Good morning, Springfield.

The Community Foundation of the Ozarks partnered with the Jeannette L.

Musgrave Foundation and U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management to award $542,500 to 44 local nonprofits on Thursday. The grants support mental health, education and nursing scholarships for low-income families, the unsheltered and children.

Share Your Christmas is seeking donations to complete 100 gift boxes for care center residents; donors can deliver items to the Administration entrance of the Crosslines Community Outreach building at 3055 E.

Division St between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until noon on Friday, with gifts due by Wed, Dec. 17.

Michael Scharpf launched In Moving Memory last year in Springfield to offer memorial videos and living legacy interviews for grieving families.

Laid off earlier this year, he plans to partner with funeral homes and begin mobile studio work in 2026 (more details to come).

Republic Road offers a diverse holiday shopping experience with local boutiques displaying trendy fashions, children’s clothing and outdoor gear.

Bree’s Little Closet hosts a 12 Days of Christmas sale (featuring a new deal daily) while other stores share current specials on social media.

Overland Addict will close its storefront at 380 East State Highway CC and continue selling gear online.

The business will spend the next few weeks clearing out the shop and host its final Rigs and Coffee event on Dec. 13 (9 a.m. to noon).

John Palazzolo, son of the Rocco’s Pizza founder, is set to open his new Palazzolo’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria in Battlefield next month (first week of January).

He renovated the 5420 West Bypass property after a rezoning vote, offering a new sit-down dining option for local residents.

Lisa Rau, a longtime public relations figure for Silver Dollar City, died Dec.

11 at 64 after heart surgery at a Springfield hospital. She spent 34 years promoting the region’s attractions — leaving a legacy in Branson and the Ozarks.

Missouri Board of Education member Kerry Casey asked state officials in Springfield to review a proposal for letter graded school report cards.

Officials must deliver a report or timeline along with a review of local board training by February.

The City of Springfield launched its Neighborhood Works+ program with $5 million in funding to speed up projects for safer sidewalks, parks and traffic calming.

A kickoff meeting was held on Dec. 11 (5:30-7 p.m.) at Greene County Election Center, and construction will start fall next year.

Springfield and partner groups need licensed contractors for home repairs under the HELP loan program aimed at protecting homes from weather and pests while improving energy efficiency.

Contractors meeting the requirements will get bid notices for projects costing up to $25,000.

Members of the O’Reilly family provided the lead donation for a new Children’s Mercy with Mercy Pediatric Clinic on Mercy’s south campus in Ozark.

Announced Nov. 19, work will begin this month on the 40,000 sqft facility scheduled to open in December 2026.

Health experts in Springfield urge those on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy to plan holiday meals with care as winter holidays approach.

They advise eating slowly and taking small bites to prevent increased hunger from skipped meals.

Jackson Cantwell, a Nixa senior, was surprised on Wednesday at Nixa High School when former NFL tackle Joe Thomas presented him with the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award.

He will enroll at Miami in the spring to begin his collegiate career.

Coastal Carolina is reportedly weighing a hire of Missouri State coach Ryan Beard, who led the Bears to their first bowl game, to replace coach Tim Beck; contract details have sparked discussions today near Myrtle Beach + the school aims to build on its bowl game success.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.