Jacksonville Memorial Hospital 5K/10K Race celebrates 30 years:
Online registration is open for the longest-held annual running race in the city.
The Jacksonville Memorial Hospital 5K/10K presented by Gatorade kicks off at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, on the campus of the nonprofit hospital, 1600 W. Walnut St., Jacksonville.
“We welcome both walkers and runners to this event,” said Kevin Eckhoff, who has served as the director of the race since its start in 1994, when the event was known as the Passavant-Gatorade 5K/10K. “The fast, flat course is ideal for experienced competitors as well as those preparing to complete their first 5K or 10K.”
Online registration is open through Oct. 18. Cost is $30. Register by Oct. 8 to guarantee a race-branded tech shirt. Registration fees are $35 on the day of the race. To register online, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2024/90366/jmh-gatorade-5k10k.
First, second and third place awards will be presented to male and female runners in 13 age categories. In addition, the first 200 runners to cross the finish line receive a custom finisher’s medal and all participants will be eligible to win prize drawings.
In-person registration and packet pick-up will be offered from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Springfield Running Center, 2943 W. White Oaks Drive, Springfield. A second opportunity to register in-person will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, in the main lobby of Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.
Proceeds from this year’s race benefit the Prairieland United Way.
Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club awards scholarships:
The Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club announced the winners of club scholarships for the upcoming academic year. Jacob Kollman, of Jacksonville, who will be attending Illinois College in the fall, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the club. Anne Becker of Jacksonville, who will be attending Oklahoma State University, was awarded a $500 scholarship. Alexis Blakely, of Jacksonville, who will be attending Illinois College, was awarded a $500 scholarship.
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Funds for these scholarships are raised during weekly club meetings, through Rotations and Recognitions, where club members pay to make announcements, and also for any mention of club members or their various interests in the media.
McMillen and Jones promoted at WCMTD:
The West Central Mass Transit District (WCMTD) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the promotions of two dedicated staff members, Heather McMillen and Crystal Jones.
Heather McMillen has been promoted from Human Resources Manager to Assistant Director, and Crystal Jones has been promoted from dispatcher in Brown, Cass, and Schuyler Counties to Human Resources Director. These promotions are part of WCMTD’s strategic plan to strengthen its leadership team.
Executive Director Debra Walters remarked, “We are always excited to hire from within. After interviewing for the Assistant Director position, it became clear that Heather’s skills and extensive knowledge of our demand-response public transportation services and knowledge of the six-county area made her the most qualified candidate. She will be invaluable as we grow and transition to provide enhanced services for our community. Heather’s familiarity with the staff and her hands-on experience are great assets.”
McMillen shared, “I started at WCMTD in 2014 in dispatching, moved to Texas and moved back to care for my grandmother, then returned to serve as lead dispatcher before moving to HR two years ago. I love this company and what it stands for. When the Assistant Director position opened, I didn’t want an outsider to come in and lose the service-friendly atmosphere we have with our communities or the low fares that are needed to assist people. I’m ready for the challenge and committed to our mission.”
McMillen will continue to train Crystal Jones in the HR role and will also be trained in driving the buses and is learning about grant writing, among her new duties. “Everyone here does what needs to be done,” McMillen added. “I’m currently training Crystal in the HR position and will soon focus on other aspects of my new role.”
Walters explained the rationale behind Jones’s promotion, stating, “With Heather vacating the Human Resources Director position, Crystal was the ideal choice. She knows our offices and staff and was looking for a new challenge. Our team is like a family, and both Heather and Crystal are essential to that dynamic.”
Jones, who has been with WCMTD for three years, expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, “I started here in 2021 in Morgan County, then since I live in Rushville, I transferred to the Cass County office. From the moment I joined, I felt this was where I wanted to be. Unlike corporate environments, WCMTD feels like a family, which enhances our ability to serve our community. We are a part of these communities and bring a special understanding to our customers’ transportation and life issues. I’m excited for this new challenge and grateful for the warm welcome back I’ve received in this office.”
Jones and McMillen both emphasized the importance of their work in the community, wanting to grow as much as the company can for all the counties. “We help people get to work, doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, and more. Our safe, reliable, and affordable transportation is vital for so many,” said Jones.
Walters concluded, “Our mission is to provide safe, reliable, timely, and affordable public transportation to residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. Connecting people and businesses with opportunities to help all grow, prosper and move about the area with ease. We are proud to promote Heather and Crystal, who embody the spirit of our mission and will lead us forward.”
About WCMTD
WCMTD provides demand-response public transportation services to all residents and visitors of the six-county service area in west central Illinois including Morgan, Cass, Schuyler, Brown, Pike and Scott counties. West Central Mass Transit District’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, timely, and affordable public transportation to residents and visitors of all ages and abilities. Connecting people and businesses with opportunity to help all grow, prosper and move about the area with ease.
