The Springfield Area Arts Council, in partnership with the city of Springfield, is accepting nominations for the 23rd Mayor’s Awards for the Arts. Starting Aug. 1, community members are invited to nominate an individual, organization or business whose outstanding contributions have strengthened and enriched the arts throughout Sangamon and Menard counties, the Arts Council’s service […]
IT Staff
Posted inArts & Culture
Cathy Schwartz named inaugural recipient of Good Golly Miss Molly Kindness Award
The Mid-Illinois Communications Association has named Cathy Schwartz of Springfield as the inaugural recipient of the Good Golly Miss Molly Kindness Award, which honors individuals in central Illinois who demonstrate exceptional kindness and a commitment to uplifting others within the community. The award was established in memory of communications professional and former MICA president Molly […]
Posted inArts & Culture
$26 Grandstand tickets for select shows
The Illinois State Fair is celebrating 217 Concert Week with a special ticket promotion. From Aug. 3 through Aug. 9, fairgoers can purchase $26 tickets for three Grandstand concerts. This promotion is available online through Ticketmaster or in person at the Illinois State Fair Box Office and applies to select seating areas while supplies last. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
“American Pickers” looking for new locations
The American Pickers are returning to Illinois and Iowa and plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout our area in September. “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 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Police and community come together for National Night Out
The Springfield Police Department will join neighborhoods and community partners across Springfield on Tuesday, Aug. 4, for National Night Out, an annual nationwide event designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. National Night Out provides an opportunity for residents to meet their neighbors, connect with local police officers and first […]
Posted inTurning Points
John Dana Sorensen
John D. Sorensen, 76, of Springfield, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital. He was born on Nov. 12, 1949, in Tupper Lake, New York, the son of Dale Clarence and Dorothy Alida (Lovell) Sorensen. John met the love of his life, Maureen Parry, in 1982, and they were married […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Shakespeare in the Park returns to Enos Park for a third year
The Springfield Area Arts Council is facilitating the return of Shakespeare in the Park on Friday, July 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Enos Park, 1000 N. Seventh St., in Springfield. Now in its third year, Shakespeare in the Park will take a different approach than previous seasons. This year’s event will showcase Illinois playwright Kevin […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fourth of July celebration at ALPLM
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is joining the America 250 Celebration in a big way on the Fourth of July. The day begins with free admission to the museum starting at 9 a.m., where visitors can fully explore the life and legacy of our 16th president – including a new exhibit, “The Second […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Goodwill to host Youth Summit
Area youth, families, community members and service organizations are invited to attend the Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries 5th Annual Youth Summit on Thursday, June 25, at its headquarters located at 1220 Outer Park Drive in Springfield. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and is free and open to the […]
Posted inTurning Points
Delores J. Martin
Delores J. Martin; beloved family matriarch, tireless community organizer, esteemed lawyer/urban planner, and a devoted, decades-long member of Springfield’s Baha’i community, passed peacefully from this world on March 22, 2026, in Cary, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at Sacred Heart […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Fletcher Farrar receives Freedom of the Press Award
Fletcher Farrar has received the James C. Craven Freedom of the Press Award. Don Craven, Illinois Press Association attorney, presented Farrar with the award at the Illinois Press Convention held June 4 in East Peoria. Michelle Ownbey, executive editor of Illinois Times, sent in a nomination earlier this year: “Fletcher Farrar is the owner of Central Illinois […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Visit ISM to get free State Fair admission
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of historic U.S. Route 66, visitors to the Illinois State Museum’s new Route 66 exhibit in Springfield this summer can earn free weekday admission to the 2026 Illinois State Fair, happening Aug. 13-23. The promotion began June 8 and runs for the next 66 days. Each visitor to the Illinois […]
