Good morning, Springfield.

Smart Chicken donated 5,300 pounds of chicken to Ozarks Food Harvest on Monday morning — the contribution will be sent to 270 local charities across the Ozarks to help feed families during the holidays.

For over 30 years, Habitat for Humanity of Springfield has helped local families build, repair and revitalize affordable homes through community donations, shopping and volunteer work.

Residents support the local ReStore (a thrift superstore) to improve neighborhoods and foster self-reliance.

The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri warns that gifting a pet for Christmas could lead to issues if the recipient is not ready for long-term care.

Families are urged to review both adoption and foster care options (pet care demands ongoing commitment).

Volunteers laid wreaths on soldier headstones at Springfield National Cemetery on Dec.

13 as part of the Wreaths for Warriors program, with former Governor John Ashcroft leading the event + volunteers will be needed on Jan. 10 to collect the wreaths for proper disposal.

Tie & Timber Pizza Kitchen will open in the historic Rountree neighborhood in early 2026.

Owners Curt and Jennifer Marshall have crafted three distinct pizza styles for the 7,000 sqft venue with a large kitchen, two bars, and local art to enhance dining.

Former KY3 anchor Lisa Rose, a Springfield native with 41 years at the station who retired in 2025, was named to the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame for 2026.

The induction banquet will be held Friday, June 5 at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach.

Missouri State University (MSU) has honored six students with the 2025-26 Citizen Scholar award for academic success and public service.

Faculty and staff nominated the winners for their leadership in the university’s public affairs mission.

The DEA launched the “One Pill Can Kill” campaign to warn locals about fentanyl dangers, as detailed by KY3 in Springfield.

The initiative began recently to show residents the risk from a single pill.

The city installed speed humps on East Bennett, Linwood, John and Gelvin near Highway 65 to slow cars that reached 70 mph.

Residents say the pilot program is already making neighborhoods safer + raising quality of life.

The Missouri Attorney General is investigating Storm Support Emergency Tree Removal after a Springfield customer received a $19,558 invoice for a two-hour tree cleanup (insurance was expected to cover the cost).

The probe follows recurring complaints and past legal settlements against the company.

Families preparing for holiday gatherings are urged to adjust traditions and remove hazards for loved ones with Alzheimer’s + dementia.

Mark Applegate at SeniorAge and Sarah Lovegreen from the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Missouri advise keeping celebrations simple to ease stress this season.

Missouri State players received gift-wrapped Xbox Rog consoles in Texas during their pre-bowl gatherings.

The new consoles (about $500 each) come ahead of their 8 p.m. kickoff against Arkansas State at the Ford Center on Thursday, Dec. 18.

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.