News

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

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

Dalaynee Harris Named September Colleague of the Month for Memorial Health System Resources

Dalaynee Harris, a senior buyer in Purchasing with Memorial Health System Resources, has been named September Colleague of the Month. Colleagues appreciate Harris for her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring the correct supplies and implants are available for patient care. Harris was recently contacted by another department and asked to modify a purchase order so it would match the products that had been received. Harris took an extra step and contacted the ordering department to verify the

Susan Walker Named September Colleague of the Month at Springfield Memorial Hospital

Susan Walker, an outpatient radiologic technologist in Imaging, has been named September Colleague of the Month at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Walker has worked at Memorial Health since July 2006. During more than 20 years as a radiologic technologist, she is a trusted resource for patients and colleagues, combining extensive technical knowledge with a dependable and patient-centered approach. She obtains high-quality imaging studies, allowing providers to make timely clinical decisions and helping

Scott celebrates 30 years at Hanson’s headquarters

Robert Scott, CPA, the accounts payable manager at Hanson Professional Services Inc., recently celebrated 30 years of service at the firm’s Springfield headquarters. Scott, who joined the firm in 1996, is responsible for managing the accounts payable function, payroll taxes and assisting with financial accounting and reporting. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1993 from Sangamon State University. Hanson is a national, employee-owned consulting firm providing engineering, planning and

UIS Sangamon Experience to host free oral history workshops exploring the power of storytelling

The University of Illinois Springfield’s Sangamon Experience and UIS Performing Arts Center will host “Story Harvest,” a free afternoon of workshops exploring how oral histories can preserve memories, uncover overlooked stories and strengthen connections to the past.“Some of the most meaningful history lives in the memories of our families, neighbors, and communities,” said Anne Moseley, director of engagement and curator of the Sangamon Experience. “Story Harvest invites people to learn how to capture

Job Fair at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, November 5, 2026

UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents “Post Wet,” an exhibition by sculptor and educator Mike Rea

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to announce “Post Wet,” an exhibition by artist Mike Rea. The exhibition opens Oct. 12, and runs through  Nov. 19. A public reception will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery in the Public Affairs Center. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.“Post Wet” brings together Rea’s large-scale sculptures and mixed-media works, inviting viewers into a world where popular culture, personal memory,

11th Annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference Kicks Off This Week in Springfield

The 11th Annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference kicks off this week in Springfield, Illinois, bringing Route 66 enthusiasts, historians, preservationists, authors, travelers and tourism professionals together October 8–11 during the Mother Road’s Centennial year.  Founded in 2015 by Route 66 author and historian Cheryl Eichar Jett, the four-day conference celebrates the history, preservation and continued evolution of America’s most iconic highway.  WHEN: Thursday, October 8 – Sunday, October 11,

Springfield Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. John’s Hospital Invite Community Members to Share Input Through Community Health Survey

Springfield Memorial Hospital, HSHS St. John’s Hospital and the Sangamon County Health Department are encouraging residents to participate in a Community Health Survey, an important step in identifying and addressing the health needs of the communities they serve. As nonprofit health systems, Memorial Health and Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) conduct community health assessments to better understand local health challenges, priorities and quality-of-life concerns. Feedback collected through the

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

Springfield Memorial Hospital to Offer Free Mammograms during October

Free breast cancer screenings will be available at Springfield Memorial Hospital during October for women age 40 and older who are uninsured or underinsured. The free screenings are part of Memorial Health's annual Mammogram Mondays program, held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Appointments are required; no walk-ins are available. Educational materials will be provided, including information on general breast health and how to perform breast self-exams. To schedule an appointment at Springfield

Hanson hires Kelley as general counsel, chief risk officer

William Kelley Jr. has joined Hanson Professional Services Inc. as a senior vice president, general counsel and chief risk officer. Working from the Indianapolis office, Kelley will lead corporate strategic and tactical legal initiatives, provide senior management with advice on company strategies and implementation and oversee the work of outside counsel. He also will maintain the firm’s risk assessment and management policies and procedures. He has 23 years of experience in the legal field, with a

