Springfield
Sunrise
Wednesday, November 12th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 12th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Tuesday, a small Veterans Day parade marched down Capitol Avenue from Lincoln Library to the statehouse with a light turnout and chilly weather. Sandra Begue of the Springfield Elks Lodge distributed American flags to help fund services for homeless veterans—local residents joined to pay their respects at the event. WYMG
- ➤ BBB will host a series of presentations called Senior Scam Stop 2025 to help older adults avoid scams in Springfield, Peoria, Galesburg, Decatur and Bloomington. BBB President and CEO Jessica Tharp said the events—where seniors learn red flags, real examples and practical tips—will give them crucial guidance to stay safe. The State Journal-Register
- ➤ A 103-year-old World War II veteran was honored at a Bickford celebration on November 11 for his military service—local organizers recognized his long-standing sacrifice and legacy. His recognition highlights the community's respect for his historic role. 25 News
- ➤ Springfield veterans such as 95-year-old Vincent Hadley and Navy veteran Jerry Hirstein shared their service memories yesterday as local groups collected food donations—about five bins—to support food banks during the holiday season. The community honored Veterans Day by celebrating both fallen and living veterans for their service. FOX Illinois
- ➤ Santa will visit White Oaks Mall at 6 p.m. Friday to collect hugs and offer photo opportunities during a festive ribbon-cutting event presented by local choirs and performance groups—while other local venues will host a bingo fundraiser, a soup and cider fest, a holiday arts and crafts fair, and a dance market with live music this weekend. These events will provide a variety of seasonal activities for Springfield residents. The State Journal-Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The documentary Soil and Soul – Farming in the Sangamon River Valley, supported by UIS Sangamon Experience, won Best Documentary Film at the Route 66 Film Festival held Nov. 7-8 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield—produced by Rich Saal and Noah Sabich, it tells the stories of 10 local farmers who worked the land in central Illinois. University of Illinois Springfield
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Cleanup at the former Pillsbury Mills has nearly wrapped up and demolition is progressing steadily, with 20 of 160 silos taken down since midweek last week—opening space for further work. Crews will move next to the C-Mill building on the north end—freeing room for equipment to sort metal and concrete—and later continue with the AB Mill demolition while viewers may watch from the designated area near 15th Street and Phillips Avenue. WMAY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Springfield officials are addressing blight by moving forward with demolition processes for abandoned properties—56 already have orders while 28 are in litigation; they say empty properties attract vermin and lower property values. The city is using fines and court actions to encourage repairs and make neighborhoods safer. ABC 20
- ➤ The Sangamon County Mental Health Commission presented its final report Monday recommending a new mental health board funded by a one-half-percent sales tax expected to bring in $14.7 million each year—county voters will see the tax increase on the March ballot while the board approved a county budget of more than $216 million for the fiscal year starting December 1. WMAY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Carle Health Methodist Hospital held a Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony yesterday to honor local veterans—hospital staff and community leaders attended the event. 25 News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ UIS women's cross country senior Madelyn Miller-Ross qualified for the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships by finishing 10th in the Midwest Regional 6K race, making her the second runner not on a qualifying team. The championship will be held on Nov 22 at the Wayne E. Dannehl National Cross Country Course — the race starts at 11:00 a.m. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ The UIS softball program will host its 8th Annual Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Sacred Heart-Griffin's West Campus Multi-Purpose Gym, 1601 W. Washington St. in Springfield with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. and trivia beginning at 6:30 p.m.; teams of up to ten will reserve a table for $150 + prizes and raffle mini games will add extra appeal as all proceeds support the program. University of Illinois Springfield
- ➤ Three Central Illinois high school volleyball teams—Normal U-High, Bloomington Central Catholic and Tremont—qualified for the IHSA State Finals at CEFCU Arena after winning Supersectional matches. Teams from Washington, Normal Community and Hartem ended their seasons in the Elite 8. 25 News
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Firefighters' Lake Club Trivia Night
7-10 p.m. — Firefighters Lake Club — $10 entry — Challenge your knowledge with general trivia and compete for cash prizes.
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Live Music at BuzzBomb with Ryne Thorson
8-9 p.m. — Buzz Bomb Brewing Co — Cost info not provided — Enjoy live music performances while savoring craft brews.
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Zoo Lights at Henson Robinson Zoo
5-9 p.m. — Henson Robinson Zoo — Entry Fee Applicable — Experience a magical stroll through thousands of lights and delightful holiday treats.
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Elmo and Friends Say Hello
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Family-friendly event — Sing, dance, and play alongside Elmo and friends in a fun celebration on Sesame Street.
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Frostbite Festival
9 a.m. — AMF Springfield Lanes — Check event page for registration costs — Participate in the 62nd annual Frostbite Festival with 2 mile and 10 mile races.
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Holiday Cheer Paint Night with Ashley Blake
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Library - Pizza and Sports Bar — Free entry — Unleash your inner artist and get festive with a fun paint night experience.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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