Daily
Springfield
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Community Partnership of the Ozarks now operates the Child Care Works pilot program in Greene County to make child care more affordable by splitting costs equally among employers, employees and the state, while local employers and providers are invited to sign up online. KY3
- ➤ The Ozark Outdoor Expo will take place March 20-21 at the E-Plex Event Center, featuring expanded archery contests, new Boone & Crockett antler scoring and turkey calling events, plus outdoor gear vendors and ATVs & powersports brands for enthusiasts. Springfield News-Leader
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Springfield’s second Target store at 3444 W. Sunshine St. had a soft opening on Tuesday, March 10; the grand opening is set for Sunday, March 15. The 148,000 sqft store offers an expanded selection of meat, dairy, fruit + produce with an Apple at Target shop, CVS Pharmacy and Starbucks. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ DISH customers lost access to Gray Media channels in Springfield and beyond when the companies failed to reach a renewal agreement on Tuesday, March 10. Customers can still catch local broadcasts using a digital antenna + streaming services. Springfield News-Leader
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ OTC trustees approved higher tuition, student fees and a campus parking expansion that adds 200 spaces — work is set to finish this summer. Students will pay an extra $4 to $7 per credit hour with the increase taking effect this fall. KY3
- ➤ Elite Arms Company in Springfield is launching Firearms Fundamentals, a 12-part series explaining gun safety, Missouri laws, and proper firearm use. Myron Bahm will share clear, fact-based tips at his shop (2851 S. Campbell Ave.) to help residents make informed choices. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Missouri lawmakers introduced two bills that would require all public and charter high school students to receive driver’s ed as part of regular classes before graduation. The curriculum, focusing on rules of the road instead of behind wheel training, will be available in the 2027 to 2028 school year if passed. KY3
- ➤ Missouri State University announced Marjorie Shavers as interim dean of its College of Education effective July 1 — she has led key initiatives since August 2023 and will replace Barri Tinkler, who returns to a faculty role. Springfield News-Leader
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On March 6, the National Weather Service in Springfield confirmed an 80 mph tornado touched down near Iantha, causing barn damage without any injuries. Experts say tornado season will peak between April and June and caution residents that March storms may still form (stay prepared). Springfield News-Leader
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Chef Roland Parny, 82, still works early in his commercial kitchen in the Ozarks, rolling dough for Empire Coffee and local culinary events. After closing his Fordland café following knee surgery, he now teaches classes and caters pop-up dinners, sharing decades of international cooking experience + his passion for food. Springfield Daily Citizen
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Missouri State’s Bears overcame a nine-point deficit to edge FIU 75-72 Tuesday at Propst Arena and advanced to the Conference USA quarterfinals. They will meet top-seeded Liberty at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN+. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Five local high school teams face state quarterfinals as they seek semifinal spots. The Class 4 girls game between Strafford and Nevada is today at Springfield Catholic, and other games are set March 13 and 14 at Joplin High School and Nixa High School. Springfield Daily Citizen
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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.
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Springfield Carnival of Ink 2026
12-8 p.m. — Springfield Expo Center — $22.75-$66.00 — Explore the vibrant world of ink and art at this all-ages carnival.
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Zach Rushing: The Redneck Logic Tour
7 PM — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of uncensored humor with comedian Zach Rushing as he shares his Southern tales.
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Josh Blue Stand-Up Show
7-10:15 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Minimum 2-item purchase required — Experience the comedic genius of Josh Blue, renowned for his improvisational skills and unique humor.
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Josh Blue Live Comedy Show
6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience Josh Blue's unique humor and engaging performance that breaks down stereotypes.
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Todd Barry Live at Springfield Comedy Club
7-11 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Two-item minimum — Enjoy a night of smart, unpretentious humor from the master of deadpan comedy.
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Sounds Pretty Good Combo
7-9 p.m. — The Stardust Ballroom — $12 per seat — Enjoy a delightful evening of music at this cocktail table seating event.
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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