Larry Robinson is constructing a better life for others one house at a time. He founded Springfield’s J&L Properties in 2010 and recently formed J&L Foundation to focus on revitalizing poverty-stricken neighborhoods, particularly on Springfield’s east side where he grew up. “Most of my properties are in lower-income neighborhoods,” said the 41-year-old Robinson, “and about […]
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Memorial Health announces new president and CEO
Three new members have been named to the board of directors of Memorial Health. “We’re proud to have a board that brings together people with a wide range of expertise from across the region we serve,” said Ed Curtis, president and CEO of Memorial Health. “Each of these new members brings their own valuable perspective […]
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St. John’s Foundation welcomes 2025 Children’s Miracle Network Champions
Two Springfield-area former patients of HSHS St. John’s Children’s Hospital have officially assumed their roles as 2025 local and national champions for the Children’s Miracle Network. Jase Hendricks, 9, of Rochester, and Lyndie Jones, 11, of Chestnut, will serve as ambassadors for the 170 U.S. and Canadian member children’s hospitals for the next year by […]
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CD’S BBQ
CD’s BBQ is a family-owned restaurant near the intersection of North Grand Avenue and Eighth Street. The “C” is for Cecil Turner, who’s been barbecuing virtually his whole life, while the “D” is for his wife, Doris Turner, who helps prepare the food when she isn’t at the Statehouse performing her duties as a senator. […]
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Speak up or shut down?
With a background in business psychology, I have to admit that one of my guilty pleasures when out and about in the community is to observe and study organizational culture. Are the employees chatting and helping each other? Do they seem happy? Are the manager’s actions supportive and upbeat, or terse and punitive? Between client […]
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Joann to close all stores nationwide
Area residents were holding out hope that the Joann fabrics store in Springfield would survive the retailer’s planned closures, but the company announced Feb. 24 that it will close all of its 831 stores nationwide. In January, the Ohio-based retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in a year, citing sluggish […]
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Building permits – Feb. 17 – Feb. 23
Island Bay Yacht Club received a commercial remodel permit for 78 Yacht Club Road. No contractor listed. The project is valued at $150,540. Taynya Ruby received a commercial remodel permit for 29 Oakbend Court. Contractor is Repair Masters Construction and the project is valued at $10,000. West Side Christian Church received a commercial remodel non-structural […]
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Springfield Clinic Urgent Care Plus ribbon cutting Feb. 21
Springfield Clinic will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, for the region’s first high acuity urgent care. Urgent Care Plus is intended to bridge the gap between a traditional urgent care and the emergency room, offering high acuity care in a more accessible and efficient setting. The event will take […]
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Former Hooters property to be auctioned
The former Hooters restaurant in Springfield is getting ready to go up for auction. Commercial real estate website Loopnet.com lists 3241 Horizon Drive as scheduled for auction Feb. 24-26, with a starting bid of $190,000 for the 4,262-square-foot building. The property is listed with broker Daniel Elliot of SRS Real Estate Partners, a Dallas-based commercial real […]
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Pop-Up Chicken Shop opening Springfield location
A new chicken restaurant is moving into the former KFC on West Jefferson Street in Springfield. Aaron Francis launched Pop-Up Chicken Shop in Bloomington in 2018 and opened a second location in Peoria last year. A third location is now in the works for Springfield, but he said he has even bigger plans. “I’m licensing […]
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Building permits – Feb. 10 – Feb. 16
Anderson Estates LLC received a commercial accessory structure permit for 417 E. Cook St. Contractor is Sheppard Landscaping and the project is valued at $27,000. D.E.R. Jr. LLC received a commercial permit for 1701 W. Jefferson St. Contractor is Martin Engineering Company and the project is valued at $165,000. Autozone #2659 % Property Management Dept. […]
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Three Twigs owners to take over The Railyard
Dec. 24 was the last day of operations for Three Twigs & Co., but owners Emily and Tim Lewis said at the time they intended to bring back the business in some form. The next phase is now taking shape, as the couple has signed a lease for The Railyard property at 2242 S. Sixth […]