Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Which Springfield salons did your neighbors pick as the very best?
Coming up: Volunteer Cleaning Crew on the Springfield Patch calendar

Good morning to you Springfield! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Which Springfield salons did your neighbors pick as the very best?
- Want to get on Springfield's airwaves? Here's how to volunteer.
- How soon could you walk new greenways from Lincoln Park to the Fairgrounds?
Also on today's calendar: Boots & Bow Ties Annual Fundraiser benefiting Senior Services of Centra lIlinois and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 94 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: A thunderstorm in spots, temps: high: 89, low: 71.
- Thursday: Hot with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 90 and low of 70 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Springfield readers vote on the best local hair salons (sj-r.com) — Springfield residents can see which local hair salons fellow readers named their favorites in the 2025 Community's Choice Awards, including locations on Robbins Road, Professional Drive, Veterans Parkway, and Washington Street. The annual State Journal-Register contest highlights standout Springfield businesses across more than 140 categories, with voting for the 2026 awards already completed and winners to be revealed in November.
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2. Radio station in Springfield expected to launch in September (sj-r.com) — A new community radio station in Springfield aims to return to the airwaves on 95.7 FM by the end of September and is actively recruiting volunteer DJs and support staff. Organizers with Springfield Community Broadcasters are also seeking donated office furniture and audio gear, emphasizing that no one is paid and the project depends entirely on local passion and participation.
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3. Springfield prepares to convert railroads to greenways (capitolcitynow.com) — Springfield is moving ahead with turning unused railroad tracks into greenways, with the council set to vote Tuesday on backing an $4.1 million phase that unlocks state grants. This stage focuses on Sangamon Avenue and Eighth Street, eventually linking Lincoln Park to the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Aldermen also pressed for updates on delayed work near Stanford Avenue.
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4. Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum to host presentation on race riots (nprillinois.org) — Springfield's African American History Museum will host a free program on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, exploring the history of American race riots and Springfield's own legacy of racial violence. The event at 1440 Monument Avenue features Tiffany Lee's short documentary and an interactive discussion using first-person historical accounts, and is open to all residents interested in deeper context on racial history.
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5. Springfield VEGAN CHEF CHALLENGE the month of October Austin Simmons and Autumn Gwinn serve up info (nprillinois.org) — Springfield diners will have a full month to sample new vegan dishes during the Springfield Vegan Chef Challenge, running October 1–31, 2026 at restaurants across the city. Participants can try special menu items, post photos, leave reviews, and vote on their favorites, with chances to win prizes while supporting local chefs and businesses.
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📸 Around Springfield
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Volunteer Cleaning Crew →
Phoenix Center Out on Second, 120 E. Scarritt St, Springfield
6:30 pm
Tuesday September 15
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Old Capitol Farmers Market →
Old Capitol Farmers Market, 4th & Adams, Springfield
8:00 am - Free HIV/HCV/STD Testing →
The Phoenix Center, 109 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield
9:00 am - Pastries and Coffee - Springfield →
520 S. Livingston St., Springfield
5:30 pm - Trans Service Committee →
Out on Second, 120 E Scarritt St, Springfield
5:30 pm - Midwest Music Meetup open mic with TOM →
Springfield IL
6:00 pm - Free HIV/HCV/STD Testing →
The Phoenix Center, 109 East Lawrence Avenue, Springfield
9:00 am - Illinois Product Farmers Market →
Illinois Products Farmers Market, 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield
3:30 pm - Celebrate Recovery- Springfield →
Together Church, 225 N. Grand Ave. East, Springfield
5:30 pm - Step Into Recovery Group →
Out on Second, 120 E Scarritt St, Springfield
5:30 pm - Comedy Fundraiser for Animal Protective League (APL) →
210 Broadway, Springfield - Boots & Bow Ties Annual Fundraiser benefiting Senior Services of Centra lIlinois →
Route 66 Motorheads Bar & Grill, Museum and Entertainment Complex, 600 Toronto Rd, Springfield
6:00 pm
Wednesday September 16
Thursday September 17
Friday September 18
Saturday October 3
📣 Springfield Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Mommy's little helper!
Trying something a little different with my ribs this time hope they turn out great! Rubbed them with mustard and seasonings and cooking them with… (Nextdoor Northside) - Working on the Pups Horror Tales rear cover today.
Just simple drawings for both covers this time. I've drawn 15 pages now, but only the front cover and interior are colored. I'm still figuring out… (Nextdoor Grandview Ave/Wolfe St)
- Bank of Springfield posted a job opening for Building Services Specialist in Springfield. Apply here.
- Fisher Associates, P.E., L.S., L.A., D.P.C. posted a job opening for Senior Renewable Energy Project Manager 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: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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