Good morning, Springfield.

Heartland Housed has helped over 400+ people exit homelessness since 2019 but still aims to reach 765 each year as rising rental costs challenge their efforts; the group uses a street team and a new app to better support those sleeping outdoors.

The Sangamon County Historical Society is accepting applications for historic special projects with completed forms due by April 20.

Award winners will be announced — at the Annual Meeting in June.

Krista Phillips, 21, from Effingham County was crowned the 2026 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen at the IAAF convention at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield on Sunday evening; she will host the Illinois State Fair and DuQuoin State Fair while finishing a business degree at the University of Illinois-Champaign.

Erika Harold, former Miss America—now executive director of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism—spoke at the Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast in Springfield on the MLK holiday.

She quoted Dr. King’s call for justice and stressed more work is needed in our community.

Sangamon County schools are expanding esports programs to give students new competition opportunities.

The Springfield Capitols team practices at Lanphier High and joins programs at Chatham Glenwood, Lincoln Land Community College, and U of I Springfield — where students compete in games like Rocket League.

Sullivan has joined Decatur in urging residents and businesses to conserve water amid a drought that started in August.

Wells in the community are under strain as rainfall remains well below average — residents are asked to limit non-essential water use until conditions improve.

Springfield hospitals must sign a referral for NICU babies under 2.2 lbs to connect families with early intervention services; the new law took effect Jan.

1 & the Illinois Department of Early Childhood will manage the program starting July 1.

Health experts warn that frigid temperatures may cause frostbite in as little as 30 minutes, urging residents to dress in layers and limit outdoor time.

Carle Health advises those with symptoms such as numbness or pain (especially among the young, elderly, and homeless) to seek care promptly.

Springfield High trailed Manual by 26 points in the second quarter but rallied close before falling 69-65 on Jan.

19. The Senators will face Southeast in the City Tournament on Thursday night.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Super Bowl LX Celebration

5-10 p.m. — 5th Street GEM — In person — Enjoy an evening of football, snacks, and good vibes at the Super Bowl LX Party.

Foster Parent Information Session

6-7:30 p.m. — Monical's Pizza — Free entry — Discover how you can make a difference in a child's life by exploring foster parenting in a supportive environment.

Snow Tulips Paint Night with Ashley Blake

2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — No cost mentioned — Enjoy a relaxed afternoon painting a winter scene of snow-covered tulips with guided instruction.

Stay & Play

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free — Enjoy engaging activities and themed stations for toddlers and children every Thursday morning in February.