Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Do you recognize the suspect in Carter’s Fish Market arson?

And check out First Night Springfield on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Greetings Springfield! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Do you recognize the suspect in Carter’s Fish Market arson?
  • How does Springfield 186 lead Sangamon County in Hispanic enrollment growth?
  • How will HSHS’s new nursing leader impact care at St. John’s?

Today's riddle: What two things can you never eat for breakfast? . 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Sunny, windy and much colder, with a high of 26 and low of 15 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and not as cold, temps: high: 33, low: 27.
  • Wednesday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 39 and low of 17 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Crime Stoppers seeking tips related to Carter's Fish Market arson in Springfield (wcia.com) — An arson at Carter’s Fish Market in Springfield caused more than $25,000 in damage when a man was caught on video dousing and igniting the outdoor cook shed early Dec. 21. Crime Stoppers and the Springfield Fire Department are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect to share anonymous tips by phone, website, or the P3 app to help solve the case.
   

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

2. Enrollment Analysis: Hispanic students comprised 3.4% of Sangamon County's districts student body in 2024-25 school year (sangamonsun.com) — Springfield School District 186 now has the largest Hispanic enrollment in Sangamon County, with 497 students making up part of the county’s 3.4% Hispanic student population. Countywide, 896 Hispanic students attended public schools in 2024-25, as Illinois increased overall K-12 funding and maintained relatively favorable student-teacher ratios.
   

3. Jennifer Garnica named chief nursing officer for Central Illinois Market at HSHS (sangamonsun.com) — A new chief nursing officer will soon oversee care at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield along with several other Central Illinois hospitals. Starting January 19, 2026, Jennifer Garnica will lead nursing operations and best-practice initiatives across the HSHS Central Illinois Market, bringing extensive leadership experience from major St. Louis health systems.
   

4. Illinois Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for Dec. 27, 2025 (eastpeoriatimescourier.com) — Springfield residents who played Illinois Lottery games on Dec. 27 can now check the winning Powerball, Pick 3, Pick 4, Lucky Day Lotto, and Lotto numbers. Smaller prizes can be claimed at retailers, but larger winnings may require mailing documentation to the Illinois Lottery Claims Department at the Springfield P.O. Box or visiting a Claim Center by appointment.
   

5. Carlinville To Host Community Blood Drive With ImpactLife Wednesday, January 7-Sponsored By Carlinville Area Hospital Auxiliary (riverbender.com) — Residents who use Springfield’s ImpactLife blood center can support a regional blood drive in nearby Carlinville on Wednesday, January 7, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. Donors must schedule through ImpactLife Springfield, meet age and weight requirements, and bring photo ID for this hospital-supported event.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • REDLINE MX 24" BMX bike stolen in Feb-March 2025.
    IRONICALLY the guy came back Dec 23rd 2025 to steal Amazon packages from my porch ON MY BIKE! They've spray painted the handle bars white and… (Nextdoor Enos Park)
  • I managed to finish painting the artwork of the fake Pups ad from the comic book today.
    So, that commission is done. Now to finish up the regular weekly Pups strip. (Nextdoor Grandview Ave/Wolfe St)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Springfield. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for Overnight Shift Manager 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: Lunch and dinner. (From Norine S.)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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