Convoy of Hope deploys flood relief supplies to Georgia, Tennessee amid record disaster response year

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - As emergency crews carry out water rescues following catastrophic flooding across the Southeast, disaster relief teams based in the Ozarks are mobilizing to deliver critical relief supplies. Volunteers and staff at Convoy of Hope’s World Distribution Center in Springfield are assembling and loading tractor-trailers with emergency...

Spikes in Republic water/sewer billing scaled back from two to 12 years, officials propose slow roll water, sewer rate changes

The Republic City Council is considering a stunning reversal of the steep water and sewer rate increases approved in January 2025. At the city council’s Oct. 20 meeting, Chief Financial Officer Bob Ford introduced a budget amendment pulling back on the 64 percent increase in water and sewer rates in one year, which would continue to rise annually. After an outcry from the public, in March the city froze scheduled increases in water after the first year. Wastewater rates still increased by 16 percent. Under the vision statement of “doing the Right Thing at the Right Time for the Right Reason,” Ford advances what was called a “fairer” bill calculation methodology, “one that is equitable to all rate payers and can be used for both water and wastewater” for the next three years.

Barry County illegal re-entry case ends with a time-served sentence

A Guatemalan national has been sentenced to time served in federal custody for illegally reentering the United States following a previous deportation. Julien Cristobal-Perez, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas Harpool in connection with an illegal reentry offense committed May 25, 2026, in Barry County, Missouri. Cristobal-Perez received a sentence of time served after spending five months and 10 days in custody. He is to be transferred immediately to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody for deportation to his native Guatemala.

Ribbon cut on affordable housing development on C-Street

For the first time in over 50 years, there is a new building on Historic Commercial Street in Springfield. Amid a light cool drizzle and against a thrumming backdrop of trains, local leaders and developers Wednesday morning cut the ribbon on the Sankofa building. The development, at the intersection of...

Crews begin work on Sunshine Street safety improvements

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Some big changes are coming to Sunshine Street. On Monday, MODOT crews started working on safety improvements along just over four miles of East Sunshine, between Glenstone Avenue and Farm Road 199. The primary change will be raising the medians in order to help traffic flow and reduce the number of crashes […]

Beloved Robert E. Smith mural recreated in downtown Springfield after community outcry

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A celebrated tribute to renowned Springfield folk artist Robert E. Smith has returned to downtown Springfield, months after the original public artwork was painted over by a new property owner. A pair of regional muralists has nearly finished replicating the iconic piece along the 300 block...

Former Springfield leaders reflect on Cora Scott’s departure from city

Springfield voters reject all four city charter questions

Voters in Springfield rejected four ballot questions intended to modernize the city charter during the November 2026 election.

Branson to Honor Veterans During Annual Homecoming Week

The Branson community will once again have the honor and privilege of hosting veterans and their families in the days to come during the annual Veteran’s Homecoming Week. From Thursday, Nov. 5 to Wednesday, Nov. 11, dozens of reunions, ceremonies, memorials, galas and other events will take place across the region as community leaders, organizations and businesses pay tribute to the brave men and women who’ve served as members of the United States military.

Governor Mike Kehoe has four city tour to support Amendment 3 ballot measure

JEFFERSON CITY — Governor Mike Kehoe Monday traveled the state to promote a “yes” vote on Amendment 3. Amendment 3 is the ballot measure to restore significant restrictions on access to abortion. Kehoe made stops in St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Jefferson City. Kehoe gave remarks and held news conferences at every stop, alongside national and state leaders. The statewide tour ended with a rally at the Jefferson City Memorial Airport.

Sankofa opens on Historic Commercial Street: $13.5M project brings affordable housing, business incubator

City and county leaders gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate the grand opening of “Sankofa,” a $13.5 million mixed-use development that marks the first ground-up construction on Historic Commercial Street in more than 50 years.

Longtime City of Springfield spokesperson out after 14 years

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Communication from the City of Springfield will look a little different moving forward. Cora Scott, who had been at the helm of Springfield’s communications team for nearly 15 years, is out, but there have been very few details surrounding her sudden departure.  Scott confirmed to Ozarks First the career change, saying, “I […]

The Charming Cafe In Missouri Where Cats Roam Around And Steal The Show

Your latte comes with a side of dozens of adoptable cats. That’s the deal at a Branson cafe that pairs coffee with a full-blown feline rescue mission. The cat lounge covers about 2,200 square feet. It has its own HVAC system, totally separate from the cafe, plus a 12-foot window for watching the cats.

WATCH LIVE COVERAGE: Check out the latest results and news from the midterm elections

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Midterm election results are coming in. Watch KY3’s live streaming updates above throughout the night for the latest numbers. Check out the latest election news and results. 10:25 p.m. AP Calls Missouri’s Amendment 3. Missouri voters have rejected Amendment 3, defeating a constitutional measure...

Sankofa opens on Historic Commercial Street: $13.5M project brings affordable housing, business incubator

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - City and county leaders gathered Wednesday morning to celebrate the grand opening of “Sankofa,” a $13.5 million mixed-use development that marks the first ground-up construction on Historic Commercial Street in more than 50 years. The four-story complex, located at the intersection of North Campbell...

Abortion and gender restrictions in full focus with Amendment 3

Many area residents have expressed interest in Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which is focused on abortion and gender transition restrictions. The ballot item has easy-to-read bullet points that summarize what a “Yes” vote will do. It will “repeal the 2024 voter-approved amendment providing reproductive healthcare rights,” which includes...

ELECTION DAY: The do’s and don’ts when heading to the polls

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Polls in Missouri open at 6 a.m. Tuesday, and voters in line by 7 p.m. can cast a ballot. Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller said voters should bring photo identification. Absentee voting and expected turnout. Many voters have already cast ballots through absentee voting at the...

Rountree neighbors ask Springfield schools to keep elementary open

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A “Keep Rountree Open” banner was carried through the Rountree neighborhood’s annual Halloween parade Saturday as residents asked Springfield Public Schools to repair Rountree Elementary rather than close it. The school is open, and no decision to close it has been made. Springfield...

Victim Center in Springfield offering ‘Surviving the Holidays’ class

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The Victim Center in Springfield will offer a new class this holiday season called “Surviving the Holidays” to give extra support and practical tips. “We’re really focusing on especially working through trauma surrounding the holidays,” said Tara Benson, executive director of the Victim Center....