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 […]
IT Staff
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. […]
Posted inTurning Points
Russell Stewart Anders
Russell Stewart Anders, a beloved father, brother, and cherished member of the Springfield community, passed away peacefully on Oct. 10, 2025, at the age of 80 in his hometown of Springfield, Illinois. Born on Nov. 23, 1944, also in Springfield, Russell’s life was one marked by dedication, service, and the joy he brought to those […]
Posted inNews
Illinois Times is now a Report for America Newsroom
Illinois Times has been selected as a Report for America newsroom, allowing us to hire an additional full-time reporter starting in July. This position is partially funded by a grant of $25,000 for the first year – we are expected to raise $35,000 from community support to cover our share of the reporter’s salary. Before […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Attend the Chamber Spring Job Fair on Tuesday, March 3
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Spring Job Fair on Tuesday, March 3, at the Crowne Plaza – Springfield Convention Center. This year’s fair will include both a Youth Job Fair from 12–2 p.m. and the traditional Job Fair from 4–6 p.m. The Youth Job Fair provides a resource for employers […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
FALL GUIDE
This year’s Fall Guide highlights what’s new at the Illinois State Museum and Historic Marbold Farmstead, classic car shows and motorcycle races, where to find covered bridges in Illinois and much more, plus a three-month calendar of upcoming events for the whole family to enjoy. Related Related Related Related Related Related Related Stories
