Rodger Dale Paoni Jr., 52, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026. Rodger, known to many throughout his life simply as “Junior,” was born on Sept. 18, 1973, to Lynell Ayers and Rodger Paoni Sr., in Springfield, Illinois. Rodger married Kristy and she survives. Also surviving are his stepson, Jayson; daughters, Kendra, Cerria, […]
IT Staff
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
High School Healthcare Bootcamps
High school students interested in a career in health care are invited to apply for the Summer 2026 High School Healthcare Bootcamps at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur and HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham. The bootcamps are designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in […]
Posted inArts & Culture
DSI executive director to hold ‘Ask Me Anything’ event
Downtown Springfield, Inc. (DSI) will host an ‘Ask Me Anything’ event with its new executive director, Jay Shanle, on Thursday, April 30, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Springfield. “My day-one commitment was to build a foundation of partnership and communication,” said Shanle. “I want to reintroduce DSI to the community, share our vision and […]
Posted inWomen's Business Showcase
6th Annual Women’s Business Showcase
Spring in Central Illinois is the perfect time to put your business in front of new customers—and the Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois (WECI) Women’s Business Showcase is built to do exactly that. Join us on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for one of the region’s most anticipated events celebrating women-owned […]
Posted inNews
Sangamon County seeks applicants for Mental Health Board
Following voter approval of the March 2026 referendum, Sangamon County is now accepting applications for individuals interested in serving on the newly established Sangamon County Mental Health Board. The creation of the board follows more than a year of study and public input. In January 2025, the Sangamon County Board established a Mental Health Commission, […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
This year’s big events
ONGOING Bob Waldmire Art Exhibition Fridays, 12-6pm and Saturdays, 12-6pm. Through Dec. 19. Bob Waldmire was the iconic hippy artist of Route 66. See displays of his life story and original artwork. Free, donations accepted. The Pharmacy Gallery and Art Space, 623 E. Adams St., 801-810-9278. David Schwartz Photography Exhibit Fridays, 12-6pm and Saturdays, 12-6pm. […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
Shopping
Antiques and Flea Markets Abe’s Old Hat Antiques & Country Store111 N. Sixth St. 217-414-3320 Abe’s Tradin’ Post2704 Peoria Rd.217-753-2237 Barrel Antique Mall14266 Frazee Rd, Divernon.217-628-9192 Hilda’s Antique Mall5850 S. Sixth St. Rd.217-585-1438barrelantiquemall.com Northfield Flea Market3226 E. Sangamon Ave.217-306-1873 Sangamon Antique Mall3050 E. Sangamon Ave.217-522-7740 Springfield Vintage215 S. Fifth St.217-652-8413springfieldvintage.com Boutiques Beige Bee Boutique3255 Ginger Creek […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
Drink up
Microbreweries Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling619 E. Washington St. (downtown)217-679-1195anvilandforge.com One of a burgeoning number of craft breweries in the capital city, Anvil & Forge opened in late 2018. The place has a no-nonsense vibe, with walls made from metal siding and reclaimed barn wood, a cement floor and a mix of fluorescent and […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
Food and drinks
American 5th Street GEM 221 S. Fifth St.217-970-4019 66 Mother Road Diner(inside Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center)625 E. St. Joseph St.217-529-6626 A&Q Café3141 Baker Dr.217-679-1822 Abe’s Hideout2301 S. Dirksen Pkwy.217-679-2044abeshideouts.com Applebee’s Grill & Bar2554 Sunrise Dr.217-528-7021applebees.com Aunt Lou’s Soul Food524 E. Monroe217-717-1916auntlous.com Big Sharks Fish & Chicken 330 South Grand Ave.217-717-9700 Bob Evans4221 Conestoga Dr.217-698-3800bobevans.com Boyd’s […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
The nightlife
The nightlife of Springfield and surrounding communities is diverse and robust. Blues, folk, jazz, rock, country, hip-hop, dance music, open mic events and karaoke nights are well-represented on any given night in central Illinois and the capital city. Solid local acts playing original and cover material mix with national touring bands on the road from […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
The outdoors
Boating and fishing Lake Springfield217-757-8660 x1011cwlp.comPublic boat launches are available from a variety of locations. Try your hand at fishing from the shoreline or from your boat in a private cove. Lake Springfield Marina17 Waters Edge Blvd.217-483-3625lakespringfieldmarina.comFull-service marina with slip rental by day, week, month or season. Rent a pontoon boat, personal watercraft or canoe, […]
Posted inCapital City Visitor
What the locals do for fun
Haven’t you seen enough sights? How about some fun? Take it from the locals – here are many ways to have a good time in the capital city that don’t involve learning anything at all. Just enjoy. FAMILY-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT Amazing Xscapes1650 Wabash Ave.217-679-6396amazingxscapes.comChoose from several different escape room themes and book your private adventure online. […]
