Heartland Credit Union Announces Appointment of Patrick Smith as Chief Financial Officer
Heartland Credit Union (HCU) is proud to announce the appointment of Patrick Smith as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). “I am excited to have a professional with Patrick’s experience and credentials join us at HCU,” said Tom Lex, President and CEO of Heartland Credit Union. “Patrick will be a great asset to the credit union. His expertise will play a key role in advancing our financial objectives and supporting the continued success of our members and community.” Most recently, Mr. Smith served
Drain for the Cure - Sunday Funday Sponsorships
INTERSECTION OF NORTH GRAND AVENUE AND 11th STREET TO CLOSE FOR WATER MAIN RELOCATION WORK
Beginning Thursday, October 16, the intersection of North Grand Avenue and 11th Street will be closed to accommodate City Water, Light and Power’s project to relocate 2,000 feet of a 24-inch water main for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project on North Grand Avenue. This closure will begin after the nearby high school has been dismissed for the day. Work is expected to last 3 days, with detours on North Grand Avenue at 9th and 19th Streets, and on 11th Street at Converse and Carpenter Streets. The
Dolan Dalpoas Named Memorial Health Chief Community Impact and Philanthropy Officer
Longtime Lincoln Memorial Hospital CEO Dolan Dalpoas will take on the expanded role of senior vice president and chief community impact and philanthropy officer at Memorial Health effective Oct. 27. In this role, he will oversee the three Memorial critical access hospitals – Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital – as well as the five hospital foundations of Memorial Health and the organization’s region-wide community health improvement work. “Dolan is
CWLP LINEWORKERS SHOWCASE SAFETY & SKILLS AT RODEO
City Water, Light and Power (CWLP) Journeymen and Apprentice Electricians represented the utility at the annual Lineman’s Safety Rodeo, coordinated by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC). CWLP’s team competed against 18 other teams from around the state at the event held at Lincoln Land Community College’s Line School facility on September 25th. Line personnel competed in several skills challenges, including an armor rod install, cutout change, hurt man rescue, 40-foot transition climb
UIS presents the 47th annual International Festival
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield invites the public to the 47th annual International Festival, the university’s longest-running student-led event. The festival will feature live cultural performances and international cuisine. Admission is free. WHEN: 1-4 p.m. Oct. 25 WHERE: The Recreation and Athletic Center, 2171 University Drive, Springfield DETAILS: For four decades, the UIS family has celebrated its rich international and cultural diversity with the annual
LLCC’s “Haunted Lab” returns Oct. 24
Lincoln Land Community College invites families to experience the return of the popular "Haunted Lab" on Friday, Oct. 24 from 5-8:30 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, hands-on activities and learn about simple experiments they can try at home. Science shows, led by club members, under the guidance of Jennifer Davis, LLCC
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Courtney Bouvet
Courtney BouvetBusiness Development Account ExecutiveCEFCU (309) 633-7369cbouvet@cefcu.comWhat 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; retirement
CWLP LANDS $1M GRANT FOR ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES
The US Department of Energy through the Illinois Finance Authority is providing City Water, Light and Power $1.1 million towards a $1.6 million project to upgrade electric infrastructure in Springfield. The grant, which prioritizes funding to support reliability, innovation, and disadvantaged communities, was approved by the City Council last night. Work is set to begin by the end of this year and be completed in 2028. CWLP’s electric engineering group and crews will manage and complete all work
HSHS, Chapter Partner to Offer Free Guidance, Education for Patients Seeking Medicare Plans
Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) and Chapter, an independent Medicare adviser, are partnering to offer current and newly eligible Medicare patients free, unbiased consultations on choosing a Medicare plan that best fits their health care needs. Chapter advisers provide expert, up-to-date information about Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap), Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans. They are trained to assist existing Medicare patients aged 65 or older maintain or change plans during the
NEXT PHASE OF WATER MAIN RELOCATION WORK TO CLOSE 11th STREET
Beginning Thursday, October 9, CWLP’s Water Department will move to the next phase of a project to relocate 2,000 feet of a 24-inch water main for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project on North Grand Avenue. This phase of work, expected to last four weeks, requires opening and closing 11th Street from Reservoir Street to North Grand Avenue. This project represents part of the City of Springfield’s match towards the Springfield Rail Improvements Project and is the largest of the multi-year project
Elmore celebrates 45 years with Hanson
Mark Elmore, senior technician, recently celebrated 45 years of service at Hanson Professional Services Inc. Elmore, who joined Hanson’s Springfield headquarters in 1980, has provided computer-aided design and drafting services and has prepared construction and bid documents for a variety of projects, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the Coliseum renovation at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, HSHS St. John’s Women and Children’s Clinic, the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd
High School Healthcare Bootcamp to be held Dec. 30 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital
HSHS St. John’s Hospital will be hosting a High School Healthcare Bootcamp on Tuesday, Dec. 30. The bootcamp is designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in a career in health care to experience a realistic look into various health care roles and make connections in their field of interest. “This job shadowing experience is a great opportunity for students interested in choosing a career in health care to learn about the different roles at our hospital and experience hands-on skills sessions
CWLP CELEBRATING PUBLIC POWER WEEK AND ITS COMMUNITY BENEFITS
City Water, Light and Power is celebrating Public Power Week (#PublicPowerWeek), October 5-11 with the American Public Power Association and the other community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities that collectively provide electricity to 49 million Americans. This year, CWLP is focusing on the pride it has in serving Springfield. During Public Power Week, CWLP celebrates the benefits it strives to provide including: • Low rates • High reliability • Dedicated, local service • Community focus •
The UIS Visual Arts Gallery presents anti-war artist Aaron Hughes in solo exhibition and lecture series
The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery is pleased to present “A Radical Turn,” an exhibition featuring the work of artist, curator and anti-war veteran Aaron Hughes. The exhibition opens Oct. 13 and runs through Nov. 20, 2025.In conjunction with this exhibition, the artist will present an Engaged Citizenship Common Experience (ECCE) Speaker Series lecture from 6 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 22 in Brookens Auditorium, located on the lower level of Brookens Library. Hughes’ lecture, “A Radical Turn:
Springfield Police Officer Presented with Life Saving Award for Heroic Actions
Chief Joe Behl and Mayor Misty Buscher recently recognized Officer Matthew Torres with the Springfield Police Department Life Saving award and Mayor’s Certificate of Honor for his heroic actions in saving a man’s life. On July 2, 2025, Officer Torres responded to an accident with injuries near the intersection of South Wirt Avenue and East Stuart Street. A 911 caller reported that a vehicle had struck the railroad tracks, causing a male occupant to be ejected from the vehicle. The caller further advised
COOK STREET TO DETOUR FOR WATER INSTALLATION WORK
Beginning Monday, October 6th, Cook Street will be closed between 14th and 15th Streets to accommodate City Water, Light and Power’s installation of a fire line. This installation requires pavement openings in the 1400 block of E. Cook Street. A detour route will be posted. The closure will remain in effect until surface pavement repairs are completed. Motorists should plan to take alternative routes, slow down, and be aware of work crews and equipment in and near roadways.
