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🌱 Patch AM: How will SMTD’s new transfer hub change your Springfield commute?

And check out The Turnaway Play on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Coffee in hand, Springfield? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will SMTD's new transfer hub change your Springfield commute?
  • Sheriff still searching for second suspect in Springfield Sandbar burglary
  • How Springfield's FBI office helped secure a 12-year sentence

Also on today's calendar: Illinois in the Revolutionary War and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Clearing and very warm, with a high of 84 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Monday: Very warm, temps: high: 91, low: 68. 🌶 Hot!
  • Tuesday: Very warm, with a high of 88 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. SMTD takes steps to replace Junction Circle transfer center (illinoistimes.com) — Springfield's Mass Transit District is moving ahead with a roughly $12–13 million plan to replace the Junction Circle Transfer Point with a larger, safer transfer hub serving workers and University of Illinois Springfield students. After approving a discounted $1 million land purchase, SMTD will combine state construction grants and its own funds to build indoor driver areas, better shelters, and a new access road near the growing SCHEELS Sports Park area.
   

2. Sheriff's Office seeks second suspect in Sandbar burglary (foxillinois.com) — Sangamon County deputies are still looking for a second suspect in the July burglary at Mama Lee's Sandbar on Mechanicsburg Road in Springfield, where gaming machines suffered more than $40,000 in damage. Investigators have already arrested one man and now hold warrants for Troy W. Rathbone of Riverton, asking local residents to share any tips on his whereabouts.
   

3. Jacksonville man sentenced for having, trading 5,000 images of child pornography (wcia.com) — A Jacksonville man has been sentenced in Springfield federal court to 12 years in prison, plus 10 years of supervised release, for distributing and possessing thousands of child pornography images and videos. Investigated by the FBI's Springfield Field Office with help from Jacksonville Police, the case underscores ongoing federal enforcement against online child exploitation in central Illinois communities.
   

4. Illinois Fairs saw tons of visitors and bargains (axios.com) — Springfield's Illinois State Fair drew more than 714,000 visitors this year, contributing to statewide fair attendance topping one million for the second straight year. State officials highlight relatively low prices, discounted admissions, and budget-friendly food specials as big reasons families kept coming back for affordable entertainment close to home.
   

5. Illinois State Police conduct emergency preparedness exercise in Springfield (capitolcitynow.com) — Illinois State Police and local agencies recently ran a full-scale emergency preparedness drill at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, testing how police, firefighters, and federal partners coordinate during a simulated WMD incident. The exercise focused on improving real-time communication, hazard response, and collaboration so Springfield-area responders are better prepared to protect residents during major emergencies.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Familiars- page 32!
    Getting back on track with the storyline. Need to get back to writing the script and doing the art pages. #comicbooks #comicbook #cats #kittens #dogs (Nextdoor Grandview Ave/Wolfe St)
  • To the person who picked up a bright pink jacket on the playground at Fairview school can you please return to school.
    This is my granddaughters jacket and we need it back please. Or call 217-381-2445. Thanks (Nextdoor North Grand)
  • Boot Barn posted a job opening for Inventory Control Associate (Seasonal) in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Devoted Health. posted a job opening for Payroll Specialist 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 do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath?" — A dirty double crosser ! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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