Good morning, Springfield.

Boone is a friendly four-year-old pit mix who enjoys walks and seeks a home where he can be the only pet; he is available for adoption at the Animal Protective League (1001 Taintor Road) in Springfield during open hours (noon to 5 p.m.).

This weekend, many fall events let neighbors enjoy a candlelit walk at New Salem State Historic Site, live shows at the Hoogland Center and Legacy Theatre, an antique market at Brinkerhoff today, and a Clydesdale show at the fairgrounds.

Sunday will have a Hispanic Heritage Festival at the State Museum and a cemetery tour—giving locals more ways to celebrate the season.

State Sen. Dave Koehler said nearly $98M in funding will improve roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure in Central Illinois—projects that aim to boost travel safety and connect communities.

On Wednesday, Governor JB Pritzker unveiled Illinois’ largest six-year $50.6B plan for roads, bridges, rail, airports and more across 102 counties.

The plan allocated $32.5B for roads and bridges and $18.1B for multimodal projects with funding from federal, state and local sources — set to boost statewide improvements.

Officer Matthew Torres earned one of the department's top honors when he received the Life Saving award and the Mayor's Certificate of Honor for his actions saving a man's life in July—he responded to an accident near South Wirt Avenue and East Stuart Avenue where Willie D.

Crawford was injured and later taken to the hospital.

This October, employees of the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office will wear pink patches to support a nationwide project that raises funds and awareness for breast cancer.

The agency offers limited edition patches and coins (patches cost $10, coins cost $15 plus $2 shipping) available in person or online with all proceeds donated at the end of the month.

Junior transfer Peyton Woods from Springfield was named GLVC Men's Golf Player of the Week after scoring rounds of 68-76-67 for a total of 211 (-5) in a 95-player field at the Midwest Collegiate.

The Prairie Stars will return to play at McKendree's Bearcat Dual Gender on October 20-21 in Caseyville.

Williamsville senior running back Matthew Miller rushed for 299 yards and scored three touchdowns on 24 carries as his team beat Athens 45—14 on October 3.

Jackson Sanders also passed for 126 yards and two touchdowns while the Bullets built a big second-half lead.

The Illinois Springfield women's soccer team hosted Drury Friday at 5:00 p.m. at Kiwanis Stadium with Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night and will face Missouri S&T Sunday at 12:00 p.m. in a Cancer Awareness match—proceeds will go to the Tessa Sutton Foundation as the Prairie Stars seek their first GLVC conference win.

On Friday, Springfield High beat Jacksonville 28-17 at Kraushaar-Rosenberger Field when junior quarterback Brody Scheffler ran for three touchdowns and threw a key pass to his freshman brother—pushing the Senators into playoff contention through balanced offensive plays and crucial fourth-down conversions.

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.

Dads to Doulas Workshop

3-8 p.m. — 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL — Free entry — Empower fathers with vital knowledge for maternal health and infant advocacy.

Wicked Which? Paint Night with Ashley Blake

1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — All ages welcome — Unleash your creativity at a Halloween-themed paint night with Ashley Blake.