LLCC honors veterans at 31st annual Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11
Lincoln Land Community College will honor veterans at its 31st annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. in A. Lincoln Commons on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road, and a reception will follow. The public is invited to attend. The Chatham American Legion, Post 759 will post the colors. The program includes LLCC President Curt Oldfield, Ed.D. serving as master of ceremonies; LLCC Trustee Vicki Davis, Ed.D., retired Lt. Colonel, Illinois Air
Illinois Innocence Project 25th anniversary gala to honor exonerees and founding director
WHAT: The Illinois Innocence Project (IIP) at the University of Illinois Springfield will celebrate 25 years of fighting to free innocent people with an anniversary gala. The event will feature spoken word, live music, the presentation of the 2026 Defender of the Innocent Award and Lifetime Defender of the Innocent Award and recognition of more than 30 freed and exonerated individuals who will attend. The event is open to the media. Tickets are required for public attendance.WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026.
UIS to honor veterans with yellow ribbons, flag ceremony, speaker and open house
The University of Illinois Springfield will honor military service members and veterans with a series of campus events leading up to and on Veterans Day, including the annual placement of hundreds of yellow ribbons on campus trees, a keynote address by an Illinois National Guard general, a flag ceremony and an open house at the Military and Veteran Student Resource Center. Yellow Ribbon Placement — 3 p.m. Nov. 6UIS students will place hundreds of yellow ribbons on trees along University Drive, Vachel
Dawne Eldridge Named Colleague of the Month for MH Ambulatory Group
Dawne Eldridge, a transitional care manager with Memorial Care Coordination Services, has been named October Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Eldridge works closely with patients identified as high risk for hospital readmission. She follows patients with complex health needs after they leave the hospital, providing an intensive, easy-to-follow care plan for 45 days to support their recovery and help them avoid unnecessary readmissions. Her support extends to her colleagues
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Ethan J. Posey
Ethan J. PoseyDirector of Community Relations City of Springfield (217) 789-2270ethan.posey@springfield.il.us What products and services does your business offer? The Office of Community Relations addresses landlord/tenant issues within the city of Springfield, coordinates efforts of the Homeless Outreach Team, is in charge of the BUILD Springfield Program, created the My First Home Initiative, and collaborates with non-profit organizations and small businesses to give city support to local events and
Zach Norman, RN, Named October Colleague of the Month at Springfield Memorial Hospital
Zach Norman, RN, a specialty resource nurse in the Emergency Department (ED), has been named October Colleague of the Month at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Norman, who joined Memorial Health in February 2014, was recognized for helping lead sepsis improvement work in the ED. He supports order optimization, bedside education, documentation improvement, data review and the development of case studies. His nominator said Norman frequently takes initiative and ownership of the work. He connects clinical
UIS students collect 6,220 pounds of food during Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods
University of Illinois Springfield students collected 6,220 pounds of food during the annual Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods event on Halloween. Eight teams consisting of 119 students went door to door in Springfield neighborhoods collecting canned goods and other nonperishable food items.The food will benefit the UIS Cares Food Pantry and Central Illinois Foodbank, which distributes food to partner agencies across 21 counties in central and southern Illinois.Before the event, students visited approximately
LLCC to host virtual Corequisite English Convening
Lincoln Land Community College will host a free, Corequisite English Convening on Friday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Trutter Center on LLCC’s main campus in Springfield, 5250 Shepherd Road. The convening, “Building and Sustaining Thriving Corequisite Communities,” will feature panel presentations, results from a faculty mentorship pilot program and the sharing of effective resources and strategies from institutions across Illinois. Morning sessions will include “Integrated Reading and
Volunteer Registration Now Open for 2027 Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS
