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
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Emmanuel (Manny) Mikaelson
Emmanuel (Manny) MikaelsonPresidentTPH Strategies (217) 241-4597mdavis@tphstrategies.com What products and services does your business offer? Tax Preparation - Individuals, businesses, trust Accounting - Monthly bookkeeping and payroll Tax Advisory What is one thing you'd like for people to know about your business? What I want people to know is that we don’t just file tax returns—we help clients understand the “why” behind their numbers. Too many people operate without clarity around their
Springfield Memorial Hospital Nationally Recognized for Expert Stroke Care
Springfield Memorial Hospital has been awarded the nation’s highest designation for stroke care for a sixth time. The Comprehensive Stroke Center designation, which SMH first earned in 2015, is the highest designation for stroke care given by The Joint Commission, the nonprofit organization that accredits healthcare organizations in the United States. This designation is awarded to hospitals that demonstrate the ability to provide expert, round-the-clock care for the most complex cases of stroke. SMH is
LLCC students win state geography awards
Lincoln Land Community College students, Conrad Charpentier, from Jacksonville; Julia Longstaff, from Springfield; and Ben Armbruster, from Springfield, were honored at the Illinois Geographical Society’s annual awards banquet held in Oglesby on April 24. Charpentier and Longstaff received Illinois Geographical Society’s Outstanding Community College Student Award. This award goes to students who excelled in one or more geography classes. Charpentier, an LLCC baseball player, will be attending the
CWLP ASKING CUSTOMERS TO COMPLETE WATER CONNECTIONS SURVEY
City Water, Light and Power is conducting its tri-annual State-mandated cross-connection (backflow) survey to help identify where non-potable water could enter the public system. Information on the surveys is included in the May CWLP bill statements.This survey, even for those without a lawn irrigation system or a pool, asks for confirmation of certain types of water connections.“Protecting Springfield’s water supply is one of our most important responsibilities, and this survey helps us identify potential
Roberts becomes licensed professional engineer
Evan Roberts, P.E., a structural engineer at Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters, recently earned his professional engineer license in Wisconsin. Roberts joined Hanson in 2019 as an intern before joining the company full time in 2021. He assists power generation and other clients, designing wastewater treatment facilities and electrical substation equipment foundations. He received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Hanson is
LLCC students win gold at Illinois SkillsUSA Competition
Lincoln Land Community College students Daniel Welchel, of Lincoln, and Tamara Rahman, of Rochester, took home gold medals in their respective categories at the 2026 Illinois SkillsUSA Championship held April 24-26 in Peoria. The wins qualify the students to compete at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference to be held in Atlanta, Ga., June 1-5, 2026. Welchel won gold in the heavy equipment operator category. Competitors rotated between six different stations and were evaluated on
Illinois Symphony Guilds Honor Region's Brightest Young Musicians with Annual Scholarship Awards
Springfield and Bloomington–Normal guilds recognize outstanding young talent; combined scholarships total more than $9,000SPRINGFIELD and BLOOMINGTON–NORMAL, Ill. — The Illinois Symphony Orchestra's two regional guilds recently concluded their 2026 Scholarship Auditions, recognizing exceptional young musicians across the region with awards totaling more than $9,000 in combined scholarship support. From a pianist's near-perfect score in Springfield to a violinist's commanding performance of Mozart in
Students at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign raise over $100,000 for HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital
A year of student-led fundraising recently culminated in a high-energy, 10-hour “no-sitting” dance marathon, where the largest student-run philanthropic organization at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announced it had raised $102,010.13 for HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital. Founded in 2007, IlliniThon sponsors events throughout the year – such as a 5K race, auctions, trivia nights and more – to increase community engagement and raise funds for St. John’s Children’s Hospital, the local
City of Springfield to Remove Downtown Parking Meters
The City of Springfield will begin removing parking meters from the downtown area as part of an ongoing effort to beautify downtown and create a more welcoming experience for residents and visitors alike. Parking downtown is free and will continue to be free. Parking signs will continue to designate the amount of time motorists have in a parking space. Parking enforcement officers will continue to patrol the downtown area and enforce the timed parking zones. Motorists are encouraged to look for signage
CWLP’S WATER DIVISION LEADER LAFOUNTAIN AWARDED FOR WATER INDUSTRY SERVICE
City Water, Light and Power’s Water Division Director Todd LaFountain was presented the Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association’s (ISAWWA’s) Distinguished Service Award at the group’s annual conference last month. The “Clifford H. Fore” award is presented to a member of the ISAWWA whom reflects a commitment to public service above and beyond required duties and has made advancements for the water industry. Heather Schmidt, Interim Executive Director of the ISAWWA, said LaFountain was well
