Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Springfield’s new Minority Business Institute could boost local entrepreneurs

Also check out The Elegant Wedding Expo-Springfield, IL on the Springfield Patch calendar

Patch AM Team's profile picture
Patch AM Team, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
Friday January 9th Patch AM
Friday January 9th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Hey hey Springfield! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Springfield’s new Minority Business Institute could boost local entrepreneurs
  • Why Springfield High basketball is back on IHSA probation again
  • Will your New Year workout routine survive past February?

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Springfield.

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

Today's riddle: What did the shovel say to the dirt? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: A shower early in the morning, with a high of 48 and low of 35 degrees.
  • Saturday: Cooler with showers around, temps: high: 41, low: 20.
  • Sunday: More sun than clouds, with a high of 35 and low of 26 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Springfield to launch Minority Business Institute in February 2026 (newschannel20.com) — Springfield is launching a new Minority Business Institute this February to help local minority-owned businesses and nonprofits navigate city processes and grow. Weekly evening classes will run through March at sites including Fire Station 6, the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Innovate Springfield, and the University of Illinois Springfield, ending with a graduation ceremony on April 1, 2026.
   

2. Springfield High boys basketball coach suspended for IHSA violation (sj-r.com) — Springfield High’s boys basketball coach is serving a two-game suspension after an IHSA rules violation involving a college player participating in practice drills, and the program is back on probation for the rest of the season. District 186 says it has complied with IHSA decisions, and current sanctions do not affect the team’s eligibility or game results.
   

3. New year gym resolutions fade by February, experts say (foxillinois.com) — Springfield residents packing gyms this month may see their motivation fade fast, local health experts warn. Leaders at Springfield Clinic and the University of Illinois Springfield say most people abandon ambitious fitness resolutions by February and recommend smaller, sustainable habits, everyday movement, and workout partners to keep central Illinois exercisers on track all year.
   

4. Protein and Working Out (midislandtimes.com) — If you’re working out more this year in Springfield, a local SIU School of Medicine dietitian says how you spread protein across your meals may matter more than simply eating more. She explains recommended protein ranges, why needs rise with age and exercise, and which everyday foods can help preserve muscle and support workouts.
   

📸 Around Springfield

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Springfield Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Springfield PatchAM possible:

  • Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
    Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I’m at a standstill.
    My standpipe connected to the washer keeps leaking. I was told it’s because the sewers need jetted. I went through a company TWICE to come out and… (Nextdoor Cabbage Patch)
  • Does anyone know a handyman that might work on small appliances?
    I have a like-new Crockpot slow cooker that is not getting power. It is only used a few times a year so it's far from being worn out. I've looked at… (Nextdoor North-West Section)
  • Chilli's posted a job opening for Janitor - Springfield Chili's - No Experience Required in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Tilly's posted a job opening for Assistant Manager (Part Time) 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 really dig you!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Springfield