By Patrick Yeagle HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield is drawing closer to building a new facility along Ninth Street, focusing on women’s and children’s health. The hospital’s plans received a favorable vote at a land use meeting on Jan. 5, and a state oversight board is slated to consider the plans in March. The […]
Patrick Yeagle
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Panther Creek West subdivision planning expansion
By Patrick Yeagle Panther Creek West subdivision on Springfield’s west side is slated to begin an expansion later this year. The plans are still being vetted by city and county agencies, but the owners hope to begin construction as soon as possible. Darrel Thoma with Downson Farms says his family’s company, which is planning the […]
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A life of courage and generosity – Remembering Mary Therese “M.T.” Vann
By Patrick Yeagle She grew up the only girl with five brothers. Maybe that was where Mary Therese Vann first learned to hold her own. Known as M.T. to many, Mary Therese Vann of Springfield died Dec. 31, 2016, leaving a respected legacy of making her own way in the worlds of business and social […]
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National politics won’t affect next phase of rail relocation
By Patrick Yeagle Federal funding for the next phase of Springfield’s rail relocation is secure, meaning the project likely won’t be affected by the new president-elect and change in Congressional control. Meanwhile, improvements on the Third Street rail continue, but won’t endanger plans to move that rail traffic to 10th Street. The rail relocation project […]
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New life downtown for empty church
By Patrick Yeagle A long-vacant downtown building is slated for a major renovation, pending city council approval of nearly $1 million in tax increment financing funds. The plan calls for the empty former Methodist church at 501 E. Capitol Ave. in downtown Springfield to be converted to a mix of business and residential space, including […]
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City asks for $425,000 from TIF, previously gave $118,000 for same property
By Patrick Yeagle The City of Springfield wants $425,000 in TIF money to buy an empty building downtown. It previously gave $118,000 in TIF to help renovate the same building in 2008. The current proposal would raise the city’s use of TIF funds for the building to $543,000, and it’s unclear whether further funds would […]
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HSHS faces pair of pension lawsuits – SCOTUS to hear challenge to religious exemption in related cases
By Patrick Yeagle Hospital Sisters Health System in Springfield faces a pair of lawsuits over alleged pension underfunding, but the cases are really about challenging an exemption to a federal pension law which religious hospitals nationwide enjoy. The U.S. Supreme Court today announced it will hear three separate but related cases against different religious health […]