Daily
Springfield
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Springfield residents are urged to create a holiday safety plan—keeping Christmas trees away from heat sources, watering live trees daily, checking cords for damage, and ensuring clear exit routes and a designated meeting spot. KY3
- ➤ Downtown Springfield will kick off the holiday season tomorrow as the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show takes place at Park Central Square. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with live performances, free books and treats, and feature Santa and Mrs. Claus along with a tree lighting countdown at 8 p.m.—city officials said. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Women In Need of the Ozarks provides a one-time financial gift to help single mothers move from survival mode to thriving by raising funds through local events. The program has supported women for over 22 years—volunteers work together to offer lasting help. OzarksFirst.com
- ➤ Late Thursday night, a Marshfield couple delivered their third child in the Buc-ee’s parking lot in east Springfield after contractions led them to call 911 and get advice from a Mercy representative+ they parked off I-44 and quickly began the delivery. Baby Elaina was born at 3:16 a.m. weighing 7 pounds 1 ounce before police and an ambulance arrived, and both mom and baby are healthy. OzarksFirst.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Public Schools updated its 2025–26 calendar to meet state law requirements—classes started on Aug. 25, and the school year will end on May 27, 2027 while Thanksgiving break will be shortened to three days. KY3
- ➤ Readers voted Hillcrest High junior Jeric Lockett as November's Student of the Month because he leads the Esports team with strong practice sessions + excellent grades. His work in organizing team practices and supporting his peers sets him apart as a role model in school. Springfield News-Leader
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Missouri pecans grow along creeks and other wet areas and do not produce a crop every year; however, they yield a great harvest when conditions are right. Kelly McGowan (from the University of Missouri Extension Office) provided further details in a video. OzarksFirst.com
- ➤ Riverbluff Cave in the Ozarks is the oldest fossil cave in North America and now is a protected research site using electricity and a trail system—scientists study its animal fossils such as claw marks and baby mammoth bones. Geologist Matt Forir said the cave, discovered on September 11th, helps us learn about karst and water recharge in Greene County. KY3
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kristen Pattinson, an environmental program manager with the MoDNR, was named team member of the month for November for her work to restore regular meetings with public health agencies+ she manages the Southwest Regional Office drinking water section and has served with the department since 2003. OzarksFirst.com
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Chef Craig von Foerster from Harvest Restaurant in Rogersville has shared his homemade turkey gravy recipe that uses roasted turkey parts and fresh herbs to add rich flavor to your holiday meal. The recipe takes 2 hours 45 minutes to complete and calls for slowly simmering stock with aromatics — a method that builds deep taste. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ More than 2,700 local students attended the annual Kids Day event at Drury’s Family Event Center—where the Lady Panthers secured their first win of the season by defeating Texas A&M International 81-68 in double overtime while extending their perfect 11-0 record in event games. KY3
- ➤ Evangel, coached by Chuck Hepola, features a balanced offense with running back Eric Williams and quarterback Reid Potts as it enters the NAIA playoffs. The Valor team will travel 580 miles to Fort Wayne to face two-time national champion Saint Francis on Saturday at 11 a.m. CST—seeking its first postseason win since 2005. Springfield Daily Citizen
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Cards at Cards Show
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Hammons Field — Tickets available at event — Discover, trade, and enhance your collection at SWMO's ultimate sports cards and collectibles show.
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National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Screening
8-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $75 VIP tickets available — Celebrate the holidays with a classic film and a fun costume contest.
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Missouri State Bears vs. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs
1-3 p.m. — Robert W. Plaster Stadium — Cost information not provided — Catch an exciting college football matchup between the Bears and the Bulldogs.
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The Arc of the Ozarks: Christmas Extravaganza
5:30-9:30 p.m. — White River Conference Center — Cost not specified — Celebrate the season with a festive fundraising event for Children’s Autism Services.
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Taj Farrant's Final Show of 2025
6-8:30 p.m. — The Riff — $5 cover for minors — Experience electrifying guitar work as Taj Farrant returns to his home stage for an unforgettable performance.
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Toys for Tots 2025
2-5 p.m. — Corwin Ford of Springfield — Free entry — A community event supporting local children in need through toy donations.
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Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
8:45 p.m. — Stone Chapel — Up to 12% Off — Experience the enchanting sounds of Christmas carols played by the Listeso String Quartet under candlelight in a stunning chapel setting.
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It's A Wonderful Life Film Screening
2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free admission — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a classic film showcasing heartfelt moments.
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Springfield Ballet - The Nutcracker
7-8:30 p.m. — Springfield Little Theatre — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the timeless holiday story brought to life with beautiful choreography and music.
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Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Stone Chapel, Drury University — Ticketed event — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring a string quartet performing beloved Christmas carols.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There are always two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason.
~ J.P. Morgan
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