Public comments grabbed most of the Springfield City Council meeting this week. – The council celebrated the Lincoln Magnet Ball Charter 7th grade boys basketball team for their historic 4A state championship win. – Updates on the Wyndham Hotel damages that temporarily halted overnight stays, but the city is working hard to relocate conventions and […]
Theresa Grimaldi Olsen
Theresa Grimaldi Olsen is a freelance journalist, writer and teacher. Her work has appeared in several Illinois newspapers and magazines. She also has worked in public relations and fundraising for nonprofit organizations and taught journalism at Illinois State University and Bradley University.
Posted inWatch Public Meetings
CWLP presents upgrades in electric and water meters, solar ordinance
Springfield City Council dives into the city’s energy future with updates on solar ordinances and carbon capture projects. – CWLP outlines a 25-megawatt solar ordinance and carbon capture pilot project. – Discover the transformative potential of AMI meters for real-time data and improved billing accuracy. – Council members probe into meter lifecycle, ward priorities and […]
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Mayor’s civility pledge at Council meeting doesn’t quell anger about fallout from retired police officer’s DUI accident
Mayor Misty Buscher introduces a civility pledge and honors retiring Memorial CEO Ed Curtis with a proclamation for his retirement. Several variance requests were approved for a new restaurant. Route History Inc. requested a zoning change for a museum on Jackson Street. But the focus of the meeting was on police accountability for the car-motorcycle […]
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Potential $80,000 identified to assist with laundry services for low-income families
The council discusses rising utility fees, the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day parade, making the 1987 federal consent decree that guides Springfield government public, a dangerous intersection, and the push to serve families living in poverty with laundry services. Watch the full Springfield City Council meeting here:
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Council unanimously approves FY 2026 budget
– The council opened the floor for public comments on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, with community members voicing their concerns and suggestions. – Ward 2 Ald. Shawn Gregory sought clarity on pension funding levels, sparking a detailed financial discussion. – Frustrations arose over delays in Lincoln Library’s bookmobile purchase, with council members seeking answers. […]
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Council appoints new alderman, advances low-income housing project
The Springfield City Council meeting was short, but there was significant action: – Jeffrey G. Cox was appointed as the new alderman for Ward 1 after a swift vote. – The council approved $1.5 million in funding for the Nehemiah Expansion project, paving the way for 50 new affordable homes. – Rev. Silas Johnson and […]
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Building trades unions push for project labor agreement at packed council meeting
The Springfield City Council meeting was packed with building trades union members trying to insure that the next phase of the Nehemiah Homes Redevelopment Project is built using a project labor agreement, per a city ordinance that was put in place after Mayor Misty Buscher took office. The city is being asked to contribute $1.5 […]
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Springfield City Council OKs procedures for filling executive vacancies
The council passes an ordinance on filling executive vacancies and rejects proposed amendments to the measure in the wake of the controversial resignation of former Clerk Frank Lesko. Concerns are voiced about the resignation of the Tree Commission. Watch the full Springfield City Council meeting on YouTube Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 (2hr 20min)
Posted inSpecial Issues
LAUREN ENGLEKE-SMITH June 8, 1978-Sept. 16, 2024
Bone marrow transplants saved Lauren Engleke-Smith’s two young sons, but the mother’s bone marrow transplant wasn’t enough to stop the raging leukemia in her own body. One bone marrow transplant is brutal for a family, but three seems untenable. Yet, Lauren radiated unending hope and faith until the very end. Lauren, 46, of Springfield, died […]
Posted inSpecial Issues
Suzanne “Susy” Woods June 11, 1948-Dec. 8, 2023
Long before Susy Woods began advocating for children with disabilities throughout Illinois, she graduated from high school at Ursuline Academy and was preparing to become an Ursuline nun and teach. She left the convent after an accident caused her to have seizures that interrupted her studies. “The Ursulines felt that their way of life would be […]
