Good morning, Springfield.

Crews installed the final middle section of the Jefferson Avenue footbridge Wednesday morning over the BNSF rail yard downtown, and contractors will soon begin painting, testing, and adding deck and access points.

The project, part of the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff (America’s 250th celebration), is set for a spring reopening.

Two administrators from Leigh’s Lost and Found rescued an injured cat in Springfield by setting a trap and sleeping in their car (10 days) until the cat appeared.

Eight schools in the Ozarks are asking the state education board next week to allow an earlier start for the 2026-27 school year, as Nixa officials point to concerns about imbalanced semesters and testing schedules (other districts include Ash Grove and Walnut Grove).

Local experts advise homeowners to consider refinancing if they can lower their current rate by at least one percentage point, saving about $100 a month, though costs like appraisal fees + lender fees may offset savings if they plan to move soon.

After neighbors complained about debris left from a demolished house on East University, city officials launched a blighted building case and scheduled an inspection for mid-February (further action will follow if the owner does not comply).

MoDOT will tentatively reopen the Sunshine Street Bridge on Friday while work on the Scenic Avenue Bridge will close traffic in the west for four months, and City Utilities will run a three-month gas and water renewal on Mt. Vernon Street that reduces traffic to one-way.

Rising flu cases have kept healthy donors away, and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks now faces a shortage of type O blood needed for local hospitals.

The center is running an 'Extra, Extra' promotion that gives extra rewards and urges donors to schedule an appointment this week.

Jordan Valley Health unveiled a new name and logo as it prepares for its 25th anniversary in 2027.

The center will update its look across 10 locations during this year + next while keeping its focus on quality care in the Ozarks.

Missouri State University football coach Casey Woods has won over fans and is hitting the recruiting trail & the Bears basketball team gears up for a fast conference start in their new league.

Missouri beat Kentucky 73 to 68 on Wednesday night in Lexington.

Mark Mitchell and Jayden Stone led the Tigers with 21 and 20 points as Missouri improved to a 12-3 record and went 2-0 in SEC play.

Fordland boys’ basketball began the season with a strong start, and Coach JJ Harrill said expectations remain high (reported on Jan.

7).

Steven Ho Live Stand-Up Comedy

6:30 PM – 10:15 PM — Springfield Comedy Club — Reserved seating required — Join former ER Technician Steven Ho for a night of comedic chaos inspired by real-life healthcare stories.

2000 Point Warhammer 40K Tournament

9 AM – 6 PM — Meta Games Unlimited Inc — $10 Entry — Engage in a competitive 2000 point Warhammer 40K battle using the latest Chapter approved rules.