Good morning, Springfield.

On Monday, the Springfield Public Schools board elected Erica Austin as president — having succeeded Micah Miller — and named Buffy Lael-Wolf vice president while Kristin Barnett joined after defeating Tony Mares in the April 1 election.

Lincoln Land Community College student Eleanor Stuckey received the Charles Womack Award at the Illinois Geographical Society banquet on April 25 and will graduate with honors in May — she plans to continue her studies at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.

LLCC professor Dean Butzow received the 2025 Distinguished Geographer Award for his teaching, research and community involvement — recognizing his contribution to advancing geography in Illinois.

Springfield police and firefighters were honored by Mayor Misty Buscher and department leadership for their courageous response during a high-risk crisis on April 8 — they built trust and safely transported a person in distress to medical care.

The Illinois Senate Criminal Law Committee unanimously supported a bill Tuesday that requires law enforcement agencies to submit quarterly reports on homicides and violent crimes and document when incidents occurred and case statuses — the State Police will send counts of homicides and aggravated assaults with a firearm to the Criminal Justice Information Authority. The bill now moves to the Senate floor for further debate.

Brian Brennan has been named president and CEO of St. John’s Hospital and will lead five hospitals across central Illinois starting May 27—he brings over 20 years of healthcare experience and will join the Springfield community with his wife.

This leadership change comes as part of Hospital Sisters Health System’s plans to improve patient care.

Sangamon County offices announced Tuesday that a mental health survey will start arriving in randomly selected mailboxes this week to help the new Mental Health Commission assess local service gaps—residents who receive it are urged to complete the anonymous survey.

The Commission will study current care and make recommendations to the county board by December 1.

International Carillon Festival

All day — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free entry — Experience a rare musical journey at one of the world's finest carillons in the heart of Springfield.

Capital City Biathlon & 5K

6:00-10:30 a.m. — Danenberger Family Vineyards — Register online for entry fee — Test your endurance with a mini-biathlon and 5K run.

Levitt AMP Springfield 2025 Season

Ten free concerts in downtown Springfield thanks to the Levitt Foundation, PNC Bank, Springfield Area Arts Council & many local partners! Bring your friends, family, dogs, chairs, and picnics or order from the many food trucks and enjoy free, live music every Thursday, May 29 - July 31 on the lawn in front of the Governor's Mansion.

Lick Creek & Folsom Prison Five Concert

6 p.m. — The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill — Enjoy great food and cold Coors Light while listening to live country and classic hits.

Dementia Caregiving 101: Nutrition and Activities

2-4 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Learn about brain nutrition and meaningful activities for individuals with memory loss in this comprehensive caregiver support program.