Springfield’s council meeting included an update from CWLP and heated debated about neighborhood improvement grants. The city’s utility leaders shared news on a $629,000 grant for new EV chargers, a shot at $1.6 million for grid upgrades, and the daunting challenge of replacing 10,000 lead water lines in just 10 years—potentially a $150 million project […]
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Posted inWatch Public Meetings
Council celebrates athletes, community calls for strong leadership
Springfield’s council meeting had less business than usual but included celebratory and thought-providing moments: young athletes from Jefferson Middle School were honored for breaking state records, and the city officially proclaimed a day in their name. The Oak Ridge Cemetery Foundation shared how volunteers are preserving one of the nation’s most visited cemeteries—and why future […]
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Springfield High sports honors and Jerome TIF impact
Big wins and big changes for District 186! The board celebrated Springfield High’s track stars and the girls soccer team’s historic state run, plus a strong finish for Southeast’s girls track. Graduation was a hit, with 736 students moving on to college, trades, or the workforce — and some surprising stats on where they’re headed […]
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Springfield’s unusual wastewater issue and questions about RV rules
Springfield’s council tackled some interesting questions this week. A $300k engineering contract for a wastewater rule drew questions—turns out our plant is the only one in the country facing this exact EPA challenge, and the clock is ticking. Council members pressed for more transparency, while a resident group raised concerns about risks to drinking water […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Step back in time to golden era of rock ’n’ roll
Pasfield House Sock HopSat., June 7, 7-11 p.m. | 525 S. Pasfield St. | info@pasfieldhouse.com DANCE | Step back in time to golden era of rock ‘n’ roll It’s not often one gets a chance to “step back in time and groove to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll,” but that opportunity is on […]
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Council debates homeless services funding, approves grant
Springfield’s council meeting was all about how the city supports its most vulnerable residents. The main debate: whether to award over $1.1 million in ARPA funds to Helping Hands for supportive services, or to open the process for a portion of the funds so other organizations could apply. After a heated back-and-forth, the amendment to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
The many connections between immigrants and the U.S. health care system
These days, mention of the word “immigration” often conjures up issues related to politics, the law, culture, economics and even whether getting a speeding ticket makes a person a criminal. As a retired primary care physician with no special expertise in immigrant health care who was invited by a friend to join the Springfield Immigrant […]
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Council questions Helping Hands, cheers Fifth Street Renaissance
Springfield’s council meeting focused on two major funding decisions for local supportive services, with council members pressing for details on how $1.1 million in ARPA funds would be used by Helping Hands of Springfield. Concerns about leadership, staffing and community trust took center stage, while the organization’s director pledged a new direction. In sharp contrast, […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Chautauqua-style event returns to Petersburg
In the 1870s, an educational meeting at Lake Chautauqua, New York, grew into a popular adult education and social movement that swept the U.S. The movement’s events, named after the lake, featured entertainment and culture “with speakers, teachers, musicians, showmen, preachers and specialists of the day.” Illinois had its share of Chautauquas, including one near […]
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Track and field triumphs and summer programs previewed
Springfield’s student athletes had a big night as the board celebrated track and field standouts from every middle school — state records, top finishes, and plenty of proud moments for Franklin, Grant, Lincoln Magnet, Washington, and Jefferson. The meeting also spotlighted end-of-year milestones, including: – Graduations at Lee and SLA – A unique Project Search […]
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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 […]
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Lake Springfield zoning dispute and Animal Control debate
A heated debate over a zoning variance on Lake Springfield set the tone at this week’s council meeting. Arguments flew about fairness, process, and whether the city is setting a precedent for future lakefront properties. Council members called for a long-overdue update to the land use plan, and some shared what they learned from meeting […]