Building Minority Business Success
Jones Named September Memorial Health Ambulatory Colleague of the Month
Mary Jones, a phlebotomist and laboratory assistant at Memorial Care on Koke Mill, is the Memorial Health Ambulatory Group Colleague of the Month for September. Jones is known for her attention and care in drawing blood from pediatric patients who are often anxious about needles and don’t understand the process. “Mary works with our families, our nurses and us to ensure our patients have the best experience possible,” a physician nominator wrote. “She double-checks the labs we ordered to ensure our
Regional Arts Partner Grants Fund Public Arts Projects by Organizations
October 1, 2025: The Springfield Area Arts Council (SAAC) is now accepting applications for the FY26 Regional Arts Partner (RAP) grant program, a unique funding opportunity for organizations and businesses to bring community-focused arts projects to life in Sangamon and Menard counties. RAP grants are the only program in the region that re-grants state-designated funds from the Illinois Arts Council directly to local organizations that create meaningful arts experiences for local residents. By
St. John’s College of Nursing Kicks Off Teen Health Care Exploration Program
Area high school juniors and seniors will get a head start on a nursing career tonight, when St. John’s College of Nursing offers the first class of its annual Teen Health Care Exploration program. The interactive, hands-on experience designed to spark curiosity about the nursing profession will take place at the College’s Simulation Center, 850 E. Madison St., Springfield. From practicing basic skills to connecting with experienced nurses, participants will get an exciting look at an in-demand,
Willis Named September Colleague of the Month for Springfield Memorial Hospital
Kyra Willis, RN, at Springfield Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for September. A patient who had undergone a difficult procedure known for a challenging recovery talked about Willis to her nominator, crediting her with his recovery and describing her extraordinary care. “He shared that Kyra listened to every concern with patience, kindness and unwavering dedication,” wrote her nominator. “Her attention to detail led to timely interventions, including a change in pain
UIS to host the Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture on “Lincoln and the Age of Disruption”
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Center for Lincoln Studies will host the 23rd annual Beaumont Endowed Lincoln Legacy Lecture, “Lincoln and the Age of Disruption,” featuring Jon Grinspan, curator of political history at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, and Colleen Shogan, the 11th archivist of the United States. The lecture is free and open to the public. WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16 WHERE: UIS Student Union Ballroom, 2251 Richard Wright Drive,
Zach Dinardo Named Memorial Health Chief Legal Officer
Zach Dinardo has joined Memorial Health as Chief Legal Officer, effective Sept. 22. Dinardo has more than 25 years of experience as a legal advisor in the health care field, most recently as deputy chief counsel and compliance officer at Springfield Clinic.He graduated with high honors from the University of Illinois Springfield, earning a bachelor’s degree in health services administration. He earned a law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude with a
HSHS Medical Group Welcomes Courtney Musselman, APRN, Priority Care
HSHS Medical Group welcomes Courtney Musselman, APRN, to HSHS Medical Group Priority Care-Springfield at 1836 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, Illinois. Musselman is a board-certified family nurse practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, ensuring personalized care for everyone. As a registered nurse she managed complex cases and collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams. Her clinical training includes rotations in family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health and
UIS Innovate Springfield to launch University of Illinois Founders Week
Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, will host Founders Day on Tuesday, Oct. 7, as the kickoff to 2025 Founders Week events.Founders Day is designed to shine a spotlight on entrepreneurship in Illinois. The event will bring together business founders, investors, government leaders and community members to share ideas, highlight local startups and discuss how to grow innovation across the state.Traditionally celebrated on the University of
Slating Named September Colleague of the Month for System Resources at Memorial Health
Kara Slating, a photo and video consultant, is the Memorial Health System Resources Colleague of the Month for September. Slating juggles multiple responsibilities with grace, always staying upbeat and positive with the subjects she’s photographing. Colleagues appreciate her collaborative approach to assignments and her professionalism as she captures the work of Memorial Health in her expert photography. “Kara puts all her effort into every project,” wrote her nominator. “Her expertise is second-to-none
SPD Promotion and Swearing In Ceremony
Mayor Misty Buscher and Springfield Police Chief Joseph Behl proudly recognized the promotion of two officers and the swearing-in of seven new officers during a ceremony held at the Springfield City Council Chambers on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 Sergeant Kristoffer Rhodes was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, while Officer Orlando Manzanares was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Lieutenant Kristoffer Rhodes has dedicated 24 years to the Springfield Police Department. Throughout his career, he has
STEVENSON DRIVE CLOSED AT ADLOFF LANE FOR WATER MAIN REPAIR
Thewest-bound lanes of Stevenson Drive are currently closed at Adloff Lane to complete repairs on a 24-inch water main leak. A detour is in place at Adloff Lane. Motorists are encouraged to plan for alternate routes and use caution when driving around work zones.
Old Jacksonville Rd. and Koke Mill Rd. Lane Closure
On Thursday, October 2nd, Ameren is planning a repair at the intersection of Koke Mill Road and Old Jacksonville Road. Beginning at 8:30am, Ameren plans to close northbound traffic on Koke Mill Road at the intersection with Old Jacksonville Road. In addition, one of the two westbound lanes will also be closed for this work. The repair is anticipated to be completed by Friday, October 3rd. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes and use caution when proceeding through work zones.