The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS is officially kicking off its 2027 volunteer recruitment campaign, with registration opening Monday, November 2. COUNTRY Financial® will once again serve as the Official Volunteer Program Sponsor for the annual Korn Ferry Tour event, scheduled for June 14–20, 2027, at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield.As the tournament prepares to celebrate its 12th year in Central Illinois, organizers are seeking more than 500 volunteers to serve across 20-plus
UIS to host post-election webinar examining midterm results Nov. 12
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield School of Politics and International Affairs and Center for State Policy and Leadership will host a virtual panel discussion examining the results of the 2026 midterm elections, how both major political parties performed and what the outcomes mean for the nation and Illinois. WHEN: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12 WHERE: Zoom (online webinar)DETAILS: The discussion will feature four UIS experts: Isabel Skinner, assistant professor in the
NPR ILLINOIS PRESENTS TEN CENTRAL ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS SHARING WHAT THEY BELIEVE
On November 4, 2026, NPR Illinois will bring 2026 This I Believe featured authors together at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, where ten selected student essayists will take the stage to share their words live. Their reflections offer a thoughtful and often moving glimpse into the values, experiences, and aspirations of young people standing on the threshold of adulthood. The program invites Central Illinois high school seniors from the Class of 2027 to answer a deceptively simple
Damon Priddy State Farm Earns Three Local Awards, Including Fifth Consecutive Community Choice Win
Springfield agency recognized for insurance service and overall leadershipSPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Damon Priddy State Farm has earned three honors across two local awards programs: Best Insurance Agency in the Illinois Times Best of Springfield awards, and Best Insurance Agency and Best Overall Leadership in the Community Choice Awards. This marks the agency’s fifth consecutive year winning the Community Choice Award for Best Insurance Agency.The recognition highlights the agency’s commitment to personal
Unwrap Big Savings This Holiday Season
SPRINGFIELD, IL –The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and the Illinois State Fair is helping shoppers make the holidays a little more memorable with two special sales featuring the lowest prices of the season on Illinois State Fair passes and gift boxes filled with Illinois Product favorites.Fairgoers can get a head start on summer fun with the Illinois State Fair Holiday Sale. Whether shopping for the fair enthusiast in your life or planning ahead for your own summer adventures, holiday pricing
Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Launches Updated Community Job Board
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has completed a major update to its website job board. This new board features automation that will reduce participation barriers for businesses and provide a consolidated view of hiring opportunities for the greater Sangamon County area. The addition of new features highlighting youth employment and internship opportunities will help drive more student employment in the community. The new platform automatically pulls open positions from a business website and
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Wendell Zulauf, Jr.
Wendell Zulauf, Jr.Manager Sunbelt Rentals 217-528-1065pcm389@sunbeltrentals.comWhat products and services does your business offer? Whether you need earthmoving equipment for your job site or a small tool rental for DIY projects, we have thousands of general tools and equipment types to meet any job need. From skid steers to generators, scissor lifts and more, all equipment and power tool rentals are backed by 24/7 customer support including delivery and pickup. With our nationwide network of 2,000
UIS to host open house for prospective students and families Nov. 11
The University of Illinois Springfield will host an open house for prospective students and their families from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 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
LLCC’s Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery to feature “Lines” Nov. 2-Dec. 4
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College will host the exhibit “Lines” Nov. 2-Dec. 4. The exhibit features glass works by Springfield-based artist Mario Clarke. Visitors are invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and attend a closing reception in the museum/gallery on Thursday, Dec. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The museum and gallery are located on the upper level of Menard Hall on the LLCC Springfield campus,
NORTH GRAND TO CLOSE FOR WATER WORK
Beginning Tuesday, October 27, North Grand Avenue will be closed between 15th and 19th Streets for water main relocation work for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project. This project is expected to last multiple days and will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and be aware of workers and equipment in the work zone.
