This week, we welcomed our new Friend to the circle, Ryan McCrady! 

Ryan's a native of Central Illinois and has worked extensively in the banking industry, economic development and local government administration. Prior to joining the Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance (SSGA), he served as the President/CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County, Illinois. His experiences in both the private and public sectors give him a unique perspective on how to help the community grow and assist businesses with expansion and site location needs.

In his role as SSGA President, Ryan is responsible for leading the SSGA in its efforts to make the community an attractive place for businesses to operate by capitalizing on the region’s significant workforce, transportation, rail and utility assets.

Enjoy our conversation getting to know more about him and the SSGA!

This week, we welcomed our new Friend to the circle, Ryan McCrady! 
Ryan's a native of Central Illinois and has worked extensively in the banking industry, economic development and local government administration. Prior to joining the <a href="https://www.thriveinspi.org/">Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance</a> (SSGA), he served as the President/CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur-Macon County, Illinois. His experiences in both the private and public sectors give him a unique perspective on how to help the community grow and assist businesses with expansion and site location needs.
In his role as SSGA President, Ryan is responsible for leading the SSGA in its efforts to make the community an attractive place for businesses to operate by capitalizing on the region’s significant workforce, transportation, rail and utility assets.
Enjoy our conversation getting to know more about him and the SSGA!

Circle Of Friends: Ryan McCrady - Growth In Sangamon County

Its the 75th anniversary of the Muni here in Springfield! They have an excellent line up of shows for us to celebrate!

Click convo for all details, and we'll see you at The Muni!

Its the 75th anniversary of the Muni here in Springfield! They have an excellent line up of shows for us to celebrate!
Click convo for all details, and we'll see you at <a href="https://www.themuni.org/">The Muni!</a>

The Muni Announces Their 75th Season! 

This week, we had our last round of 2024 with Jenn Broom!

It was so nice to catch up with her on her trip to Minnesota. We also discussed multiple ways to volunteer this Holiday season! Click convo for details. 

This week, we had our last round of 2024 with Jenn Broom!
It was so nice to catch up with her on her trip to Minnesota. We also discussed multiple ways to volunteer this Holiday season! Click convo for details.

Circle Of Friends: Jenna Broom - Holiday Volunteering 

Rocki recounts the time he learned how to swim from his dad after he refused to go to lessons. 

Rocki recounts the time he learned how to swim from his dad after he refused to go to lessons.

Scared Of Swimming Lessons

Listen for brief update on Downtown fire clean up. 

Listen for brief update on Downtown fire clean up.

Adams Street Update

Enjoys today's Entertainment News from the Morning Routine with Rocki.

Enjoys today's Entertainment News from the Morning Routine with Rocki.

From James Van Der Beek to Don Johnson

Fall Daylight Savings Time brings shorter days and less sunlight, resulting in seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for some. It can also bring the holiday blues as it's a time where we get into Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

Anyone can experience the holiday blues, however those with prior mental health conditions can be more prone to holiday depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people with an existing mental illness note that the holidays make their condition worse.

Listen to the conversation for more great insights!

Fall Daylight Savings Time brings shorter days and less sunlight, resulting in seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for some. It can also bring the holiday blues as it's a time where we get into Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.
Anyone can experience the holiday blues, however those with prior mental health conditions can be more prone to holiday depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people with an existing mental illness note that the holidays make their condition worse.
Listen to the conversation for more great insights!

Circle Of Friends: ReaAnne Dutz - Holiday Blues

The world’s first wooden satellite, developed by Japanese scientists, launched into space atop a SpaceX rocket. Orbiting Earth for six months, it will test wood’s resilience to space conditions.

The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeEkfM0k7rQ">world’s first wooden satellite</a>, developed by Japanese scientists, launched into space atop a SpaceX rocket. Orbiting Earth for six months, it will test wood’s resilience to space conditions.

Sending A Wooden Satellite To Space? Hmmm.....

Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire participants to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others.

Click conversation for details!

Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire participants to recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others.
Click conversation for details!

Rocki Talks Girls On The Run 5k

Navigating health insurance can be overwhelming, but Get Covered Illinois and Urban League Navigators are here to simplify the process! Our program connects you to quality, affordable health coverage options tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for individual plans, family coverage, or assistance understanding your options, our dedicated team is ready to help.

Explore a range of health plans, compare costs, and find financial assistance programs that make coverage accessible for everyone. Join us in building a healthier Illinois—get started today and contact your local navigators to take the first step towards peace of mind and well-being! 

Open enrollment period is from November 1st to January 15th. For coverage to start January 1st, 2025 you must apply for coverage before December 15th, 2024. 

Navigating health insurance can be overwhelming, but <a href="https://www.springfieldul.org/health-initiatives/get-covered-illinois">Get Covered Illinois</a> and <a href="https://www.springfieldul.org/">Urban League</a> Navigators are here to simplify the process! Our program connects you to quality, affordable health coverage options tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for individual plans, family coverage, or assistance understanding your options, our dedicated team is ready to help.
Explore a range of health plans, compare costs, and find financial assistance programs that make coverage accessible for everyone. Join us in building a healthier Illinois—get started today and contact your local navigators to take the first step towards peace of mind and well-being! 
Open enrollment period is from November 1st to January 15th. For coverage to start January 1st, 2025 you must apply for coverage before December 15th, 2024.

