Chad Clem received a commercial accessory structure permit for 4905 Rodger St. Contractor is Hard Surfacing and the project is valued at $1,800. Barry Kelley and Marcia Kelley received a commercial permit (new construction) for 3313 Old MacArthur Blvd. Contractor is Kelley Construction and the project is valued at $998,000. PC Motel Ventures LLC % […]
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A transition for The Railyard
Seeking to spend more time with their growing family, Tim and Emily Lewis are stepping back from managing The Railyard — the outdoor food venue they have operated since February 2025. Brad Martin, who runs Oakview BBQ in one of the four food-vendor shipping containers at the Railyard, will be taking the reins at the […]
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New bookstore will support community organizations
Cathy Strukely and Tricia McGann are turning the former Fifth Street Flower Shop location into a Christian bookstore, with the goal of spreading kindness and providing financial support to other community organizations. The friends, who met in a church community group, are opening Kindness + Co. at 739 S. Fifth St. “One of the things […]
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Bus Stop bar back on track after flooding
The grand opening of a new bar at the corner of Fifth and Monroe in downtown Springfield was set for Aug. 28 but had to be scuttled when a water main broke and flooded the entire block of Monroe between Fourth and Fifth streets the night before. Undeterred, the owners of The Bus Stop have […]
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Springfield researcher awarded SIU’s 2026 Inventor of the Year
Springfield-based microbiology researcher Andrew Wilber, a director of cell biology and hematology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, was recently named SIU’s 2026 Inventor of the Year for his work on developing gene therapies for rare blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. Wilber, who has a doctorate in molecular genetics, […]
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Building permits – Sept. 14 to Sept. 20
Ali Nizamuddin received a commercial remodel permit for 2120 S. MacArthur Blvd. Contractor is Moad Altareb and the project is valued at $5,000. 13690 Vaughn St LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 2881 S. Veterans Parkway. Contractor is Anthony DiPinzio and the project is valued at $1.4 million. NSI 4A LLC received a commercial […]
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New hibachi restaurant on north end
A new hibachi restaurant is moving into the space formerly occupied by Papa Murphy’s Pizza on Sangamon Avenue. Hibachi & Wok Cuisine is coming to 1712 E. Sangamon Ave. An opening date has not been determined yet, but the restaurant should be open by the holiday season, according to Alexander Chen, store manager. Chen said […]
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Lee O’Keefe joins Dimond Bros. Insurance
Paris, Illinois-based Dimond Bros. Insurance has expanded its Springfield presence with the recent acquisition of the Lee O’Keefe Insurance Agency. Lee O’Keefe has relocated its operations from its offices on Chatham Road to Dimond Bros. Springfield office at 3931 Wood Duck Drive. The agency will continue to operate under the Lee O’Keefe name, and owners […]
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Community Foundation hires grants manager
The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln has hired Tobias Lewis as its grants and scholarships manager. In this role, Lewis will oversee the administration and coordination of the Community Foundation’s competitive grantmaking and scholarship programs, including supporting review committees and serving as the primary point of contact for nonprofits, scholarship applicants and community […]
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Building permits – Sept. 7 to Sept. 13
CGM Management LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 417 E. Adams St. Contractor is Cox Construction and the project is valued at $440,000. Springfield Realty Holding LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 3200 Robbins Road. Contractor is Evans Construction Co. and the project is valued at $300,000. Hospital Sisters Health Systems received a […]
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Stingers Sports Bar opens
Mike and Shelly Pawelczak, owners of Goodfellas Pub, have opened a new sports bar on Maple Avenue. Stingers Sports Bar opened Sept. 12 in the former Third Base Sports Bar location at 410 W. Maple Ave., next to Springfield and Jerome. The Pawelczaks purchased the property in January of 2025 and have been renovating the […]
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Chamber announces retirements
The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications to fill two positions in light of upcoming retirements of longtime employees. Lisa Schafer, vice president of operations, and David Earhart, vice president – member services, have both announced their plans to retire during the first quarter of 2027. Schafer will retire after more than 32 […]