Daily
Springfield
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri ran a last-minute Giving Tuesday donation drive and received about $10,000 by Tuesday afternoon — the board is matching donations until $15,000 as the shelter faces more surrenders and holds an adoption event with the Bissell Pet Foundation through Dec. 15. KY3
- ➤ The Bezos family is awarding a $2.5M grant to The Kitchen, Inc. (a nonprofit serving homeless families) in Springfield to expand shelter and support services over the next five years. National experts in homelessness identified the program for the gift, which is the largest in the nonprofit’s history. KY3
- ➤ Share Your Christmas asks Springfield residents to donate gifts and funds to help a local family whose 5-year-old daughter is having surgery and cancer treatments at St. Jude’s — the parents face lost income as one stays at the hospital while the other returns to work for their 12- and 13-year-old sons. Donations must be delivered to the Crosslines Community Outreach building by Dec. 17 — items on the gift list include sports gear, fishing supplies, and other presents to support the children’s outdoor activities. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ The Ozarks Area Community Action Cooperation has teamed with Springfield-Greene County libraries to hold a holiday food drive until Dec. 14. Local library branches will collect non-perishable food items—such as canned meats and ready-to-eat meals—for distribution at OACAC’s center, food pantries and Head Start sites. Springfield Daily Citizen
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The sixth Chick-fil-A restaurant in Springfield will open tomorrow at 6:30 a.m. at 3883 W. Sunshine St near West Bypass — guests wearing cow-themed attire can redeem a free meal — and franchisee Houston Phillips plans a $25,000 donation to Feeding America along with about 120 new jobs. Springfield Daily Citizen
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Jim Bethurem, known as the Ozarks Santa, brings joy to Springfield with home visits and corporate gigs while wearing his genuine red suit and real beard. He carries $500,000 liability insurance — distributes 10,000 candy canes yearly — and shares memorable moments like returning a cherished doll during a Polar Express home visit. Springfield Daily Citizen
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Chris Boschen at Sunshine Eye Clinic said a new specialized lens cleared by the FDA may slow myopia in children by up to 70% over two years—helping lower the risk of severe eye issues—and he advises parents to talk with their child’s eye doctor. KY3
- ➤ The Jordan Valley Community Health Center bought the old Walgreens building at 1930 West Grand St. and will remodel its 14,094 square feet into a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly for residents 55 and older. The center expects to open the facility in mid 2026 — giving older residents a new option for care. Springfield Daily Citizen
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Missouri State's starting defensive end DJ Wesolak and offensive tackle Ebubedike Nnabugwu are entering the transfer portal, and wide receiver Tristian Gardner also told his agents he plans to leave. The trio will miss the upcoming bowl game after the team received a bid – the bowl destination will be announced by December 7. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Missouri legalized sports betting in November and launched sportsbooks on December 1, keeping many residents from driving to Kansas or Illinois for bets. The change is expected to bring about $28 million a year in tax revenue while altering betting patterns in the region. Springfield News-Leader
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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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OMRR's Run for the Ranch
9:15 a.m. — MSU Parking Lot #22 — Registration fees apply — Participate in a variety of races from a 5K to an endurance run on a scenic route.
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
The only way out is through.
~ Robert Frost
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