SMTD Board of Trustees Approves Purchase of Nineteen New Buses
The Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD) Board of Trustees approved the purchase of nineteen new fixed route buses over the course of their last two monthly meetings. SMTD will purchase eight diesel-electric hybrid buses from Gillig and eleven compressed natural gas (CNG) buses from New Flyer. “One of the best ways we can provide excellent service to our community is by keeping our bus fleet in a state of good repair,” said SMTD Managing Director Steve Schoeffel. “These new buses will replace buses from
STREET CLOSURES FOR THIS WEEKEND’S INTERNATIONAL ROUTE 66 MOTHER ROAD FESTIVAL IN SPRINGFIELD
The City of Springfield Office of Public Works has announced that due to the International Route 66 Mother Road Festival this weekend, the following areas will be closed to vehicular traffic. Starting at 12-noon on Friday, September 26:5th Street closed between Jefferson and Jackson Street6th Street closed between American Legion Drive and Jefferson StreetWashington closed east of 4thAdams closed between 2nd and 7th StreetMonroe closed at 3rd east of tracksCapitol closed between 4th and 7th
Ambassador Committee Member Spotlight Jessica Covey
Jessica CoveyRegional Care Coordinator Transitions Care (217) 986-1729jessica.covey@transitionscare.comWhat products and services does your business offer? We offer end of life care. What is one thing you'd like for people to know about your business? For us, whether it is end of life care or symptom management care-it’s always about living with us. We offer the highest quality of end of life care and symptom management care services. Paramount to our philosophy is to ensure that our patient is
LLCC’s Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery to feature “Echo” Sept. 29-Oct. 31
The Trutter Museum & Murray Gallery at Lincoln Land Community College will host the exhibit “Echo” featuring sculptural work by Amir Hamamy Roosi Sept. 29-Oct. 31. The public is invited to view the exhibit weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and attend an artist discussion in the museum/gallery on Thursday, Oct. 9, 12:30 p.m. with the LLCC’s fall 3D class. The museum and gallery are located on the upper level of Menard Hall on the LLCC Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Road. “Echo” brings together sculptures
UIS named the top public regional university in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report
The University of Illinois Springfield has been ranked the top public regional university in Illinois for a seventh year by U.S. News & World Report. The 2026 Best Colleges rankings, released today, also place UIS 10th among public regional universities in the Midwest.“We are honored to once again receive this recognition as the top public regional university in Illinois,” said UIS Chancellor Janet L. Gooch. “UIS is a place where students are empowered to succeed, graduate workforce-ready and turn potential
UIS honors four alumni with awards for achievement, service and humanitarianism
The University of Illinois Springfield presented alumni and service awards during the annual Alumni Gala at the Student Union on Sept. 20. The event recognized four distinguished individuals for their professional achievements, service to the university and contributions to society.The Alumni Achievement Award, honoring outstanding success and distinction in one’s profession or life’s work, was presented to retired Illinois Supreme Court Justice Robert L. Carter. A graduate of one of the earliest classes at
Road extension, Duemler honored by American Society of Civil Engineers section
The South Mahomet Road extension in Mahomet and Hanson Professional Services Inc.’s Kurtis Duemler, P.E., CFM, were recognized Sept. 18 during the American Society of Civil Engineers’ (ASCE) Central Illinois Section (CIS) Annual Banquet in Springfield. The South Mahomet Road project, completed in 2024, won an Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award. The road was extended to address projected traffic congestion, providing Mahomet-Seymour Community Unit School District No. 3 improved access to its
DR. JERRY KRUSE TO RETIRE AS SIU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE DEAN & PROVOST, CEO OF SIU MEDICINE IN 2026
Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH, dean and provost of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and CEO of SIU Medicine, announced today that he will conclude his service at the end of his current contract, on or around August 31, 2026. Since joining SIU School of Medicine in 1984, Dr. Kruse has served in numerous leadership roles, including chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, executive associate dean and dean and provost. His tenure has been defined by innovation in medical
The Hair Lounge Salon & Spa - Event
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LLCU HOSTED GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW LLCU OPERATIONS FACILITY & STATE-OF-THE-ART BRANCH IN DECATUR