LLCC to host inaugural Illinois Health Care Educators Conference

The Professional Development Institute at Lincoln Land Community College will host the 2026 Illinois Health Care Educators Conference on Nov. 6, 2026, at Northfield Inn, Suites and Conference Center, 3280 Northfield Dr., Springfield.  The day-long conference, Pathways to Practice: Building a Health Care Educator Network, is designed to bring together health care educators from secondary and post-secondary institutions across Illinois to share best practices, strengthen professional networks and explore

EV Charging Project Celebrated In Springfield

Today, the City of Springfield, City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the installation of the final electric vehicle (EV) chargers funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program. The ceremony was held next to the newly installed chargers on 425 S. 4th Street in Springfield. The event, held with various project partners and the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, commemorated the beginning

Toast of the Town returns to downtown Springfield and the Old State Capitol

Raise a glass for a great cause at the Toast to Downtown, an exclusive evening benefiting HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital.The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the historic Old State Capitol in downtown Springfield. Hosted by Resource One, INB and Isringhausen Imports, Inc., Toast to Downtown is part of the HSHS St. John’s Foundation’s Toast of the Town series, a collection of “parties with a purpose” that bring people together to support patient care in the community.  “Toast

Abraham Lincoln Council Fall Family Events Open to ALL!

The Abraham Lincoln Council, Scouting America is proud to announce so many activities for both youth and families as a whole.Fall Family FUN day - This is a fun time for Families to be in the outdoors! This event is for non, new and returning Scouts to help deliver the promise of FUN in the outdoors. The $5 per person (youth & adult) covers a patch, shooting sports, fun games, crafts, and a hot dog lunch served from 11:30AM-1:30PM. The event runs from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm come from a portion or stay all

Jacksonville Memorial Hospital Now Repository for Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes

Jacksonville Memorial Hospital (JMH) is now an official repository for Mothers’ Milk Bank of the Western Great Lakes (Milk Bank WGL), giving local mothers a safe and convenient way to donate surplus breast milk to help premature and medically fragile infants. Linda Kennedy is a registered nurse in Obstetrics who has worked at JMH for 38 years. She is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).  Helping JMH become a repository for donated breast milk fulfills a goal she has pursued

Memorial Honored for High-Quality Weight Loss Surgery Program

Springfield Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the Memorial Wellness Center, recently received prestigious national recognition for excellence in weight loss surgery. Memorial provides bariatric surgery services via a long-standing collaboration between Memorial Wellness Center, SMH and SIU Medicine surgeons Dr. Adam Reid and Dr. James Feimster. With the triple accreditation from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program, SMH

Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation to Host Southern Golf Outing October 12

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),

UIS Homecoming invites alumni and community to celebrate Prairie Star pride Oct. 4-10

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

Springfield Firefighters Honored with Hometown Hero Award for Life-Saving Rescue

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

SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT SWEARS IN TWELVE NEW OFFICERS

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

''YOUR COUCH CALLED AND SAID IT NEEDS A NIGHT OFF!''

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,

LLCC’s Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery to feature “Unboxed” Sept. 28-Oct. 23 Artist discussion Thursday, Oct. 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

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

Community Foundation Welcomes Tobias Lewis as Grants and Scholarships Manager

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

Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS Announces 2027 Tournament Dates

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

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

RIVERDANCE Coming to UIS Performing Arts Center April 25

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 CHARLIE BERENS ANNOUNCES 31 NEW DATES TO THE LOST & FOUND TOUR

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

UIS earns No. 1 ranking among public regional universities in Illinois

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

The Turnaway Play Comes to Springfield for Three Staged Readings

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,

VETERANS AND LINDBERGH LANES TO REDUCE FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL WORK

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.  

UIS to host open house for prospective students and families Oct. 12

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

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