Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 4th of April.
Good morning, Springfield.
🚨 Crime
A Springfield man named Jerald P.
Fahey was fatally shot Tuesday night near the McDonald’s drive-thru on North Dirksen Parkway—he responded to a traffic accident involving a woman he knew—and police arrested 46-year-old Nicholas J. Kammueller at the scene on charges including first-degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, DUI, and carrying a concealed firearm while intoxicated.
🏛️ Government
Illinois law enforcement training board recently acquired a new VirTra Simulator—an advanced system with five screens, cameras and speakers—to help officers practice de-escalation, traffic stops and active shooter scenarios.
Sangamon County’s new mental health commission held its first meeting Wednesday in Springfield — where experts discussed rising anxiety, depression, substance use, and a manpower shortage in mental health care.
Mike Murphy of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce led the meeting, which was inspired by last year’s police killing of Sonya Massey — and it aims to improve local mental health services.
Members of Sangamon County's new mental health commission heard experts at their first meeting on Wednesday as they discussed the rise in anxiety, depression, substance use and suicide after covid and the shortage of trained workers—an issue highlighted by the police killing of Sonya Massey in her home last year. Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce president Mike Murphy leads the group and said it will work to improve mental health support in the community.
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced a $5.5 million project to improve North Dirksen Parkway from N.
Peoria Road to Northfield Drive that will begin mid-April—initially closing southbound lanes and switching to northbound about six weeks later. Drivers should expect delays and follow a detour via N. Peoria Road and Sangamon Ave as the work is set to finish early August—creating a smoother, safer roadway.
A bill headed to the Senate floor would require individuals convicted of forcing victims into commercial sex work to register as sex offenders so that families know who is in their community + law enforcement can investigate crimes faster.
Senate Bill 267 passed unanimously out of the Senate Criminal Law Committee on Wednesday and could soon add traffickers to the registry.
🎉 Springfield Events
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Building A Website Presence
6:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Learn essential tips for creating or improving your online presence.
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.
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.
Starting Your Own Business
9:30 a.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Gain essential knowledge and confidence to launch your business with planning, setup, and financing tips.
Lawn Mower Clinic
Get your lawn mower ready for the season! The Springfield Jaycees will service push mowers that are in working condition (Must be able to start prior to servicing and we will start it with you at pick up) for $65.
Financing Your Business: Loans, Capital, And Financial Visibility
12:30 p.m. — SCORE Springfield Illinois — Free entry — Explore funding options and strategies to secure capital for sustainable business growth.
🏠 Springfield Real Estate
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💼 Springfield Job Board
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📣 Springfield Announcements
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