Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Meet the 12 new officers now joining Springfield’s police ranks

Make time for WQNA Community Fundraiser with OAT on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Friday September 25th Patch AM
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Morning Springfield! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Meet the 12 new officers now joining Springfield's police ranks
  • How will Springfield's new mental health chief change local services?
  • How three Springfield firefighters turned a terrifying blaze into a rescue

Also on today's calendar: Amigo the Devil and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 71 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Saturday: An afternoon shower possible, temps: high: 66, low: 56.
  • Sunday: Periods of sun with a shower, with a high of 71 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Springfield Police Department swears in 12 new officers (springfieldherald.news) — Springfield's Police Department just welcomed 12 new officers, sworn in by Chief Joe Behl with Mayor Misty Buscher and families looking on. Most are recent academy graduates with local school ties, and they'll soon begin field training alongside veteran officers to bolster patrols and public safety across the city.
   

2. The Sangamon County Mental Health Board Selects Dr. Tatyana Gardner as its first Executive Director (springfieldherald.news) — Sangamon County's new Mental Health Board has hired Springfield native Dr. Tatyana Gardner as its first executive director, with her tenure beginning October 12. Gardner, who currently leads health initiatives at the Springfield Urban League, will oversee grantmaking and program development aimed at improving behavioral health services across Springfield and Sangamon County, marking a major step toward expanding local mental health resources.
   

3. Springfield Firefighters honored with Hometown Hero Award for life-saving rescue (newschannel20.com) — Springfield firefighters were honored with the Hometown Hero Award after rescuing a woman from a March apartment fire, where they found her hanging from a third-floor window. Their quick ladder rescue, teamwork, and training were praised by department leaders, and the victim is expected to fully recover.
   

4. 10 local organizations receive AEDs (wandtv.com) — Springfield organizations are among 10 local groups receiving new automated external defibrillators from HSHS St. John's Foundation, honoring the memory of Rick McGraw. Bible Chapel Community Church in Springfield and Mary Bryant Home Association say the devices and training will significantly strengthen their emergency preparedness and cardiac response for residents, visitors, and staff.
   

5. Bicyclists embark on 500-mile journey across Illinois to honor fallen service members (wcia.com) — Bicyclists on the Gold Star 500 ride passed through Springfield and Sangamon County, stopping at spots like the Chatham VFW and the Illinois Route 66 Experience at the State Fairgrounds. The 500-mile journey raises money for scholarships and projects honoring Illinois' fallen service members, while connecting Gold Star families for support and remembrance.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield

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📣 Springfield Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts Highlight Stormwater Protection During Awareness Week —Nicole Andas Read on Patch
  • LePeeps, one if the best run brunch restaurants I've seen in decades.
    Great menu, quick turnaround without any pressure, superior wait staff. Nuff said! (Nextdoor Northgate)
  • Alright, here we go!
    Pups Horror Tales- page 1! #comicstrips #comicstrip #dogs #puppy (Nextdoor Grandview Ave/Wolfe St)
  • Dunkin' posted a job opening for Team Member in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Chipotle posted a job opening for Kitchen Leader 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: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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