Springfield
Sunrise
Saturday, May 17th, 2025
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Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, law enforcement officers will be stationed at select Dunkin’ locations from 5 a.m. until noon to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois—celebrating the 22nd anniversary of this partnership that has raised nearly $10 million. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ The 75th Sangamon County Fair will be held in New Berlin from June 11th to 15th and features carnival rides, grandstand entertainment, a queen pageant, and local agricultural and hobby exhibits — exhibit registration is open with paper entries due by May 23rd or drop-offs by May 24th and online submissions closing May 30th. Local volunteer director Becky Sander said the fair grows as more people participate by entering creative displays. The Sangamon Reporter
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Springfield man—Thomas Bowman—was arrested early Tuesday at about 1:15 a.m. near Ninth Street and Converse Avenue for allegedly damaging an ATM with an excavator stolen from a nearby construction site and police said no money was taken while the machine was removed. WMAY
- ➤ Springfield Police Department is investigating a theft at Immaculate Conception Church on 524 E Lawrence where an unknown suspect stole four nearly 50-year-old copper caps valued at $10,000 between 3 and 4 a.m. on March 18th—residents are asked to call Crime Stoppers with any tips about a white male in a black and white camo vest and black hoody. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Levitt AMP Springfield Concert Series will return this summer with free Thursday night concerts from May 29 through July 31 at the corner of 4th and Jackson — near the Governor’s Mansion, where diverse acts will perform music from jazz and world to country and Americana. ABC 20
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New administrative rules from the Illinois Gaming Board require all casinos to complete mandatory human trafficking training—each employee must finish initial training within three months and follow annual updates while casinos maintain records, set up reporting procedures, and post awareness notices—in efforts to help recognize and report suspicious activities, with the rules becoming effective on May 2. ABC 20
- ➤ A bill that would require law enforcement agencies to check full background records before hiring is on its way to Governor Pritzker's desk after passing the House 101-12 following unanimous Senate approval. Senator Doris Turner introduced the measure last summer after Sonya Massey's death and murder charges were filed against an ex-sheriff's deputy. WMAY
- ➤ City Water Light and Power crews worked to restore power after a severe storm on May 16 damaged poles and power lines, leaving about 1,000 customers without service. Repairs continue in areas like Harvard Park—affecting over 400 customers—and between S Pope Street/S 23rd Street and Dirksen Parkway—serving another 400 customers—as crews fix the issues. ABC 20
- ➤ A Senate committee approved Senate Bill 2264 that will limit crime-free housing ordinances to block evictions for noncriminal behavior—a plan backed by housing advocates who said current measures are overused. The bill now must be approved by the full House and Senate before it goes to the governor for review. WMAY
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Springfield Watch & Clock Show and Sale
11 AM – 2 PM — Casey's Pub — Admission details not provided — Explore a variety of watches and clocks at this community-sponsored event.
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Friends of the Farmers Market Brunch
1:30-3:30 p.m. — Union Square Park — Celebrate local agriculture with delicious farm-to-table dishes and community vibes.
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Sangamon County Fair
7 p.m. — Sangamon County Fairgrounds — Family-friendly fun — Experience a Midwestern tradition with concerts, rides, and animals as you kick off the summer.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Springfield Sunrise.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only way out is through.
~ Robert Frost
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