Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Springfield hotels are filling up faster than last year

Also check out Comedy Fundraiser for Animal Protective League on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Friday September 18th Patch AM
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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:

  • Why Springfield hotels are filling up faster than last year
  • Which Springfield restaurants are battling it out in the vegan challenge?
  • How a new ambulance deal could reshape Springfield's emergency coverage

Also on today's calendar: Amigo the Devil and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Some sun with a stray t-storm, with a high of 88 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Very warm, temps: high: 92, low: 67.
  • Sunday: Not as hot; a p.m. t-storm, with a high of 83 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City: More hotel nights booked in Springfield in 2025, expected to be higher this year (capitolcitynow.com subscription) — Springfield's hotel occupancy climbed to 57% in 2025, adding about 12,000 room nights as more visitors came for Route 66, conventions, and sports events. Tourism Director Scott Dahl says the city, with roughly 8,000 rooms even without the downtown Wyndham, expects to beat that this year thanks to Scheels Sports Park, BOS Center expansion plans, and growing leisure travel.
   

2. Sample local vegan dishes during Springfield Vegan Chef Challenge (wandtv.com) — Springfield diners can spend all of October tasting special vegan dishes at local restaurants competing in the fourth annual Springfield Vegan Chef Challenge. You can visit participating spots like Harvest Kitchen + Bar, Mel-O-Cream, and Maldaner's, then rate and vote for your favorite creations online, with winners announced in November and restaurants still able to register to join.
   

3. Springfield Business Journal: One local ambulance company purchases another (capitolcitynow.com) — Ambulance service in Springfield is shifting again as America Ambulance Service acquires New Berlin-based Dispatch Medical Transport and moves its non-emergency base into the city, bringing some employees along. This follows Lifestar's suspension from the local emergency network and a new city BEACON rescue vehicle, while an air ambulance base in nearby Decatur has closed after financial losses.
   

4. Springfield woman accused of concealing death sanctioned after missing multiple court dates (wcia.com) — A Springfield woman accused of concealing her elderly neighbor's death is back in custody after repeatedly missing court, and has been sanctioned to 15 days in the Sangamon County Jail. Authorities say she continued paying CWLP bills and withdrawing benefits to make the home appear occupied, allegedly profiting around $130,000; her trial call is set for September 28.
   

5. Leaving a legacy (illinoistimes.com) — A new charitable fund honoring Springfield native and former Illinois Supreme Court Justice Benjamin K. Miller is directing $1.21 million to seven organizations, many serving women and children in the Springfield area. Local groups like Wooden It Be Lovely, MERCY Communities, the Pregnancy Care Center of Springfield, and Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery will expand housing, childcare, and support services thanks to the grants.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • We are now set up at Obed and Isaac's for the Moonlight Market.
    Live music starts soon in the Beer Garden, and of course there's the food, not to mention Yours Truly with wood stuff to look at. (Nextdoor Riddle Hill)
  • My cat got out about a week ago and I still haven't been able to find her/she hasn't come back.
    I've been looking daily and putting food outside but still no sign of her. This isn't normal for her as the few times she has gotten out she always… (Nextdoor Lincoln Park)
  • Heritage Operations Group, LLC posted a job opening for Dietary Aide in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Golden Corral posted a job opening for Server 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: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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