Ride to Remember 9-11: Honoring Heroes

Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join us along the parade route to honor our heroes and commemorate the lives lost on 9-11

The City of Springfield is proud to participate in the 23rd annual "Ride to Remember 9-11" event, created to honor the lives lost on that fateful day and pay tribute to the First Responders and Heroes who demonstrated extraordinary bravery. Thanks to the generosity of past participants, a 9-11 Monument now stands on the Illinois State Capitol grounds, near the Firefighters and Police Memorials, as a lasting tribute to those we lost and those who served.

Event Details: On Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Springfield, IL, everyone is invited to gather at Hall's Harley-Davidson at 2301 N. Dirksen Pkwy. Line-up will begin at 9:00 a.m. At 10:30 a.m., a brief ceremony will be held, followed by a police-escorted procession departing the dealership at approximately 10:45 a.m. Upon arriving at the Illinois State Capitol grounds, participants can visit the 9/11 Memorial Site and the Police & Firefighters Memorial.

This event is free to join, and all vehicles are welcome! We encourage the community to line the parade route and show their support.

Parade and Participants: This year's procession will once again be led by Emergency Vehicles from local and surrounding communities, joined by the motorcycle community, several Car & Jeep Clubs, and supporters from across the area. Local dignitaries will be present both at Hall's Harley-Davidson and at the Capitol Building to show their support.

The Parade Route is as follows: Leave Hall’s H-D, 2301 N Dirksen Parkway, head South to Stevenson Drive (turn right), proceed to 11th Street (turn right), at Cook Street turn left, then turn right onto 9th Street to Capitol Ave turning left at Fire Station #1, proceed to 2nd Street turning left and right on East Edwards Street. Parking will be in several lots around the Capitol grounds with directional assistance provided.

We invite everyone to participate, reflect, and honor the legacy of the heroes of 9-11. Join us in this meaningful commemoration as we unite to remember and never forget.

Downtown Myers Building Celebrates 100 Years

Steve Myers, Terri Myers, Mayor Misty Buscher, Julie Myers Casper, Ryan McCrady 

The Myers Building in downtown Springfield marked its 100th anniversary on September 8. Mayor Misty Buscher and Ryan McCrady, president and CEO of the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, joined Steve Myers and Julie Myers Casper to reflect on the building’s history and discuss its future.

The historic Myers Building in downtown Springfield has been sold after three generations of family ownership. The property sold at auction on March 13 for $500,000, though it's assessed at over $3.2 million.

Florida-based Equitas Capital, a real estate investment firm, is the new owner and plans to renovate the 10-story, 100,000-square-foot building into a mix of office, retail, and community spaces while preserving its historic charm.

Built in 1905 by the Myers brothers, the building once housed the iconic Myers Brothers store and now serves primarily as office space, with more than half currently vacant.

The connection to Springfield gets more tenuous over time,” said Michael Myers, a retired attorney, noting the generational shift.

Steve Myers, a family member and broker, will stay on as leasing agent and property manager. The sale was made by a 15-member family trust, as many relatives have moved away from Springfield.

Springfield Community Connections: Ward 7 Kickoff

As part of the City of Springfield’s plan for community engagement, Mayor Buscher is expanding opportunities for residents to connect with City leaders. 

Beginning in fall 2025, Mayor Buscher and each Ward’s Alderperson will jointly host a Springfield Community Connections event, making direct engagement with residents more accessible and personal. Attendees will have the chance to meet with the Mayor, their Alderperson, and senior staff from key departments, and to engage in one-on-one conversations with representatives from several City agencies.

The initiative was kicked off last weekend in Ward 7. Residents from the Ward had the opportunity to meet with Mayor Misty Buscher, Ward 7 Alderman Brad Carlson, and several city department directors to discuss issues and concerns affecting their community. It was a very successful turn out with great discussion.