Media Advisory: UIS to hold 55th annual commencement ceremonies May 9
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will hold its 55th annual commencement with two ceremonies in downtown Springfield, organized by academic college. A total of 1,020 students are expected to participate out of the 1,561 students eligible to graduate. WHEN: Saturday, May 912:30 p.m. - Graduates from the College of Health, Science and Technology and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences5:30 p.m. - Graduates from the College of Business and Management and the College of
UIS study shows Illinois residents split on Chicago Bears relocation
A new analysis from the University of Illinois Springfield Center for State Policy and Leadership, originally published by NPR Illinois, explores Illinois residents’ opinions on the potential relocation of the Chicago Bears and the use of public funding for a new stadium.The analysis is based on a survey of 1,000 Illinois residents conducted in March 2026 after details of a proposed stadium offer from Indiana became public. Respondents were drawn from across the state and selected to be representative of
UIS Performing Arts Center Director Bryan Rives to Retire; Sarah Brewer Named Interim Director
The University of Illinois Springfield announces that Bryan Rives, Director of the UIS Performing Arts Center, will retire effective June 30, 2026, concluding nine years of impactful leadership and service to the performing arts center, the campus and central Illinois community. During his tenure, Rives has played a vital role in elevating the UIS Performing Arts Center as a premier destination for arts and entertainment, while strengthening relationships with patrons, donors, and community partners. His
Springfield Community Connection in Ward 4 with Mayor Buscher and Alderman Larry Rockford
As part of the City of Springfield’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, Mayor Misty Buscher is continuing the Springfield Community Connections ward events with a new session scheduled for Thursday, May 21st, 2026. These events are designed to create more accessible and personal opportunities for residents to engage directly with City leadership. Residents are invited to meet with Mayor Buscher, their Alderperson, and senior staff from key City departments. The sessions offer one-on-one
Andrew Squires Named April Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health System Resources
Memorial Health has named electrician Andrew Squires as the April Colleague of the Month for System Resources.Squires joined Memorial Health in April 2021 and is a key member of the engineering team, where he supports critical electrical systems that keep facilities operating safely and reliably. Colleagues say his blend of technical expertise, calm under pressure and pride in his workmanship sets the standard.“Andrew is the heart and soul of the electric shop in engineering,” wrote the nominator. “He draws
SMART OUTDOOR WATERING TIPS-DRINKING WATER WEEK
City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) strives to help customers get the greatest value for every dollar they spend on water service. Toward this end, the utility works to educate customers on the value of water efficiency and sponsors programs aimed at helping them improve their own water efficiency without requiring them to sacrifice comfort and convenience. In recognition of Drinking Water Week, CWLP is sharing smart outdoor water use tips and is inviting customers to pick up a free rain gauge from its
THE LEVITT AMP SPRINGFIELD MUSIC SERIES ROCKS ITS SEVENTH SEASON IN DOWNTOWN SPRINGFIELD
The Springfield Area Arts Council is excited to announce the return of the Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series to downtown Springfield for a seventh season on Thursday nights starting May 28 through July 30, 2026. Presented by PNC, the 10-week live concert series will feature a diverse lineup of performers from across the world. Entertainment begins at 6:15 p.m. every Thursday in the vacant block north of the Illinois Governor’s Mansion at Fifth St. and Capitol Ave. The newly announced full band lineup is
Westside Market Brings 100+ Vendors and Community Vibes to Springfield This Summer
Fed Kitchen, Papo’s Café and Shayna Gibbons Keeley Boutique are excited to launch the second season of the Westside Market, happening the 2nd Sunday of each month from June through November from 2PM-5PM. This outdoor market will feature 100+ vendors all season long, offering fresh produce, handmade goods, boutique items, local food, and more. Guests can enjoy: - Live music - Beer garden - Kids crafts - Local meat, eggs & produce - Professional micro mini photo sessions - Food & local made
Run, walk for tiniest patients: Little Miracles 5K supports premature, critically ill newborns
Area residents are invited to lace up their running or walking shoes for the smallest lives by participating in the Little Miracles 5K set for 9 a.m. Saturday, June 20 at Springfield’s Washington Park. The yearly event raises funds to enhance care, technology and family support services in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital. The NICU annually serves 850 premature or critically ill infants across an 80-mile radius and 45 counties as the only Level III NICU in the
Amanda Drain Named April Colleague of the Month at Springfield Memorial Hospital
