Daily
Springfield
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Willard community is holding a talent show fundraiser on Friday, Jan. 23 at the Black Box Theater to raise funds for Police Chief Tom McClain’s double-lung transplant as he battles pulmonary fibrosis. So far, more than $19,000 has been raised toward the $30,000 goal. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Ozarks Food Harvest (the local food bank) is asking community members to volunteer six times between January and March to help meet high meal demand; one hour of help provides 105 meals as hunger still affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 6 adults in the region. KY3
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ An elderly woman in Doolittle fell on her front porch and was saved from freezing after she called the local fire protection district; police officials stress the importance of keeping a phone handy during winter (they also advise checking on elderly neighbors and ensuring safe walkways). KY3
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kate Francis became the first executive director of the Friends of the Springfield Art Museum Foundation on Jan. 5, leading fundraising for the museum’s Phase II renovation while remaining its sole employee through 2026. She works from the Holland Building downtown (tracking Phase I progress) as funding looms. Springfield Daily Citizen
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield airport set a new record in 2025 by serving 1.55 million passengers—a 9% jump from last year—as it readies a flooring upgrade and terminal apron expansion scheduled for summer and spring. Springfield News-Leader
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ KyAnne Hilger from Dickerson Park Zoo explained the zoo’s education department classroom program (featured in this month’s Wild Side) in a recent update. The release informs local community members about enhanced learning opportunities for students. KY3
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Springfield received a $13.8M grant to upgrade South Campbell Avenue with widened lanes, medians and sidewalks; the city will work with the U.S. Department of Transportation in coming weeks (with a 20% local match boosting funds over $17M) to start design and public outreach. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ In less than a week, the IRS will start accepting tax returns with new rules that allow deductions such as up to $10,000 in interest on a new car loan and no tax on tips up to $25,000—taxpayers are encouraged to review upcoming free filing clinics in the Ozarks. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Carlos Beltrán, a former Royals & Cardinals star, was elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame on Tuesday by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. He will be inducted in Cooperstown on July 26 along with other industry peers. KY3
-
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.
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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.
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Couple Shuffle - Springfield
9 AM – 12 PM — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — Check website for entry fees — An annual running event featuring a 2-mile, 5k, and 10k race.
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Rend Collective Concert
7-10 p.m. — Evangel University — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic sound of Rend Collective, an eclectic group bringing spiritual depth through their music.
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That One Mailman Live with Sean Fogelson
6-8 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket price applies — Enjoy hilarious stories and engaging performances from viral sensation Sean Fogelson.
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2025 USHA Collegiate Handball Nationals
Feb 18-22 — Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts — Visit for hotel links and more — Compete in the excitement of collegiate handball action!
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Kristin Key Live Performance
8:45 PM — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of laughs with musical comedian Kristin Key, star of NBC's 'Bring the Funny'.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
~ Navy SEAL saying
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