Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How the reopened Norton Road bridge is changing north Springfield commutes

Also, don't miss Time Travel Half-Marathon (and 5k/10k) - Springfield on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Hey there, Springfield! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How the reopened Norton Road bridge is changing north Springfield commutes
  • Thinking about fostering? See what Springfield experts say you should know.
  • How a 1955 phone mix-up made Springfield part of Santa-tracking lore

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: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Windy, warm, with a high of 73 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Friday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 71, low: 53.
  • Saturday: Breezy, warm, with a high of 74 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Major Springfield road reopens (ozarksfirst.com) — Drivers in north Springfield can once again use East Norton Road at Melville Road, as MoDOT has reopened the route after replacing the Melville Road bridge. Nearby residents say the new span dramatically shortens trips for work, shopping, and medical appointments, though some longtime neighbors are now worried about drivers rolling through a nearby stop sign.
   

2. Missouri, Arkansas need foster families as thousands of children await homes (ky3.com) — From Springfield, advocates are stressing how urgently Missouri and Arkansas need more foster families, especially with hundreds of Greene County children seeking stable homes. A local foster mom and the director of Foster Adopt Connect’s Springfield office explain the rewards of fostering and outline basic state requirements for anyone considering opening their home.
   

3. The story behind NORAD's efforts to track Santa (ky3.com) — Springfield families tuning into NORAD’s Santa Tracker this Christmas Eve are part of a 70‑year tradition that now uses web-based calling and live translation in 200 languages. A NORAD officer explains how a misprinted phone number in 1955 sparked today’s global effort, supported by about 1,000 volunteers answering kids’ questions about Santa’s journey.
   

4. Decking the halls (theweek.com subscription) — Springfield resident Mike Bagwell has turned his home into a massive holiday display, investing about $130,000 and 270,000 LED lights to delight the community. His story anchors a broader look at America’s decorating habits, rising decoration costs tied to tariffs on Chinese imports, and how festive lights, inflatables, and ornaments evolved over time.
   

📸 Around Springfield

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My name is Jack Sprat.
    My Dad and I moved to an assisted living location on S Fremont near Battlefield. I slipped out within minutes of arriving. I'm shy but if anyone… (Nextdoor Seminole/Holland)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
    FOUND on December 17, 2025 in Springfield, MO 65803 near Kansas Ave and Florida St near the train yeard 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)
  • Ross Stores posted a job opening for Early Morning Stock Associate in Springfield. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Freezer, Cooler and Deli Stocker Associate 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 guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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