The ISP Heritage Foundation will host its 2026 Southern Golf Outing on Monday, October 12, at Illini Country Club, 1601 Illini Road in Springfield. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by an 11 a.m. shotgun start. The outing includes green fees and a cart, lunch, drinks on the course and a social hour with appetizers after the round. Registration is $600 for a foursome or $150 for an individual. Sponsorships are also available at the Captain ($2,500), Lieutenant ($1,500), Master Sergeant ($750),
The University of Illinois Springfield will welcome alumni, students, faculty, staff and community members to campus Oct. 4-10 for Homecoming 2026. This year’s theme, “Once a Star, Always a Star,” celebrates Prairie Star pride and the lasting connections members of the UIS community share.Homecoming events for alumni and the community include:Prairie Star soccer and Homecoming tailgate, Oct. 7: The UIS women’s soccer team will face UIndy at 4 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium, followed by a Homecoming tailgate from
The Springfield Fire Department, in partnership with the Illinois Licensed Beverage Association, honored three Springfield firefighters with the prestigious Hometown Hero Award for their courageous, life-saving actions during a structure fire earlier this year. On March 11, 2026, at approximately 1 p.m., Springfield Fire Department crews responded to a severe structure fire at a local apartment building. Engine 8 was the first company to arrive on the scene, encountering heavy smoke and advanced fire
Today, Springfield Police Chief Joe Behl had the honor of swearing in twelve new Springfield Police officers during a ceremony attended by Mayor Misty Buscher, city officials, and proud family and friends. Each officer officially took the oath of service, marking the beginning of their careers with the Springfield Police Department. The Springfield Police Department proudly welcomes the following officers to its ranks: Tayor Barlow, Sean Coffey, Mackenzie Durst, Zachary Frazho, Connor Goett, Dalton
We can help! Tickets are on sale now for Sojourn Shelter & Services' 7th annual "Stand-Up for Sojourn!" comedy event fundraiser on Friday, October 16 at Pole barn Chic Events, 4491 Old Chatham Rd., Springfield. Doors open at 6:30 pm. This year's comedian is St. Louis-based Arvin Mitchell, who performed locally before expanding to national and international stages. He was a runner‑up on BET’s Coming to the Stage and co‑hosted Club Comic View with J. Anthony Brown. Mitchell’s comedic style blends impressions,
Jeremy Logue AVP, Mortgage LendingHeartland Credit Union (217) 726-2101 Ext. 236 jlogue@hcu.orgWhat products and services does your business offer? Mortgage purchases Mortgage refinances HELOCs Auto Loans Personal Loans Savings Accounts Checking Accounts Heartland Credit Union offers a variety of products and services for all stages of life. Members can enjoy the convenience of one of our three locations in Springfield or our user-friendly online services. What is one thing you’d like
The Springfield Park District invites the community to experience Southwind Park in a whole new way at the return of the Night Glow Festival on Tuesday, September 29th. The family-friendly event will feature food trucks, music starting at 5:30 p.m. provided by DJ Blake, and the illumination of 10 hot air balloons as they light up the evening sky at Southwind Park. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to watch the balloons inflate, enjoy food from local vendors, and find the perfect viewing spot. The
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College will host the exhibit “Unboxed: A Study in Black and Primary” Sept. 28-Oct. 23. The exhibit features works by Illinois native Austin Wells who uses cardboard, primary colors, mixed media and layered imagery. The public is invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and attend an artist discussion with light refreshments in the museum/gallery on Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The museum and gallery are located on the upper
The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is pleased to announce the addition of Tobias Lewis as its grants and scholarships manager.In this role, Lewis will oversee the administration and coordination of the Community Foundation’s competitive grantmaking and scholarship programs, including supporting review committees and serving as the primary point of contact for non-profits, scholarship applicants, and community partners.“I’ve always wanted to do work that allows me to connect with and serve
The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS will return to Springfield June 14–20, 2027, marking the 12th year of the annual Korn Ferry Tour event and continuing a tradition that has become a highlight of the summer for the Central Illinois community. The 2027 Championship will shift one week earlier on the Korn Ferry Tour schedule, with tournament week officially kicking off Monday, June 14. The four rounds of competition will take place Thursday, June 17 through Sunday, June 20. Over the past 12
DENIM & DIAMONDS BRINGS 'SHIMMERING HOPE' TO PATIENTS AND FAMILIES ACROSS CENTRAL ILLINOIS SEPTEMBER 21, 2026SPRINGFIELD, ILL. Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine will host its 26th annual Denim & Diamonds fundraising gala on Saturday, Oct. 10. The signature event features auctions, raffles, live entertainment and dinner to support local cancer research and patient programs. Proceeds benefit cancer studies and services that improve the lives of
THE INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENONWILL PLAY IN 47 NORTH AMERICAN CITIES “THE PHENOMENON ROLLS ON!...THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A RIVERDANCE!” – New York Times “A TRIUMPH OF PURE SPECTACLE, RIVERDANCE WEAVES A POWERFUL SPELL THAT CAN LEAVE AN AUDIENCE BREATHLESS.” – Toronto Sun “THE SHOW IS QUITE SIMPLY INCREDIBLE.” – Washington Times Abhann Productions is thrilled to announce that RIVERDANCE 30 - The New Generation, the international phenomenon seen by over 30 million people worldwide, will return to UIS
Comedian, New York Times Best Selling Author, Emmy-winning journalist, musician Billboard-topping musician and creator of the viral sensation, The Manitowoc Minute, Charlie Berens has announced 31 additional dates to The Lost & Found Tour across North America in 2027, with a stop at Springfield’s UIS Performing Arts Center on Sunday, February 7, 2027. His previous Good Old Fashioned Tour played 127 shows in 88 cities and was shot for his latest stand up special, “Neighborly,” a follow-up to 2023’s “Midwest
The University of Illinois Springfield has been ranked the top public regional university in Illinois for an eighth year by U.S. News & World Report. The 2027 Best Colleges rankings, released today, also place UIS 10th among public regional universities in the Midwest.“We are proud to once again be recognized as the top public regional university in Illinois,” said UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. “This ranking speaks to the quality and value of a UIS education and our commitment to creating opportunities for
September 22, 2026: The Springfield Area Arts Council and a local independent theater group will present three staged readings of The Turnaway Play by Lesley Lisa Greene at First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., on October 9, 10, and 11. Each reading begins at 7 p.m. A panel discussion will follow the October 10 reading. Inspired by the Turnaway Study, the play explores what happens when people are denied access to abortion. The study followed women who received or were denied abortions,
On Thursday, October 1, northbound traffic on Veterans Parkway at Lindbergh Boulevard will be reduced to one lane while CWLP crews replace a damaged overhead traffic signal. The westbound right-turn lane to Lindbergh Boulevard will also be blocked. Work will begin at 4 am, weather permitting, and is expected to be complete by noon. Motorists should plan to take alternative routes to avoid delays and should slow down and drive with caution around this work zone.
The University of Illinois Springfield will host an open house for prospective students and their families from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, in the Student Union, located at 2251 Richard Wright Drive on the UIS campus.The event will give prospective students and their families an opportunity to learn more about UIS academic programs, campus life, student services and the admissions process.Visitors can explore campus through guided campus and residence hall tours, attend an academic fair featuring
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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.
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
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
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
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,
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.
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
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
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, 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
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, 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 (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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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
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 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
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
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 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