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🌱 Patch AM: Will you grab tickets before Springfield’s first LEGO convention sells out?

And check out Seussical Jr. on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Thursday October 8th Patch AM
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Hi Springfield! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

🎃 Hosting a Halloween event in Springfield? Let Patch get the word out for you. Post it to the Patch calendar.

In today's newsletter:

  • Will you grab tickets before Springfield's first LEGO convention sells out?
  • What new lifesaving services are now available in downtown Springfield?
  • How did Springfield's deficit suddenly turn into a surplus?

Also on today's calendar: Date Night with Greek Folk Traditions and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 81 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 85, low: 55.
  • Saturday: Remaining warm with some sun, with a high of 84 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Springfield Brick Convention brings LEGO creations to town (sj-r.com) — Springfield families have a big LEGO weekend coming up as the first-ever Springfield Brick Convention takes over the Illinois State Fairgrounds Oct. 10–11, with large-scale builds, celebrity builders, and hands-on fun. Tickets are $14.99 per person for timed sessions, and organizers say some slots are already selling out, so advance online purchase is strongly encouraged.
   

2. New harm reduction hub opens in downtown Springfield (bnd.com) — Downtown Springfield now has a new harm-reduction hub at First Presbyterian Church, offering weekday-morning access to free supplies, testing, and referrals alongside visits from the Springfield Urban League. Run by Intricate Minds, the satellite site and its North Grand drive-thru aim to reduce overdoses in Sangamon County while providing practical help like Narcan, clothing, hygiene items, and future family-friendly services.
   

3. Springfield money picture on track to be better than expected (capitolcitynow.com) — Springfield's city budget is in much better shape than expected midway through the fiscal year, shifting from a projected $11.8 million deficit to an $11.4 million surplus. Stronger property and sales tax revenues plus conservative spending are driving the improvement, though officials warn property taxes still don't fully cover police and fire pension costs.
   

4. Halloween Candy Giveaway (illinois.gov) — Families in Springfield can head to the Illinois Governor's Mansion on Saturday, Oct. 24 for a free Halloween candy giveaway, complete with costumes from the Governor and First Lady. Kids can check out a Springfield Fire Department engine, meet Smokey Bear, and trunk-or-treat with Central Baptist Church. Expect security screening at the door, no large backpacks, and only service animals allowed.
   

5. Preliminary work for the expansion of Illinois 97 west of Springfield underway (springfieldherald.news) — Drivers heading in and out of Springfield should expect delays as preliminary work begins on expanding Illinois 97 west of town, including median removal on Jefferson Street and future lane closures. The long-term project will create a four-lane expressway toward Illinois 125, realign local roads, replace the Sangamon Valley Trail bridge, and ultimately improve safety and congestion once construction is complete.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Sometimes things can get really complicated when you have to learn how to do a task that you've never done before.
    As part of getting my comic book published through this Indy Planet website, I have to size my comic pages and do certain things to get them to be… (Nextdoor Grandview Ave/Wolfe St)
  • Shepherds Small Engine Repair did an awesome and quick mower blade sharpening.
    A young, kind gentleman also explained the mower height adjustments for the best cut!! The price was very very reasonable! His service was Greatly… (Nextdoor Koke Mill)
  • Michaels posted a job opening for Seasonal Part-Time Team Member in Springfield. Apply here.
  • 2020 Companies posted a job opening for HP Retail Sales Representative 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: "What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white?" — A chalk board (Thank you Charlie H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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