Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How new phone data could change Springfield’s most crash-prone streets

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

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Wednesday December 24th Patch AM
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Good morning Springfield! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How new phone data could change Springfield’s most crash-prone streets
  • Why a beloved Springfield soul food favorite suddenly shut its doors
  • Are your Christmas gift boxes tipping off Springfield thieves?

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: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Wednesday: Increasingly windy, with a high of 73 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Thursday: Windy, warm, temps: high: 74, low: 58.
  • Friday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 73 and low of 50 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Springfield traffic engineers use cellphone data to analyze crashes, near-misses (sgfcitizen.org) — Springfield drivers are being closely studied as city engineers use cellphone-based telematics and AI-enhanced cameras to pinpoint where crashes and near-misses are happening, especially along South Campbell Avenue and key intersections like Campbell and Grand. The new 2024 Crash Report lets Public Works quickly test fixes such as LED stop signs and supports the Safer Streets SGF push to cut serious injuries and deaths.
   

2. Queen City Soul Kitchen closes doors after 5-year Springfield run (sgfcitizen.org) — A well-loved Springfield spot, Queen City Soul Kitchen, has permanently closed after five years, citing rising food and operating costs. The soul food restaurant, which once ran multiple Springfield-area locations and prioritized hiring people with disabilities and past incarceration, ended service Dec. 21, leaving fans without one of the city’s few dedicated soul food options.
   

3. Springfield police warn against advertising new gifts to potential thieves (ky3.com) — Springfield police are urging residents to hide or break down boxes from new TVs, gaming systems, and other gifts so they don’t advertise valuables to thieves. Officers also recommend locking doors, using outdoor lighting and cameras, and waiting to post travel plans on social media. These simple steps aim to cut holiday-season burglaries in Springfield neighborhoods.
   

4. Ozark names detective their top cop of 2025 (ozarksfirst.com) — Ozark police have named Detective Dillon Johnson their 2025 Officer of the Year, highlighting his investigative work and drone piloting skills. Johnson previously served with the Springfield Police Department and continues to impact the broader region through his work supporting the Ozark community.
   

5. Springfield stores see strong last‑minute holiday sales as shoppers navigate economic pressures (ozarksfirst.com) — Springfield retailers are seeing a strong last-minute holiday rush, with shoppers packing local stores while still watching their budgets. Owners of shops like Just For Him and Clothes Mentor report higher per-visit spending and brisk traffic, even as national economic indicators send mixed signals. Many families say they’re being more intentional about where and how they spend in Springfield.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • EDIT: We found his owner.
    Unfortunately, they just let him roam around outside without a collar or being neutered. But he does have a home! Thanks everyone for the suggestions… (Nextdoor Coryell Courts)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
    Cheeto was LOST on December 19, 2025 in Springfield, MO 65802 near O'Reilly's Kansas and Division area Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest… (Nextdoor Grant Beach)
  • Norton Road, East of Melville Road (Farm Road 127), to OPEN in #Springfield 11. Wednesday, December 24 #MoDOTSW... (X: MoDOT_Southwest)
  • From lighting up Springfield to keeping the water flowing and buses running, we’re proud to power your holidays. Happy Holidays from all of us at... (X: cityutilities)
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Bakery Wrapper / Clean Up 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 got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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