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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 3h

October means free concerts on Sundays in the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Here's the 2026 lineup for Gigs in the Garden. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

A file photo of the sign for the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. (Photo by Jack McGee)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 5h

The Restoration of Hope Project, a nonprofit that operates sober-living homes throughout Springfield, is facing numerous evictions and appears to be on the verge of closing, leaving residents scrambling. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...

This is the Restoration of Hope Project office at 644 S. Scenic Ave. (Photo by Jackie Rehwald)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 6h

Attendees at yesterday's Show-Me Success Summit heard ideas for making classrooms as welcoming as possible for all students — as well as the challenges that make that difficult. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/k12-...

Michelle Gavel, the Director of Student Access & Opportunity at Springfield Public Schools, gave her keynote speech about the importance of helping students feel like they belong in school. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 6h

FREE: Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt confuses basketball teams in a heated hearing with former special counsel Jack Smith. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/m...

Eric Schmitt during a campaign stop in Springfield in November 2022. (Photo by David Stoeffler)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 8h

Three LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have condemned an alleged gender-based attack of a person on Sept. 20 in downtown Springfield. Ezekiel Schaffitzel allegedly first asked the victim, "Are you a man or a woman?" Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

PODCAST: In this episode of “In Our Town,” host Tom Carlson speaks with former Sen. Roy Blunt about Missouri’s congressional map saga, as well as recent election outcomes and national trends for the upcoming November election. Stream it: sgfcitizen.org/podcast/podc...

Former Sen. Roy Blunt speaks to Tom Carlson. (Photo by Joe Hadsall)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

FREE: Democrat Betsy Fogle, Republican Melanie Stinnett and Libertarian Cecil Ince square off in a competitive, expensive race for Senate District 30. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/e...

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Sugar & Glow, home to beauty services and a small boutique, is the first business to move into Sankofa on Historic Commercial Street. It's a short move for owner Michelle Stracke, who has been in business on C-Street for more than five years. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

Michelle Stracke, owner of Sugar & Glow, a C-Street business that features esthetician services and a small boutique. (Photo by Ryan Collins)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Springfield Public Schools has reached a settlement with a family whose child was injured in an alleged physical assault in 2026. The attorney for the plaintiff said the agreement is for $296,000. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/k12-...

Springfield Public Schools' Kraft Administrative Center, as seen on Sept. 17, 2024. (Photo by Joe Hadsall)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Sculpture Walk Springfield has teamed up with the Drew Lewis Foundation to place three pieces by internationally recognized artist Jeffie Brewer at the Fairbanks in the Grant Beach neighborhood. Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We're one week away from the Springfield Cardinals' name change, which has stirred many emotions among fans. Some suspect the new nickname will be tied to Route 66, but columnist Lyndal Scranton suggests a slithering nod to the city’s past instead. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

The Springfield Cardinals swarm Jesús Báez after his walk-off home run during their first playoff game on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, in Springfield. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Ozarks Echoes: The history of Springfield’s Royal McBee plant and the labor dispute that culminated with a 10-year-old boy being shot in his bed. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/in-depth/roy...

A postcard photo of Springfield’s Royal McBee factory as it appeared in the 1960s at what today is designated as 2401 E. Sunshine St. The 325,000-square-foot plant now is home to the SRC Technology Group division of Springfield Remanufacturing Corporation. (Image courtesy of Springfield-Greene County Library)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

In its first year of eligibility for the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, the Springfield Daily Citizen took home eight awards for its work in 2025. Springfield’s nonprofit online news source captured four first-place finishes. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Steve Pokin shows off the Daily Citizen’s hardware during the Missouri Press Association awards brunch on Sept. 26, 2026.

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Drury University celebrated the completion of a years-long mission to renovate the Benton Avenue African Methodist Episcopal Church and turn it into an educational center. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Aaron Jones, Drury University General Counsel and Chief of Staff, presents Shelia Burton with a piece of the ribbon cut at the rededication ceremony of the Benton Avenue AME Church on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Burton's mother was a member of the church congregation for 70 years. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Former state representative Patricia Derges, convicted of COVID-19 fraud, is back home in Nixa and still denies she did anything wrong. Derges has called for President Trump to pardon her like he did those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/steve-pokin-...

