Good morning, Springfield.

Community leaders hosted the Beloved Community Potluck Wednesday night at Fairbanks on N.

Broadway Ave (starting at 6 p.m.), where residents shared homemade dishes and connected over culture. The event, led by Missouri Faith Voices, the International Institute Southwest Missouri, and the NAACP, showcased Springfield's commitment to unity.

Springfield-based Spirit Box teaches students real business skills by letting them run smart vending machines at their schools.

The program, founded by local public school alumni, has grown 25% in three months and now operates in schools across the nation+ boosting hands-on learning.

Springfield Public Schools extended superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan’s contract through the 2028-2029 school year.

The board praised her leadership after noting improvements in academic performance and increased community engagement.

Electric vehicle owners in Springfield are advised to use seat warmers and plug in overnight to protect batteries as winter storms approach in the Ozarks.

Experts warn that extreme cold can cut battery range by 20 percent or more.

The IRS will begin accepting 2025 tax returns on Monday, Jan.

26 for Missouri residents who must file state taxes by April 15; online filers can expect refunds in about 21 days (paper returns may take longer) and extensions are available until Oct. 15.

Firefighters in the Ozarks report an increase in house fires as residents use wood stoves and space heaters and warn that unchecked soot buildup and improper maintenance create carbon monoxide risks—regular cleaning of flues and using direct wall outlet plugs are advised.

Missouri State Highway Patrol highlights National Passenger Safety Week by advising riders to avoid distracting drivers and help spot road hazards.

The agency warns against texting and urges passengers to speak up if they suspect impaired driving.

Walmart pharmacies in Springfield will offer no-cost flu shots and vaccines at a wellness event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event also includes free health screenings + vision checks at select locations.

Greater Ozarks Regional Mother’s Milk Depot collected 30,388 oz. of breast milk from 56 donors in 2025, breaking its previous record and providing over 91,000 potential feedings for fragile infants.

The donated milk is sent to The Milk Bank for processing before reaching local NICUs.

Flu cases that surged after the Christmas holidays appear to be slowing across the Ozarks (KY3 reported).

The trend suggests a easing of the regional spike in illness.

The Bears will start their long west-bound road trip with two Conference USA games — they aim to regroup before facing further conference challenges.

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, the Logan-Rogersville Wildcats delivered a standout performance at the Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions, earning national attention.

Local sports reporter Chris Neyenhouse (Ozarks Sports Zone) highlighted key plays from the high school game.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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'.

Running From Yeti

7:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — Entry fee varies — Join a winter-themed race with fun and community spirit in Springfield, MO.