Daily
Springfield
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A neglected puppy found abandoned in a crate near a cemetery has recovered after six weeks with help from Rescue One and her foster dad Stephen Brewster—she is now medically cleared and will be adopted into her forever family on Thanksgiving. KY3
- ➤ Springfield police urge people to stay safe during Wild Turkey Wednesday tonight—reminding revelers to order drinks only from bartenders and to travel with at least one sober person in each group. Local business owner Grady Wisdom says many will return to town early for Thanksgiving, boosting bar activity as the celebration kicks off. KY3
- ➤ After a successful year of charity golf tournaments, O’Reilly Auto Parts gave $850K in grants to 36 Springfield-area nonprofits and raised $100K more than last year + the tournaments that began in 1999 have raised over $5M overall. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Makayla Salkil—who came to Springfield from Stone County in January with only a suitcase to escape an unsafe home—recounted her six years on the streets at the YouthConnect Center during National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. Now 26 and sober since moving back with her family in 2023, she asks the community to show more care for teens facing life on the streets. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Crosslines food pantry in Springfield said that 20 percent of guests seeking holiday help are first-time visitors even as demand stays normal. The organization distributed more than 1,300 turkeys + Thanksgiving staples last weekend and will distribute meals on December 22 while asking for volunteers and sponsors for its toy store. KY3
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ BookMarx is expanding its downtown bookstore at 325 E. Walnut St. with a video rental store that will open in March 2026; owner Josh Arnett has collected DVDs to build a library of over 8,000 titles & will offer an $8 monthly membership or $2 per rental without affecting book sales. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ PaPPo’s Pizzeria & Pub is expanding with a new location in Nixa at 701 N. McCroskey St.—it will open in December or January and hire 40 to 50 employees. The company is aiming to reach $30 million in revenue and plans more openings in Springfield and beyond. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ The McLeod sisters run Hold Fast Brewing and host an annual Thanksgiving bash that honors their late father's memory with special brews and Jameson shots — a tribute that began when Carol first brewed on his birthday. The downtown brewery, located near the Turkey Trot finish line, opens from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving and serves a vibrant mix of beers, Bloody Marys, mimosas, and treats from a local food truck. Springfield Daily Citizen
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Will James, a Springfield music legend (who ran the Will James Music Service on East McDaniel for nearly 40 years), is honored with 25 pages of his gospel sheet music donated by his family to the State Historical Society, preserving his inspirational legacy. KY3
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Local gas utilities report that natural gas prices are higher than over the past two winters as colder weather increases heating demand, but both Spire Energy and City Utilities use fixed contracts and weatherization measures to keep bills only slightly higher this winter — Spire expects a $3.33 rise while City Utilities estimates a $10 increase. KY3
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new article offers Springfield residents practical tips for a greener holiday by reusing items, recycling food waste through free yellow bins at local recycling centers, and shopping for local produce to cut rising trash amounts that nearly double after Thanksgiving—small changes that also save money. Officials urge the community to adopt these methods to reduce the load at the Springfield landfill and lessen environmental impact. Springfield News-Leader
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Doctor Luke Buffaloe of MU Health Care said stress during the holidays has increased substance abuse and more people are using drugs like kratom, which has opioid-like effects. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is investigating six retailers in St. Louis and Kansas City for selling unsafe, unregulated kratom products — an update on the probe is expected next month. KY3
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Two bears at Dickerson Park Zoo enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast that featured pumpkins and other seasonal treats—setting the stage as they prepare for torpor to conserve energy until spring. They enjoyed the special menu on Tuesday and have now filled their bellies in time for winter. KY3
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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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Festival of Lights Free Ice Skating
2:00 PM - 4:45 PM — Brightspeed Ice Park — Free entry, $3 skate rental — Enjoy free ice skating and holiday lights at the park.
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