HSHS names Central Illinois Market Chief Nursing Officer
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, announced today that Jennifer Garnica, RN, BSN, MHA, has been named Central Illinois Market Chief Nursing Officer. She will join HSHS on Jan. 19, 2026. In this role, Garnica will be responsible for nursing functions, best practices and efficiencies across the Central Illinois Market, which includes HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham,
LLCC Agriculture Professor Bill Harmon honored
Bill Harmon of Morrisonville, professor of agronomy at Lincoln Land Community College, recently received the Bill Johnson Excellence in Education Award at the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE) ceremony in Atlanta, Illinois. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, advocacy and commitment to advancing agricultural education across the state. “Bill Harmon’s dedication to agricultural education has transformed opportunities for our
Growth Corp Announces Leadership Transition as Organization Enters New Era of Strategic Expansion
Growth Corp, one of the nation’s highest-producing SBA 504 lenders, today announced a significant leadership transition effective January 1, 2026. After 35 years as President, Doug Kinley will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, while Sara Vanhala, a nearly 20-year veteran of the organization and current Chair of the Board of the National Association of Development Companies (NADCO), has been appointed President. Serving small and mid-sized, for-profit businesses, Growth Corp delivers affordable
Damon Priddy State Farm Voted Best Insurance Agency for Fourth Consecutive Year; Named Platinum Winner City-Wide
Springfield, IL — Damon Priddy State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - a State Farm Agency is proud to announce it has been voted Best Insurance Agency by Community Choice community voting for the fourth consecutive year, while also recently earning the Community Votes Platinum winner distinction for the third consecutive year in the Insurance Agency & Broker category with Springfield Community Votes, another public voting program. The Community Choice Awards recognize outstanding local
CWLP APPRENTICE ELECTRICIAN EXAM DATES SET
The City Water, Light and Power Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee is announcing its first-round of 2026 dates for those interested in starting a career as an Apprentice Electrician at CWLP. The CWLP Electrical Apprenticeship program includes on-the-job training and coursework to provide knowledge and technical information related to the various positions offered. Exam sessions are set for 8 a.m. and noon on January 15, January 29 and February 12. All applicants for Electrical Apprentice must take
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Maggie Gullo
Maggie Gullo Account Executive LRS Web Solutions(217) 862-9727maggie.gullo@lrs.comWhat products and services does your business offer? We specialize in designing high-performing websites, developing custom web-based software, and building tailored mobile applications. Beyond development, we provide comprehensive marketing support—including PPC campaign management, SEO and AI Optimization (AIO) strategies, and social media marketing. Our team can help identify opportunities to streamline your business
UIS study highlights risks facing Illinois CBD hemp farmers as new federal law creates uncertainty
A new peer-reviewed study led by University of Illinois Springfield Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Megan Styles provides an in-depth look at the challenges CBD hemp farmers face in Illinois. The study has become increasingly relevant after recent federal action changed the legal definition of hemp, raising questions about whether CBD products can continue to be produced and sold.The article, “CBD Hemp Pharming in Illinois: Working to Legitimize an Enduringly Illicit Crop,” was co-authored with
Frank Coffey Joins BOS Asset Management, LLC as Financial Advisor
BOS Asset Management, LLC announced that Frank Coffey has joined the financial services team as a Financial Advisor. Frank holds the Series 66 license and assists clients in pursuing their financial goals and building financial strategies. He previously served as a Vice President at a financial services firm where he specialized in investment portfolios. Frank graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi. He and his family live in Springfield.BOS Asset Management, LLC is located
CWLP WATER CREWS RESPONDING TO 24-INCH WATER MAIN BREAK
CWLP water crews are beginning emergency repairs to broken water transmission main in the 3100 block of South Fourth Street. Due to the scope of repairs, customers will be without water service during work, which will impact about 80 customers including the 2600 to 3100 blocks of S. Fourth Street from E. Farley Street to E. Cordelia Street and the shopping center with the former County Market grocery store in the 2700 block of S. Sixth Street. Work is planned to begin around 12:30 p.m. and is expected to
Donor Support Makes Early Detection Possible through Springfield Memorial Hospital’s Mammogram Mondays Program
Donor support to the Springfield Memorial Hospital Foundation enabled Springfield Memorial Hospital (SMH) to provide lifesaving breast cancer screenings for eligible women throughout the area during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The hospital conducted a total of 1,038 mammograms with 31 free mammograms provided through the Mammogram Mondays program – fully funded by the Springfield Memorial Foundation thanks to generous donor support. These screenings provided access to essential care for
CHATHAM RD LANES TO CLOSE FOR WATER MAIN REPAIRS
North-bound lanes Chatham Road between Cherry Road and Laurel will be reduced for repairs to a 10-inch water main by the CWLP Water Department. Lanes will remain closed until road surface repairs are complete. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes to avoid delays and to drive slowly and cautiously around the work zone.
