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Hey Springfield, hope your week’s off to a good start! Ozarks temple construction, smoke detector recall, The Second City show, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Second Ozarks temple advances: Construction is underway at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ new Springfield temple on a 38-acre site, with building permits pending and no timeline announced for opening — read the full story.
Nationwide search yields leader: Springfield Public Schools has hired Doug Van Zyl as deputy superintendent of operations, overseeing facilities, transportation, and construction. He brings 30 years of experience and served as superintendent in Minnesota — read his background and duties.
Home safety risk identified: CPSC recalled L-Shome Photoelectric smoke detector 3-packs for failing to sound, sold on Amazon February 2024 to December 2025, and Springfield buyers should contact the manufacturer for a refund — read the full recall details.
Proposed change in school assessments: Missouri lawmakers advance a bill to require gifted testing before third grade. Springfield Public Schools test all second graders, but funding concerns persist as the measure moves to the Senate — get details on the bill.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why precious metals are back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Improving pathways to care: The Arc of the Ozarks is expanding its Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center in Springfield to serve more children and cut wait times for evaluations and therapy. Families across southwest Missouri should see more clinical services and easier access. The nonprofit has supported the region for nearly 60 years. Learn how services will expand.
Comedy lineage on full display: The Best of The Second City is set for tomorrow, Feb. 25, at the Aetos Theater in Nixa to celebrate 60 years. Expect sketch and improv from performers who share roots with Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert, plus a post-show talk on the show’s evolution. Get all the details.
Sweet tooth, handled: Bon Bon’s Candy House is your friendly neighborhood fix for classic sweets, chocolatey indulgences, and giftable treats that turn ho-hum weekdays into little celebrations. Perfect for inbox overload or homework havoc, their simple sugar magic makes the day feel easier.
Closet refresh, done right: Next to New has been Springfield’s low-key, non-profit consignment staple for 60+ years, with fresh finds landing daily. Expect quality without sticker shock, and the extra glow of knowing each haul helps fund local community work. Quiet treasure hunts, honest prices, lasting impact.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🥫 Canstruction @ Gloria Deo Academy | Wednesday (2/25) at 8:15 AM – Watch architects, artists, and overachievers stack thousands of canned goods into wild sculptures, then donate the lot to fight hunger. It’s part art show, part engineering flex, all for a good cause. Only here could a wall of beans feel like high culture.
🌱 Envelop Planter @ Art Zone | Wednesday (2/25) at 5:30 PM – Upgrade that blank wall with a hands-on craft that turns plain envelopes into delightful succulent planters. It is easy, tidy, and perfect for small spaces, so even the hallway looks intentional. Finally, a piece of mail you actually want to keep, water, and show off.
🍄 Foraging in the Ozarks @ Ozarks Farm Stop | Thursday (2/26) at 6:00 PM – Whether you call it poke sallet or nope, not that, Jeffery Goss from Ozarks Heritage Botanicals and Ozarks Agrarian News is dropping wisdom on foraging and biodynamics. It’s free, practical, and rooted in responsible practices, with a tour of medicinal plants our woods offer.
This weekend
🥞 National Pankcake Day Fundraiser @ Bair’s Sports Grill | Saturday (2/28) at 8:00 AM – Do good while putting away pancakes at the National Pancake Day fundraiser for WOW, where a $10 Venmo RSVP gets you on the list. Bring cash for the silent auction and raffle, door tickets are fine, and yes, drinks are included.
🎨 Artsy Alley @ Farmers Market of the Ozarks | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – If your gift drawer is looking suspiciously bare, stroll through Artsy Alley at Farmers Park and stock up on handmade candles, ceramics, leather goods, and the good soap. It is all local talent, zero mass-produced fluff, and plenty of neighborly chatter.
🌳 Learn To Grow-Trees @ Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – Skip another impulse tree purchase and hit the free, no-registration Master Gardeners class at the Springfield Botanical Center. Learn how to pick the right tree, plant it correctly, and keep it thriving, because that Bradford pear has had its moment.
🎨 Paint and Sip Fundraiser @ Painting with a Twist | Sunday (3/1) at 6:30 PM – Grab a seat, a sip, and paint Purry Night with a friendly guide, benefiting Tim Traps Cats, Ozarks TNR, and Stop Parvo. Zero art skills needed, just a sense of humor and a steady pour. Your canvas funds spay, neuter, and vaccines for Springfield’s unsheltered critters.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Springfield report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 60°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 60. South wind 13 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. Wind chill values as low as 39. West wind 3 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 65°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 0%
Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Southeast wind around 6 mph. Later: A chance of rain showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. Chance of precipitation is 50%.
This house is wild
Set on a rare double lot in Springfield’s prestigious Hickory Hills, this nearly 3,400 square foot single-level stunner blends luxury and accessibility. A chef’s kitchen boasts a built-in double-door refrigerator, double ovens, and a massive pantry. Sunlit bedrooms feature custom closets, including a dream-worthy primary closet. Outside, a heated, partially covered patio with stamped concrete surrounds a cozy fire pit.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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