Patricia Derges (photo courtesy of Missouri House Communications)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Ozarks artists Meg Wagler and Christine Riutzel have been selected to “faithfully” recreate the Robert E. Smith tribute mural that was painted over in downtown Springfield earlier this year. Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Christine Riutzel (left) and Meg Wagler (right) have been selected to recreate the Robert E. Smith-inspired mural in downtown Springfield that was painted over earlier this year. (Photo provided by Jesse Tyler)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Hannah Wilbers had so much fun illustrating a friend's children's book that she decided to write one of her own. The illustrator and 2D animator wants to use her books to help children feel like they belong and to foster kindness and empathy. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Springfield illustrator and 2D animator Hannah Wilbers has released her first book, "What Do Kittens Dream About?" It's inspired by her love of cats and her relationship with her mother, Colette. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

As Expedia is leveraging AI to streamline operations, sweeping layoffs in Seattle headquarters in September are said to have hit the Springfield office. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

Expedia Group's Springfield office, located at 5000 W. Kearney St., opened in 2010. The office was a former terminal at the Springfield-Branson National Airport. (Photo by Ryan Collins)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

"Hometown villain": Missouri State defensive tackle Tim Brantley plans to get the most out of his size against SMU. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Missouri State defensive tackle Tim Brantley, now in his fourth year with the program, gets the most out of his 6-foot, 275-pound frame.

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Week 5 of the high school football season features several big games, including Catholic vs. Fair Grove in a battle between unbeaten, state-ranked teams. No. 3 Logan-Rogersville hosts No. 9 Bolivar in a Class 4 Ozark Mountain Conference clash. Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Springfield Catholic’s Jett Lewis gets loose during the Irish’s matchup against Lighthouse Christian in Springfield on August 28, 2026. (Photo by Bruce Stidham)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

IN-DEPTH: When "inclusion" is a divisive word, here’s how educators at Delaware Elementary work to make classrooms welcoming for students. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/k12-...

Delaware Elementary School Principal Lauren Hassell explains how the school is a Unified school, where students of all abilities can participate in sports and activities together. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

A new downtown business gives the young and the young at heart a chance to dig in the dirt. RC Dirt Box lets you operate small-scale remote-controlled construction vehicles in a 200-square-foot playpen filled with dirt. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

John Lepant, owner of RC Dirt Box, a new business in downtown Springfield where patrons can operate small remote-controlled models of heavy equipment machinery. RC Dirt Box is located in the same building as Craft Axe Throwing which is also owned by Lepant. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

OPINION: Linda Bower believes ponds are not only beautiful, they’re also underappreciated and undervalued — even those with a veneer of green scum. Here's how she uses a neighbor’s pond to teach people around the world about nature. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Linda Bower studies microscopic aquatic life that she gathers in water samples from this small pond near her home in Rogersville. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

D1 tracker: Springfield Metro athletes who’ve committed to Division I schools. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A Springfield man was sentenced in federal court on Sept. 23 for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of firearms. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...

The office of the Southern Division, U.S. District Court, in Springfield, MO. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A developer is seeking to rezone 105 acres of farmland to develop nearly 300 new single-family homes. The property is located just over one mile east of Republic High School. Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/news/republi...

A south-facing view of the 105-acre property Rose Century Farm LLC seeks to rezone for high-density residential use. (Photo by Zoe McIntyre)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Missouri State University’s 23rd annual Public Affairs Conference begins Sept. 29, with the theme “The We Factor: Building Connections That Matter.” Actor and comedian Rainn Wilson's keynote address, however, has been pushed back to October. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/spri...

The Robert W. Plaster Student Union (PSU) houses food and retail vendors, a theatre, conference and meeting spaces, student organization offices, student service offices and administrative offices. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

OPINION: The Ozarks Oracle speaks again, through its scribe, Dan Chiles. It says, “It’s too damn hot, and maybe we should do something about it.” Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...

A dragonfly pauses on a plant growing by the Sac River. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Ja’Kari Conner, a freshman at Parkview High, was shot in the face during what his family called a "senseless" shooting on Sept. 19 in downtown Springfield. Two other teens were injured. Conner is still on a ventilator and faces a long road to recovery. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

People in the Ozarks have a growing appetite for ostrich and emu meat, thanks to the increasing number of people with alpha-gal syndrome. What used to be novelty meat is now a hot commodity. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

This emu at Gum Creek Farm in Paris, Arkansas, is one of more than 300 in the flock. The owner started raising emu because she was diagnosed with AGS. She supplies Hörrmann Meats in Springfield with emu. (Photo provided by Amy Hall)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The Stop the Violence Conference, an annual event focused on trends and prevention when it comes to domestic violence, is set for Oct. 28 at the efactory. The event is free and open to the public, but advance online registration is required. Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...

The efactory is located at 405 N. Jefferson Ave. in Springfield. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

After two consecutive years of broken records, enrollment at Missouri State University took a slight downward turn. A school official says the 1.1% drop could have been a lot worse. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/spri...

Students at Missouri State University walk on campus on Sept. 22, 2026. (Photo by Joe Hadsall)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

J.Crew Factory has officially opened at the Battlefield Mall. The discount clothing store will occupy the space that previously housed Five Guys. Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

OPINION: The Physicians Committee on Responsible Medicine wants Ozarks Bacon Fest, this weekend at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, to honor healthier Missouri-grown crops instead. How does Ozarks Beans Fest sound? Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

A photo of bacon strips from Wikimedia Commons.