UIS researcher publishes two studies helping cities address heat, water and environmental equity
Kyle Blount, an assistant professor of ecohydrology in the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Illinois Springfield, has co-authored two collaborative research articles that offer new guidance for cities and researchers working to manage extreme heat, water challenges and the growing demands of urbanization.In May, Blount and colleagues published a study in Remote Sensing that identifies a simple and low-cost way to predict how hot neighborhoods feel at street level. The research shows that
Springfield Airport Authority Wins American Airlines 2nd Quarter 2025 Customer Cup Award
The Springfield Airport Authority is proud to announce that Springfield’s Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) has been named the winner of the American Airlines 2nd Quarter 2025 Customer Cup Award, marking the first time the SPI team has earned this prestigious honor.The Customer Cup is an internal award program that recognizes airport teams across the American Airlines network for outstanding operational performance, exceptional safety, and superior customer service. The Springfield Airport team competes
UnitedHealthcare's Individual Marketplace Plan In-Network with Springfield Clinic for 2026
We are pleased to announce that UnitedHealthcare’s Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual marketplace plan is in-network with Springfield Clinic for 2026. Open enrollment for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026, runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, 2025. The deadline for our patients to make changes to their marketplace plan selection is approaching (learn more at getcovered.illinois.gov). By choosing UnitedHealthcare’s individual insurance plan for 2026, patients will have access to all Springfield Clinic providers at
CWLP CHIEF UTILITY ENGINEER ANNOUNCES PLANS TO RETIRE AFTER 31 YEARS OF SERVICE
City Water Light & Power (CWLP) Chief Utility Engineer Doug Brown announced today that he will retire March 31st after 31 years of service to the City of Springfield. Brown, who has nearly 11 years at the helm of the utility, will join the Illinois Municipal Electric Agency (IMEA) as President and CEO in April.Brown has led the City-owned utility through numerous projects and strategic initiatives over the years, including the addition of Dallman 4, Integrated Resource Planning and overseeing a number of
Yoho Named November Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
Makayla Yoho, RN, with outpatient infusion at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for November. A charge resource nurse, Yoho earns the trust of patients with her attention to detail and dedication to providing the highest standard of patient care. Her nominator described how Yoho anticipates needs, supports her colleagues without hesitation and maintains a calm, solutions-focused approach no matter the circumstances. “Makayla’s ability to manage complex
Fraud Watch: Scammers Are Impersonating Your Bank
Bank of Springfield (BOS) urges the community to slow down and think about who could be on the other end of an unexpected email, phone call, or text message.Scammers know it’s a busy time of year and have increased their fraud tactics to take advantage of consumers and businesses. Most recently, scammers are impersonating banks and their fraud departments requesting online banking credentials (verification codes, passwords, account number) and personal information (Social Security number, passwords,
Trout Named November Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health
Kimberly Trout, a clinical informatics consultant with Information Services, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for November. According to her nominator, Trout, who previously worked as a nurse, has an ability to design systems that allow clinicians to provide essential care, and she can also envision how systems translate to patient recovery. She is a go-to person for nursing care plans, and she develops collaborations across affiliates with her leadership on the Nursing
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
United Way of Central Illinois - Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Seniors! United Way of Central Illinois is teaming up with local senior communities and agencies to bring some joy to our community's seniors. Over 5,000 cards were delivered last year!Details: -Grab some cards from the store or get creative and make your own cards and write notes to local seniors! - Drop off your holiday cards at the United Way of Central Illinois office (1999 Wabash, Suite 107, Springfield) by 12:00pm on December 10th,
Dempsey Named November Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month
