Lincoln Memorial Garden % James Matheis received a commercial accessory structure permit for 2301 East Lake Shore Drive. Contractor is Michael Von Behren Builder, Inc., and the project is valued at $1,078,560. The Yard Springfield LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 1650 Wabash Ave., Suite J. Contractor is Joyner Construction Services, Inc., and the […]
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Last day of operations for Sportsman’s Lounge
Every seat was filled at Sportsman’s Lounge at lunchtime Friday, with the announcement that it would be the final day of operations for the longtime neighborhood restaurant and tavern. The bar has operated under various names since 1935 and as Sportsman’s Lounge since 1957. Four local investors, Greg Sronce, Matthew Davlin, Zach Washko and Dan […]
The Railyard, an outdoor food venue, opening soon
The Railyard, an outdoor food venue based around shipping containers, is expected to open within 30 days. The property is just north of the newly constructed overpass on South Sixth Street, part of the Springfield Rail Improvements Projects. Initially announced in 2021, there have been some adjustments to the original plans. “We were planning on […]
Express Employment offering complimentary webinar, Maximizing Performance Reviews in the 21st Century
Express Employment Professionals, in partnership with Frontline Training Solutions, is offering a complimentary webinar, “Maximizing Performance Reviews in the 21st Century,” on Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, traditional performance reviews often fall short in providing the timely and proactive feedback that employees crave. These reviews tend to be backward-looking, assessing […]
Building permits Sept. 4 Sept. 10
Jawad Qattum received a commercial remodel permit for 806 Black Ave. Contractor is Brian Concrete and the project is valued at $14,800. Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust received a commercial permit for 3401 Freedom Drive. Contractor is Truman Contracting, LLC and the project is valued at $1,377,084. JJR Properties LLC received a commercial remodel permit […]
Fluorescent Reefs opens on West Jefferson
A unique retail business has recently transitioned from online-only to a brick-and-mortar location. Fluorescent Reefs opened Aug. 14 at 615 W. Jefferson St., Suite B. “The store is brand-new,” said Dustin Shreves, who co-owns the business with his wife, Jen Shreves. “We were online for about three-and-a-half years; we sold coral on Instagram and also […]
Mick and Mary’s in Thayer is worth the drive
With all due respect to the fine people of Thayer, it’s not a location that’s top of mind for a nice dinner out. But that may be because they haven’t heard of Mick and Mary’s. Mick and Mary’s has had different owners over the years, and the place has ebbed and flowed. My personal favorite […]
Craig Tobias joins Warren-Boynton State Bank
Craig Tobias has joined Warren-Boynton State Bank as vice president and chief information officer. He previously worked for Marine Bank – now Morton Community Bank – and Illini Bank. He brings more than 27 years of experience in local community banking with a focus in operations and information technology. Tobias graduated from Eastern Illinois University […]
Building permits Aug. 28 Sept. 3
Julian Ventures LLL received a commercial accessory structure permit for 2801 Farmers Market Road. Contractor is Blunier Builders and the project is valued at $140,000. Sangamon County received a commercial remodel permit for 1 Copley Plaza. Contractor is R.D. Lawrence Construction Co. Ltd. and the project is valued at $5.1 million. Koch Springfield LLC received […]
Bigley Insurance Agency opens
Bigley Insurance Agency has opened at 677 Linton Ave. as of Sept. 5. Owner Nicole Bigley worked for the AAA Insurance corporate office for five years, first as an insurance agent in the Springfield branch and later as an assistant manager overseeing the Springfield, Champaign, Bloomington and Peoria offices. The AAA Insurance office at 1915 […]
Owner of Waters Edge Winery & Bistro in Jacksonville shifting focus
Waters Edge Winery & Bistro in Jacksonville has closed, but owner Mike Hayes said the property will reopen next month with a different focus. Hayes, a Jacksonville native and real estate developer, opened Waters Edge Winery at 1061 East Morton Ave in May 2021. It was the 19th franchise for the California-based company, which specializes […]
Travelers Kitchen to hold grand opening Sept. 8
Travelers Kitchen, a restaurant specializing in African cuisine, has been open since April but is now planning a Sept. 8 grand opening to roll out its expanded menu and extended operating hours. “We’ve been up and running with a limited menu,” said owner Ansumana Darboe. “We’ve been trying it out to see what the community […]

