Daily
Springfield
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Ozark's historic community building — now home to the Christian County Historical Museum — will have its grand reopening on Feb. 21 with newly reorganized exhibits that highlight local history. The 92-year-old landmark continues to serve as a vital space for community events. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ The Springfield-Greene County Library Foundation received an $18,800 grant to expand Rosie Book Club events, fund incentives, support an annual author visit at the Library Center Hatch Auditorium, and boost outreach. The club meets every other month at women-owned businesses and is open to everyone. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Emilee Hinkle, a Parkview senior, was named 2026 Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield at a gala on Wed, Feb. 11 + she received a $20,000 scholarship and will compete in Jefferson City for an additional $2,000 award this April. Springfield Daily Citizen
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Amore Italian opened at 853 N. Glenstone Ave. on Feb. 7 with a menu featuring extensive pastas, seafood dishes, and traditional Italian plates — the restaurant will offer a full bar once its liquor licenses are approved. Springfield Daily Citizen
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Ozarks Arts & Soul presents The Best of The Second City show at Aetos Theater in Nixa on Feb. 25, marking 60 years of the iconic comedy platform. The event features revived improv sketches and witty songs from a celebrated archive + fresh voices. KY3
- ➤ The USPS will release eight stamps in May representing each state along Route 66 — Missouri is honored with a stamp featuring the Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon — with the first stamp available on May 5 in Phoenix. KY3
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Missouri State University will upgrade McDonald Arena by building an 8,500 sqft locker room for its football team + restoring the tunnel to Plaster Stadium, with the Finance and Facilities Committee meeting today at 2:15 p.m. at Plaster Student Union to discuss hiring an architecture firm. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Missouri State University’s Board of Governors will review a proposed $50 graduation fee at its meeting this week in Springfield. If approved, students graduating in the 2026-27 school year will pay the fee when applying for graduation while current graduates remain exempt. KY3
- ➤ Dickerson Park Zoo educator Joey Powell introduced two blue-tongued skinks, Herman and Buddy, as animal ambassadors that help visitors learn about local wildlife. The zoo continues its educational programs (offering hands-on learning opportunities for Springfield residents). KY3
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Friends of SGF launched a campaign today to support a proposed hotel tax increase that will fund a $175M convention center on April 7 aimed at creating jobs (boosting tourism), with funds managed by a citizen committee. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Springfield is collecting public input on planned changes to waste and recycling services by hosting three public meetings next month. The meetings will be held on Mar. 10 at the Greene County Election Center, Mar. 16 at Schweitzer Brentwood Library, and Mar. 24 at the Botanical Center. KY3
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Arc of the Ozarks is expanding its autism center with a new site at 1450 W. Cambridge St. to offer enhanced diagnosis & therapy for children and families, reducing wait times and meeting growing demand in southwest Missouri. Springfield News-Leader
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame has moved to a temporary site on West Walnut Street after leaving its longtime home near Highland Springs Country Club—renovation costs forced the change. A new free museum with rotating exhibits will open in about 30 days next door. KY3
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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'.
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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.
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Open Mic Night
7-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughs with both seasoned and first-time comedians showcasing their talent.
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Dev Night: Linux Installation Workshop
6-8 p.m. — efactory — Free entry — Learn to install Linux on your Windows 10 computer and enjoy free pizza.
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GRUPO LOS REHENES Live Concert
8 p.m. — OXO Bar and Grill — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling live music event filled with regional rhythms and vibrant energy.
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Brad Williams: The Tall Tales Tour
7-11 p.m. — Juanita K. Hammons Hall — Tickets from $69 — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Brad Williams.
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Shamrock Shuffle
8 AM – 12 PM — Park Central Square — Registration fees apply — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the annual sprint through Downtown Springfield.
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Missouri USA Wrestling - Sunday
7 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — $39 Adult, $28 Child — Experience an action-packed day of wrestling with weekend tickets available.
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
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