Former state Sen. Sam McCann pleaded guilty to all nine felony charges related to misuse of campaign funds for personal benefit on Feb. 15, one day before his bench trial was expected to end and as he considered taking the stand in his defense. McCann previously said his prosecution in Springfield’s U.S. District Court was […]
Newsletter – Biz Bites
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CAD Construction opens Springfield office
Two familiar names in the area construction industry are opening a Springfield office for CAD Construction. The Tremont-based company, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, started as a rough carpentry and interior trim union subcontractor. Over time, CAD Construction has evolved into a general contractor focusing on small commercial projects under $10 million, […]
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Catie Sheehan to join SIU system leadership team
Catie Sheehan is joining the Southern Illinois University system leadership team as the executive director of marketing and communications, effective Feb. 28. Sheehan most recently served as the vice president of communications, marketing and advocacy for Hospital Sisters Health System, a position she held for five years before stepping down in May 2023. Prior to […]
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Building permits – Feb. 5 – Feb. 11
Humphrey Properties LLC % Hope Humphrey Walker received a commercial permit for 1821 S. 15th St. Contractor is Reiser Construction and the project is valued at $100,000. First and Jefferson LLC received a commercial permit for 110 W. Jefferson St. Contractor is Faron Harmony and the project is valued at $35,000. North Star of Springfield […]
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DIM Art House closing its studio and gallery space
DIM Art House is closing its studio and gallery for the time being, but not ceasing operations. “Our landlord sold the building; we always knew it was a possibility but never thought it would happen,” said Christy Freeman Stark, who founded DIM in 2019 along with Joe Wallace and Jeff Williams. “The reality hit us […]
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Lutheran High School plans to rebuild near Cherry Hills Church
After mine subsidence forced Lutheran High School to abandon its west-side Springfield campus in 2022, it is looking to rebuild on land owned by Cherry Hills Church, near the northeast corner of Chatham and Woodside roads. “We’re negotiating with Lutheran right now for them to buy 23 acres of farmland to the north of our […]
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Springfield down to two residential waste haulers
Waste Management transferred most of its residential business in Springfield to Republic Services because alleys made service to certain parts of the city inefficient, a company spokesperson said. “Our company is moving more to automation,” Lisa Disbrow, spokesperson for Waste Management of Illinois Inc., told Illinois Times on Feb. 6. WM’s increasing use of garbage trucks […]
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Explore opportunities for your future
Ever catch yourself wondering what the future holds for yourself or a loved one? Imagining the future can be a powerful drive for change. This kind of visualization can help us be positive, enhance a sense of purpose and begin to set goals. When it comes to turning these thoughts into reality, sometimes the hardest […]
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An interview with the new DSI director
Carlos Ortega, a man with a passion for promoting economic development, has set his sights on improving his hometown’s central business district. The Springfield native is Downtown Springfield Incorporated’s new executive director. He began the job Feb. 1. “He brings with him extensive nonprofit and business knowledge that we feel is going to translate very […]
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CWLP asking for significant water rate increases
City Water, Light & Power officials say water rate increases of 32% this year and 32% in 2025 are needed for state-required replacements of lead lines and to reduce the frequency of water main breaks, dredge Lake Springfield and improve the water division’s finances. CWLP Chief Utility Engineer Doug Brown said the need for the […]
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Credit card company monopolies impact small businesses
Strings are often attached in Mark Yeates’ business transactions. The owner of Dick’s Shoe Repair, 314 W. Laurel St., enjoys putting new shoestrings on pairs of Oxfords or stitching new soles onto wingtips. But one string he doesn’t like is the one credit card companies attach to every charge-card transaction that happens in his shop. […]
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Building permits – Jan. 29 – Feb. 4
BPC/Larkspur Springfield LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 2345 MacArthur Blvd. Contractor not listed. The project is valued at $1.8 million. Marc S. Gregory and Z Property Brothers LLC received a commercial remodel permit for 913 S. Eighth St. Contractor is Koeppen Construction and the project is valued at $25,000. Springfield Clinic LLP received […]