Good morning, Springfield.

Volunteers gathered yesterday at Springfield Veterans Cemetery to lay 5,000 wreaths honoring Missouri service members.

The turnout exceeded last year’s donation by 3,000 wreaths + reflecting strong local pride.

Jimmy Rea has spent 20 years touring coast to coast with acts like The HillBenders and Keller Williams and driving local music projects — a passion that modernizes our local scene.

New Zumper data shows the median apartment rent in Springfield reached $1,197 in November, marking a +9% increase from last year’s $1,095; one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, at $909 and $1,050 respectively, remain below statewide and national medians.

Willard High junior wrestler Adia Hull, who placed third at state last season at 130 pounds, now competes in the 140-pound class.

She kicked off the season by winning the Lady Liberator Tournament on Dec. 5 and aims for a state title.

Missouri State football is facing transfer portal shifts after head coach Ryan Beard left; five players have announced plans to transfer while interim coach Nick Petrino prepares the Bears for the XBox Bowl against Arkansas State on Dec.

18 at the Ford Center (in Frisco) and the athletic department has started a national search for a new coach.

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.