Good morning, Springfield.

The Staab Family is hosting its 12th annual Ride in Honor motorcycle ride on October 12 to honor veterans by visiting local memorials.

Registration starts at 12:00 p.m. at Staab Funeral Home and the ride, led by Lincoln Land A.B.A.T.E.—fees of $15 per rider and $5 per co-rider will support a transitional housing program for veterans.

Officer Matthew Torres was honored with the Life Saving Award — one of the department's highest honors — after he quickly applied a tourniquet to save Willie D.

Crawford when his vehicle hit railroad tracks on July 2 near South Wirt Avenue and East Stuart Street in Springfield.

The 'Makers on the Move' bus tour stopped at Capital Area Career Center and Ace Sign Company on Monday in Springfield—its bus wrap was designed by a student.

The tour, led by the Illinois Manufacturers Association and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, visited local schools, factories and colleges to showcase high-tech and sustainable manufacturing.

According to AAA data compiled by CheapInsurance.com, as of October 6 Springfield’s regular gas was $3.22 and diesel was $3.61, with regular gas $0.03 lower than last week and $0.08 lower than last year—below the Illinois average of $3.30.

District 186 presented survey results from over 1500 community members that urged hiring a fiscally responsible superintendent to support teachers and manage school safety as current superintendent Jennifer Gill will leave at the end of the school year.

The Illinois Association of School Boards will host 18 focus group sessions on October 22 and 23 (coordinated with the district) and officials project the new superintendent will be in place by January 2026.

Pet owners are advised to gradually introduce costumes with treats to help pets adjust and to secure glow sticks and candy since these can be hazardous to animals.

They should also keep their pets in a quiet room away from the door to lessen anxiety during Halloween trick-or-treating.

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.

Flight Instructor Refresher Course

10:00 AM – 7:30 PM — Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center — $65 — Enhance your aviation skills with this comprehensive refresher course for flight instructors.

Ansar Shrine Circus

7-8:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Tickets required — Prepare to be amazed by death-defying acrobats, amazing animal performances, and hilarious clowns.