Bank of Springfield Appoints Jennifer Gill to Board of Directors
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
LLCU Completes Acquisition of Williamsville State Bank & Trust
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
UIS Chancellor’s Thinkers Series to feature former Congresswoman Cheri Callahan Bustos
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
Springfield Area Arts Council Hires New Program Director to Lead Levitt AMP Springfield and Major Arts Programs
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
UIS Friday Night Star Parties return for fall season
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
LLCC to host honey harvest demonstration Sept. 23
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 to reopen Sept. 8 at LLCC
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
New general surgeon brings minimally invasive expertise to Springfield
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
UIS and the UIC College of Nursing Springfield Campus to host a “Nurse for a Day” program for high school students
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 Offering On-Site Flu & COVID Vaccine Clinics for Businesses, Assisted Living & Senior Living Facilities
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
'Beer, Brats & Beginnings’ will highlight brewery’s connection to Springfield medical district
'BEER, BRATS & BEGINNINGS' TO HIGHLIGHT BREWERY'S CONNECTION TO MEDICAL DISTRICT Southern Illinois University School of Medicine wouldn’t be where it is today without the help of a local brewery. It is hosting an event to celebrate that fact on September 10. The Reisch Brewery opened in 1849 and for 117 years operated on the exact site of the medical school’s education building, at 801 North Rutledge St. in Springfield. Since its founding in 1970, SIU Medicine has
UIS athletic training program supports historic inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball League season
Faculty and students from the University of Illinois Springfield’s Master of Athletic Training program are gaining hands-on experience this summer while supporting athletes competing in the inaugural season of the Women’s Pro Baseball League at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield.Members of the UIS athletic training program are providing athletic training services to WPBL players, including injury prevention, mobility and warm-up support. The experience allows UIS students to apply what they are learning
LLCC educator receives international Outstanding Course Award
Jaclyn Tabor, Ph.D., instructional designer and instructor of sociology at Lincoln Land Community College, has been recognized by Instructure with the 2026 Outstanding Course Award, part of their Academic Excellence Awards. The award honors exceptional achievements in education and recognizes the impact of innovative teaching practices that enhance student learning. Dr. Tabor’s online, 16-week introduction to sociology course was selected for its cutting-edge PANDA module architecture,
UIS Visual Arts Gallery celebrates new location with faculty and alumni exhibition
The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery will open in a newly renovated space in the Public Affairs Center (PAC) this fall, marking the gallery’s first move in more than three decades.The new location reflects UIS’ continued investment in the visual arts and strengthens the role of contemporary art within campus life. Located in PAC 115, the new space provides a dedicated venue for exhibitions, artist talks and public programs in a central location on campus. The move places the gallery
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Sarah Bruntjen
Sarah BruntjenDonor Relations CoordinatorLincoln Land Community College Foundation(217) 786-3423sarah.bruntjen@llcc.eduWhat products and services does your business offer?Through the generosity of our donors, the LLCC Foundation helps to build new facilities, update equipment and technology, and award scholarships. We positively impact a diverse group of individuals who believe in the value of an education and the opportunities that knowledge offers. Our students go on to continue their education at
DEFREEZER JOINS CWLP PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
City Water, Light and Power announces Dana DeFreezer has joined the utility as Public Information Officer (PIO). DeFreezer will work in the area of CWLP’s public information and communications, social media channels, websites, press communications, community events, and more.DeFreezer joins CWLP from Illinois College, where she successfully served as the Social Media Manager since 2023. In addition to expert social media content management, she brings a strong professional background in leading
LAND OF LINCOLN CREDIT UNION ANNOUNCES TAYLOR RHODES AS THE NEW BRANCH MANAGER OF EFFINGHAM SOUTH BRANCH
Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) announced that Taylor Rhodes will now serve as Branch Manager of the Effingham South branch (2302 S. Banker St.). Rhodes will oversee the sales and operations of the Effingham South branch, as well as serving members as Loan Officer. Rhodes has been with LLCU for two years and during that time has successfully transitioned from the role of Teller to Universal Banker at LLCU’s at Vandalia, IL branch. Prior to working for LLCU, Rhodes worked at The FNB Community Bank.
