Springfield has a pair of uplifting stories to celebrate this week — one honoring a young student’s academic achievement, and another welcoming a brand-new entertainment spot to the heart of downtown.

Taylor Glisson has been awarded a $16,000 scholarship to attend the University of Illinois Springfield, according to the Springfield Herald News. The award is a well-deserved recognition of Glisson’s hard work and a bright sign of what lies ahead for a local student heading into higher education right here in the capital city.

Meanwhile, downtown Springfield is getting a playful new addition: Vault 66 Pinball, an arcade set to open in the area, as reported by The State Journal-Register. The new venue promises to bring a dose of retro fun to the city’s growing downtown scene, giving residents and visitors alike another reason to explore the neighborhood.

Together, these stories reflect a community that continues to invest in its people and its places — from the classroom to the downtown streets of Springfield.

Sources: Springfield Herald News, The State Journal-Register