Good morning, Springfield.

Gertie the groundhog is set to make her weather prediction at Wildlife Prairie Park today.

The event carries on a long-standing local tradition that brings neighbors together each year.

Springfield is hosting Black History Month celebrations and more community events this month.

Local groups have scheduled cultural programs and displays that begin this week and will continue throughout February.

Local school districts no longer have the covid funds from the ESSER program that supported instruction and staff pay, according to UIC research assistant professor Craig De Voto (from the University of Illinois Chicago).

Schools must now plan new budgets that could affect student performance.

Undergraduate students may apply for a paid summer lab internship at Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine (application deadline Feb.

16, nine-week program runs June 1 to July 31 at Springfield and Carbondale). Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have completed their first college year.

Memorial Health named Sarah Matlin as its new chief strategy officer on Feb.

1. She brings healthcare innovation experience from OKTO Strategic Advisory and St. Elizabeth Healthcare to guide the network of five hospitals and clinics.

Illinois Springfield men’s basketball completed its season sweep with a 78–74 win over Missouri-St. Louis on Saturday at TRAC, as plays from Britton Dutton and Jordan Rice paved the way.

They will play next week (Thursday at Maryville and Saturday at McKendree).

UIS Athletics will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day early at a Saturday basketball doubleheader at the UIS arena.

The event will honor the women who compete, coach and lead the department to show the impact of sports.

Illinois Springfield's Prairie Stars defeated Missouri-St. Louis 75-68 at TRAC as they turned 16 turnovers into 20 points.

Kayla Rice reached 1,001 career points — a milestone for the team — and UIS will meet Maryville and McKendree next weekend.

The 23-1 MacArthur Generals will face Lincoln’s 20-5 Railers on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in a CS8 game (MacArthur leads with a 7-0 record while Lincoln stands at 5-2).

On Saturday, the UIS women’s tennis team started its spring season with a 6-1 loss at Tiffin, winning one key singles match (7-6, 6-4 at No. 1) before continuing their road trip with a match Sunday at Findlay.

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.

Stained Glass Hearts Crafting

3-4 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create beautiful stained glass hearts and other shapes in this fun craft program for children.