Rocki Talks To The Springfield Urban League: Get Covered Illinois

Listen to ALL the highlights here!

The Morning Routine 

Sarah's son, Bennett, really wanted to come into the studio and talk about life.  So, that's just what he and Sarah Smerz did.  From basketball to AJR to life in general, they talk about it all.  Take a listen!

Sarah's son, Bennett, really wanted to come into the studio and talk about life.  So, that's just what he and Sarah Smerz did.  From basketball to AJR to life in general, they talk about it all.  Take a listen!

Sarah Smerz Interviews Her 13 Year Old Son, Bennett

Today, Rocki and Sarah discussed:
Zacari
When Cats Attack
On This day
Entertainment
APL
411 In The 217

Today, Rocki and Sarah discussed:
<ul>
<li>Zacari</li>
<li>When Cats Attack</li>
<li>On This day</li>
<li>Entertainment</li>
<li>APL</li>
<li>411 In The 217</li>
</ul>

The Morning Routine With Rocki & Sarah Podcast: June 13th, 2024

Sarah swears walking tacos are called "walk away tacos".... listen to the madness! 

Sarah swears walking tacos are called "walk away tacos".... listen to the madness!

Walking Taco Madness On The Morning Routine!

Today, Rocki and Sarah discussed:
Music News
In Theatres 
Google Spy
Donna Kelce Seems Cool
Clean Your Room Day
17 Kids

Today, Rocki and Sarah discussed:
<ul>
<li>Music News</li>
<li>In Theatres </li>
<li>Google Spy</li>
<li>Donna Kelce Seems Cool</li>
<li>Clean Your Room Day</li>
<li>17 Kids</li>
</ul>

The Morning Routine With Rocki & Sarah Podcast: May 10th, 2024

The one and only Jamie Toole of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes stopped by the WNNS studio to hangout with Sarah Smerz.  They talked all things baseball-  the Legends Classic III coming up May 25th, and so much more.  Check it out, and mark your calendar for a great summer with the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes!

The one and only Jamie Toole of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes stopped by the WNNS studio to hangout with Sarah Smerz.  They talked all things baseball-  the Legends Classic III coming up May 25th, and so much more.  Check it out, and mark your calendar for a great summer with the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes!

WNNS Sarah Smerz Interviews Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Jamie Toole

Executive Director, Angela Cummings, sits down with Rocki and Sarah for the final installment of interviews for Mental Health Awareness Month.  Learn about suicide prevention and how you or a loved one can get help.

Executive Director, Angela Cummings, sits down with Rocki and Sarah for the final installment of interviews for Mental Health Awareness Month.  Learn about suicide prevention and how you or a loved one can get help.

Mental Health Awareness Month:  Angela Cummings- American Foundation For Suicide Prevention

Rocki and Sarah are highlighting community members all May long for Mental Health Awareness Month.  This week, they team up with Officer Dave Leach of Chatham Police Department to discuss mental health and their approach when someone is in crisis.  Take a listen.

Rocki and Sarah are highlighting community members all May long for Mental Health Awareness Month.  This week, they team up with Officer Dave Leach of Chatham Police Department to discuss mental health and their approach when someone is in crisis.  Take a listen.

Mental Health Awareness Month:  Officer Dave Leach

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Rocki and Sarah catch up with Mercedes of Gateway Foundation.  Learn about Mercedes, Gateway, and how you can reach out for help.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, Rocki and Sarah catch up with Mercedes of Gateway Foundation.  Learn about Mercedes, Gateway, and how you can reach out for help.

Mercedes-  Gateway Foundation

Cassie Delaney, Program Director at Memorial Behavioral Health, stopped by recently to talk all things mental health with Rocki and Sarah.

The Living Room at Memorial Behavioral Health provides an alternative to hospital emergency rooms for adults experiencing psychiatric emergencies. Available to anyone over the age of 18, guests receive free support from peer and mental health professionals in a safe and calming atmosphere. Upon arrival, guests answer several questions and are linked with a peer counselor. Located at Memorial Behavioral Health at 710 N. Eighth St. in Springfield. No appointment is required, and the Living Room is open from 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Cassie Delaney, Program Director at Memorial Behavioral Health, stopped by recently to talk all things mental health with Rocki and Sarah.
The Living Room at Memorial Behavioral Health provides an alternative to hospital emergency rooms for adults experiencing psychiatric emergencies. Available to anyone over the age of 18, guests receive free support from peer and mental health professionals in a safe and calming atmosphere. Upon arrival, guests answer several questions and are linked with a peer counselor. Located at Memorial Behavioral Health at 710 N. Eighth St. in Springfield. No appointment is required, and the Living Room is open from 10:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

98.7 WNNS

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