Good morning, Springfield.

A local church held a free Christmas event on Dec.

21 in Springfield. The event allowed community members to celebrate the holiday together.

The Springfield Area Arts Council is planning the 39th annual First Night Springfield celebration on New Year's Eve in downtown.

It will feature children's programs at the museum, performances at the Hoogland Center, free ice skating, and fireworks near Fourth Street and Capitol Avenue.

Stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze will perform his 'Big Dumb Eyes World Tour' at Bank of Springfield Center (BOS) on Friday, Feb.

20 at 7:00 p.m.; tickets are available at the box office and online.

White-tailed deer are a familiar sight in local woodlands and growing suburban areas; hunters in Sangamon County harvested 605 deer during the firearm season ended Dec.

7 and additional winter hunting opportunities are available—officials say.

Illinois’s EPA currently employs about 850 staff (down from 1,300), a cut that has slowed permit reviews and ended proactive toxic chemical research once run by the Institute of Environmental Quality.

Environmental advocates say the changes may delay services for businesses and residents.

Dr. Kara Shafer of Memorial Health advised parents today to use saline, acetaminophen & Motrin correctly while cleaning hands and cell phones to help shorten colds and prevent flu, RSV and COVID; she also stressed the importance of vaccines and masks when around sick contacts.

Local holiday basketball tournaments for boys & girls are scheduled throughout the region, starting with a Decatur St. Teresa event today and continuing through Dec.

31. Detailed game times and match-ups are provided across various events including the State Farm Holiday Classic and other local tournaments.

Williamsville senior running back Matthew Miller earned the SJ-R Player of the Year title after a Week 8 game—he rushed for 299 yards and four touchdowns.

He finished with 1,323 yards and 28 touchdowns as his team reached the Class 3A quarterfinals.

New Year’s Eve Celebration with Lick Creek

7-8:30 p.m. — Boondocks — Ticket required — Celebrate New Year’s Eve with live country rock music from Lick Creek in Springfield.

Kindergarten Open House at Our Savior's Lutheran School

6-7 p.m. — Our Savior's Lutheran School — Free entry — Discover how your child will thrive in a faith-centered educational community.