Wienerschnitzel, a fast-food chain that specializes in hot dogs, is hoping to find a franchisee that will allow the company to expand into Springfield and throughout central Illinois. The only Wienerschnitzel restaurant in the state is in Champaign, so Ted Milburn, director of U.S. franchise development for the company, said there is plenty of room […]
Columns
Ryan Caldwell named CFO of Springfield Clinic
Springfield native Ryan Caldwell has joined Springfield Clinic as its chief financial officer following what the organization described as a nationwide search. Caldwell has nearly two decades of public accounting experience and has spent most of his career working in the health care industry. Prior to joining Springfield Clinic, he served as an audit partner at […]
Illinois nursing homes seek Medicaid rate hike
Nursing home industry officials are urging Illinois lawmakers to increase the rates they receive from the state’s Medicaid system, arguing the current rates are outdated and are forcing many facilities around the state out of business. “We’ve expressed our concerns that closures will happen. We’ve been saying that for years, and it’s actually happening now, […]
Tom Lex to retire from Heartland Credit Union
Tom Lex, president and CEO of Heartland Credit Union, has announced he plans to retire in February 2026 after a 45-year career with the organization. “Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to work alongside an outstanding board and dedicated staff, whose commitment and teamwork have made our success possible,” Lex said. Lex joined HCU […]
Building permits – March 31 to April 6
Wilmarth Renewals LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 1818 S. MacArthur Blvd. Contractor is J.R. Hinchey and the project is valued at $10,000. Kumler United Methodist Church received a commercial accessory structure permit for 1022 N. Fifth St. Contractor is Stephen Barbie and the project is valued at $3,950. Amazon.com Services LLC % Amazon […]
Woodward Communications acquires Mid-West Family radio stations
Woodward Communications, Inc. has completed the acquisition of four radio stations serving the Springfield marketplace from Mid-West Family: WNNS-FM, WQLZ-FM, WMAY-FM, and WMAY-AM. This acquisition follows WCI’s October 2024 purchase of four other Springfield radio stations from Neuhoff Media: WXAJ-FM, WFMB-FM, WCVS-FM, and WFMB-AM) Kevin O’Dea, market manager for Woodward’s Springfield marketplace, will continue his role and […]
Springfield Lice Clinic opens
After a “mortifying” experience with her own daughter, Megan Stoller decided to open Springfield Lice Clinic to help other parents in a similar situation. “Last summer, I was checking my then-3-year-old’s hair for ticks, but what I found wasn’t a tick,” said Stoller. “I kind of freaked out. We were traveling and I didn’t want […]
New CEO for Memorial Health
Dr. Mandy C. Eaton has joined Memorial Health as the organization’s president and CEO. She succeeds Ed Curtis, who retired on March 31 after a 50-year career with Memorial. “It was evident to me that Memorial Health is here to serve its community, and the mission of this health system aligns so well with my […]
New downtown bar, Fluid, to open in May
Downtown Springfield will get a new addition to the bar scene when Duane Williams and Jaime Estell open Fluid next month. “I’ve been a hairdresser for 26 years and owned a couple of salons,” said Williams. “I turned 50 this year, and I decided instead of buying a sports car for a midlife crisis, I’d […]
Former funeral director launches Memorial Tributes by Cory Brown
Cory Brown hopes to use his years of experience in the funeral business to simplify the planning process for grieving families with the launch of his new business, Memorial Tributes by Cory Brown. Brown spent 13 years working at area funeral homes before taking a job in 2022 as director of music for the Dominican […]
Building permits – March 24 to March 30
RR Family LLC % Raymond E. Roland received a commercial remodel permit for 816 N. Dirksen Parkway. Contractor is Illinois Valley Construction and the project is valued at $1.2 million. Friedman Real Estate received a commercial remodel permit for 3267 Ginger Creek Drive. Contractor is Joyner Construction Services Inc. and the project is valued at […]
PNC invests in children
PNC staff believe it’s never too early to invest in a child’s future. In 2004, PNC employees launched Grow Up Great, a $500 million initiative that prepares children from birth through age 5 in underserved communities for success in school and life. It has supported more than 10 million children across 22 states and Washington, […]

