Stories

Feature Story Porch-portraits-list

Local artist uses porch portraits to document families as they are during coronavirus pandemic

When the coronavirus pandemic caused Vicki Rulli's business to take pause, she decided to go a different route for the time being. Many routes, actually - throughout Springfield's neighborhoods taking porch portraits.

Development News Cyclotherapy opens its doors in downtown Springfield in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

New bike shop opens doors and adds to downtown growth

The coronavirus pandemic didn't stop Cyclotherapy - a new bicycle shop - from opening its doors in downtown Springfield.

Development News Online auditions for the new production Sticky Note will be used to keep social distancing.

Online auditions coming for stage show created by Springfield students

Springfield students Eleni Lenardos and Tim Compston created the production Sticky Note to be performed by the Springfield Arts Council's Youth Arts Ambassadors. To maintain social distancing, tryouts will be online, including audition videos and teleconferencing.

Development News Small businesses should keep fighting for financial support to help with COVID-19 struggles

Small businesses should keep pushing for financial support in light of coronavirus

While the first round of Paycheck Protection Program grant money didn't reach most small businesses, there are still options for owners to seek support for the hardships caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Coronavirus and the law: what you should know about Ohio’s stay-at-home-order

The U.S. Constitution gives the states all powers not given specifically to the federal government. Those state powers include law enforcement and protecting the public health, which is why states have had the final say in lockdown measures during the pandemic.

Feature Story Touted as the largest paved network of trails in the United States, the Miami Valley Bike Trails are an asset for the region and the state, a benefit of living in Springfield and, once tourism resumes, an attraction for out-of-town cyclists.

Can Springfield be Ohio's next bike hub? Cycling advocates see potential in area's bike trails

Springfield and Clark County are central to bike trails leading both north and south through Ohio. Local trails can provide quality outdoor space and bring tourists and bike enthusiasts to explore more of what our city and region have to offer.

Innovation News Indian Creek Distillery halted whiskey production a couple of weeks ago, and instead have started to produce hand sanitizer.

Indian Creek Distillery making hand sanitizer to donate to local organizations, sell to public

In light of coronavirus and a need for more hand sanitizer to be manufactured, Missy Duer says regulations for small, artisan distillers changed.


Development News Project Jericho has come up with one word for each day of the month of April. The community is then invited to create a piece of art based around that one word.

Arts outreach organization Project Jericho finds new ways to connect with the community

Project Jericho has introduced its Art from Apart initiative, a month-long program that encourages participants to practice creativity and self-expression every day.  

Feature Story Nate and Mandie Fleming own Velarossa Designs on South Fountain Avenue.

From Springfield, Oregon, to Springfield, Ohio: How this Pacific Northwest couple found a new home

Nate and Mandie Fleming never thought they'd move to Ohio, but now that they've opened their custom lighting business Velorossa Designs on South Fountain Avenue, they're invested in growing in the Springfield community.

Feature Story The Painted Pepper food truck serves customers last Friday at Bending Tree Estates.

Food trucks change direction amid pandemic to bring food directly to the people in Springfield

Owners say it’s been heartwarming to see crowds of people enjoy something that feels normal during these very abnormal times. But they both also say customers have been on board with following social distancing guidelines.


Feature Story Natalie Driscoll is The Hub's managing editor.

A letter from The Hub's new managing editor

When I became a journalist and started my career right here in Springfield, I felt determined that reporting the truth always came with a strong sense of responsibility to serve the community for which I was writing.


Innovation News Piazza del Duomo

Updates from Italy: Nearly three weeks into the quarantine, residents are both sad and hopeful

According to one citizen, "the mood for now is good, but the fatigue is behind closed doors."

Development News Westcott House

Forced to temporarily close, Westcott House finds new ways to connect with public

COVID-19 is not stopping the Westcott House staff from devising new ways to deliver their unique brand of creative and cultural programming and developing informative webinars and methods to supplement their earned income stream, which has been all but decimated by the public health crisis.

Development News Last November, Governor DeWine visited PreventionFIRST! to learn about youth-based substance-abuse prevention programs.

‘Addiction and mental illness don’t go away:’ Organizations help vulnerable people during COVID-19

Social isolation, job loss, lack of transportation, and fear-inducing news can make anyone spiral downward or relapse. Two regional institutions are working virtually to help.

Feature Story Dan and Lisa Freeman have figured out how to adapt their businesses amid COVID-19.

COVID-19 is hitting restaurants hard. Here's how two Springfield entrepreneurs are adapting

What do you do when you own two popular food businesses — with another restaurant about to open — and a pandemic upends the industry? Here's how two entrepreneurs are adapting in response to COVID-19.

Feature Story During a party, funnels are used to fill bags of shelf-stable food items. The bags are then packed in boxes that can be delivered to people and food pantries in a community designated by the business or organization that planned the party.

Pack Shack's micro packing parties encourage neighbors to help neighbors

The changes brought on by COVID-19 and social distancing created some new challenges for the organization, which usually thrives off bringing large groups of people together to help meet hunger needs.


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Art museum launches 'Moments for Joy' to spread happiness and art during closure

The idea came as staff found unused promotional materials for past exhibitions, namely art prints on posters and postcards, which they sent to senior living facilities. 

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Performing arts program for middle and high schoolers continues its lessons online

For the Youth Arts Ambassadors, the (virtual) show must go on.

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Owner of Itinerant Studio shifts gears to serve customers during COVID-19 downtime

Vicki Rulli — with the help of her husband and assistant — will turn family memories into works of art.