“Strong communities are built on listening and collaboration,” said Mayor Misty Buscher. “These gatherings give us the chance to hear directly from residents of each ward and work together to make Springfield even stronger.”

Please be on the lookout for the upcoming Springfield Community Connections dates and locations.

If you need help locating your ward, please visit the Ward Map on the City’s website or click the link below to check your address!

Message From the Mayor

Cookies and Cocktails Fundraiser Supporting

Young Girls in Girl Scouts

This past Wednesday evening, I had the honor of serving as one of the judges at the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois’ 8th annual Cookies & Cocktails event at Erin’s Pavilion.

This special event brought together talented local chefs who transformed classic Girl Scout cookies into unique desserts. These chefs were representing, Apple Barn, Best Day Ever Bakeshop, Hope Cafe, Scoop Du Jour, and Yellow Bird Coffee House.

Beyond the sweet treats, the evening featured appetizers, signature cocktails, raffle prizes, and a meaningful conversation with some of our very own local Girl Scouts, young women already showing the kind of leadership, curiosity, and compassion that make me proud of the females of our future.

The funds raised from Cookies & Cocktails directly support Girl Scout programs right here in the Springfield area. These programs go far beyond cookies, they help build essential life skills in areas like STEM, financial literacy, civic engagement, wellness, and the arts. With more than 10,000 members and 3,000 volunteers in the region, the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois are truly shaping tomorrow’s leaders today. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

I want to thank the Girl Scouts for inviting me to be part of such a joyful and impactful evening. To all the chefs, volunteers, supporters, and of course the Girl Scouts themselves: congratulations on another successful event. You make Springfield proud.

Mayor Misty Buscher

Springfield Senior Citizens Can Qualify

For Electric Rate Discount From CWLP

Did you know that CWLP offers a Senior Citizen Discount? This program, designed for eligible seniors based on income, provides a 10% reduction on standard electric rates. Seniors can enjoy financial relief while keeping their homes powered and comfortable.

Eligibility Requirements for Senior Citizens:

- Must be 62 years or older

- Must have the service account in their name

- Must have a total household income above 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

(In 2025, the maximum qualifying income is $46,950 for a single-person household and $63,450 for a multi-person household.)

Voucher Sign-Up Open for Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event!

Register Here: 

https://springfield.il.us/Forms/HouseholdHazardousWaste.aspx 

The Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Event is taking place on Saturday, September 27 from 8 AM to 3 PM near Chamberlain Park at S. McCreery Avenue and E. Capitol Avenue.

Safely dispose of items like paint, cleaners, oil, and more. Registration is REQUIRED and is Now Open https://springfield.il.us/Forms/HouseholdHazardousWaste.aspx.

You will receive your voucher to bring on your mobile device or print a copy to show upon arrival. This event is open to all Illinois residents.

Thanks for doing your part to keep our community safe and environment clean! 

October 2025 Tree Branch Pickup

The City is Hiring!

Serve your community while growing your career with a job at the City of Springfield! Our employment website provides a convenient electronic method for submitting applications and exploring current employment opportunities. Current positions posted, more added weekly:



• Administrative Clerk I
• Computer Network Specialist I-III
• Assistant Superintendent of Production
• Personnel Officer II
• Police Patrol Officer Lateral

American Airlines Adds New Flights at Capital Airport

Beginning October 7, Springfield-area travelers will enjoy a more convenient flight schedule as American Airlines reinstates its early morning departure from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI).

New Flight Schedule (Effective October 7)

All times listed in Central Time

Depart SPI → Arrive ORD

6:00 AM → 7:16 AM

2:12 PM → 3:28 PM

Depart ORD → Arrive SPI

12:39 PM → 1:35 PM

10:12 PM → 11:18 PM

Read, write, talk, sing, and play with us! Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Stories, songs, and movement for ages 0-5! Join us on Thursdays this fall!

Program Type: Storytime

Age Group: Toddlers, Pre-K, Children