Springfield
Sunrise
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 20, Curve Inn in Springfield caught fire, causing its beer garden to be completely lost and damaging the interior. On Thursday, 50 volunteers helped clear equipment as owners Ray and Ami Merchants work through cleanup and insurance claims to decide next steps. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum is now playing Unsinkable Freedom — an 11-minute film about escaped slave Robert Smalls who saved 15 others and later became a U.S. Congressman — with showings scheduled every 15 minutes during museum hours over the next three months. WYMG
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Washington High School named its next superintendent on Feb. 27, and the new leader will begin duties soon to bolster student success and strengthen community ties. 25 News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Legislators and activists are urging a board that would set price limits on expensive drugs to help residents manage rising costs. The bill is waiting for committee review and could move forward this spring + it will use data from manufacturers, insurers and pharmacies. Capitol News Illinois
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ No. 19 UIS baseball traveled east on Friday for three neutral-site games in West Virginia as part of the Atlantic Region Crossover. The team will face the Walsh Cavaliers today at 10:30 a.m. CT & play the Salem Tigers on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. CT. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ UIS Athletics honored Hall of Fame coach Dominic Giacomini, who died Feb. 19 at age 91, for his 16-season tenure that led the Prairie Stars to 177 wins and eight NAIA regional titles. His career also included running the tennis academy and a summer YMCA camp with local student-athletes. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ The Springfield Prairie Stars won 105-55 over William Jewell, recording their third highest game total in program history. The team, led by Kennedy Osterman’s 31 points, played strong defense & now prepares to face Rockhurst at noon today. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Illinois Springfield men's basketball lost 69-68 to William Jewell on Thursday night at the Mabee Center after holding a 10-point lead at halftime; the team will play its regular season finale at Rockhurst on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Springfield High diver Andrew Kotner finished 26th in the state preliminaries on Friday, Feb. 27 at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, marking the best state performance for a Springfield-area diver since 2020. He broke two school records (for 6- and 11-dive events) during his memorable season. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ Springfield High beat Lincoln 32-26 in a regional playoff game on Friday (Feb. 27) at Roy S. Anderson Gymnasium. The Senators, led by Elijah Wade’s 13 points, will face Normal U-High on Wednesday (Mar. 4) at 7 p.m. in the sectional semifinals. The State Journal-Register
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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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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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