LLCC awarded Pathways Step Grant
Lincoln Land Community College was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Modern Language Association to enhance the connection between classroom learning in key humanities courses and career-ready skills. LLCC was also the only community college to receive this distinction during the current grant cycle. In the awarded project, “Thinking, Deciding and Connecting From Classroom to Career: Amplifying Humanities’ Durable Skills,” students will build important abilities such as critical thinking,
5K Run/Walk to Benefit Transplant Patients Celebrates 20th Anniversary Sept. 19
The Alan G. Birtch, MD, Transplant Services at Memorial 5K Run/Walk will take place on Sept. 19 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Southwind Park in Springfield. The 5K Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. with registration at 8 a.m. Participants will meet at Hope Pavilion. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Transplant 5K, celebrating two decades of community support for transplant patients and their families. Proceeds benefit Springfield Memorial Foundation’s transplant funds, which provide assistance with lodging,
LLCC names two associate vice presidents and a dean
Lincoln Land Community College named two associate vice presidents and a dean this summer. The new leadership appointments include Dr. Joel Dykstra as associate vice president of LLCC Academic Support and Impact, Dr. Kalith Smith as associate vice president of LLCC Academic Services and Leigh Giles-Brown as dean of LLCC Health Professions. Dr. Dykstra has served the college since 2020 as dean of English and humanities and more recently as associate vice president, LLCC Academic Services. Prior to LLCC,
CITP AI Expert Adam Gurski Presents Free AI Workshop September 23 at Distillery Labs
Central Illinois Tech Partners (CITP) AI expert Adam Gurski will present the free workshop "AI Without the Hype: Practical Tools You Can Use Today" at Distillery Labs in Peoria, IL on September 23, 2026 from 12-1 pm. AI is not just for technology companies. In this accessible, demonstration-driven workshop, AI educator and software builder Adam Gurski shows how businesses, nonprofits, and everyday professionals can use AI to save time, improve marketing, organize information, create content, and reduce
UIS Performing Arts Center Announces Return of THE BOOK OF MORMON
PUBLIC ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026 Back by popular demand, THE BOOK OF MORMON, which played a record breaking run in 2023 returns to Springfield for one show only on Wednesday, February 10, 2027 at the UIS Performing Arts Center. Single tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 21 at 10 am. Tickets will be available to current Broadway Subscribers (for their same great seat) starting Tuesday, August 18 at 10 am and then FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center members beginning Thursday,
The Main Street of America Documentary Coming to Springfield, Illinois September 8 at Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum
As Route 66 celebrates its centennial, Springfield will host a special screening of ROUTE 66: THE MAIN STREET OF AMERICA, a new feature-length documentary celebrating the people, places and communities keeping the legendary highway’s story alive. The screening will take place September 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Motorheads Bar, Grill & Museum, 600 Toronto Road, Springfield, IL 62711. Tickets are available for purchase in advance. Directed by award-winning filmmaker John Paget, the documentary follows Route 66
Carpenter Street Road Construction to Begin August 17
Beginning on Monday, August 17th, road construction will begin on Carpenter Street between 4th Street and 7th Street. The initial phase will reduce the westbound traffic into a single lane, while both eastbound lanes will remain open. This work is to reconstruct the traffic signals at 5th and 6th street intersections as well as to provide geometric improvements as part of a safety improvement project. This work is anticipated to continue through December with variable lane closures. Motorists
LLCC’s Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery to feature “House Rules” Aug. 24-Sept. 18
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College will host the exhibit “House Rules” featuring sculptures, installations, games and mixed media works by Danny Houk Aug. 24-Sept. 18. 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 Wednesday, Sept. 16, 5-7 p.m. The museum and gallery are located on the upper level of Menard Hall on the LLCC Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd
CWLP HIRING FOR APPRENTICE INSTRUMENT ELECTRICIAN
City Water, Light and Power is now hiring for Apprentice Instrument Electrician through its Electrical Apprenticeship Program at City of Springfield. This position is part of the team that supports the critical electrical and control systems that powers the Springfield community. This apprenticeship includes on-the-job training and coursework to provide knowledge and technical information to perform the duties of the position. Take the Test to Qualify: Applicants for this position and any other CWLP
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Courtney Bouvet
Courtney BouvetBusiness Development Account ExecutiveCEFCU (309) 633-7369cbouvet@cefcu.com What products and services does your business offer? CEFCU is a full-service financial institution. We’re owned by members, not stockholders, so our earnings are returned to members through lower loan rates, fewer fees, and more benefits. We offer members affordable Home and Vehicle loans; Online and Mobile Banking; Savings options, including Health Savings Accounts; free Checking; Credit Card choices;
Kimberly Brinkmeyer Named July Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health System Resources
Kimberly Brinkmeyer, an environmental services technician with Memorial Health System Resources, has been named July Colleague of the Month. Brinkmeyer consistently takes on additional tasks when the situation requires it, for both patients and colleagues. In one instance, she assisted with a disoriented patient and used clear communication and redirection to help ensure the patient adhered to dietary restrictions and remained safe. She also provided comfort to a family member during a rapid response,
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Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery Awarded $250,000 Grant
Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery Awarded $250,000 Grant from the Justice Benjamin K. Miller Charitable FundSPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery (MOCN) is honored to announce that it has been awarded a $250,000 grant from Justice Benjamin K. Miller Charitable Fund. This transformative investment will help ensure that children and families in crisis continue to receive the support, safety, and care they need when they need it most. The grant provides flexible funding to support MOCN’s mission of
Fifth Street Renaissance Harvest for Homes Celebration
Join us for our Harvest for Homes Celebration, a fundraiser benefitting Fifth Street Renaissance! There will be heavy appetizers, a bar, dj, entertainment and dancing, a short program at 7pm, and a silent auction! Feel free to bring donations if you'd like. We'd love to see you!Tickets are $50/per person before August 15th and $60/per person after. Harvest for Homes Celebration | FSRCan't make it to the event, but you'd still like to send a donation for the cause? Please use our secure online form to
AMERICAN PICKERS to Film in Iowa & Illinois
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
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
