Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Washington Park Botanical Garden Conservatory Dome reopened Monday, May 18 after a 1.3 million dollars renovation replaced the old 1971 dome. Engineers said its design will last 50 more years and the dome houses 3,200 plant species & was funded by a state grant, a trust and park district dollars. WYMG
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grammy-winning reggae artist Ziggy Marley will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Tuesday, Aug. 18 in Springfield, offering nearly four decades of hits & uplifting messages. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster, ranging from $40 to $105 with a $30 pre-show option. WYMG
- ➤ FoodeesFest is coming to White Oaks Mall June 19 — 21, featuring over 40 food trucks and artisan vendors with free registration and a chance to win a free meal. It promises a weekend of community fun for families, friends, and food lovers. ABC 20
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ St. Patrick Catholic School in Springfield will hold its last day of classes tomorrow as a not-for-profit board announced its closure due to financial challenges. An open house on May 16 celebrated over a century of service. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ After 12 years as superintendent, Jennifer Gill of District 186 is stepping down; Dr. Terrance Jordan will take over by July. Gill’s tenure improved school safety, facilities, and technology (including a new gym for Lincoln Magnet School), and the district will continue updating curriculum and addressing upcoming challenges. FOX Illinois
- ➤ The new Owen Marsh Elementary School will host a ribbon cutting Friday at 9 a.m. with an open house until 11 a.m. and tours of the old school on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon (facing demolition this summer) east of Veterans Parkway between Monroe and Old Jacksonville Road. WMAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ IDNR awarded over $669K in grants to improve public boat and canoe access statewide. Springfield will receive $199,800 for improvements at Lake Springfield Center Park, including a walking path, motorboat dock, canoe launch + 12 boat slips, with parking lot upgrades planned. WAND-TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the Cyclones secured a 17-5 win with Sacred Heart Griffin scoring 11 runs for their 20th victory, and today SHG faces Glenwood while Pleasant Plains wraps up its Sangamo season at Illini Central. WNNS
- ➤ A new exhibit on 100 Years of Women’s Baseball and Softball opened last week at the Sangamon County Building — featuring local photos. The Women’s Professional Baseball League will start on Aug. 1 at Robin Roberts Stadium with teams from four cities competing until Sept. 6. The Sangamon Reporter
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Paint with Ashley Blake
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Cost covers materials — Enjoy a creative night painting a whimsical library gnome with guidance from Ashley Blake.
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Getting Started With Wills & Trusts
3:30 p.m. — Edwards Group LLC — Free entry — Learn the essentials of estate planning in this informative workshop for families.
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Foodees Fest
1-9 p.m. — White Oaks Mall — Free entry — Experience a weekend of gourmet food, artisan crafts, and family fun in Springfield.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Springfield Sunrise
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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