Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
Good morning, Springfield.
🏘️ Community
The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission is asking residents, students, business owners, and visitors to complete a brief online survey about transportation, land use, and development as part of its Our Region Our Vision Future Growth Plan—this feedback will guide future plans in the region.
💼 Business
The demolition of the former Pillsbury plant will begin today at 10am after a delay from its planned start Tuesday — volunteers may gather from 7am at the viewing area by the main gate at 15th Street and Phillips Ave, where parking, shade, and water are provided amid warm weather.
🎓 Education
District 186 approved the fiscal year 2026 budget with an 18-million dollar deficit without major cuts to staff or classroom programs, and officials reduced administrative costs by about $3 million—superintendent Jennifer Gill said they expect to reach a zero deficit in the coming years.
🏛️ Government
State Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) objected to a new temporary rule that lets the Department of Corrections withhold physical mail and send scanned copies instead.
Lawmakers said the rule must change before it can become permanent (an oversight committee in Springfield will review the plan on Oct. 14).
A legislative oversight panel objected to a new rule that lets the Department of Corrections withhold physical mail for scanned copies, saying the process was too slow and communication was poor.
The rule will remain in effect until January while officials work on fully implementing a tablet-based system—lawmakers will review proposed permanent rules on October 14 in Springfield.
During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Police Chief Joe Behl said he had not met with the Faith Coalition for the Common Good while protest organizer Tiara Standage—taken into custody last September for anti-police messaging—is involved.
Ward 6 Alderwoman Jennifer Notariano and Mayor Misty Buscher exchanged remarks with citizens—leading to two people being escorted out—and Behl said he is willing to revisit his decision.
As harvest season begins in Sangamon County, the Sheriff's Office and Farm Bureau urge drivers to slow down and increase their following distance when near large farm equipment.
They warn that big tractors have hidden blind spots—extra caution helps prevent accidents.
🏈 Sports
DP, Leanna and Michael talked about last week's games and previewed Friday's plans for COUNTRY Financial High School Football UPickEm 2025—fans can make their picks online to win a $30 D’Arcy’s Pint gift certificate each week or a season-ending prize.
At the Dan Salisbury Memorial Collegiate Invitational held at Piper Glen Golf Course on September 15-16, the UIS women’s golf team competed at their only home tournament since 2022 and saw Elaine Grant win a two-hole playoff — beating Maryville’s Fernanda Diaz-Pizarro with rounds of 74, 74, and 77 — as the team finished third among GLVC competitors. They now prepare to compete in the Kansas City Cup on Sept 22-23.
Today through September 20, Illinois Springfield will host the Prairie Star Classic volleyball tournament at TRAC at UIS where teams including Prairie Stars, Northwest Missouri State, Nebraska-Kearney and Maryville will compete.
The tournament features a key Homecoming match against Maryville on Saturday — tickets are on sale and games will be streamed live for fans.
🎉 Springfield Events
Submit an event →
Book Discussion: Thinking Fast and Slow
10 AM – 12 PM — Lincoln Library — Free entry — Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on behavioral finance inspired by Daniel Kahneman's insights.
Pumpkin Spice Gnome Paint Night with Ashley Blake
1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — Cost includes materials — Paint a cozy Pumpkin Spice Gnome and enjoy fall vibes with fellow art lovers.
Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show
10 AM – 6 PM — Illinois State Fair Campground — Free Parking — Explore a dazzling array of gems, minerals, and fossils with activities for all ages.
Carve for the Carillon
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon — Free admission — Celebrate fall by carving pumpkins in a community tradition with laughter and creativity.
2025 GSDCA National Specialty Show
Event duration: Oct 17-25 — Illinois State Fairground — Entry fees vary — Celebrate the love of German Shepherds with competitions and exhibitions.
🏠 Springfield Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Springfield Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Springfield Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Springfield.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.