Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How a costly Skateland break-in still won’t stop the skating
And on the Springfield Patch calendar - Ozarks Lyric Opera
What's up Springfield! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How a costly Skateland break-in still won’t stop the skating
- Why are Springfield seniors still waiting for working elevators?
- How did a Springfield Catholic sharpshooter torch Central Christian from deep?
Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings and 7 more events.
Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Windy; rain in the morning, with a high of 57 and low of 22 degrees.
- Friday: Breezy in the afternoon, temps: high: 48, low: 40.
- Saturday: Breezy with clouds and sun, with a high of 60 and low of 30 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Thieves steal copper from Skateland air conditioning units in Springfield (ky3.com) — A longtime Springfield favorite, Skateland, is facing more than $40,000 in damage after thieves ripped copper from its air conditioning units, yet the rink is staying open while repairs are made. The owner says the break-in is a blow to a place that has welcomed generations of local families and remains a popular gathering spot for kids and parents alike. 
2. Jenny Lind residents endure another week without elevators (ozarksfirst.com) — Residents of the Jenny Lind Apartments in Springfield are still climbing stairs nearly two years after their elevators failed, despite repairs being finished. A federal funding delay has stalled final payment to the elevator company, leaving many elderly and disabled tenants struggling daily while the city, HUD, and the property owner work to release money and reopen at least one elevator next week.
3. Howell's 33 points leads Drury past Saints (ozarksfirst.com) — Springfield hoops fans just saw a show: Drury’s men snapped a five-game skid at home behind Springfield Catholic junior Zach Howell’s blistering 33-point, 11-of-12 three-point performance. With Isaiah Otyaluk adding 25, the Panthers dominated Central Christian 137–62 to open a six-game home stand in Springfield.
4. Springfield candlelight vigil aims to end animal cruelty (ky3.com) — Animal advocates in Springfield gathered for a candlelight vigil to call attention to animal cruelty and remember abused dogs and cats. Rescue One highlighted a recent local case where six dogs were found dead and three starving puppies were rescued from a Springfield yard, using the event to teach residents how to spot and report suspected abuse.
5. Brad Pitt: Bio And Career Highlights (boredpanda.com) — One of Hollywood’s biggest stars actually grew up in Springfield where Brad Pitt spent his childhood before heading to Kickapoo High School and then the University of Missouri. The profile tracks his rise from Ozarks roots to Oscar-winning actor and producer, touching on his major films, production company, and high-profile relationships.
📸 Around Springfield
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Ozarks Lyric Opera
Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central E, Springfield
7:30 pm
Friday December 19
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Chanukah on the Square
Springfield, MO Calendar , Park Central Square 100 Park Central Square , Springfield - STI Clinic Appointments
Springfield, MO Calendar Springfield, MO 65802 - Ozark Region Workforce Development Board & Council of Local Elected Officials Joint Meeting
Springfield, MO Calendar
9:00 am - Santa's Wonderland Ice Rink
Springfield, MO Calendar , Bass Pro 1 Bass Pro Drive , Springfield
10:00 am - Santa Weekends 2025
Springfield, MO Calendar , Park Central Square 100 Park Central Square , Springfield
5:00 pm - Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
Stone Chapel , Springfield
6:30 pm - Chanukah on the Square
Springfield, MO Calendar , Park Central Square 100 Park Central Square , Springfield - Santa's Wonderland Ice Rink
Springfield, MO Calendar , Bass Pro 1 Bass Pro Drive , Springfield
10:00 am - Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
Stone Chapel at Drury University Drury University Springfield, Missouri 65802
8:45 pm
Friday December 19
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
📣 Springfield Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- BB vs Rogersville
Glendale High Springfield, MO 65802
6:00 pm - The AI Collective Springfield Chapter
4 By 4 Brewing Company - Fremont Hills , 9003 Sawgrass Ave , Nixa
6:00 pm - Orchestra Concert with Hillcrest @ Hillcrest
Hillcrest Springfield, MO 65802
6:30 pm - SELF CARE SATURDAY SOUND BATH
Lavish Sound , 7342 W Farm Rd 170 b , Republic
10:30 am
Thursday December 18
Saturday December 20
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
FOUND on December 15, 2025 in Springfield, MO 65804 near Kirkwood Glendale Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Ozark Highlands) - PUPPIES!!!!
Free to a GOOD home!!! These little guys are ready to go!! They’re Dalmatian/lab and blue healer/possible lab mix… there’s 8 of them left. 6 female… (Nextdoor Doling)
- Flooded roads this fall and complaints from neighbors have led to a new stormwater plan for a controversial Ozark development. Greenbridge Estates... (X: sgfcitizen)
- The Board of Education will host a combined meeting tonight at 5:30. WATCH LIVE: (X: officialSPS)
- Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Springfield. Apply here.
- Atrium Hospitality posted a job opening for Housekeeping Laundry Attendant in Springfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Springfield here.
Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