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Leaders at Springfield’s public higher education institutions say they will press the Missouri legislature for a funding formula based on enrollment that would remain in place even during a bad budget year. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/spri...

Missouri State President Richard B. Williams and Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon. (Photos by Jym Wilson)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

A large portion of the audience erupted in anger after the Springfield City Council last night narrowly voted to refer a resolution on Flock automated license plate readers to committee. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...

Loud boos, expletives and thumbs down filled the room after the Springfield City Council voted 5-3 to refer a resolution regarding automated license plate readers to committee. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

OPINION: Every neighbor you have was once a stranger, but then somebody spoke. Columnist David Burton says a simple "Hello" might be exactly what our communities need. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...

A group of residents of Springfield's West Central Neighborhood stop to visit with a neighbor during a tour by the West Central Walkers group. (Photo by David Burton)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

According to charging documents, the man suspected of shooting 22-year-old Codey Martinez early Sunday morning told police he was “seeing demons” at the time and that he shot one of the demons. Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...

The body of 22-year-old Codey Martinez was located outside his residence at the Old Monterey Apartments on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. He had been fatally shot. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

OPINION: John Moore, president of Drury University from 1983-2004, says that some liberal arts colleges have fallen on hard times as their state-supported competitors expand. He examines some of the challenges facing liberal arts colleges. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...

Former Drury University president Dr. John E. Moore Jr. at his home in Willard MO on April 2, 2026. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Joe Cooper, of Cooper’s Clippers, is stepping away from the barber chair after more than 50 years of cutting hair in Springfield. He says there's a lot of golf and baseball in his future. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

After many decades as a local barber, Joe Cooper will be retiring from the hair-cutting business. The realtor title will remain, however. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

A reader lives near the intersection of Glenstone and Sunset, and they say it doesn't seem safe for pedestrians. Can't someone do something about that? Here's what Answer Man Steve Pokin learned. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/steve-pokin-...

This is an aerial map of the intersection of Sunset Street (east/west) and Glenstone Avenue (north/south.) The map is from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which tracks the locations of accidents. The blue dot in the center indicates that a pedestrian was hit at this intersection on Nov. 19, 2016. (Missouri State Highway Patrol)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

NEW: Christian Blackwell, 24, has been charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Codey Martinez on Sunday. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...

Lights illuminated on the top of a police vehicle (Photo: Pixabay.com)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

The owner of Hammons Tower has sued Strong Law for allegedly abandoning its lease in 2026 for two floors in Springfield’s tallest building. Strong Law founder Tom Strong said the firm was met with problem after problem with the space. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

The view of Hammons Tower from the former office of John Q. Hammons. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office has issued cease-and-desist letters to operators of prediction markets, including Kalshi and Polymarket, that offer the opportunity to place predictions on sports event contracts. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/m...

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway in a Springfield Daily Citizen file photo. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Week 4 of the high school football season is here, and the Daily Citizen will have coverage of the marquee Class 2 clash between unbeatens Clever and Fair Grove. Nixa at Webb City and Miller at Ash Grove are also big games on the schedule. Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Clever's Tysyn Clark (11) tries to elude a swarming Fair Grove defense in a 2024 game. (Photo by Mary Ellen Chiles)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Police say a crash Friday morning ended with two vehicles overturning into a front yard on National Avenue in Springfield. One driver was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...

Two cars flipped over at the intersection of National Avenue and Stanford Street on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, in Springfield. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

FREE: Teresa Trower, a self-described “ultra-conservative Republican” and “transsexual,” has been elected to Christian County’s Republican Central Committee. A GOP group is slamming the party, calling her election a "stunning capitulation." Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Missouri State University students and professors tell the Daily Citizen's @joehadsall.bsky.social that they're thrilled with the rehearsal spaces inside the new Judith Enyeart Reynolds Performing Arts Complex. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/spri...

MSU seniors Allison Teagan (center) and Nadia Adamson (right) take a few dance steps in a new studio inside the Reynolds Performing Arts Complex as assistant professor Nikki Ferry watches. (Photo by Joe Hadsall)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The Treehouse Lounge, a Nixa club that bills itself as “southwest Missouri’s premiere cannabis lounge,” has sued one of its owners for allegedly diverting $90,000 in company funds for his personal use. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/news/nixa/ni...

A sign for the Treehouse Lounge on Guin Road near Nixa. (Photo by Zoe McIntyre)

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Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Mari Moore-Mosby is a physical therapist and a ceramics artist, and the former definitely informs the latter. Her Mudbug Creations booth at Cider Days will feature lightweight, durable, ergonomic mugs, plates, bowls and more. Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

Ceramic artist Mari Moore-Mosby holds up her fall-inspired mugs in front of her studio’s mural wall on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, in Springfield. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)

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