Jeff Kessinger
@jkessingersgf.bsky.social
Reader Engagement Editor, Springfield Daily Citizen | #OldHead | he/him/his | Opinions my own
This is such a good day. It’s Victoria day. She’s 25 now, a whole quarter-century. She is fierce and brave and soft and loving and I wish the whole world could meet her. Thank you for being your inimitable self. Thank you for letting me be your dad. I love you infinitely.
November 22, 2025 at 1:43 AM
This is such a good day. It’s Victoria day. She’s 25 now, a whole quarter-century. She is fierce and brave and soft and loving and I wish the whole world could meet her. Thank you for being your inimitable self. Thank you for letting me be your dad. I love you infinitely.
It’s mid-November. The Bears are still playing meaningful games and folks are talking about bowl game possibilities. I hope MO State fans are reveling in this season. No matter how it ends, it’s been a great FBS debut.
OPINION: Missouri State avoided a potential letdown against UTEP on Nov. 15, shaking off a third-quarter slump to earn a homecoming victory and ensure a winning season in its FBS debut. Lyndal Scranton says these Bears continue to prove they're different.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
November 18, 2025 at 1:05 AM
It’s mid-November. The Bears are still playing meaningful games and folks are talking about bowl game possibilities. I hope MO State fans are reveling in this season. No matter how it ends, it’s been a great FBS debut.
A powerful theater experience has been crafted with care by Sarah Jenkins and Imari Stout at High Tide Theatrical — an it only runs this weekend. I'm thankful for a production about mental health that isn't a band-aid and aims to create connection to remind us we are never alone.
High Tide Theatrical's interactive "Every Brilliant Thing" examines heavy themes, like depression and suicide. Actor Sarah Jenkins and director Imari Stout, who have formed a friendship behind the scenes, hope audience members leave with a little hope.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
November 14, 2025 at 6:50 PM
A powerful theater experience has been crafted with care by Sarah Jenkins and Imari Stout at High Tide Theatrical — an it only runs this weekend. I'm thankful for a production about mental health that isn't a band-aid and aims to create connection to remind us we are never alone.
My wife just said, “Well, I went through this short-lived Steppenwolf phase…”
Sheesh. You think you know someone, you know?
Sheesh. You think you know someone, you know?
November 11, 2025 at 3:03 AM
My wife just said, “Well, I went through this short-lived Steppenwolf phase…”
Sheesh. You think you know someone, you know?
Sheesh. You think you know someone, you know?
As a fan, I don't get too worked up over DI v DII games. They can be hard for my untrained eye to analyze. I was just happy to watch some basketball.
Missouri State’s revamped interior stepped up big in a season-opening win over Division II Missouri Southern.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
November 5, 2025 at 3:24 PM
As a fan, I don't get too worked up over DI v DII games. They can be hard for my untrained eye to analyze. I was just happy to watch some basketball.
I was voter No. 57 at my polling place, which had been open for 8.5 hours. Just abysmal turnout. Don’t give away your power! Vote!
November 4, 2025 at 10:58 PM
I was voter No. 57 at my polling place, which had been open for 8.5 hours. Just abysmal turnout. Don’t give away your power! Vote!
Go vote, babies!
It's Election Day and polling places across Missouri are open until 7 p.m. Check out our free Voting Guide before you cast your ballot and keep an eye on the Daily Citizen's website and social media channels today for updates.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/e...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/e...
November 4, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Go vote, babies!
Great time for sports in my house. Looking forward to watching these Bears and Lady Bears.
Missouri State's Lady Bears tip off the college basketball season tonight, followed by the Bears on Tuesday. Faith Lee and former Central standout Tyrique Brooks played against Missouri State last season. This year, they're both wearing maroon.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
November 3, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Great time for sports in my house. Looking forward to watching these Bears and Lady Bears.
I'll be honest. I'm probably going to start the Christmas music this week, even with 70-degree weather in Springfield. Don't deny yourself a little joy if you need it. Life is hard and weird and you deserve to feel good.
November 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
I'll be honest. I'm probably going to start the Christmas music this week, even with 70-degree weather in Springfield. Don't deny yourself a little joy if you need it. Life is hard and weird and you deserve to feel good.
I don’t usually dress up for Halloween, but this year I was feeling like a little stinker. 🦨
October 31, 2025 at 10:54 PM
I don’t usually dress up for Halloween, but this year I was feeling like a little stinker. 🦨
Weekday CUSA has been a lot of fun, mostly because the Bears are 2-0 on Wednesdays. Can they make it three in a row?
It's a Missouri State football game day, as the Bears host FIU at 7 p.m. in Weekday CUSA action. Get ready for kickoff with Ryan Collingwood's notebook. He says MO State's offensive line has exhibited fortitude in league play.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
October 29, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Weekday CUSA has been a lot of fun, mostly because the Bears are 2-0 on Wednesdays. Can they make it three in a row?
We did it, babies. We made it to Winter Grind season!
October 27, 2025 at 10:12 PM
We did it, babies. We made it to Winter Grind season!
From the inbox: A poll says Springfield's National Cemetery is the scariest graveyard in Missouri. "Civil War soldiers from both sides rest here, and legend says visitors sometimes hear murmured voices that sound like men swapping watch duty."
October 24, 2025 at 7:16 PM
From the inbox: A poll says Springfield's National Cemetery is the scariest graveyard in Missouri. "Civil War soldiers from both sides rest here, and legend says visitors sometimes hear murmured voices that sound like men swapping watch duty."
