Daily
Springfield
Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 22nd of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show returns to Park Central Square this year and is expected to draw around 2,500 people if the nice weather holds. Roads on North Booneville, South Avenue, College and Saint Louis Street will be closed—visitors can use free public parking and enjoy Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by train, live entertainment, homemade cookies, donated books, a drone show and family activities at the library. KY3
- ➤ Students from Hickory Hills organized a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade at their school on November 21—with costumed participants, a band performance, and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus—and the event ended with an inflatable race. OzarksFirst.com
- ➤ Victory Mission is partnering with local churches to offer free Thanksgiving meals for families and individuals during the holiday season in Springfield. The meals run from Nov. 21 to Nov. 28 at several sites—residents should register with each church—and donations such as pies are welcomed to support the program. OzarksFirst.com
- ➤ Contractors finished installing a 52-ton pedestrian overpass on Highway 65 in Ozark on Nov. 19 as part of the Chadwick Flyer Trail project. The overpass will be open this spring—an important step in connecting Ozark to Springfield. Springfield Daily Citizen
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Friday morning, an 8-inch sprinkler line detached from Plaster Stadium at Missouri State University, flooding the north end with over a foot of water+affecting the racquetball courts. Crews responded quickly+the facility remains open as repairs continue. KY3
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The southwest part of Springfield saw new businesses open recently as Dutch Bros Coffee opened earlier this month near West Sunshine Street and West Bypass and Wendy’s opened on November 20—joining Jersey Mike’s, Whataburger, Chick-fil-A and Springfield's second Olive Garden. A new retail center now houses Ross, Petco and Five Below while a nearly complete $60 million Sunshine Towne Center is set to open soon with a new credit union by BluCurrent also underway. OzarksFirst.com
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Springfield Little Theatre is staging Disney's Frozen from Nov 21-Dec 7 at the Historic Landers Theatre with over 50 cast members and a new 36-by-20 ft LED wall that transforms the stage into a winter wonderland — the innovative system supports dynamic lighting and set shifts — bringing Elsa, Anna, and Olaf to life. Springfield Daily Citizen
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Arthur Mallory, a former president of Missouri State University (serving from 1964 to 1971) and Missouri Commissioner of Education (serving from 1971 to 1987), died on November 20. He helped grow the university’s enrollment a great deal and later returned as dean (serving from 1988 to 1991). OzarksFirst.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On November 14, Nathan Birdsong delivered his daughter in the Buc-ee’s parking lot in Springfield after receiving step-by-step guidance from Mercy EMS dispatchers—he followed every instruction until an ambulance arrived to take mom and baby to Cox South. Both are healthy and recovering well. OzarksFirst.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Kennesaw State Owls host the Missouri State Bears in a Conference USA game at 1 p.m. today—both teams hold a 7-3 record as they look to improve their season on ESPN. KY3
- ➤ Missouri State linebacker Jalen Brooks emerged as the Bears' top tackler with 61 stops and nearly de-cleated an opponent during the Nov. 15 homecoming win. He will start today at 1 p.m. against Kennesaw State—his strong play has boosted the defense—adding momentum to the season. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Missouri high school football playoffs kicked off Friday night — teams began postseason play — and basketball district alignments were announced. KY3
- ➤ Blake Ahearn, Missouri State’s top free-throw shooter, returned to campus last weekend during homecoming festivities and said he will soon return to coaching—he believes his love for the game and time with family have prepared him for a comeback. Springfield Daily Citizen
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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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