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🌱 Patch AM: How fast is Illinois phasing out paper checks from Springfield offices?

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Good morning Springfield! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How fast is Illinois phasing out paper checks from Springfield offices?
  • What this new national seal of approval means for Springfield families
  • What 2026 school law changes mean for Springfield students and parents

Today's riddle: I’m trying to think of a new cloud joke. 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Rain; breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 67 and low of 14 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Sunny, windy and much colder, temps: high: 27, low: 15.
  • Tuesday: Chilly with partial sunshine, with a high of 31 and low of 27 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Someone will still want to be paid with a paper check (chambanatoday.com) — State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, speaking from Springfield, says Illinois is steadily moving away from paper checks, with about 80% of her office’s 15 million annual payments now electronic. She’s urging residents, especially those without bank accounts, to enroll in direct deposit through the Bank On Illinois program as a smart New Year’s resolution.
   

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

2. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois Achieves National Reaccreditation in its Centennial Year (riverbender.com) — Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has earned national reaccreditation during its 100th year, affirming the quality of its services based out of Springfield and across south central Illinois. With offices in Springfield and several nearby cities, the agency continues providing food, clothing, counseling, and other support to thousands of vulnerable residents each year.
   

3. New education laws to impact Illinois schools in 2026 (newschannel20.com) — Springfield families should prepare for major school changes in 2026, as new Illinois laws will grant junior high students high school credit for advanced courses, tighten school safety training, and require state guidance on classroom use of artificial intelligence. Local District 186 leaders stress that substitute teachers will now need building-specific safety training to keep students protected.
   

4. Jennifer Garnica named chief nursing officer for Central Illinois Market at HSHS (sangamonsun.com) — A major regional health system has named Jennifer Garnica as chief nursing officer for its Central Illinois hospitals, including HSHS St. John’s in Springfield. Starting January 19, 2026, she’ll oversee nursing operations and best practices across multiple communities, bringing extensive leadership experience from SSM Health in St. Louis to help shape patient care in Springfield and beyond.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • CONTRACTORS******** Please be aware of these very good (not so good) scammers out here posing as customers from Next Door app needing some work done.
    Will try and bait you and send you payment via Zelle. Guess what and it’ll be unsuccessful. That’s the hook. If it’s sent to spam it’s most likely… (Nextdoor Old Aristocracy Hill)
  • Here is page 5 of the Christmas story I'm working on!
    The regular strip will come next, but I'm also trying to finish a painting too. Bought some more paints tonight since some of my stuff had gone bad. … (Nextdoor Grandview Ave/Wolfe St)
  • Tractor Supply Company posted a job opening for Team Member in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Owens Corning, Inc. posted a job opening for Area Sales Manager - Foamglas (Midwest) 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: I haven’t the foggiest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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