Keisha McMillen is hesitant to call herself a visual artist, so I'll do it for her. Her work is part of a cool new traveling exhibition called "Nevertheless, She Persisted." You can see it now, for free, at the new C-Art Gallery on Historic Commercial Street.
A new Springfield-based traveling exhibition is giving artists like Keisha McMillen a new avenue to share their work. Founders say "Nevertheless, She Persisted" is growing quickly and organically. Here's where you can see it.
Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
October 24, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Keisha McMillen is hesitant to call herself a visual artist, so I'll do it for her. Her work is part of a cool new traveling exhibition called "Nevertheless, She Persisted." You can see it now, for free, at the new C-Art Gallery on Historic Commercial Street.
Gonna try to stay up for all of this one, but we'll see.
It's a Missouri State game day, as the Bears visit New Mexico State for a Weekday CUSA showdown. Get ready for the 8 p.m. kickoff with preview stories, features and more from Ryan Collingwood.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/tag/missouri...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/tag/missouri...
October 22, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Gonna try to stay up for all of this one, but we'll see.
I am no longer on vacation.
October 20, 2025 at 3:53 PM
I am no longer on vacation.
Fun way to eeeeease back into things after a week off.
UPDATE: The Amazon Web Services outage has caused a delay in sending Monday's edition of SGF A.M. It will be shipped to your inboxes as soon as the outage is resolved. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
October 20, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Fun way to eeeeease back into things after a week off.
I felt so honored to be invited to a preview of Queen City Shakespeare Co.’s Shakespeare on Tap: Romeo & Julie-ale. I’m still laughing. There aren’t many tickets left for this fundraiser, so if you’ve been considering it, you’d better add to cart now.
October 16, 2025 at 2:12 AM
I felt so honored to be invited to a preview of Queen City Shakespeare Co.’s Shakespeare on Tap: Romeo & Julie-ale. I’m still laughing. There aren’t many tickets left for this fundraiser, so if you’ve been considering it, you’d better add to cart now.
I am on vacation.
October 14, 2025 at 1:25 AM
I am on vacation.
When Springfield Contemporary Theatre closed earlier this year, I felt sad Springfield wasn't going to get to see Mosaic Arts Collective's version of "Hairspray." Shoulda known the forces of nature that are Amanda Snead and Nki Calloway would find a way to make it happen.
When Mosaic Arts Collective lost its partner in staging "Hairspray" this fall, it decided to push forward with the cult musical on its own. The community has rallied behind the production, which opens tonight at the Historic Fox Theatre.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
October 10, 2025 at 8:40 PM
When Springfield Contemporary Theatre closed earlier this year, I felt sad Springfield wasn't going to get to see Mosaic Arts Collective's version of "Hairspray." Shoulda known the forces of nature that are Amanda Snead and Nki Calloway would find a way to make it happen.
High Tide Theatrical's annual tradition is back: "The Rocky Horror Show" opens tonight. It's the last time you'll see Grace Billingsley play Janet. I appreciate her sharing with me what this character means to her and how her father helped encourage her on her path.
Grace Billingsley says High Tide Theatrical's 2025 production of "The Rocky Horror Show" is bigger and better than ever. It's also the last time she'll play Janet, a character that means so much to her.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
October 10, 2025 at 8:38 PM
High Tide Theatrical's annual tradition is back: "The Rocky Horror Show" opens tonight. It's the last time you'll see Grace Billingsley play Janet. I appreciate her sharing with me what this character means to her and how her father helped encourage her on her path.
I had so much fun meeting Andrea Copeland and Lori Casey from I Love Springfield, MO! And learning about the 2025-2026 Ozarks Coffee Trail. There are 40 stops and some cool prizes. I’m looking forward to visiting some old favorites and trying out new spots!
October 2, 2025 at 10:13 PM
I had so much fun meeting Andrea Copeland and Lori Casey from I Love Springfield, MO! And learning about the 2025-2026 Ozarks Coffee Trail. There are 40 stops and some cool prizes. I’m looking forward to visiting some old favorites and trying out new spots!
Had to sneak downtown for a second to see how things are coming along on Overlay's 2025 mural. It's incredible how different that area feels now that some of the mural is up. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Artists Osiris Rain and Emily Ding are already at work on the six-story mural that is the centerpiece of this year's Overlay Fest, this Friday and Saturday in downtown Springfield. Here's what you need to know before you go to the festival.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...
October 2, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Had to sneak downtown for a second to see how things are coming along on Overlay's 2025 mural. It's incredible how different that area feels now that some of the mural is up. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Whoa!
NEW: The Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment will bring a concert series to Hammons Field as early as spring 2026. Ryan Collins has details on the partnership between the Gillioz and the Springfield Cardinals.
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...
Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...
October 1, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Whoa!
Big community events don't happen without volunteer help and right now, Overlay is in need of volunteers. Want to help create magic in downtown Springfield? Here's where you can sign up!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
2025 Overlay Volunteer Application Form
Overlay 2025: Volunteer Application Form
Thanks for your interest in Overlay Mural Art & Culture Festival. We are gearing up for our returning event on October 3 & 4, 2025 and we’re on the lookout for...
docs.google.com
September 30, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Big community events don't happen without volunteer help and right now, Overlay is in need of volunteers. Want to help create magic in downtown Springfield? Here's where you can sign up!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...