Big Texan Steak Challenge Road Show Rolls into Springfield as Part of Route 66 Centennial Celebrations
Route 66 enthusiasts, food lovers, and adventure seekers are invited to witness one of America's most famous food challenges when The Big Texan Steak Ranch® 72oz Steak Challenge Road Show arrives in Springfield on Tuesday, June 23. The event will take place at the Illinois Route 66 Experience at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, with a live stream beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the challenge kicking off at 5:30 p.m. Participants will include Scott Dahl of Visit Springfield and Paul "Rocki" Nawrocki of 98.7
Chicken Fry at Firefighters Lake Club
2026 Firefighters Lake Club Chicken FrySaturday, June 20th serving from 4:00pm-8:00pmMusic: Brandy Kristin Band plays from 7:30pm-10:30pm$13.00 for a 3-piece Chicken Dinner. Hot & Fresh chicken dinner includes taters, corn and a roll.Wings are also available to purchase along with Livers and Gizzards. Dine In or Drive Thru. COME JOIN US FOR GREAT FOOD AND COLD BEER!
CITY BRANCH PICKUP BEGINNING TWO WEEKS EARLY
The Office of Public Works announced that it will begin early branch pickup two weeks early due to the recent storms. Crews are actively collecting branches and storm debris city-wide. This round will have one pickup, which will happen in every neighborhood. In July regular pickup by quadrant will proceed as normal. Branches are to be placed on the right of way, between the curb & the sidewalk. Branch piles should be no larger that what would fit in the back of a pickup truck. Contractors are not to
City of Springfield Reviews June 10 Severe Weather Event and Emergency Siren Activation Procedures
Public safety remains the highest priority for the Mayor of Springfield and the Springfield Fire Department. Unpredictable weather often makes this priority challenging. Following the severe weather event that impacted portions of Springfield on the evening of June 10, 2026, city officials completed an after-action review of the storm, emergency notifications, and outdoor warning siren activation procedures. In a post-storm assessment conducted by the National Weather Service (NWS),
Central Illinois woman first patient in Illinois to undergo groundbreaking procedure for irregular heartbeat at Prairie Cardiovascular
A 75-year-old woman from Watson, Illinois, who has suffered with atrial fibrillation (AFib) since she was a teenager is the first patient in Illinois to receive a groundbreaking procedure performed by Dr. Bharath Rajagopalan of Prairie Cardiovascular. Carolyn Burk said she has noticed no AFib symptoms, has experienced at least a 75% improvement in her health, and has been able to stop taking AFib medication since recently undergoing the innovative procedure for her irregular heartbeat. “I feel this
Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, Named as Recipient of the 2026 Achievement Citation at Assembly 2026
The Catholic Health Association of the United States (CHA) has announced Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach (HSMO) as the recipient of the 2026 Achievement Citation at Assembly 2026. The organization was honored at the Assembly 2026 awards banquet on June 3. Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach addresses critical global needs by strengthening health systems, expanding access to medical care, and promoting sustainable development. As a Medical Supply and Equipment Recovery Organization, HSMO collects,
Heyen celebrates 25 years with Hanson
Matt Heyen, P.E. Matt Heyen, P.E., a vice president and the power operations lead at Hanson Professional Services Inc., recently celebrated 25 years of service with the firm.Heyen, who joined Hanson in 2001 and works at the Springfield headquarters, is a senior project manager for power generation and transportation infrastructure clients. He provides services including environmental studies, concept and alternative analysis planning studies, engineering design, construction document preparation and
Women's Pro Baseball Leadoff Luncheon
Be part of history as we officially welcome the inaugural season of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) to Springfield! The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes invite you to attend the 2026 Women’s Pro Baseball Leadoff Luncheon on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Springfield Convention Center. This special event will serve as our community’s official welcome to the WPBL and celebrate the beginning of a groundbreaking new chapter in professional baseball. Attendees will have the
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
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
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
