Kayla Houchin has joined Express Employment Professionals as the membership and communications coordinator. She most recently worked as an editor at the Herald Whig in Quincy and the Courier-Post in Hannibal, Missouri. “After more than eight years in news, I was ready to transition to a new role that utilized my skills in a different […]
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Sapori Pizzeria expands space, offerings
Sapori Pizzeria and Italian Market will celebrate two years in business this September, and the owners already have an expansion in the works. Longtime Springfield restaurateurs Chris Hanken and Vic Lanzotti opened the business in Montvale Junction in 2023. When the adjacent business, Design House by Staff, relocated to a larger space at the other […]
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Memorial Health names senior vice president
Dr. Ted Clark has been named Memorial Health’s senior vice president and chief clinical officer, effective Aug. 4. In his new role, Clark will oversee Memorial Medical Group, Memorial Behavioral Health and the health system’s quality and safety teams and its home health services. Clark has served as Decatur Memorial Hospital’s chief medical officer since […]
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Building permits – July 28 to Aug. 3
J David Jones Land Trust 1701 received a commercial remodel permit for 1701 N. J. David Jones Parkway. Contractor is Thumbtac & Home Services and the project is valued at $100,000. Elizabeth C. Allen, Cyrus Banks, Jimmie J. Cecil, Andrew Fearneyhough, Robin Gragg, Michael Dean Kelly, Terence Datme Lawson, Brian Matlock, Ann Plogger and James […]
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New child care center to open in Springfield
A new child care center is preparing to open in Springfield, which will be the third location for a local business owner. Janene Purdon-Menke plans to open the first phase of Little Yellow Wagon, 2160 S. Sixth St., by August, which will serve kids age three to five years old. By November, she hopes to […]
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Illinois cybersecurity laws
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is no longer an option – it’s essential. Whether you’re a business handling customer data or an individual concerned about your digital footprint, knowing your rights and responsibilities is critical. Cybersecurity laws serve several crucial purposes. They establish standards for protecting sensitive information, outline consequences for cybercrimes, mandate breach disclosures […]
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Aunt Lous Soul Food
With all the hits downtown Springfield has taken over the last few weeks, I figured it would be good to review one of its remaining restaurants. I’m glad that I did. Aunt Lou’s is at the southwest corner of Sixth and Monroe streets. There’s a small bar area zoned off from the main dining room, […]
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Small shifts, big gains
How many times have you and your co-workers discussed a process in your organization and thought, “It would be better if we could change … (insert clunky or inefficient process here).” These conversations tend to happen at after-work happy hours and often involve cocktail napkins. Sound familiar? It’s easier to have great ideas when we […]
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Hoogland makes updates and improvements
The nonprofit Hoogland Center for the Arts hosts multiple arts and civic organizations in its 80,000-square-foot building. The century-plus-old structure was originally built as a Scottish Rite Temple in 1909, expanded in 1960, and underwent major renovations in 2003 to open its doors to its residents as a community arts center. Tens of thousands of […]
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Illinois hospitals fear massive cuts under Trump domestic policy law
Hospital officials in Illinois say they will have to make some difficult decisions in the next few years that could involve laying off staff, cutting back services and even closing some facilities entirely. That’s the expected result of federal funding cuts built into the recently passed domestic policy bill that President Donald Trump signed into […]
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Eck, Schafer, & Punke acquires Pehlman & Dold, doubles office space
Accounting firm Eck, Schafer, & Punke has acquired another practice and significantly expanded its downtown office. ESP was founded in 1994 and has always been headquartered in downtown Springfield, although not in the same building. The firm moved to its current location, 227 S. Seventh St., in 2014 and originally occupied the second floor. Conn’s […]
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NAPA Auto Parts to open in Chatham
McKay NAPA Auto Parts, headquartered in Litchfield, is preparing to open a Chatham location. The former Family Video store at 210 N. Main St. is currently undergoing renovations. McKay Corporation was established in 1937 and became aligned with NAPA in 2003. Since then, McKay has expanded from 16 stores to 26 stores, stretching from Mt. Sterling […]