Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Springfield stepped up to honor 26 unclaimed veterans

Coming up: Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend Experience on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Friday October 9th Patch AM
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Hi there, Springfield! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Springfield stepped up to honor 26 unclaimed veterans
  • What Illinois 97's new construction means for your daily drive
  • How Springfield firefighters are rallying around kids with critical illnesses

Also on today's calendar: A Night of American Folk Songs & Hymns with Matt Papa- Springfield and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Near-record temperatures, with a high of 86 and low of 57 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 84, low: 58.
  • Sunday: Clearing and very warm, with a high of 80 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Camp Butler honors 26 unclaimed, unaccompanied veterans (wandtv.com) — In Springfield, Camp Butler National Cemetery just honored 26 unclaimed and unaccompanied veterans in a moving semiannual ceremony, ensuring they are remembered with dignity. Local veterans, including members of Springfield's Legion Riders, stepped in to receive flags and stand in for missing family, underscoring the community's commitment to honoring those who served.
   

2. Illinois 97 expansion begins, drivers face new lane closures (sj-r.com) — Drivers in and around Springfield are starting to see lane closures as Illinois 97 west of the city begins its long-planned expansion into a four-lane expressway. IDOT crews are removing medians, preparing for utility and drainage work, and will eventually close the Sangamon Valley Trail bridge, so residents should plan for delays, watch for changing traffic patterns, and consider alternate routes.
   

3. SFD launches chapter of national nonprofit (illinoistimes.com) — Springfield firefighters have launched a local chapter of Project Fire Buddies, connecting families of critically ill children in Springfield and nearby towns with support from first responders and volunteers. After a successful Fall Festival kickoff in Sherman, the chapter is now actively seeking Sangamon County children to sponsor, and residents who know a family in need can submit nominations online.
   

4. Memorial Health Encourages Early Flu Vaccination as Flu Season Approaches (springfieldherald.news) — Springfield residents can already get drive-thru flu shots at Memorial Health's lab at 2950 S. Sixth St., weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extra Saturday clinics on Oct. 10 and Oct. 31. Health leaders urge getting vaccinated now so your body builds protection before flu season hits hard, especially to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalization.
   

5. Grocery, bookstore are among recipients of Springfield cannabis grants (capitolcitynow.com) — Springfield is directing new cannabis grant money to eight small businesses in targeted neighborhoods, including a new grocery in the former Save-A-Lot on Clear Lake Avenue and Elderberry & Plumb Bookstore at Seventh and Clay. The $100,000 grants are limited to census tracts the city says were disproportionately affected by past drug policies, aiming to boost services and investment close to home.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Come on by, we're all set for Halloween!
    We will be passing out candy the whole time allotted for trick or treating and will have full-size candy bars and allergy friendly options as well. … (Nextdoor North of Washington Park)
  • Okay, since this has gone on for more nights than I can count, I have to ask - Does anyone know what makes a loud "Boom" pretty much each night around 2 am?
    I'm over near Cherry Road, and the sound comes from the southwest direction. It's always just one and that's it. (Nextdoor Leland Grove)
  • Meijer posted a job opening for Night General Merchandise Clerk in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Electrolux posted a job opening for Manufacturing Supervisor Assembly - 2nd Shift in Springfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Springfield here.

Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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