Denise Dempsey, LPN, with Memorial Care on South Sixth, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group Colleague of the Month for November. Exceptional patient care is a hallmark of Dempsey’s work, according to her nominator. She always seeks the correct answer and shares that information with colleagues. She treats patients with kindness, often walking them out to make sure they are safe. She also speaks with patients who are upset and is usually able to calm them. “When I think about what a nurse should be, I
City of Springfield Welcomes Suraksha Bhandari as New Professional Planner
The City of Springfield is proud to announce Suraksha Bhandari as the new Professional Planner for the Office of Planning and Economic Development, effective December 1, 2025. This decision highlights the important role planning plays in the City’s growth and development. As the City works to guide new initiatives and support economic progress, Suraksha’s experience will be critical in providing the expertise and direction needed to move projects forward and help the community thrive. Suraksha brings a
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Ethan 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
$55 Million Extraordinary Dividend Distributed to CEFCU Members
A $55 million Extraordinary Dividend was approved by CEFCU’s Board of Directors and distributed to the Credit Union’s member/owners, matching last year’s record as the largest Extraordinary Dividend in CEFCU’s history. The amount returned to members in good standing is divided between savers and borrowers, with a portion also being returned to Debit Card users. On December 2, funds were deposited to members’ Savings accounts. Over the last 25 years, CEFCU has returned nearly $600 million dollars in
LLCC Choir and Band to perform fall concerts
The Lincoln Land Community College Choir and Band invite the public to upcoming free concerts on Friday, Dec. 5 and Monday, Dec. 8 in A. Lincoln Commons on the main LLCC campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd, Springfield. The LLCC Choir, directed by Dr. See Tsai Chan, adjunct instructor of music, will present “Dream and Drama” on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. Selections will feature soloists and include songs from musicals, movies and operas like “Wicked,” “The Greatest Showman,” “The Magic Flute,” “Sister Act 2,” “Sleeping
Helping Those Dealing with Loss on the Holidays
The festivities of the holidays can be an especially difficult time for those feeling loss and grief. It can bring back bittersweet memories, amplify loneliness, and stand in stark contrast to their internal feelings. To help individuals come together to share in their grief, obtain helpful resources, and honor their loved ones, the Butler Family of Organizations is hosting a holiday open house on Tuesday, December 2, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. as a gift to the community. The program is open to the public and
UIS Chancellor’s Thinkers Series to feature Springfield community leader Mylas Copeland
WHAT: University of Illinois Springfield Chancellor Janet L. Gooch will host a conversation with Mylas Copeland as part of her Chancellor’s Thinkers Series event titled “A Call to Think: We’re All in This Together.” WHEN: 5 p.m. Dec. 3 WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive (visitor parking available in Lot J)DETAILS: The discussion will center on servant and authentic leadership, exploring what motivates Copeland to give back so consistently and generously. A
Damon Priddy State Farm recognized as both Best Agency & Best Agent in Springfield!
SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS - November 2024 The Damon Priddy State Farm Team, a leader in providing quality insurance & financial service solutions, is proud to announce it's recent awards for Best Insurance Agency and Best Insurance Agent in Springfield by the Community Choice Awards. These prestigious honors reflect the agency's dedication to clients, community engagement and exceptional service. This is the third consecutive year that the agency has taken home both awards! The awards were presented at the
.jpeg)
Damon Priddy State Farm Team Rebrands ''What is Service''
This week the agency has taken part in multiple events and recognized their service team for National Customer Service Week! Nearly four years into the launch of the Damon Priddy State Farm Agency, our team is "rebranding" the customer service team and the way we "do service". "I came from a background in hospitality, managing multiple hotels and major brands along the way. Taking care of people is engrained in who I am. That hospitality training and care for detail doesn't go away. Launching the agency in