Springfield Memorial Hospital has named Amanda Drain, RN, as the April Colleague of the Month. Drain joined Springfield Memorial Hospital in March 2021 and is appreciated as a dependable, hands-on nurse who supports her team and patients throughout each shift.Colleagues say Drain is the kind of nurse who never hesitates to step in wherever she is needed, whether that means assisting with a patient’s mobility and personal care or taking on extra tasks when staffing is tight.“When I see her on the schedule as
LLCC highlights role in $27.2 billion statewide economic impact, supporting more than 324,000 jobs
Illinois Community College Board data shows that Illinois’ community colleges are a powerful driver of the state’s economy, generating $27.2 billion in total economic impact and supporting 324,273 jobs statewide, according to a recently released economic impact study. The report, “The Economic Value of the Community Colleges of Illinois,” reflects fiscal year 2023-24 data and underscores the critical role community colleges — including Lincoln Land Community College — play in workforce development,
Springfield Police Department to host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Boys & Girls Club for Outdoor Basketball Court
The Springfield Police Department will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, Illinois, celebrating the completion of a new outdoor basketball court sponsored by the Springfield Police Department and funded by the Senator Doris Turner Community Connections Grant. This court is one of two community basketball courts funded by the grant, with the second court located at 2108 E. Laurel Street in partnership with The Outlet. These projects
April Price named April Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health Ambulatory Group
April Price, a patient service specialist with Memorial Care in Chatham, has been named April Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group.Multiple colleagues nominated Price for the honor, noting her kindness with patients and her willingness to step in wherever she is needed, including support for the urgent care team in the clinic.“April goes above and beyond for every patient she encounters and even those who aren't technically her patients,” wrote one nominator.Price has worked for
CWLP’S ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT RELEASED
City Water, Light and Power’s newest water quality report is now online for viewing and available to customers, 2025 Water Quality Report In 2025, CWLP-produced drinking water met all USEPA and State of Illinois drinking water health standards and no violations of a contaminant level or any other water quality standard occurred. The information in the report also outlines the multiple levels of monitoring undertaken to evaluate the production of drinking water.CWLP’s Water Division operates a 24-hour
LLCC Commencement planned for May 15
Lincoln Land Community College will conduct commencement exercises on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield. Alexis Bowman of Palmyra has been selected as this year’s commencement speaker. She is earning an associate of applied science degree with an emphasis in construction management. Alexis has served an internship at O’Shea Builders, where she will continue to grow her career upon graduation. Addison Patrick of Chatham and Elle Walker of Springfield are
Route 66 Motorheads to Host MarathonsAcrossAmerica.com Centennial Cultural Program Honoring the Journey of Tomasz Sobania
As part of the City of Springfield’s 100th anniversary celebration of Route 66, Route 66 Motorheads will host a Centennial cultural gathering on Saturday, June 6 centered on the journey of endurance runner Tomasz Sobania. The day begins with the independently organized Route 66 Centennial 5K Footrace to be held at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and continues at Motorheads with an invitation only MarathonsAcrossAmerica.com cultural program inspired by Tomasz Sobania’s run across the United States and the
Springfield Memorial Hospital Accredited as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center
Springfield Memorial Hospital (SMH) recently earned a three-year accreditation as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) for 2026-2028. “This Level 4 designation means our team performs the most advanced testing and provides wide‑ranging treatment and support for individuals living with drug‑resistant or difficult‑to‑manage seizures,” said Christopher McDowell, MD, interim chair for SIU Department of Neurology. “This designation affirms our commitment to
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Regina K. Homawoo
Regina K. HomawooSr. Planning & Business Development AnalystMemorial Health (217) 788-3835homawoo.regina@mhsil.comWhat products and services does your business offer? For the people of Central Illinois, Memorial Health is more than a health system; it's a partner. When a health crisis strikes, Springfield Memorial Hospital is ready. As a major teaching hospital, it handles everything from emergencies and surgery to intensive care and complex diagnostics. But Memorial Health's commitment to the community
LLCC Choir and Band to perform spring concerts
The Lincoln Land Community College Choir and Band invite the public to upcoming free concerts on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd., and in the community. The LLCC Choir will present a joint concert, “Fly & Shine” on Friday, May 1 at 1 p.m. in A. Lincoln Commons. The choir concert, directed by Dr.See Tsai Chan, adjunct professor of music, will feature music in various styles, including gospel, spirituals, musical theatre, classical works and more. Soloists include Zaiden Cormier of
