Good morning, Springfield.

Dr. Nicole Florence from Memorial Health's Health and Wellness Center advises residents to take one step at a time in their weight loss journey by using a +smaller plate+ and selecting a +whole foods+ approach over processed options.

She also recommends professional help if one habit change is not enough.

February is American Heart Month, and Memorial Health advises locals to protect their hearts by taking walks at Downtown YMCA, Southwind Park, or Washington Park and by adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to meals.

County resources also support tobacco cessation and offer low-cost heart screenings at HSHS St. John’s Hospital.

The Prairie Stars men's track team competed on Saturday at the GVSU Big Meet and set personal records in key middle- and long-distance events ahead of the GLVC Championships.

Freshmen Chase Cooley (4:17 mile) and River Derby (4:25) led the effort.

UIS baseball split a Saturday doubleheader at Florida Southern, winning 5-1 then losing 11-1; the Prairie Stars are now 5-1 on the season and will play their final game at Henley Field Sunday at 1:00 p.m. (ET).

Illinois Springfield women's basketball beat Indianapolis 75-57 at Nicoson Hall Saturday as they completed a season sweep using 17 steals and 12 three-pointers.

Kennedy Osterman and Libby Blythe each scored 17 points, and the Prairie Stars will begin their final homestand Thursday at TRAC.

UIS men’s tennis won a 6-1 match against Michigan Tech at the Springfield Racquet and Fitness Center on Saturday, improving their record to 3-3.

The team will travel for matches on Feb. 21 (Drury) and Feb. 22 (Southeastern Oklahoma State), with coach Henrique Leal noting a strong doubles performance boosted the win.

Saturday, the UIS Prairie Stars fell 81-68 to UIndy after a close first half and a late free-throw run by their opponent.

Coach Matt Brock said the team is preparing to play home games this week against the Lewis Flyers and Upper Iowa Peacocks.

Prairie Stars women's track team shone at GVSU Big Meet Saturday, with athletes setting personal bests (Billard 10:52, Thomsen 11:08 in 3,000m) and strong 800m finishes.

The team will run at Illinois College Hilltop Classic on Feb. 20 and GLVC Championship Feb. 28 to Mar. 1.

UIS women's tennis team lost 6-1 to Michigan Tech Huskies during its Saturday home opener at Springfield Racquet (Fitness Center), with a strong doubles start but falling in singles matches; coach Henrique Leal said the squad is steadily improving as they prepare for exhibition and away matches later this week.

SJ-R announced a list of nominees for its athlete of the week covering Feb.

9-14, and fans can vote every hour on sj-r.com until noon + Friday, Feb. 20.

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.

Illinois Product Expo 2026

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Orr Building — $10 for wine tasting — Explore local flavors and indulge in wine from 14 Illinois wineries.

Toddler Time at Lincoln Library

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Move, learn, and play with stories, songs, and activities tailored for toddlers and their caregivers.

Candlebox in Concert

7-11 p.m. — Boondocks — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary Seattle rockers Candlebox live during their Can't Quit You Tour.