Shannon Cay

It thrills me when I see men having to wait in a bathroom line.

I danced with a random family in the parking lot of the Golden Corral today. Life is worth living.

Let it be known that I love a good hobby. But... My heart goes out to the woman sitting behind the guy learning to draw manga porn at the Coffee Ethic right now.

Cheers! 🍸

Greene County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a young female whose body was found on Jan. 28, 2025. (Photo: Shannon Cay)

Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott calls the suspicious death of a juvenile yesterday a "horrible tragedy." The young female has not been publicly identified and the investigation is ongoing.

Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...

White House Says It Is Opening Briefing Room to “Podcasters, Social Media Influencers and Content Creators” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the new policy during her first press briefing Tuesday.

Yet again, influencers are not journalists.

www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/politic...

Emily Quick and Minda Weigand, the stepmother-daughter duo behind 417 Moth Market, bring a darkly delightful twist to Valentine’s Day with their Love Bites Market at Relics Event Center. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

Looking for Valentine's plans in Springfield? Shannon Cay has your guide to dining, live music, comedy and the Love Bites Market, which brings together 45 vendors celebrating the darker side of romance.

Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

The building at 208 W. McDaniel St. in downtown Springfield will soon house The Almighty Sando Shop, as it takes over the former Sandwich Scene location. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

It's a sandwich shop switcheroo! The Sandwich Scene has closed its doors downtown, but Ryan Collins reports that popular food truck The Almighty Sando Shop is taking over the spot on West McDaniel Street.

Read it; sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

Passover Seder at YMCA for Enlisted Jewish Soldiers. O’Reilly General Hospital. April 19th, 1943. (Photo: Collection of the History Museum on the Square)

Today is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. A new exhibit opening at the History Museum on the Square on Feb. 5 will highlight the history and contributions of Springfield’s Jewish community from the 1860s to the present day.

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Look at my dog Saga. She demands it! (And she looks serious)

Mayor Ken McClure challenges Springfield residents to “start cleaning, stay engaged, and share your progress” as part of the Clean Green Springfield initiative. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

Mayor Ken McClure is challenging the community for a cleaner and greener Springfield in 2025 and Jack McGee reports the city’s Department of Environmental Services is exploring ways to improve the Integrated Solid Waste Management System.

Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...

Tropical Liqueurs stands at 420 S. Campbell Ave. in Springfield. The downtown bar, known for its frozen alcoholic drinks, recently announced its closure. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

After about 20 years in downtown Springfield, Tropical Liqueurs has closed its doors permanently. Trops, as it was known to many, specialized in frozen treats with a liquor kick.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

The Greene County Judicial Courts Facility at 1010 Boonville in Springfield, Missouri. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

Days before his trial for a 2021 fatal shooting in downtown Springfield was scheduled to start, the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the case against Thomas Haynes. @jackierehwald.bsky.social reports charges could be refiled.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...

'They're very protective of me,' explains Holly Hesse as Bailey and Reba remain by her side during the heartfelt thank-you meeting with Springfield Fire Department's water rescue team. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

Retired Missouri State softball coach Holly Hesse thanked the Springfield Fire Department Water Rescue Team after it saved her and her dogs from an icy pond on Sunday. @jackierehwald.bsky.social reports staying calm and calling 911 helped save Hesse's life.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/government/c...

The facilities of ROi, CPS, LLC. are located in Republic. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

ROi CPS, LLC will close its Republic facility and lay off 109 employees. Ryan Collins reports employees will be terminated beginning in March.

Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

Lynn Parman, left, chair of the Missouri State University board of Governors, listens to Richard “Biff” Williams answer a question during a “town hall” type meeting in the theatre at Plaster Student Union on the campus of Missouri State University on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024. (Photo by Jym Wilson)

A Sunshine Law request has revealed that key university employees, not search committee members, handled reference checks during Missouri State's search for a new president. @joehadsall.bsky.social has details on why the original plan was changed.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/schools/spri...

A closer look at McDonald Arena’s trim work and sculptures carved into it showcases the art-deco architecture on campus. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

Steve Pokin has heard you loud and clear: Jim Croce did, indeed, perform at McDonald Arena. In a follow-up Pokin Around column, he shares readers' memories of Croce's show and several others.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/steve-pokin-...

Marchers cross the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge in Springfield. (2023 Photo by Jym Wilson)

Springfield will commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a downtown march followed by a program at the Gillioz Theatre. The theme of that program is “Creating the Beloved Community.”

Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/government/s...

Mike Slavych credits his food truck experience for laying the foundation of his Springfield-based barbecue business. (Photo by Shannon Cay)

Barbecue food truck Q66 is opening a brick-and-mortar location in north Springfield. Texas-raised owner Mike Slavych has big plans for the East Kearney location that could include other food vendors.

Learn more: sgfcitizen.org/economy-grow...

Find stark but beautiful winter landscapes while hiking in Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in Republic. (Photo by Sony Hocklander)

Even on a snowy winter day, the trails at Fellows Lake are a great place to get some fresh air and exercise. (Photo by Dayle Johnson)

The short, hilly Cedar Gap trail, only 35 minutes from Springfield, makes a nice winter hike. (Photo by Sony Hocklander)

Believe it or not, winter is a great time to get outside and explore the trails. Sony Hocklander has a roundup of scenic spots to suit every hiker, from local trails in Springfield to road trip-worthy destinations across the Ozarks.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...