Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Salvation Army partners with Westlake Ace Hardware on its annual fan drive to help local families stay cool this summer. The drive runs through June 6 and lets shoppers round up their purchase or pay $28 for a box fan—every dollar funds new fans for distribution by mid-June. KY3
- ➤ The Southwest Missouri Humane Society is asking local residents to adopt or foster dogs receiving heartworm treatment at its shelter. Officials say these calm pets need stable homes to support their recovery. KY3
- ➤ Springfield’s Grant Beach and Westport pools will be closed this summer due to storm damage. The Park Board said Grant Beach pool repairs will start May 26 — Westport remains closed for infrastructure fixes as schedules at other pools are being expanded. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Community Partnership of the Ozarks launched a new website today that offers Springfield residents gun safety information, mental health resources, and youth programs. The site features local initiatives including a basketball program and Teen RISE for personalized support. KY3
- ➤ The Springfield‑Greene County Library District is hosting a public celebration at the new Republic Branch Library (921 N. Lindsey Ave.) on June 1. The event begins at 10 a.m. with live music and maker space demos, followed by a ribbon cutting at 11:30 a.m. and food at noon. Springfield News-Leader
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Roofing and auto body shops have been working long hours since the April 28 hailstorm hit the Ozarks, with one shop reporting record damage (a sign of extended delays) and another booking work through July. Businesses urge customers to allow extra time for repairs. KY3
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will hold the Great Gas Card Giveaway Blood Drive tomorrow at the Springfield donor center on 220 W. Plainview Road from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Donors can receive gift cards + a t-shirt and fun pass as hospitals prepare for summer trauma. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Fair Grove football hired former Evangel All-American Joshua Evans as head coach. He takes over a winning program with a 105-28 record and multiple championships after Bill Voorhis moved to Kickapoo and brings coaching experience from Buffalo and Marionville (he coached at Pleasant Hope). Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Former Fair Grove head football coach Bill Voorhis (105-28 over 11 years) is set to become Kickapoo High School’s eighth head coach, marking a fresh start for the school’s football program. KY3
- ➤ Missouri State’s new head coach and offensive coordinator secured Nixa standout quarterback Adam McKnight’s commitment on Tuesday after he considered offers from several top programs. McKnight said he chose the Bears because the team made him feel like home + he plans to represent southwest Missouri. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Missouri State graduate Michael Osei-Bonsu, known for his standout basketball career, is set to try football as a grad student with the Bears. He recently trained on the Bolingbrook High field and will work out as a defensive lineman and tight end. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ At Rivercut Golf Course on Tuesday, Trenton King clinched Gloria Deo Academy's first individual and team golf titles by birdieing two final holes, sparking a historic win for the school. Springfield Daily Citizen
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43rd Mid America Street Rod Nationals
May 22 - 24 — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Varies by activity — Celebrate classic cars and street rod culture with a weekend full of fun for car enthusiasts and families alike.
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Honor Flight 5K for Flights
8-11 a.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — Entry starting at $25 — Participate to honor veterans and support their journey to memorials in Washington, D.C.
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Ginger Billy Live Comedy Show
6 PM – 12 AM — Springfield, MO — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique humor of Ginger Billy, a viral sensation from rural South Carolina.
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Overnight Ghost Hunt at Pythian Castle
7 PM-3 AM — Pythian Castle — Entry fee applies — Explore the historic Pythian Castle through guided investigations and storytelling.
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Henry Cho Live
8-11 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of clean comedy from acclaimed comedian Henry Cho.
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Ian Bagg Live Comedy Show
6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience hilariously interactive comedy from a world-touring performer noted for his energetic style.
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Ian Bagg Live Show
6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Tickets start at $133 — Experience an unforgettable evening of comedy with Ian Bagg in Springfield.
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The Mystery Hour – Mother Road Edition
8 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free entry — Experience an Emmy Award-winning talk show featuring comedy, music, and unexpected interviews.
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Kam Patterson Live Comedy Show
6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience energetic comedy from a rising star and newest SNL cast member.
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Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings
8:45-10:00 p.m. — Stone Chapel, Drury University — Limited Edition Tickets — Celebrate the 25th anniversary with enchanting music from The Lord of the Rings trilogy performed by a talented string quartet.
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