By Patrick Yeagle Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault is responsible for the appearance of teal ribbons in part of downtown Springfield this month. The ribbons, tied to light poles, trees and parking meters in a five-block area between the Old State Capitol and the current Illinois Statehouse, are meant to raise awareness of sexual assault […]
News
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City hopes to use TIF for home rehab, first responder grants in Enos Park
The City of Springfield wants to establish a pair of programs in Enos Park using TIF funds for exterior home rehabilitation and grants to police and firemen who choose live in the neighborhood. The Enos Park Exterior Rehabilitation Program would provide up to $15,000 to owner-occupied properties in the TIF district covering the Enos Park […]
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Developer seeks TIF approval to buy former surveying museum downtown
A Springfield developer is hoping to buy the downtown building that formerly housed the National Museum of Surveying, using $120,000 in TIF funds. Chris Nickell’s 521 East LLC seeks to access TIF money for the purchase of 521 E. Washington St. The City of Springfield sought to buy the building with $425,000 in TIF funds […]
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MJ’s Fish and Chicken planning move to Enos Park with TIF help
By Patrick Yeagle A popular Springfield eatery is hoping to establish a more permanent home with help from TIF funds. MJ’s Fish and Chicken Express is seeking $55,000 in TIF money to relocate to Enos Park. The money would fund half of the purchase price for 716 E. Enos St., the former site of Susie […]
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Ryan budget threatens federal tax credit for historic preservation
By Monica Stabile In 1981, President Ronald Reagan signed the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit into law as part of the Economic Recovery Act. Since then, the credits have been used to repurpose more than 40,000 historic buildings across the nation, including 253 such buildings in Illinois and several in Springfield. “Our historic tax credits have […]
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Springfield Clock Shop moving downtown as Mekong Cafe plans ‘big changes’
By Patrick Yeagle A longtime Springfield clock retailer is moving downtown, clearing the way for changes at a neighboring restaurant. Springfield Clock Shop, formerly located at the intersection of South Grand Avenue and Second Street, is moving downtown to 629 E. Washington Ave. Ben McCormick, an employee at Springfield Clock Shop and brother of owner […]
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Atlantis Pools closed Springfield location
By Patrick Yeagle Swimming pool owners in Springfield have one fewer option this season, following the closure of a pool store. Atlantis Pools, headquartered in Alton, closed its Springfield location at 3041 Montvale Drive on Dec. 1. “We just decided to close it,” said an employee at the Alton store. “It just wasn’t showing the numbers […]
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More than half of business travelers used Springfield airport last year, Chamber survey says
By Patrick Yeagle A survey of business travelers in Springfield shows more than half used the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport last year. Commissioned by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the survey found that nearly 77 percent rated their experience at the Springfield airport better than average. The results come after the airport reported that […]
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Sangamon Reclaimed relocating in May
By Patrick Yeagle A popular Springfield business that repurposes old wood is moving to a new location in May. Brian Frieze, owner of Sangamon Reclaimed, says he is closing the current location of his business at 2710 S. 13th St. on April 24. The new location at 1315 Ottis St. is expected to open on […]
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Senate Republicans offer budget plan without new revenue
By Monica Stabile Illinois Republican senators called for an immediate state government spending cap and a 10 percent spending cut to all government agencies in a new state budget plan unveiled Tuesday. The plan comes after Republicans scuttled a “grand bargain” budget plan last month, to the frustration of Democrats in the chamber and Senate […]
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Women of Influence 2017 awardees announced
Security Bank announced today the awardees for the 2017 Women of Influence program. Women of Influence honors local women for their contributions to the community in and around Springfield. The 2017 awardees are: Dr. Susan J. Koch, chancellor of University of Illinois Springfield Molly Berendt, executive director of Compass for Kids Margaret “Boony” Luparell, owner […]
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Carmody sells Home Instead Senior Care franchise
Laura Carmody, former owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Springfield, completed the sale of the franchise this week to her cousin, Amy Best. Best cofounded the franchise with Carmody in 2011 and served there as HR director – a role she continues to fill as owner. Home Instead Senior Care is a network of […]