Springfield Daily Citizen
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Official account of the Springfield (MO) Daily Citizen. Visit sgfcitizen.org to read the best community coverage and sign up for our daily newsletter.
Springfield businessmen Jon Baker and Kurt Hellweg wanted to help Missouri State football players prepare for life after their playing days were over. They developed a program called The Fifth Quarter, which hosts five events every spring.
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January 23, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Springfield businessmen Jon Baker and Kurt Hellweg wanted to help Missouri State football players prepare for life after their playing days were over. They developed a program called The Fifth Quarter, which hosts five events every spring.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Springfield dominated the nonprofessional categories of the 2025 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Regional Awards, with Springfield Little Theatre capturing 15 awards. High Tide Theatrical and the now-closed Springfield Contemporary Theatre were also honored.
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Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
January 23, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Springfield dominated the nonprofessional categories of the 2025 BroadwayWorld Kansas City Regional Awards, with Springfield Little Theatre capturing 15 awards. High Tide Theatrical and the now-closed Springfield Contemporary Theatre were also honored.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
A West Central home described by neighbors as a “problem property” where squatters live without utilities and deal drugs has been demolished. They're happy it's gone, but owner Stan Adam is not. He says it’s not his fault the property fell into disrepair.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/steve-pokin-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/steve-pokin-...
January 23, 2026 at 6:02 PM
A West Central home described by neighbors as a “problem property” where squatters live without utilities and deal drugs has been demolished. They're happy it's gone, but owner Stan Adam is not. He says it’s not his fault the property fell into disrepair.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/steve-pokin-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/steve-pokin-...
A new affordable housing development by The Kitchen, Inc., was designed for low-income and formerly homeless seniors. Maplewood Villas Phase II has eight units dedicated to homeless veterans.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...
January 23, 2026 at 4:30 PM
A new affordable housing development by The Kitchen, Inc., was designed for low-income and formerly homeless seniors. Maplewood Villas Phase II has eight units dedicated to homeless veterans.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...
Missouri State fell to Louisiana Tech 60-51 last night, the Lady Bears' second consecutive loss. Lyndal Scranton said Missouri State is struggling to find a rhythm on offense as opponents key in on Kaemyn Bekemeier.
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Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
January 23, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Missouri State fell to Louisiana Tech 60-51 last night, the Lady Bears' second consecutive loss. Lyndal Scranton said Missouri State is struggling to find a rhythm on offense as opponents key in on Kaemyn Bekemeier.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
The Citizens’ Advisory Board has recommended a $30 million allocation to help complete the Springfield Art Museum's renovation and expansion, pending City Council approval. That's $3.4 million less than requested. What does that mean for the project?
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
January 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM
The Citizens’ Advisory Board has recommended a $30 million allocation to help complete the Springfield Art Museum's renovation and expansion, pending City Council approval. That's $3.4 million less than requested. What does that mean for the project?
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
Athlete of the Week: High-scoring guard Ryder Rowden thrives as Springfield Catholic pushes the tempo.
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Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
January 22, 2026 at 10:25 PM
Athlete of the Week: High-scoring guard Ryder Rowden thrives as Springfield Catholic pushes the tempo.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
FREE TO ALL READERS: Following a speech by Rep. Cecelie Williams, the Missouri House voted 138-10 to censure Springfield state Rep. Jeremy Dean for sending obscene and unwanted text messages to Williams in September 2025.
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Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/m...
January 22, 2026 at 9:54 PM
FREE TO ALL READERS: Following a speech by Rep. Cecelie Williams, the Missouri House voted 138-10 to censure Springfield state Rep. Jeremy Dean for sending obscene and unwanted text messages to Williams in September 2025.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/m...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/m...
OPINION: State Sen. Curtis Trent says Senate Bill 4 will ensure the next 50 years of Missouri’s energy future are as reliable and affordable as the last. It focuses on strategic planning, rebuilding wisely and facing the real causes of rising energy costs.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
January 22, 2026 at 9:42 PM
OPINION: State Sen. Curtis Trent says Senate Bill 4 will ensure the next 50 years of Missouri’s energy future are as reliable and affordable as the last. It focuses on strategic planning, rebuilding wisely and facing the real causes of rising energy costs.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Nichole Baker, mother of a Central High School student, says the school's leadership gave students a voice and agency in Tuesday's walkout in support of immigrants.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
January 22, 2026 at 9:15 PM
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Nichole Baker, mother of a Central High School student, says the school's leadership gave students a voice and agency in Tuesday's walkout in support of immigrants.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
IN-DEPTH: The GLO Center is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary. As Missouri's oldest LGBTQ+ community center approaches that milestone, reporter Zoe McIntyre examines Springfield's complicated LGBTQ+ history.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/in-depth/spr...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/in-depth/spr...
January 22, 2026 at 6:03 PM
IN-DEPTH: The GLO Center is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary. As Missouri's oldest LGBTQ+ community center approaches that milestone, reporter Zoe McIntyre examines Springfield's complicated LGBTQ+ history.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/in-depth/spr...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/in-depth/spr...
Edward Miller, a World War II Navy veteran, will turn 100 years old on Jan. 25. He told our Steve Pokin about his service in the military and life in Springfield. He also shared what keeps him going.
