Good morning, Springfield.

Illinois Prairie Community Foundation announced a record year of grants last night that will support local nonprofits & boost vital community programs.

Mike Murphy from the Greater Springfield Chamber appeared on WTAX to discuss a community fly-in to Washington DC where 20 locals met with all five congressional delegation members (seeking bipartisan federal support) for projects including moving activity out of downtown to free up the medical district for future growth.

Raising Cane’s in Springfield will donate 15% of sales on April 29 to Make-A-Wish Illinois as part of its fundraiser, featuring Izzy, a 15-year-old with lymphoma whose wish includes a trip to Hawaii.

The event will run at 41 statewide locations all day.

The Good as Gold Ceremony honored more than 40 local volunteers at the U of I Springfield Student Union last week — Shirley McCandless received the Distinguished Volunteer Award, UIS student Melissa Jackson and staff advisor Craig McFarland earned awards, and 5th Street Renaissance won Organization of the Year.

Greater Springfield Chamber CEO Mike Murphy appeared on WTAX Morning NewsWatch today to discuss the Community Fly-in to Washington DC, where 20 community members met with congressional leaders to request rail relocation funding and clear downtown for medical district growth — a sign of bipartisan support.

Amy Beadle from Visit Springfield announced the city is celebrating Route 66’s 100th Anniversary with David Schwartz’s first photography exhibit and record visitor interest.

A new boat ride program on Lake Springfield is available by reservation this summer — offering a unique chance to experience local history.

Social studies teacher Matt Maton of Southeast High School was named Horace Mann Educator of the Year on Monday and received $1,400 plus fellow finalists each earned $250.

District 186 schools have restarted the truancy court, which first met in February to support students attending class regularly.

Community groups and school support officials now meet monthly (sharing resources and guidance to assist families) in addressing attendance challenges.

The State Journal-Register invites locals to vote for the top girls soccer player after six weeks of play; votes can be cast once per hour until noon on Friday, May 1 (bios for all 32 players are available to subscribers only).

Highland Cow Paint Night with Ashley Blake

2-4 p.m. — Harvest Market — No cost info provided — Unleash creativity as you paint a quirky Highland Cow masterpiece under expert guidance.