Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How did Springfield end up with not one, but two zoos?

Also check out Time Travel Half-Marathon (and 5k/10k) - Springfield on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Greetings Springfield! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did Springfield end up with not one, but two zoos?
  • How is Springfield’s Gillioz Theatre marking its 100th anniversary?
  • What led to a 12-year kidnapping sentence for this Springfield woman?

Also on today's calendar: Time Travel Half-Marathon (and 5k/10k) - Springfield and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: How many sheep does it take to make a sweater? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Breezy, warm, with a high of 74 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Sunday: A couple of showers, temps: high: 71, low: 18. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Sunshine, breezy and colder, with a high of 30 and low of 17 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Before Dickerson Park Zoo, two men had an exotic ambition (sgfcitizen.org) — Springfield’s Dickerson Park Zoo has roots in an ambitious 1890s zoological park that once drew crowds for exotic animals, springs, and even a Frederick Douglass speech. This in-depth history traces how local businessmen, civic boosters, and later community supporters transformed the site into today’s accredited conservation-focused zoo that still shapes Springfield’s identity and recreation options.
   

2. Podcast: Historic Gillioz Theatre prepares to celebrate 100 years of operation (sgfcitizen.org) — Springfield’s Historic Gillioz Theatre is gearing up to celebrate its 100th year after rebounding from near-closure and the challenges of COVID. Podcast host and former Springfield mayor Tom Carlson talks with executive director Geoff Steele about the theater’s revival, its expanding role booking shows at other venues, and what’s planned for the centennial celebration.
   

3. Springfield woman gets 12-year sentence for child kidnapping (ozarksfirst.com) — A Springfield woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after entering an Alford plea in a 2024 case involving kidnapping, child endangerment and vehicle tampering. Police say she was found with two young children who weren’t hers after a separate truck theft left a woman with dementia injured, but both children were safely returned to their mother.
   

4. Indiana-bound swimmer Emma Belk continues to represent Springfield well on national stage (sgfcitizen.org) — Springfield Catholic senior and Springfield Aquatics standout Emma Belk is bringing national attention to Springfield after a sixth-place finish in the 200-yard butterfly at Junior Nationals. The Indiana University commit reflects on training roots at local pools, her meticulous preparation, and upcoming meets as she chases more records while still representing her hometown program.
   

5. Mental health experts urge holiday check-ins despite lower suicide rates (ky3.com) — Springfield residents are being urged to check in on friends and family over the holidays, even though national data show November and December have the lowest suicide rates. Local and regional mental health experts stress that depression, irritability, and isolation can still spike now and into January, and they highlight the 988 crisis line and Missouri-specific resources for anyone needing support.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Scruffy came back today.
    After a 3 day exploration, I guess he figured out where the food bowl is always full. And the belly scratches are the best (Nextdoor Woodland Heights)
  • T’was the night before Christmas and all thru the teepee
    Not an eyelid was shut because nobody was sleepy. The Wal-Mart bags were hung by the fire so neat, Hoping Chief Nick would fill them up with smoked… (Nextdoor Kay Pointe)
  • Springfield police officers shoot suspect after domestic disturbance... (X: springfieldNL)
  • Springfield police officers responding to a domestic disturbance on Christmas Eve shot and seriously injured a suspect who was holding a victim... (X: sgfcitizen)
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Lowe's posted a job opening for Full Time - Receiver/Stocker - Overnight 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 have no idea. I didn’t even know sheep could knit.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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