Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local officials held a ribbon cutting for the new bridge in Springfield last night, and community members attended to mark a step forward in local transportation improvements. 25 News
- ➤ Helping Hands announced a $2 million investment to provide permanent housing and rapid rehousing for homeless residents in Springfield. The nonprofit has tripled capacity at its new shelter on Shale Street & plans to expand services to stabilize housing and connect individuals to support. WAND-TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ McKenna Vereeke, current Miss Capital City, will compete for the Miss Illinois crown for the fifth time and hopes to become Miss America while studying for her doctorate in psychology (class of 2029) to offer clinical support in Evansville. WYMG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Michele Gribbins, associate provost at UIS, has been named to the UPCEA Board policy committee for a one-year term starting in 2026. She will use her 29 years of higher education experience to represent UIS in national policy discussions. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Tiffany Nielson, UIS associate professor, received the 2025 Counselor Educator of the Year award from the Illinois Association for Counselor Education + Supervision at Chicago’s Illinois Counseling Association Conference on Nov. 7. She was honored for 15 years of work in marital, couple and family counseling. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ The Springfield Public School District 186 board approved a three-year extension for e-learning to offer remote learning during weather or emergency closures on Monday. Superintendent Jennifer Gill said the district will limit e-learning to no more than five days a year + ensuring consistent learning opportunities. WMAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois taxpayers should prepare as the IRS is expected to start accepting returns around Feb. 2, with W-2s mailed by Jan. 31 and returns due by April 15; use Form IL-505-I on MyTax Illinois to file an extension and avoid penalties if needed. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ The Illinois Department of Natural Resources revised the South Zone waterfowl hunting dates for the 2026-30 seasons, with the season set to begin mid-November for 23 days, then pause for 12 days before a mid-December run for 37 days— a youth hunt day pilot will occur in late January. WYMG
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday night, St Joseph Ogden beat Williamsville 50-40 in a heavyweight contest between two top 2A programs, with the win highlighting the competitive spirit of local sports. WNNS
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Kindergarten Open House at Our Savior's Lutheran School
6-7 p.m. — Our Savior's Lutheran School — Free entry — Discover how your child will thrive in a faith-centered educational community.
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Kids Perler Bead Fun!
3-4 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free event — Create your own fuse bead design or follow a template at this fun craft program for children and tweens.
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Arctic Lego Build & Play
2-3 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create adorable arctic animals or imaginative creatures with Lego kits in a fun-filled afternoon.
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PMP Exam Preparation Course
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Illinois State Fairground — Contact for pricing — Enhance your project management skills through a comprehensive 4-day workshop with certification guarantee.
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Bath Bombs and Body Scrub Workshop
3:00-4:30 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create a thoughtful Valentine gift with handmade bath bombs and coffee body scrub in a fun, messy setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Springfield Sunrise
Welcome to the Springfield Sunrise, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Springfield, Illinois community. If you like the Springfield Sunrise, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Springfield.
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