The annual Springfield Oyster & Beer Feztival will be returning this year at a new location and with a slightly different name, thanks to its new sponsor. Ansar Shrine, a Springfield-based fraternal organization, has announced plans to continue the traditional Labor Day weekend celebration. It will now be hosted at the Ansar Shrine Center in […]
IT Staff
Posted inArts & Culture
Free colon cancer test kits available
Free take-home screening tests for colon cancer will be distributed at several upcoming drive-thru events in Springfield, Jacksonville, Lincoln, Taylorville and Decatur, sponsored by the Regional Cancer Partnership, which includes Memorial Health, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield Clinic and HSHS St. John’s Hospital. “March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and we encourage everyone to take […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A history of the Curve Inn
The Curve Inn once sat on an actual curve. The nightspot, housed in a 94-year-old building at 3219 S. Sixth Street Road, was badly damaged by fire in February 2026. The Inn originally was near a long curve that connected northbound Route 66 to Bypass 66 on the south edge of Springfield. (The bypass generally […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Compass receives $230K donation
Representatives from the Asian Indian Women’s Organization presented Compass for Kids with a $230,000 check, funds raised from the most recent India Night celebration. The Nov. 8 event at the Crowne Plaza featured cultural performances, an auction and bazaar. Dr. Richa Pandey, who served as AIWO president last year, told Springfield Business Journal prior to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
State Treasurer Frerichs presents awards for Black History Month
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs hosted a celebration Feb. 25 to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community. The event, held at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office in the Marine Bank Building in downtown Springfield, recognized eight downstate honorees, including a Springfield dentist, the CEO and president of the Springfield […]
Posted inObituaries
Dianna L. Lumsden
Dianna L. Lumsden, 60, of Springfield, passed away on Feb. 13 at home with her husband and son at her sides. She was born on Aug. 1, 1965, in Lincoln, Illinois. Dianna married David Lumsden on Feb. 14, 1988, and he survives. Dianna is also survived by her son, Sean (Lauren) Lumsden of Springfield, her […]
Posted inTurning Points
Jeffrey Martin “Willy” Willhite
Jeffrey Martin “Willy” Willhite, 66, of Springfield passed away peacefully in his sleep Feb. 10, 2026. He was born Oct. 24, 1959. He was lovingly adopted by Marty and Virginia Willhite, who preceded him in death, along with his beloved Westies, Abbey Doo and Bailey. Jeff grew up with a close knit group of friends […]
Posted inArts & Culture
DSI appoints interim executive director
Downtown Springfield, Inc. is searching for a new executive director “following a mutual separation with Carlos Ortega,” according to a statement the organization issued Feb. 17. Always On Consulting, the human resources company led by Debbie Thompson, has been retained to lead the search process. Jay Shanle, who currently serves as DSI’s director of communications […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
UIS to offer free tax preparation services
The University of Illinois Springfield is offering free tax preparation services for the first time through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, expanding access to professional tax help for eligible members of the Springfield-area community. The program is hosted by the UIS’ College of Business and Management. Through the VITA program, […]
Posted inArts Features
Students compete in 2026 Poetry Out Loud
The Springfield Area Arts Council will host the Poetry Out Loud Central Illinois Regional Contest at 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. The event is free and open to the public. Poetry Out Loud, a partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts and state and jurisdictional arts agencies, is […]
Posted inObituaries
Jim “Gunner” Edwin Fults
Jim “Gunner” Edwin Fults, 80, of Jacksonville, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at The Grove Health and Rehab Center in Jacksonville. He was born on Aug. 8, 1945, to William and Mary (nèe Strebel) in Springfield, Illinois. Jim worked for Springfield Pepsi-Cola Distribution in Springfield for over 20 years. He also worked […]
Posted inUncategorized
Illinois Times is searching for a CEO
HOW TO APPLY: Please submit your resume and cover letter to Fletcher Farrar at editor@illinoistimes.com. The role Illinois Times, a trusted, 50-year-old weekly newspaper serving Springfield, Illinois, and the surrounding region, is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead its next chapter as it transitions from a for-profit business to a nonprofit news organization. […]
