Wednesday, March 26th, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of March.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Pleasant Plains man was arrested Monday for leaving the scene of a fatal hit-and-run that killed New Berlin woman Maysa Davis near the I-72 exit at milepost 82.5—authorities say Robert W. Butcher, 65, faces a Class 1 felony charge. WYMG
- ➤ A dispute at Stadium Smokehouse Bar & Grill on North Peoria Road escalated Sunday when 52-year-old suspect Clarence Smith Jr.—who has prior arrests for drugs, assault and homicide—fired multiple shots that hit a 31-year-old man in the hip; he later surrendered and was arrested for aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ This last weekend in March, Springfield will host five fun events for families and locals—an All-American Circus, an art exhibit on healing, a rock show by local and Michigan bands, a Puppy Yoga class with adoptable puppies, and a free film about Susan Lawrence Dana. The circus takes place at 801 E. Sangamon Ave. on Friday and Saturday, the Kidzeum hosts the exhibit until May 11 starting Friday, Dumb Records presents the rock show on Saturday, Boondocks holds the Puppy Yoga on Sunday, and Lincoln Library offers the film screening on Friday at noon. The State Journal-Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ District 186’s SCOPE before- and after-school program has been losing money since 2014 with a $747,000 loss reported last school year, and the board tabled a proposal to shift the program to the YMCA amid parent complaints over last-minute notice. Board president Micah Miller said both options will lead to rate increases from $85 to about $127 weekly—sparking calls for better transparency on fund management. Capitol City Now
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Moving Pillsbury Forward has signed contracts to clean up and demolish the remaining structures at the former Pillsbury Plant over the next 12 months. Select Demo Services will begin asbestos and lead paint removal from April through early September—GreenTrac will start demolition in late April while a public meeting is set for April 9th at Lanphier High School auditorium. WAND-TV
- ➤ Illinois committed $8M to fix roofs and other damages at New Salem, a replica village where Lincoln started his political career, after public pressure showed unsafe conditions like a collapsed roof on the Carding Mill—officials say the repairs will help restore the historic site for school trips and local visitors. 25 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Last Thursday, Springfield Clinic announced that it would cut its budget and workforce because of financial challenges and rising operational costs—pressures that have strained local health facilities. The cuts come as Congress considers large Medicaid reductions that may further impact rural clinics. WNNS
TRAVEL NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR Compression packing cubes are a travel game-changer — fit twice as much, stay organized, and avoid suitcase chaos. Perfect for any trip, they keep clothes tidy, save space, and make packing and unpacking a breeze. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
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Murder Mystery Dinner Show - The Dinner Detective in Springfield, IL
Enjoy an interactive comedy murder mystery dinner experience while attempting to solve a hilarious crime at Maldaner's Restaurant.
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On-Site Tour at Trustwell Living
9 AM - 7 PM | Trustwell Living of Springfield | Free entry | Explore a welcoming community featuring top-notch dining and engaging activities for seniors.
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Brain Aging Conference - Community Day
10 AM – 4 PM — Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center — Free entry — Gain essential insights on caring for those with memory loss from expert medical professionals.
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Spring Lawn & Garden Sale
9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Illinois State Fair Campground — Free entry — Explore local vendors offering plants, flowers, garden supplies, and more.
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The Snow Queen Performance
2 PM – 2 PM — Sacred Heart-Griffin High School — Costumes optional — Delight in a magical retelling of a classic fairytale featuring talented local youth dancers.
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On-Screen Presence Mastery Workshop
6:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free — Enhance your video production skills to captivate audiences and grow your business.
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Crafting a Business Plan for Success
11 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Gain expert guidance on creating a solid business plan covering all essential aspects for your venture's success.
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Building A Website Presence
6:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Learn essential tips for creating or improving your online presence.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Erin's Pavilion — Check website for ticket prices — Experience a magical candlelight tribute to the timeless music of Coldplay performed by the Listeso String Quartet.
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LinkedIn for Entrepreneurs: Get Your Brand Out There
10 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free — Discover how to use LinkedIn to enhance your business networking and marketing efforts.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.
~ Tony Robbins
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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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