Springfield
Sunrise
Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 22nd of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local law enforcement will hold the 27th annual Torch Run Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Illinois. The event will invite community members in Springfield to take a chilly plunge and cheer on inclusive sports on an upcoming date. 25 News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ CJ Harvest grocery store in Springfield is set to open soon after four years of planning and construction + the new store will provide a fresh grocery option for local residents. 25 News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Fourteen award-winning teenagers from across Illinois will recite classic poetry at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 2 in downtown Springfield, as they vie for a slot in the Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest (hosted by the Springfield Area Arts Council). WAND-TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Springfield High School finished major renovations that include two new gyms, a larger cafeteria, a band room, & a soundproof choir room, celebrated with a ribbon cutting Saturday morning; superintendent Jennifer Gill said more classrooms will open next year as work continues. Capitol City Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Springfield baseball team split Friday's series at Missouri-St. Louis by winning game one 16-4 in seven innings and losing game two 7-6 in 10 innings. The team will play a nine-inning game today at 1:00 p.m. at UIS Baseball Field due to cold temperatures. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ UIS closed out the Capital City McDonald's Classic Friday at Scheels Sports Park with a 1-0 walk-off win over Ohio Dominican followed by a 9-0 run-rule win against Davenport. The Prairie Stars will face Roosevelt Wednesday afternoon in a doubleheader at the dome. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Local hockey teams hit the ice for autism awareness during an upcoming benefit event in Springfield (organizers say the game will unite community support for autism programs). 25 News
- ➤ Springfield High’s Bryce Bryant finished fifth in Class 2A at 157 pounds, Sacred Heart Griffin’s Casen Lyons placed sixth in Class 1A at 190 pounds, and Glenwood’s Jaxon Ferguson earned sixth in Class 2A at 120 pounds on Feb. 21. WNNS
- ➤ Residents are invited to cast hourly votes until noon on Friday, Feb. 27 for the SJ-R's athlete of the week contest — the call lets everyone support their favorite local athlete. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ At the Class 1A state wrestling tournament held Saturday, Feb. 21, local wrestler Justin Zimmerman earned third place while Coyt Rademaker (106) and Zach Bryant (144) finished fifth and sixth respectively. Zimmerman, who placed fifth last year, improved his finish this season. WNNS
- ➤ Chatham Glenwood wrestlers Cody Moss and Cooper Clarke earned second place in the Class 2A boys state finals (Feb. 21) at State Farm Center in Champaign. They said the result motivates them to work harder in future matches. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Glenwood wrestlers Cody Moss and Cooper Clarke finished runner up in Class 2A at the state championship tournament on Saturday; they will head to team state in Bloomington on Friday to compete in the 2A quarterfinals (Clarke weighed 106 pounds). WNNS
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chunky Blanket Making Class with Jayme
2:30-5:30 p.m. — B's Creative Studio — $75.00 — Learn the art of hand knitting as you create your own cozy chunky blanket while making new friends.
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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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