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 […]
Columns
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Building permits – Feb. 23 to March 1
Goddard Early Childhood Development received a commercial accessory structure permit for 3411 Hedley Road. Contractor is GRP Wegman Electric and the project is valued at $120,000. Hoogland 2015 Children Prop LP received a commercial demolition permit for 924 North Grand Ave. W. Contractor is Lincoln Land Excavation Demolition Inc. and the project is valued at […]
Fact or fiction: Is Golden Hour Bake House closed?
It appears the sun has set for Golden Hour Bake House, just over a year after the business opened a brick-and-mortar location. Customers of the downtown bakery and café discovered the doors locked on Saturday, Feb. 28, with no signage posted to explain the closure during regular business hours. While the business closed for a […]
Aumann Auctions and Cory Craig Auctioneer to merge
Aumann Auctions and Cory Craig Auctioneer have announced a merger of the two Midwest auction companies. Founded in 1965, Cory Craig Auctioneer is a second-generation, full-service auction company serving clients throughout Illinois and surrounding states. Aumann Auctions has conducted auctions locally as well as across the U.S. and Europe since 1962. “Cory Craig has built […]

