United Community Bank (UCB) has announced that David J. Drennan has been named president of the bank and elected to the bank’s board of directors, and Kayla Mahaffay-Musson has returned to the organization as chief financial officer. Drennan has served in multiple leadership roles during his 20 years with UCB. Most recently serving as chief […]
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Bite and Brew coming to West Jefferson
A new restaurant is in the works for the former KFC on West Jefferson Street in Springfield. Lexhol Inc. applied for a liquor license to operate a restaurant listed as Bite and Brew, which was approved March 3 by the Springfield City Council. The 1850 W. Jefferson St. property was acquired in February 2025 by […]
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Building permits – March 9 to March 15
Kent Plaza Associates LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 2777 S. Sixth St. Contractor is Able Construction and the project is valued at $948,000. Blackstone Group received a commercial remodel permit for 1987 Wabash Ave. Contractor is O’Shea Builders and the project is valued at $14.1 million. Springfield JA LLC received a commercial accessory […]
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Rancho Chico owners have new restaurant in the works
It’s out with the old and in the new at 1101 Wabash Ave., with Moroleon TropicalMexican Restaurant recently closing and Puerto Vallarta, also a Mexican restaurant,gearing up to take its place. Ana Rodriguez and Bruno Chavez, the husband-and-wife team who also own theRancho Chico restaurant on East Stanford Avenue in southeast Springfield, areplanning to open […]
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Public gets hot over Park-n-Chill
The Springfield Park District has issued a request for proposals from vendors interested in operating the Washington Park concession stand that has been home to the Park-N-Chill ice cream shop for nearly a decade. The move has prompted an outcry of support on social media for Park-N-Chill and its operators. Park-N-Chill supporters also attended a […]
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Kirsten Taylor joins Hickory Point Bank
Kirsten Taylor has joined Hickory Point Bank as a mortgage loan originator for the Springfield area. She will work out of the branch at 3131 W. Wabash Ave. in Springfield. “We are excited to welcome Kirsten to our Springfield team,” said Jeff Raes, Hickory Point Bank executive vice president. “The addition strengthens our successful lending […]
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Farmers market vendor opens brick-and-mortar store
Keila Stapleton, whose handmade pastas have become a regular part of the local farmers market scene, is expanding with the addition of a retail location. Stapleton has opened Pasta Al Dente by Keila at 731 North Grand Ave. East, in the former location of Sam’s Pizza. Pasta Al Dente will offer a rotating menu of […]
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Vinegar Hill Mall up for auction
Conn’s Hospitality Group announced on Monday that it is closing Wm. Van’s Café as the company seeks to consolidate to stabilize its overall operations. “We’ve been analyzing the numbers and really just taking a look at the reality of today’s economy,” said Karen Conn, CEO of Conn’s Hospitality Group. “The decision Monday morning was we’ve […]
Posted inBuilding Permits
Building permits – March 2 to March 8
Westgate SC LLC received a commercial permit (New shell) for 2901 West White Oaks Drive. Contractor is Sri Karthik and the project is valued at $1 million. El Verto Holdings LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 3100 Atlanta St. Contractor is Michael Froming Inc. and the project is valued at $190,000. Climate Controlled Holdings […]
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Heartland Credit Union selects new CEO
Heartland Credit Union has selected Aaron Rios to serve as its new chief executive officer. He succeeds longtime CEO Tom Lex, who spent 45 years with the organization. “We’re excited to welcome Aaron as our next CEO,” said board chair Jane Kiel. “His extensive experience in financial services and proven leadership make him well-suited to […]
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SIU Medicine completes demolitions
Heavy equipment has been at work near the headquarters of SIU Medicine, but the medical institution says it’s part of an overall cleanup effort, rather than immediate plans for new construction. Demolition permits were filed at the beginning of February for single family homes at 529 and 539 Hay St., 700, 704, 714, 716 and […]
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Foreclosure sale for former restaurant
The location of the former Loukinens’ on 4th restaurant is set to go on the auction block at a foreclosure sale. The property at 517 S. Fourth St., across the street from the Executive Mansion, entered into foreclosure on Feb. 25, according to a public notice. The judgment amount is listed as $182,828. According to […]