UIS student Ameilia Hopkins honored with Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Award
University of Illinois Springfield senior Ameilia Hopkins of Pleasant Plains has been named the UIS recipient of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois’ prestigious 2026 Student Laureate Award. Each year, one student from each four-year university in Illinois is selected for the honor.Hopkins, a diplomacy and international relations major with minors in history, political science and legal studies, plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in international diplomacy, with the long-term goal of working as
Fall Yard Waste Drop-Off Begins October 26
The City of Springfield’s Office of Public Works, in cooperation with Evans Recycling, announce the annual free drop-off weeks in the Autumn Season. City of Springfield residents, with a photo ID, can drop off their yard waste bags at Evans Recycling, 2100 J David Jones Parkway, from October 26, 2026 to December 5, 2026. The hours for Evans Recycling are as follows:Monday to Friday – 7am to 5pmSaturday – 7am to 12pm Tree branch drop off is free year-round at Evans Recycling. Please call Evans Recycling
UIS Theatre to present six performances of “Rabbit Hole”
The University of Illinois Springfield Theatre Program will present six performances of “Rabbit Hole” by David Lindsay-Abaire, winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.The show will run for two weekends: Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8, and Thursday, Nov. 12, through Saturday, Nov. 14, in the Studio Theatre on the lower level of the Performing Arts Center at UIS. All performances will begin at 7:30 p.m., except for the Sunday show on Nov. 8, which will start at 2 p.m.A “Pay What You Can Night”
31 Nominees to Be Recognized at the Springfield Area Arts Council’s 2026 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts
October 20, 2026: Thirty-one individuals, organizations, and businesses will be recognized for their contributions to the arts at the 2026 Mayor’s Awards for the Arts on Wednesday, November 18, at 5:30 p.m. at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. 6th St., Springfield. Hosted by the Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) in partnership with the City of Springfield, the biennial ceremony celebrates the people whose creativity, leadership, and dedication strengthen the cultural life of Sangamon and Menard
Paramedic Sara Rolando Receives Highest National Recognition as 2026 “Star of Life”
Sara Rolando, Director of Operations for Medics First of Springfield, has been named a 2026 Star of Life by the American Ambulance Association (AAA), earning national recognition for her leadership, commitment to employee development and dedication to community health and safety. The Stars of Life program honors ambulance professionals who go above and beyond in service to their communities and the emergency medical services profession. It is perhaps the highest honor an Emergency Medical Services
Springfield Fire Department Swears In 14 New Firefighters
On Thursday, October 8, 2026, the Springfield Fire Department celebrated the graduation of 14 new firefighters from its Recruit Academy during a ceremony at the Springfield Firefighters’ Lake Club. Fire Chief Nick Zummo and Mayor Misty Buscher addressed the graduates, recognizing their accomplishment and welcoming them to their careers in public service. The academy provides comprehensive training in Basic Operations of Firefighting, as well as Basic and Advanced Emergency Medical Training, preparing
Kidzeum Expands Impact Membership to Include Foster Families
Kidzeum of Health and Science is expanding its Impact Membership program to include licensed foster families, making it easier for more children across Central Illinois to experience hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery.The museum's Impact Membership offers a full year of unlimited general admission for just $70, covering up to two adults and all children in the household. Previously only available to families participating in WIC or EBT programs, the discounted membership will now also be
Multiple Street Closures Scheduled for Railroad Track Repairs
The City of Springfield is advising motorists of several temporary street closures scheduled in October to accommodate track repairs by CNRR. The following street closures are planned: 11th Street: Between Hazel Dell Road and Ernest Hemingway Drive, October 19–23, 2026.Laurel Street: Between Wirt Avenue and Johnson Park Drive, October 20–23, 2026.South Grand Avenue: Between 19th Street and Wheeler Avenue, October 26–30, 2026. Detour routes will be posted for the affected areas. Motorists are
UIS Associate Professor Noah Reynolds named the 2026 University Scholar
Noah Reynolds, associate professor of biology at the University of Illinois Springfield, has been named University Scholar for 2026. This prestigious award, the highest faculty honor from the University of Illinois System, recognizes outstanding teaching and scholarship. Only one faculty member receives the award annually at UIS.“I am honored and extremely grateful to have been selected for the University Scholar award,” Reynolds said. “I have benefited immensely from the support of my colleagues and the
Ambassador of the Quarter Wendell Zulauf, Jr.
Wendell Zulauf, Jr. Manager Sunbelt Rentals 217-528-1065 pcm389@sunbeltrentals.com In the third quarter of 2026, Wendell Zulauf, Jr., General Manager, Sunbelt Rentals earned the Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Wendell submitted four member leads, had three member leads join The Chamber, made 5 member contacts, attended 12 ribbon cuttings, worked at two Chamber on Tap events and one Coffee & Connections event, sold 31 ‘Shoes, Brews & Biz event tickets, sold 117 ‘Shoes, Brews & Biz raffle tickets,
Jessica Eeten Named Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health Ambulatory Group
Jessica Eeten, a data processor with Memorial Behavioral Health, has been named September Colleague of the Month for the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group. Eeten brings a positive, supportive approach to every interaction. Colleagues describe her as a trusted resource who responds promptly, communicates with warmth and helps others navigate processes with confidence. Although much of her work involves detailed chart reviews and protocol compliance, Eeten makes routine exchanges feel personal and welcoming.
