Good morning, Springfield.

On Dec. 22, Springfield advocates and unsheltered community members held a vigil honoring over two dozen individuals who died this year, including those lost to violence, overdoses, and accidents (a tribute to lives often overlooked).

Organizers emphasized the importance of keeping their names and stories alive.

Good Samaritan Boys Ranch is building a new center on Norton Road that will be a warehouse+office for storing furniture and supplies for youth leaving foster care.

The project will be done before the end of April 2026.

Renters at Nordic Landing Apartments (located north of Parkview High School on West Catalpa Street) were cleaning up water damage after a sprinkler malfunction flooded several floors early Tuesday morning around 5 a.m.

Queen City Soul Kitchen closed its doors after dinner service on Dec.

21 due to rising food costs + ending a five-year run in Springfield. The restaurant had two locations at the time and was known for its home-style soul food recipes.

Springfield Public Schools was named a District of Distinction today at a leadership summit for its Attend Today, Succeed Forever initiative aimed at boosting student attendance.

Superintendent Grenita Lathan said the recognition underscores the district’s progress and ongoing efforts to improve student success & community engagement.

Springfield Public Works released its revamped 2024 Crash Report last week using cellphone data to track risky driving.

The report shows South Campbell Avenue has the most injury crashes and engineers saw LED stops quickly reduce issues at downtown intersections — a strategy that may guide further improvements.

Burrell Behavioral Health is building a $14 million Youth Resiliency Center (28,000 sqft) across from Fremont Elementary.

It is expected to finish before the end of Feb. and will offer mental health care for teens.

Mercy clinics in headache, urology, and ophthalmology now charge a facility fee, and its Imaging Services (Smith, Glynn, and Callaway) operates as a provider-based department so patients may receive two bills.

Call your insurance before your appointment to check coverage.

Local golfers take advantage of warm December weather as Highland Springs Country Club boosts rounds (projected near 700 compared to 450 last year) while public courses adjust hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Golfers should call for tee times.

In Greene County, Realtor.com data shows that the median home listing price in November was $299,925, down from $313,998 in October.

The homes averaged 1,800 sqft at $168 per sqft and spent 54 days on market — with 392 new listings marking a 6.5% rise from last November.

The annual Pink and White Lady Basketball Classic kicks off Friday, Dec.

26 at Drury University’s O’Reilly Family Event Center and Weiser Gym. The four-day tournaments conclude Tuesday, Dec. 30 with championship games at 1 p.m. + 2:30 p.m., featuring top seeds such as Strafford and Kickapoo.

Missouri State beat Lindenwood 70-65 Tuesday at Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield (a late 3-pointer by Kobi Williams sparked a two-game win streak into the holiday break).

The Bears will play Delaware in their first Conference USA game on Dec. 29.

The 80th Greenwood Blue and Gold boys basketball tournaments will tip off Friday, Dec.

26 at Great Southern Bank Arena and Hammons Student Center in Springfield and conclude Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Missouri State University + featuring 16 teams in each bracket.

Missouri State guard Kaemyn Bekemeier led the Lady Bears to a 65-61 win over Central Arkansas at Great Southern Bank Arena on Monday, Dec.

22. She scored a career-high 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to end a three-game losing streak heading into Christmas break.

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.

Steven Ho Live Stand-Up Comedy

6:30 PM – 10:15 PM — Springfield Comedy Club — Reserved seating required — Join former ER Technician Steven Ho for a night of comedic chaos inspired by real-life healthcare stories.