Good morning, Springfield.

Registration is open for the 27th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Illinois, raising funds for athlete programs.

Participants can join one of 27 planned events or host their own, with a plunge at KC Lake Club in Chatham on Saturday, March 7.

Downtown Springfield, Inc. announced Monday that it is searching for a new executive director after a mutual separation with Carlos Ortega, and the board appointed Jay Shanle as interim director while Always On Consulting leads the search.

Bob’s Discount Furniture opened its new Springfield store at 3251 S.

Veterans Parkway on Friday, Feb. 13 as part of a national expansion that also saw a similar opening in Champaign. The store offers everyday low pricing, free coffee, cookies, candy and ice cream, and supports local community giving programs.

Shinedown will headline the Illinois State Fair on Aug.

23 at the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage in Springfield. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Feb. 19 via Ticketmaster — prices range from $60 to $140 with a $30 pre-show party upgrade.

Teachers and education professionals gathered Tuesday morning in Springfield to ask Gov. Pritzker and lawmakers to release billions in funds needed for schools and public universities.

They delivered a letter urging faster action to meet long-standing adequacy goals.

IDOT began demolishing the unused CWLP bridge over I-55 at milepost 94 and advises a detour via Stevenson Drive and Sixth Street.

Partial lane closures run from 7pm to 6am Sunday night to Friday morning as part of highway improvements + safety measures.

The county board approved a recommendation to place a referendum on the March 17 ballot for a one-half-percent sales tax to boost mental health services — the tax is projected to bring in about $14.7 million each year.

The FDA updated a recall for peanut butter products distributed in 20 states, including Illinois, after tests found pieces of plastic in several private-label cups and packets; the recall (Class II) began with Ventura Foods in April 2025 and was upgraded on Feb.

12.

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.