Experienced surgical PA joins HSHS Medical Group general surgery team in Springfield
HSHS Medical Group welcomes Christina "Chrissy" Kelley, PA-C, a physician assistant specializing in general surgery, to HSHS Medical Group General Surgery – Springfield at 300 N. Eighth St., Fifth Floor, in the HSHS St. John's Hospital Pavilion. Kelley assists with a wide range of surgical procedures, including hernia repairs, gallbladder removal and breast cancer surgeries such as lumpectomies and mastectomies. She provides care using robotic, laparoscopic and open surgical approaches and manages
UIS to host the Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture on “Lincoln and America 250”
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies will host the 24th annual Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture, “Lincoln and America 250,” featuring Jon Grinspan, the curator of political history at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and Saladin Ambar, professor of political science and senior scholar at the Eagleton Center on the American Governor at Rutgers University. A book signing will follow the program. The lecture is free and open to the
Welcome to the New Era of Shoes Baseball
The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes continue to build upon the previous years of success while launching a New Era of Shoes Baseball.As the organization looks ahead to the 2027 season, the Shoes are introducing new ways for fans and businesses to be part of the ballclub while continuing to build on the energy and tradition that make Robin Roberts Stadium a special place in Springfield.“This is a new era for Shoes Baseball,” said Claire Harris, General Manager of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes. “We’re excited
UIS Chancellor’s Thinkers Series to explore human potential, justice and transformation
WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch will host a conversation with Brian Beals, who spent 35 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, and Illinois Innocence Project senior staff attorney Maria de Arteaga as part of her Chancellor’s Thinkers Series event titled “A Call to Think: Human Potential.” WHEN: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 26 WHERE: Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of UIS Brookens LibraryDETAILS: The conversation will explore human
LLCC to host former U.S. Diplomat Tom Selinger Oct. 21
Lincoln Land Community College will host former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Tom Selinger for a special presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 3-4 p.m. in the Trutter Center on LLCC’s main campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd., Springfield. The presentation is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served. Selinger, who served 27 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, will share stories and insights about American diplomacy and the role diplomats have played in advancing U.S. interests around the
BRUNS LANE TO CLOSE FOR WATER WORK
Beginning Monday, October 12, Bruns Lane will be closed to through-traffic between Stelte Lane and Wenzel Lane as Water Department crews begin a water main abandonment project. This work is expected to last multiple days. The road will remain closed until surface repairs are complete. The work is weather-dependent and will be rescheduled for the next dry weather day in the event of rain. Motorists should plan to take alternative routes to avoid delays and should slow down and drive with caution around
LLCC’s “Haunted Lab” returns Oct. 23
Lincoln Land Community College invites families to experience the popular "Haunted Lab" on Friday, Oct. 23 from 5:30-8 p.m. in upper Sangamon Hall on the LLCC-Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. This free event is open to children of all ages, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Attendees will enjoy spooky science demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities and learn about simple experiments they can try at home. Science shows, led by LLCC Chemistry and Biology club members and guided by
LIVE2LEAD Springfield Brings a World Class Leadership Experience to Central Illinois
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Darren DalenbergLeadershipDNA872-267-3922info@LeadershipByDNA.comLive2LeadSpringfield.com LIVE2LEAD Springfield Brings a World Class Leadership Experience to Central IllinoisGreater Springfield Chamber members can access a special $125 ticket rate with code GSCC26 through November 01 SPRINGFIELD, IL — Business leaders, managers, teams and entrepreneurs from across Central Illinois will gather Friday, November 13, 2026, for LIVE2LEAD Springfield, a premier one-day leadership
RISE Springfield to Hold Annual Give & Take Professional Clothing Drive
RISE Springfield is holding its annual Give & Take Professional Clothing Drive on Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10, presented by Carrollton Bank. All clothing donations will be accepted on Friday, October 9 from 10:00am – 6:00pm at Salvation Army Community Center, 1600 E. Clearlake Ave. RISE is asking for donations to be clean, gently used, professional clothing items with no holes or stains. Both men’s and women’s clothes will be accepted. On Saturday, October 10 all donated clothing will be
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
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