LLCU held a ceremony on Thursday, September 18th celebrating the groundbreaking of a new operations center with attached branch on Mound Road in Decatur. The nearly $8 million state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in the credit union’s growth strategy and to LLCU’s continued commitment to community reinvestment. Additionally, the new facility will greatly enhance the organization’s infrastructure and operational efficiency. The new facility will be located at 3035 E. Mound Rd. in Decatur,
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LLCU VICE PRESIDENT & CREDIT OFFICER JESSE WINTER EARNS AMA CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT® DESIGNATION
LLCU announced that Vice President/Credit Officer, Jesse Winter, has earned the designation of Certified Professional Management® by the American Management Association (AMA-CPM). This certification is a part of a professional accreditation program designed to enhance an individual’s ability to manage others effectively, to lead within an organization, and to follow a standard of excellence in management. Winter earned the certification after completing the exam prep course- work and subsequently, passing
SAAC Brings Regional Artists into Focus with Public Art Scavenger Hunt
The Springfield Area Arts Council is excited to announce its first-ever Art Hunt, a month-long public art scavenger hunt taking place throughout Sangamon and Menard counties this October. Art Hunt invites participants of all ages to explore the region, discover public art, and celebrate local creativity in a fun, interactive way. Tickets are $10 per person, with proceeds providing vital Mission Support that ensures SAAC can deliver programs, pay staff, and respond to community needs with strength and
LLCC to hold College Now information session Oct. 6
Lincoln Land Community College will host an information session on Monday, Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m. in Menard Hall, Room 1162 on the main campus in Springfield. The session is designed for current high school sophomores, juniors and their parents/guardians to learn more about earning college credit while in high school through College Now this spring. College Now allows students, who are least 16 years old, in good academic standing and from high schools that are partnering with LLCC, to earn college credit by
LLCC to host Campus Visit Day Oct. 13
Prospective students interested in starting or restarting college or training for a new career are invited to visit Lincoln Land Community College for a campus visit day on Monday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Check in begins at 9:30 a.m. The free event will be held at LLCC’s Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd. “At Campus Visit Day, you can discover more of what makes LLCC a smart choice for affordable, high-quality education,” says LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D. “Explore more programs of
Media Advisory: UIS to hold groundbreaking for new Library Commons building
WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield will host a groundbreaking for its new Library Commons building. WHEN: 1:30 p.m. Sept. 19 WHERE: UIS quad, near the Student Union DETAILS: The Library Commons is a publicly funded project made possible by a $42.5 million investment from the State of Illinois. The three-story, 52,000-square-foot building will be located between the Student Union and the Health Sciences Building on the UIS quad. The facility will bring together the
Proven Strategies for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses to Drive Growth and Success
Launching or growing a small business is never a linear journey. Whether you're hiring your first employee, entering a new market, or upgrading your operational tools, each transition presents both opportunity and uncertainty. Success often comes down to how effectively you adapt, optimize, and make informed decisions in real time. In this guide, we break down key best practices that entrepreneurs and local business owners can apply immediately to improve efficiency, visibility, and long-term
Explore timely topics at UIS’ Fall Lunch & Learn Series
The University of Illinois Springfield will host four Lunch & Learn Series events this fall, presented by the UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.Sept. 15 – “Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life”1:30 to 2:30 p.m., UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield, 9 Club Area, Springfield UIS faculty members Hei-Chi Chan and Neetu Singh, co-founders of the UIS AI Campus Learning Community, will lead a hands-on session exploring real-world applications of artificial intelligence.
The Damon Priddy State Farm Team is Growing!
Springfield Illinois - March 2025 - Damon Priddy Insurance & Financial Services - a State Farm Agency is proud to announce the addition of three talented professionals - Chadd Pfeiffer, Marc Reeves and Heath Bilyeu - to it's growing team. As the agency continues to expand its footprint in the Springfield community, these new team members bring a wealth of knowledge, industry experience and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients. "This growth reflects our dedication to helping more
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
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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
