Springfield mayor Jim Langfelder says he’s willing to consider further cuts to the city’s budget, but he cautions that the cuts may create other problems in the future. Langfelder spoke in response to a proposal released yesterday by seven of Springfield’s 10 aldermen to cut nearly $3.9 million from the city’s budget. The aldermen hope […]
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Aldermen propose cuts to lessen tax increase
Seven members of the Springfield City Council proposed a handful of budget cuts today, hoping to reduce Mayor Jim Langfelder’s proposed tax increase. The combined cuts would save more than $3.8 million in the current fiscal year, according to the aldermen. However, a spokeswoman for the mayor says the budget deficit can’t be filled with […]
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Illinois could see boost from Cuba trade
By Monica Stabile The Illinois agriculture industry is crossing its fingers that Congress will expand U.S. trade with Cuba. A bill to do just that is pending in the legislature, and Illinois could receive a huge boost in business opportunities if the bill becomes law. Nestor Gutierrez, a Cuban immigrant and owner of Buena Vista […]
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CVS on South Grand to close
The CVS Pharmacy on South Grand Avenue in Springfield is slated to close Feb. 25. Stephanie Cunha, public relations manager for CVS Health, says the company “made a business decision” to close the store at 611 South Grand Ave. East. She says the company’s six other locations in Springfield will remain open. “We’re currently working […]
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Rauner hopeful in annual address, but budget deal elusive
By Monica Stabile Gov. Bruce Rauner says he is “deeply optimistic” about future investments in education, technology and business that he believes could generate jobs despite the state’s fiscal problems. Entering his third year in office, Rauner gave his annual State of the State address to lawmakers today, saying Illinois needs a budget to be […]
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C-level shakeup at Springfield Clinic
Springfield Clinic has a new CEO, but it’s just one of several changes in the medical provider’s administrative team. The clinic’s website on Tuesday showed that Ray Williams has replaced J. Michael Maynard in the CEO role. Maynard had served as interim CEO since July 2016 and had previously served as CEO for more than […]
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EPA grant freeze may affect Pillsbury Mill cleanup
A suspended program in the federal Environmental Protection Agency may affect the cleanup of a defunct industrial site on Springfield’s north side. On President Donald Trump’s first weekday in office, his administration halted a grant program inside the U.S. EPA, effectively suspending funds for a variety of programs like cleanup of polluted land. While EPA’s […]
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Winners of 2017 Best Places to Work awards announced
United Community Bank and Springfield Business Journal are announcing the 2017 Best Places to Work awardees. To be eligible, businesses must have 35 or more employees and be located within Sangamon or Menard counties. These businesses each have earned the award by showing a commitment to their employees and their communities. The 2017 Best […]
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Smashburger closes Springfield location
The Springfield location of Smashburger has closed. A spokeswoman for the company said the “underperforming” store closed on Jan. 11. “We consistently review our restaurant portfolio and make strategic decisions to better our position for the future,” said Smashburger spokeswoman Katy Michael. “Unfortunately, from time to time, we must close underperforming stores that don’t meet […]
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Book review – You simply must…
100 Things to Do in Springfield, IL Before You Die By Patrick Yeagle It’s easy to take for granted the places we see every day. Sometimes, we need a fresh look to appreciate all that Springfield has to offer. In her recent book, 100 Things to Do in Springfield, IL Before You Die, Springfield author […]
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Route 66 Hotel sold
The Route 66 Hotel and Conference Center in Springfield has a new owner. Anoop Kataria purchased the hotel on Dec. 30 from previous owners Frank Vala of Springfield and William Vala of Cantrall. Kataria, a hotelier since 1991, says he recently moved to Springfield after selling the hotels he owned in Massachusetts. He plans to […]