Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local musician Gary and his band The Lowriders were spotlighted in the Good News Only series — celebrating their creative community contributions in Springfield. The feature was published on Mar. 17. 25 News
- ➤ Community members will gather at Columbian Hall (2200 Meadowbrook Road) on Saturday, March 21 from 4:00pm to 10:00pm to support The Curve Inn as it recovers from a fire on Feb. 20 that damaged its beer garden, with funds aimed at restoring this local landmark. WNNS
- ➤ Marine Corps veteran Chanel Jackson became the first Black woman to join the Springfield Fire Department. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza honored her during Women’s History Month - highlighting her roles with the honor guard and as a recruit instructor. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Springfield historic sites offer tours, board game nights, art nights and workshops in March. The Dana-Thomas House hosts family nights, a Women’s History Month exhibit (opening March 24) and evening tours, while the Old State Capitol presents History Nights and live music on select dates with reservations recommended. The State Journal-Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Illinois Springfield will host the free Career Connections Expo on March 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UIS Recreation + Athletic Center, where more than 80 organizations will offer networking opportunities and highlight Women’s History Month themes. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Twelve Illinois students were honored in an art contest celebrating America 250 at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (the contest theme was 'America 250: Reflections through Art'). Their work by students aged 6 to 16 will be on display for visitors. FOX Illinois
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Registration is open for the 2026 Lake Springfield boating season as announced by CWLP. Renewal licenses mailed for 2025 boats must be returned by June 30 while new licenses are available at CWLP Security at 3100 Stevenson Drive, the Lake Springfield Marina and The Boat Dock at 3111 Cockrell Lane. WAND-TV
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers moved forward a bill that would let homeowners install plug-in solar panels to lower energy costs. Senate Bill 3104 passed out of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday — it now awaits a vote on the Senate floor. WYMG
- ➤ Gov. Pritzker signed an executive order that forms a working group — including state education, workforce and commerce officials — to review and set new higher education attainment goals; the group will issue its recommendations by Dec. 1. Capitol City Now
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UIS sophomore pitcher Calista Stahlhut (5-0 in seven appearances) was named the UIS Jimmy John's Athlete of the Month for February after pitching 37.1 innings with a 0.72 ERA for Prairie Stars; she will be recognized at the UIS Athletics banquet in Springfield. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ DP visited the Glenwood Titans softball practice during Week 30 to preview the spring season after last year’s near-perfect state championship run. Coach and players Irie Lohrenz, Ryleigh Kiel and Sydney Feld discussed plans for building on that success — a hopeful sign for local fans. WNNS
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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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Toddler Time Storytime
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Enjoy songs, stories, and activities that foster language skills for toddlers.
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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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