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Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
January 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Edward Miller, a World War II Navy veteran, will turn 100 years old on Jan. 25. He told our Steve Pokin about his service in the military and life in Springfield. He also shared what keeps him going.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
OPINION: Springfield state Rep. Betsy Fogle says Gov. Mike Kehoe's proposal to eliminate the state's income tax would burden Springfield families by raising sales taxes and adding new taxes on services.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
January 22, 2026 at 2:52 PM
OPINION: Springfield state Rep. Betsy Fogle says Gov. Mike Kehoe's proposal to eliminate the state's income tax would burden Springfield families by raising sales taxes and adding new taxes on services.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/voices-opini...
FREE TO ALL READERS: The city of Springfield will host a “visioning workshop” on Jan. 26 to discuss how a new convention and event center “could play a significant role in ensuring Springfield’s growth and vitality.”
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
January 21, 2026 at 8:58 PM
FREE TO ALL READERS: The city of Springfield will host a “visioning workshop” on Jan. 26 to discuss how a new convention and event center “could play a significant role in ensuring Springfield’s growth and vitality.”
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
The Board of Education has elected to retain Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Grenita Lathan and extend her contract for another year. The board cited improvements in academic performance, graduation, attendance and behavior.
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Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/supe...
January 21, 2026 at 7:18 PM
The Board of Education has elected to retain Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Grenita Lathan and extend her contract for another year. The board cited improvements in academic performance, graduation, attendance and behavior.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/supe...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/supe...
The Singing Doctors of Springfield, Missouri, once entertained audiences from Arizona to New Jersey with their zany musical comedy. Though their voices have stilled, they seeded a scholarship fund that has grown for decades.
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Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
January 21, 2026 at 6:04 PM
The Singing Doctors of Springfield, Missouri, once entertained audiences from Arizona to New Jersey with their zany musical comedy. Though their voices have stilled, they seeded a scholarship fund that has grown for decades.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Springfield police say Willis King, 57, of Fordland, died in Monday's three-vehicle crash on Highway 65. King retired from the Springfield Fire Department in 2018, having served the Springfield community for 24 years.
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Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
January 21, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Springfield police say Willis King, 57, of Fordland, died in Monday's three-vehicle crash on Highway 65. King retired from the Springfield Fire Department in 2018, having served the Springfield community for 24 years.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
A former teacher’s aide with the Greene Valley State School has been charged with child abuse for allegedly putting the victim in a “choke hold.” The alleged victim is a 17-year-old nonspeaking student who has autism.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/k12-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/k12-...
January 21, 2026 at 4:30 PM
A former teacher’s aide with the Greene Valley State School has been charged with child abuse for allegedly putting the victim in a “choke hold.” The alleged victim is a 17-year-old nonspeaking student who has autism.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/k12-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/k12-...
New Central football coach John Ely, 25, told the Daily Citizen he is excited about the opportunity to lead the Bulldogs and build a positive football culture from the ground up.
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Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
January 21, 2026 at 3:37 PM
New Central football coach John Ely, 25, told the Daily Citizen he is excited about the opportunity to lead the Bulldogs and build a positive football culture from the ground up.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
About 200 students gathered on Central High School's front steps on Jan. 20 to show support for immigrants. Called a walkout, the student-led event lasted about 20 minutes, and no incidents were reported.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
January 21, 2026 at 2:13 PM
About 200 students gathered on Central High School's front steps on Jan. 20 to show support for immigrants. Called a walkout, the student-led event lasted about 20 minutes, and no incidents were reported.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...
FREE TO ALL READERS: State Rep. Jeff Knight (Lebanon) is sponsoring a bill that would effectively exempt Springfield zoning regulations from the referendum process. He says “business groups and some developers” have pushed for the legislation.
Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/government/m...
Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/government/m...
January 20, 2026 at 7:18 PM
FREE TO ALL READERS: State Rep. Jeff Knight (Lebanon) is sponsoring a bill that would effectively exempt Springfield zoning regulations from the referendum process. He says “business groups and some developers” have pushed for the legislation.
Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/government/m...
Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/government/m...
Willard Police Chief Tom McClain needs a life-saving double-lung transplant. As he prepares to join the waiting list for his surgery, the Willard community is rallying around him with both an online fundraiser and a special event on Jan. 23.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
January 20, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Willard Police Chief Tom McClain needs a life-saving double-lung transplant. As he prepares to join the waiting list for his surgery, the Willard community is rallying around him with both an online fundraiser and a special event on Jan. 23.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
Kate Francis' move from the city-owned Springfield Art Museum to the nonprofit Friends of the Springfield Art Museum won't change much for her day-to-day. She will continue to raise money, but now she says she can be more present and forward-facing.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
January 20, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Kate Francis' move from the city-owned Springfield Art Museum to the nonprofit Friends of the Springfield Art Museum won't change much for her day-to-day. She will continue to raise money, but now she says she can be more present and forward-facing.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Springfield police are encouraging motorists to avoid northbound Highway 65 after a fatal crash near Division Street, around 9 a.m. on Jan. 20. Northbound traffic is being diverted at Chestnut Expressway. Southbound traffic is not impacted.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
January 20, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Springfield police are encouraging motorists to avoid northbound Highway 65 after a fatal crash near Division Street, around 9 a.m. on Jan. 20. Northbound traffic is being diverted at Chestnut Expressway. Southbound traffic is not impacted.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...
OPINION: Lyndal Scranton says the St. Louis Cardinals have committed to a full-blown youth movement, and it appears this season will have more of a Springfield flavor than ever before. These former Springfield Cardinals will be competing for starting spots.
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Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
January 20, 2026 at 3:06 PM
OPINION: Lyndal Scranton says the St. Louis Cardinals have committed to a full-blown youth movement, and it appears this season will have more of a Springfield flavor than ever before. These former Springfield Cardinals will be competing for starting spots.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...