Good morning, Springfield.

City Water, Light and Power will open its water plant for public tours on Monday, June 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 3100 Stevenson Drive to offer guided tours (4:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.), hands-on exhibits and educational stations as part of the Community Connections initiative.

Local organizers are hosting the Sangamon County Fair at the New Berlin fairgrounds from June 10 to 14.

The event offers concerts, carnival rides, livestock shows and a Miss Fair Pageant on June 10 at 7 p.m. — children 4 and under enter free with a $5 gate admission.

A state grant spruced up Shea’s Gas Station Museum on Route 66 to preserve Bill Shea’s legacy near the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Curator Randy Pickett updated the museum with a wayside board and vintage memorabilia (including Route 66 bricks) as the centennial year is expected to bring more visitors.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Hulu series host Nikole Hannah-Jones will speak at a free Juneteenth event at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, 212 N.

Sixth St. in Springfield; the talk titled 'Free-ish: Juneteenth and the Long Legacy of 1619' is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 15.

Tom Irwin’s new song celebrates the 100th anniversary of Route 66 after Springfield director (Scott Dahl) asked him to write a tribute; he recorded it Friday and included local nods like Maid-Rite loose burger.

The SIU Board of Trustees has named Dr. Ian Martin as the new provost, dean and CEO of SIU School of Medicine in Springfield, replacing retiring Dr. Jerry Kruse whose contract ends August 31.

Martin brings extensive medical and academic experience from Wisconsin.

Springfield Public Schools will use a new Illinois State Board of Education model that focuses on specific criteria so even small improvements can be recognized.

District Chief Achievement Officer Jamar Scott said the new evaluation will serve as the baseline for future assessments.

Illinois is celebrating its battery recycling law—which now offers over 300 convenient collection sites where residents already shop—to help prevent toxic releases and reduce fire risks at waste facilities.

University of Illinois Springfield research led by associate professor Jessica M.

Madrigal (published April 23) found that industrial sites disposed millions of pounds of cancer-causing chemicals between 2010 and 2018, and that marginalized, higher-poverty communities were more likely to live near these sites in the southern and western U.S.

Eight nominees have been named for SJ-R’s top girls soccer player, including five who earned all-state nods from Springfield coaches; voting closes at noon Friday + the official team will be announced Monday.

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.

Foodees Fest

1-9 p.m. — White Oaks Mall — Free entry — Experience a weekend of gourmet food, artisan crafts, and family fun in Springfield.

Little Miracles 5K 2026

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Washington Park — Registration fee applies — Lace up for a fun run to support NICU warriors at St. John’s Children’s Hospital.

Teen Art Collage

2-3 p.m. — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Create a summer-inspired junk journal collage on canvas and embrace the messiness of art.

Sponge with Order of The Machine Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Stadium Smokehouse Bar and Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a night of 90’s alternative rock with Sponge and local favorites.

Midnight Reading Paint Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Relaxing paint night — Unwind while creating a moody midnight scene with guidance from Ashley Blake.