risk Reduction (CRR) strategy, the program addresses a common challenge during emergencies: delayed access into homes. During fires, medical emergencies, or alarm activations, firefighters
The Lorene Montgomery Miley Estate Makes Sizable Donation to Springfield Memorial Foundation
The estate of Lorene Montgomery Miley donated $434,000 to the Springfield Memorial Foundation in December 2025, a gift that will help fund the purchase of state-of-the-art medical equipment for Springfield Memorial Hospital (SMH) over the next several years. “Lorene was a 1935 graduate of the Memorial School of Nursing here in Springfield, which ran from 1899 to 1975,” said SMH president and CEO Jay Roszhart. “That is where her career and lifelong interest in helping others was realized and nurtured. We
UIS adds four electric vehicle charging ports in partnership with City Water, Light and Power
The University of Illinois Springfield, in partnership with Springfield’s City Water, Light and Power (CWLP), has installed four electric vehicle charging ports on campus.UIS’ first charging stations are in Lot I North near The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) with four reserved parking spots. Each has a 240-volt Level 2 charger that delivers 25–35 miles of range per hour. Charging costs will be set by CWLP.“This partnership reflects UIS’ commitment to providing sustainable options that support our
SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT’S GIETL PARK REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
The Springfield Park District is pleased to announce the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the redevelopment of Gietl Park. The ribbon cutting for Gietl Park, taking place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Noon at the splash pad, located in Gietl Park. The Springfield Park District received a $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to support this redevelopment project, which included a splash pad, family-friendly park shelter for gatherings and events, concrete plazas and
CEFCU PRESENTS GAMEDAY AT THE MEMORIAL HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY LRS EVENT FOR JUNIORS AGES 8–18
Tournament officials announced the launch of registrations for its annual junior initiative, a fan-favorite youth event: GAMEDAY, presented by CEFCU. This special event will take place on Tuesday, June 23rd, during tournament week. Aimed at juniors ages 8–18, GAMEDAY returns for the eighth year, made possible by the continued support of local sponsor CEFCU. The program is free of charge, but participants must register in advance and is limited to fifty kids. GAMEDAY is a program of the Fellowship of
LLCC honors 2026 Pearson/Gordon Master Teacher and Distinguished Service Awards
Lincoln Land Community College honored recipients of the 2026 Pearson/Gordon Master Teacher and Distinguished Service Awards at the 32nd annual Employee Recognition and Appreciation Ceremony on May 13. Special service anniversaries and retirees were also recognized. Diana Coffman, Ph.D. of Auburn, professor of biology, was named 2026 Drs. Raymond and Ann Pearson and Dr. Claire Gordon Master Teacher. The award is presented to an outstanding full-time LLCC faculty member who practices his or her profession
LLCC offering free Career Quest Camps
Lincoln Land Community College is offering free Career Quest camps this summer to introduce students to a variety of professions. Camps will be held in June and July at the Springfield campus. High school students and recent graduates can explore career pathways in greater depth. The Build & Wire Skills Camp introduces construction and electrical careers, giving participants the opportunity to use professional tools, learn basic wiring and complete a woodworking project. The Hospitality Leadership Launch
Hanson elects Swango, Comerio, Merrihew to boards of directors
Shelby Swango, P.E., a senior vice president and the infrastructure market principal at Hanson Professional Services Inc. who works at the Indianapolis office, has been elected to the board of directors for Hanson Group Inc., the firm’s holding company. Tony Comerio, P.E., CFM, a vice president, the environmental practice lead and chief water resources engineer at Hanson who works at the Springfield, Illinois, headquarters, and Todd Merrihew, a senior vice president and the aviation market principal at
Sports physicals available at select HSHS Medical Group clinics in Springfield
Two HSHS Medical Group clinics in Springfield are offering sports physicals for children 18 years old or younger for a $20 flat rate now through Sept. 30. Now is the time to get the physical completed well before the sports season starts. No appointment is necessary; walk into one of these convenient locations: HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care (Pediatrics Only) – Springfield2901 Old Jacksonville Road, Springfield217-698-9722 HSHS Medical Group Priority Care – South MacArthur1836 S. MacArthur
2025 Police Meritorious Awards
The Springfield Police Department held its annual awards ceremony on May 14, 2026. Chief of Police Joseph Behl and PB & PA Unit #5 President Tamara Russell presented the following awards recognizing outstanding work during the 2025 calendar year.Civilian of the Year Awarded to the civilian employee who exhibits a strong work ethic and goes above and beyond their job duties. The 2025 award was presented to Kalvin Gaskill. Kalvin has served the Springfield Police Department for nearly three years as its
Women for Women Awards Record $70,000 to Central Illinois Nonprofits Supporting Women and Children
Women for Women Awards Record $70,000 to Central Illinois Nonprofits Supporting Women and Children SPRINGFIELD, IL – Women for Women awarded a record-breaking $70,000 in grants to three local nonprofits during its 18th Annual Grant Reception on Wednesday, May 13, recognizing organizations addressing some of central Illinois’ most pressing challenges facing women and children.This year’s grants will support programs focused on childhood food insecurity, family support services, and care for children facing
MEMORIAL HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP LAUNCHES 2026 TICKET PROMOTION
MEMORIAL HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP LAUNCHES 2026 TICKET PROMOTIONVISIT SPRINGFIELD TO PROVIDE FREE ADMISSION Springfield, IL — The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS announces the continuation of its partnership with Visit Springfield to provide free access to all four rounds of this year’s Korn Ferry Tour competition. The tournament will take place June 25 – June 28 at Panther Creek Country Club. “We are excited to welcome fans back for another incredible week of golf,” said Kate Peters,
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
