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🌱 Patch AM: What’s next for the fire-damaged Virgil Hickox Building downtown?

Also, don't miss Robby Robinson Set to Rock Out LIVE @ The Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center 10-05-2026 on the Springfield…

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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:

  • What's next for the fire-damaged Virgil Hickox Building downtown?
  • Will you bring your pet to Sunday's Springfield animal blessing?
  • See what's replacing Hickory River Smokehouse on North Dirksen Parkway.

Also on today's calendar: Robby Robinson Set to Rock Out LIVE @ The Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center 10-05-2026 and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Occasional morning rain, with a high of 70 and low of 44 degrees.
  • Saturday: Pleasant with plenty of sun, temps: high: 72, low: 46.
  • Sunday: Sunny and nice, with a high of 73 and low of 46 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New owner has big plans for historic Springfield building (bnd.com) — A Florida-based investor with Springfield roots is moving to buy and restore the fire-damaged Virgil Hickox Building downtown, aiming to reopen the Norb Andy's space and possibly add apartments, offices, or a bed-and-breakfast. He hopes to open the first-floor tavern by year's end, bringing new life and tourism potential just blocks from key Lincoln sites.
   

2. Springfield's APL hosts Blessing of the Animals (nprillinois.org) — Springfield pet owners can bring their animals to the Animal Protective League's Blessing of the Animals ceremony this Sunday, Oct. 4, at 3 p.m. at the Taintor Road shelter. All leashed or crated pets are welcome, and those who can't attend in person can watch a livestream on APL's Facebook page while also learning how to support the shelter's adoption and spay/neuter programs.
   

3. Dutch Bros coming to Springfield (springfieldbusinessjournal.com) — A new Dutch Bros coffee shop is planned for 2343 N. Dirksen Parkway in Springfield, replacing the former Hickory River Smokehouse with a drive-through and walk-up-only design by early spring 2027. The project reflects rapid coffee-chain growth along North Dirksen, while Hickory River searches for a new Springfield location and auctions off its kitchen equipment this month.
   

4. Prevention Announce Debut Album 'And Nothing's Mine' (stereogum.com) — Springfield straight-edge hardcore band Prevention is releasing its debut full-length album, "And Nothing's Mine," on October 30 through Triple B/Delayed Gratification. After several EPs and splits, the group is showcasing its fast, old-school style with new tracks like the furious 73-second single "Tell Yourself," giving local heavy-music fans something fresh to anticipate this month.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • If anyone's interested here's a link to home movies my grandpa filmed in the Springfield area in the early 1930s, over 90 years ago.
    Some of the events include footage at Memorial pool. FDR comes to Springfield on the whistlestop tour. Construction of Lake Springfield using steam… (Nextdoor Cobblestone)
  • All the above.
    Their breakfast is fantastic. Very reasonable, and the staff are friendly. What I like, they are always around refilling coffee , where other places… (Nextdoor Northside)
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Dollar Tree posted a job opening for Assistant Manager I 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: "Why did the girl pig break up with the boy pig?" — Because he was such a boar! (Thank you Theresa H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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