Safranski celebrates 20 years with Hanson
Elizabeth Safranski, a traffic modeler at Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Springfield headquarters, recently celebrated 20 years of service at the firm. Safranski, who joined Hanson in 2006, has prepared traffic and travel-demand models for various transportation projects, including the Capitol Avenue streetscape design and beautification, Springfield rail consolidation study, Interstate 55 reconstruction and widening and Stanford Avenue extension, all in Springfield; a roadway study for the
MEMORIAL HEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP LAUNCHES 2026 TICKET PROMOTION VISIT SPRINGFIELD TO PROVIDE FREE ADMISSION
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, Executive Director. “This year will feature new on-course experiences, and thanks to our continued partnership with Visit
LLCC professor Dean Butzow honored
Dean Butzow of Chatham, professor of geography at Lincoln Land Community College, was recently recognized as a 2026 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award winner by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) at their annual conference in Seattle. The distinction, named for former AACC President and CEO Dale P. Parnell, was established to recognize individuals who demonstrate passion for the students and the classroom; show willingness to support students, inside and outside of the
UIS Good as Gold awards honor nearly 40 community volunteers, organizations and businesses
The University of Illinois Springfield, Junior League of Springfield and the United Way of Central Illinois honored more than 40 Sangamon County volunteers, businesses and organizations during the 19th annual Good as Gold Ceremony on April 20 in the UIS Student Union. The Good as Gold Ceremony was started in 2008 to honor people, businesses and organizations who freely give their time and talents to make Sangamon County a better place to live. Distinguished Volunteer Award Shirley McCandless
UIS, tenured and tenure-track faculty union reach tentative deal; classes resume Monday
The University of Illinois Springfield and the UPI Local 4100 Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Union have reached a tentative agreement on the terms of a three-year contract. Union members have agreed to resume teaching on Monday, April 20, with classes expected to return to their regular schedules.In the coming weeks, both parties will complete their respective approval processes. Full details of the contract terms will be available for public release following that process.The University is grateful to all
Knob Hill Landscape Company Acquires Designer Landscapes in Farmersville
Knob Hill Landscape Company is proud to announce the acquisition of Designer Landscapes, a well-respected landscape business based in Farmersville, Illinois. This transition marks an exciting step forward for Knob Hill Landscape Company as it continues to grow its presence across central Illinois. Designer Landscapes has built a strong reputation in softscape and landscape maintenance services, serving the area for over 40 years. Knob Hill is honored to carry that legacy forward while continuing to provide
Engineering Society of Illinois chapter honors Fiorito
Ryne Fiorito, P.E., S.E., the building structural discipline manager at Hanson Professional Services Inc., has been named Engineer of the Year by the Capital Chapter of the Engineering Society of Illinois (ESI). Fiorito, who joined Hanson in 2009 and works at the Springfield headquarters, is a member of ESI and was named the Capital Chapter’s Young Engineer of the Year in 2017. He manages Hanson’s building structural engineering discipline and performs design, development and construction services for
LLCC Juried Student Art Show winners announced Exhibit open through May 7
The Lincoln Land Community College 2026 Student Art Show is now on display through May 7, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Trutter Museum/James S. Murray Gallery, located on the upper floor of Menard Hall, Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. Students in LLCC’s integrated media design and associate in fine arts tracks submitted pieces for competition. During the reception, games from the Games Systems and Design classes were available for play and films and animation from the Film and Special Effects class
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,
Ambassador of the Quarter Maggie Gullo
Maggie Gullo Account Executive LRS Web Solutions(217) 862-9727maggie.gullo@lrs.com In the first quarter of 2026, Maggie Gullo, Account Executive, LRS Web Solutions earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Maggie had one member lead join The Chamber, made 11 member contacts, attended six ribbon cuttings, worked at four Chamber on Tap events, and attended three Ambassador committee meetings. Maggie will receive a gift card to a Chamber member business. Earning honorable mention for the 1st Quarter
How Springfield Businesses Use Media Kits to Shape Their Coverage
A media kit — also called a press kit — is a curated package of materials that gives journalists, investors, and partners what they need to write about or evaluate your business without having to track you down. Here's the number that matters: the Public Relations Society of America found that 75% of journalists use media kits when researching stories. For businesses in Springfield — a state capital where policy developments, chamber events, and community milestones create real local coverage
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
