Anyone know what’s going on? Probably 20 cop cars, multiple ambulances and fire trucks as well.

Seems like nobody plays instruments anymore. Anyone out there wanna jam? I play guitar!

The Springfield District 186 Board of Education covered a lot of ground this week, from late buses to teacher pensions to how our community is stepping up for families.

Highlights from the meeting:

• School bus issues: The superintendent met with the district’s bus contractor and transportation staff and set seven concrete goals, including a 95% on-time target, reviewing the 20 toughest routes, better follow-up on bus referrals, classroom management training for drivers, and new incentives for both drivers and students.

• Parent-teacher conferences: Reminder that there’s an early dismissal Thursday and no school Friday so families can meet with teachers about academics and behavior. The board strongly encouraged parents/guardians to get those conferences scheduled.

• Harvest food drive win: A community partnership with Local Union 137, Hy-Vee, and others hit a $10,000 goal, selling hundreds of pre-packed bags and collecting donations. Those dollars will be used at cost to buy essentials that are being distributed to schools right away so students in need across the district get what they need.

• New school dedication: The district is hosting a dedication for the newly named J Michael Zimmers Academy (formerly the Douglas Alternative Program) at the Lawrence Education Center, inviting the Zimmers family and current/former staff.

• State-wide policy stances: A board member walked through Illinois Association of School Boards resolutions, backing changes to improve Tier 2 pensions (better cost-of-living protections and a more realistic retirement age), supporting fixes for delayed property tax distributions and FOIA safeguards, and opposing lower signature requirements for school board candidates and extra local auditing of free/reduced meals.

If you care about buses running on time, support for educators, or how food and essentials actually get to students, this one is worth a watch.

Springfield District 186 Board of Education meeting highlights

Highlights selected and suggested post edited by Brian Wojcicki.

Jack-o-lantern festival at the Carillon! SOOO many people there and I always felt bad stopping to get photos but I had to get some shots :)! Happy spooky season everyone!

What happened to Sams club gas station?

Hi Springfield! I am a hygienist at a very fun and promising office in town. We have recently lost three of our hygienists.

We pay $50/hr and make a daily production bonus. We only work Monday through Thursday. The culture here is amazing. The freedom to be a hygienist without being micromanaged here is the best part of the job here. We are desperately looking for some new hygienists to join the crew!

If you are a hygienist looking for a better workplace or higher pay that what you are currently receiving, DM me and I will get your info and an interview!

Thank you!

What’s the dating scene like in Springfield, IL?
I’m curious what the dating scene is like in Springfield, Illinois for people in their 30s. For those of you who live here, what has your experience been like?

Is it pretty easy to meet new people?

I’d also love to hear recommendations for good places or events to meet people around Springfield

The air has been smokey the last couple of days especially at night. I first noticed it over near Koke Mill, but it seems to be everywhere. Is there a big burn going on nearby? Or are we somehow getting smoke from wildfires down south? I also noticed it when I went out to Site M this weekend, and I wasn't near the campground. I don't know if it's related.

Any pool places recommendations?

Is there a service that provides in home haircuts to elderly home bound individuals in Springfield? Not having any luck with a Google search.

Looking for pumpkin patches that allow dogs, any recommendations?

So here's the deal we are raising money for St Jude's over the last 10 years we have donated over $100k to them. If you want to help please reach out or show up!!!

https://facebook.com/events/s/wrestling-for-a-cure-goodfella/1614973869788234/

You don't win anything except bragging rights with all your friends. Fall photos? Pumpkin Patch? Haunted House? BABIES & PUPPIES!

Does anyone know which areas in Springfield it is legal to forage in? I don't know anyone who owns land and am relatively new to the idea of foraging myself, any pointers would be welcome and appreciated.

Did anyone notice a massive increase in their CWLP bill last month and now it’s back to normal or is it just me?

Downtown. Mutual aid donations accepted.

Everyone, this is Brodie. An APL foster dog my wife and I are housing while he waits for his forever home.

Brodie is about five years old and an absolute sweetheart. He almost immediately bonded with my wife and has become a second shadow for her.

He's still as playful as a pup, especially when he gets the zoomies and starts tearing around the house with his favorite (thoroughly dismembered) plush toy.

He shows signs that he's had a tough life, and can be aloof and timid with men. When my wife isn't home he is very withdrawn, and will flinch when i touch him as if he thinks I'm going to hurt him. But he's a completely different person when she's around. Just can't get enough cuddling and play from both of us, and he's still opening up more and not every day.

He can be handful at times. We're still working on potty training, but he's made great progress in the short time we've had him and had only had accidents when he was left alone for more than a couple hours in the last four or five days. He's also an escape artist who will leap over baby gates and does not like to be kennelled. He will force his way out if it's possible.

I'm sharing all of this with you to help spread the word and maybe help him find a permanent family. And the APL has so many more loving pets who need help just waiting. Please go take a look sometime. I'm sure you all remember the storms this spring and the damage that the APL's building took. They are doing their best but there are just so many homeless pets in the area.

Please, if you are considering adding a pet to your family, look into adoption or fostering.