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 […]
Columns
Downtown property owner seeks TIF assistance
Mike Alwood retired from CWLP last fall, but he has already taken on a new career and is now preparing to renovate a historic building downtown to house his office. Alwood, a U.S. Navy veteran, began working as a lineman for CWLP after his military service ended. After more than three decades, he retired as […]
UCB announces Springfield-area market reorganization
United Community Bank has announced key leadership transitions and market reorganizations for the Springfield area. Steve Otten, who serves as the current Springfield market president, is transitioning to a mentorship role. He has been named UCB Ambassador, which will allow him to provide strategic guidance and leadership support while enjoying more time with his family, […]
Maryflor Mexican Restaurant will close
It’s said that bad news comes in threes, and Maryflor Mexican Restaurant became the third downtown business in just two weeks to announce it would be closing. A notice posted on the door at 2 Old State Capitol Plaza Monday stated the restaurant would permanently close July 20. It read in part: “After years of […]
The Wakery owner addresses upcoming closure, what’s next
The Wakery opened downtown a little over two years ago, but owner Elizabeth Wake said the business has not proven to be sustainable, despite a strong public reception and winning several awards. “A lot of times a business closes and people say, ‘I didn’t even know that place existed,’ so then you know it’s more […]
Springfield Gymnastics prepares to open new location
A year after beginning construction, Springfield Gymnastics Center is preparing to move into a new facility on the west side that is nearly twice as large as its previous space. Springfield Gymnastics Center opened in September 2017 at 3040 Hamlin Parkway, but temporarily relocated to the former Shop ‘n Save property on the corner of […]
Free laundry services and much more
For most people, access to clean clothes is easy. For others, it’s not. A family may have housing without a washer and dryer, and limited income may place a burden on spending, usually prioritizing food, rent and utilities. But other circumstances factor in. “It’s a real public issue,” said Robert Frazier, executive director for Clean […]
Evicting a tenant
Evicting a tenant is a legal process that can be complex and emotionally charged for both landlords and tenants. In Illinois, eviction laws are governed by state statutes, local ordinances and court procedures. For landlords, understanding the correct steps is essential to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to avoid potential financial or legal repercussions. […]
When to step back from a leadership role
Taking a step back: Does less responsibility lead to more fulfillment? For many seasoned leaders facing burnout, the idea of stepping back into an individual-contributor role can be tempting. The memory of simpler days, when success was measured by personal output rather than team performance, and evenings were free from after-hours emails, can be alluring. […]
Memorial Health names chief information officer
Suresh Krishnan will join Memorial Health as chief information officer effective July 28. Krishnan most recently served as chief technology officer at Cone Health in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is very familiar with Illinois, having spent more than 30 years with health care organizations in the Chicago area earlier in his career. He graduated with […]
Local high school students step into world of health care
Ever wanted to observe a gastric bypass surgery, meet babies in the NICU or learn CPR with hands-on demonstrations? Area students got a glimpse into a career at HSHS St. John’s Hospital by participating in a recent High School Healthcare Bootcamp. “It’s one thing to read about health care in a textbook or to see […]
Ramona Tacos + Mezcal
Ramona Tacos + Mezcal is a truly welcome entrant to Springfield’s Mexican food scene, and certainly one that elevates the genre. Although not open for lunch during the week, it is on the weekends. It’s a place you do not want to miss. The physical space is clean and elegant. But for the view out […]

