January in Central Illinois brings chilly temperatures -- which makes outdoor activities less appealing. However, it's the perfect time to explore indoor attractions of Malibu Jack's -- an entertainment center filled with family-friendly fun located at White Oaks Mall. With activities like go-karts, mini-golf, arcade g...

Central Illinois was hit this past weekend with a winter storm that dropped up to 9 inches of snow. On Monday (January 6, 2025) -- John Spalding put on his stocking cap, gloves, and boots to join the City of Springfield road crew as they tackled the cleanup around the Downtown area. Special thanks to City of Springfie...

National Farm Safety & Health Week is September 15 - 21. John Spalding talks with Jim Birge, Manager of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau on how motorists and farmers can stay safe during this upcoming harvest season. Topics Covered In This Interview: Quick Overview of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau Best Tips For M...

September is unofficially Men's Health Month - combining Prostate Cancer Month as well as Suicide Prevention Month. John Spalding sits down with Schuyler Stone, MD from the SIU School of Medicine about the importance for men to prioritize their health. Topics Covered In This Interview: Why Do Men NOT Prioritize Their ...

September is National Suicide Prevention Month - John Spalding sits down with Angela Cummings, Executive Director of the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Topics Covered In This Interview: Overview of Suicide Prevention Month, Week, and Day Warning Signs For Someone Struggling w/ Ment...

Monday, August 26 is National Dog Day -- John Spalding visits his friends over at the Sangamon County Animal Control to highlight the organization. Topics Covered In This Interview: Spencer -- Available For Adoption September Special -- Adoption Fees Are $25 This episode of 217 Tales is sponsored by Bob Ridings - Servi...

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra kicks off their Sips & Sounds Summer Concert Series on Thursday, June 27 in Bloomington at Keg Grove Brewing Company. The series will make it's way down to Springfield on Friday, June 28 at Boone's. Both events are free to the public and will begin at 6:30PM. Beth Wakefield, Director...

June 14 is National Bourbon Day -- did you know that Springfield has it's own Capital City Bourbon Journey?! The Capital City Bourbon Journey features 14 area establishments -- each offering their own unique, signature cocktail. Collect your passports and visit each participating location and receive an exclusive Bourb...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month - John Spalding sits down with Angela Cummings, Executive Director of the Illinois Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Topics Covered In This Interview: Overview of Mental Health Warning Signs For Someone Struggling w/ Mental Health Resources Available The 98...

The weather is getting warmer and motorcycles are coming out of hibernation. John Spalding talks with Diane Hughes at Hall's Harley-Davidson about what motorists can do to help keep motorcyclists safe this season!Whether you're a driver or a rider, here are additional tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation can help...

The 25th Annual Illinois Product Expo featured over 50 local and regional vendors as well as 15 wineries showing off their products and services inside of the Orr Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds over the weekend (March 2-3). John Spalding highlights the Illinois Product Expo and the Illinois Department of Ag...

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois provides a supportive place for families to stay while their child is receiving medical care. In this episode of 217 Tales -- John Spalding, host of New Country Mornings on 104.5 WFMB sits down with Amber Kaylor, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illin...

Valentine's Day is coming up on Wednesday, February 14 -- and if you're still wondering where to pick up some tasty treats for your sweet-loving significant other, the latest episode of 217 Tales with John Spalding visits some local favorites! Featured Locations Pease's @ Bunn Gourmet 2941 Plaza Drive Springfield, IL 6...

Did You Know: Blood is made up of four essential components: Red Blood Cells, Platelets, Plasma, and White Blood Cells. Each whole blood donation has the potential to save up to THREE lives! January is National Blood Donation Month - John Spalding, 104.5 WFMB Morning Show Host learns more about the blood donation proc...

It's once again time to gather your friends as well as those know-it-alls in your life and test your knowledge at the 13th Annual Crime Stoppers Trivia Night - coming to the BOS Center on Saturday, January 27. Registration is now open - $15/person or $150/Table of 10. If you want to participate, but don't have a full ...

The 2023 Sangamon County Fair is in full swing! In this 217 Tales video, John gives us a quick preview of what we can expect to see at this year's fair. The 2023 Sangamon County Fair goes from June 14 to June 18, 2023. For information about this year's fair, please visit sangcofair.com or click here.

Are you ready for the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes Opening Day? We know John is! 217 Tales continues its Springfield summer preview at the historic Robin Roberts Stadium ahead of the Horseshoes' opening day on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

It looks like Josh Roberts is ready for pontoon season! Lake Springfield Marina is the first stop on our 217 Tales Summer Preview.

217 Tales features an up and coming business from Jacksonville, IL...Serious Lip Balm!