Author | Lightnews

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 16m

I'll be honest. I'm probably going to start the Christmas music this week, even with 70-degree weather in Springfield. Don't deny yourself a little joy if you need it. Life is hard and weird and you deserve to feel good.

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 2d

I don’t usually dress up for Halloween, but this year I was feeling like a little stinker. 🦨

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 5d

Weekday CUSA has been a lot of fun, mostly because the Bears are 2-0 on Wednesdays. Can they make it three in a row?

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 5d

It's a Missouri State football game day, as the Bears host FIU at 7 p.m. in Weekday CUSA action. Get ready for kickoff with Ryan Collingwood's notebook. He says MO State's offensive line has exhibited fortitude in league play.

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

Missouri State quarterback Jacob Clark looks for an open reciever against USC at the Coliseum in Los Angeles on August 30, 2025. (Photo by Bruce Stidham)

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 6d

We did it, babies. We made it to Winter Grind season!

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 9d

From the inbox: A poll says Springfield's National Cemetery is the scariest graveyard in Missouri. "Civil War soldiers from both sides rest here, and legend says visitors sometimes hear murmured voices that sound like men swapping watch duty."

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 9d

Keisha McMillen is hesitant to call herself a visual artist, so I'll do it for her. Her work is part of a cool new traveling exhibition called "Nevertheless, She Persisted." You can see it now, for free, at the new C-Art Gallery on Historic Commercial Street.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 9d

A new Springfield-based traveling exhibition is giving artists like Keisha McMillen a new avenue to share their work. Founders say "Nevertheless, She Persisted" is growing quickly and organically. Here's where you can see it.

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

Keisha McMillen is a rising visual artist in Springfield. Her work is featured in "Nevertheless, She Persisted," a traveling exhibition based in Springfield and currently on display at C-Art Gallery on Historic Commercial Street. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 11d

Gonna try to stay up for all of this one, but we'll see.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 12d

It's a Missouri State game day, as the Bears visit New Mexico State for a Weekday CUSA showdown. Get ready for the 8 p.m. kickoff with preview stories, features and more from Ryan Collingwood.

Read it: sgfcitizen.org/tag/missouri...

Missouri State linebacker Jalen Brooks (19) makes a tackle against Middle Tennessee State. (Provided by Missouri State Athletics)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 13d

I am no longer on vacation.

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 13d

Fun way to eeeeease back into things after a week off.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 13d

UPDATE: The Amazon Web Services outage has caused a delay in sending Monday's edition of SGF A.M. It will be shipped to your inboxes as soon as the outage is resolved. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 18d

I felt so honored to be invited to a preview of Queen City Shakespeare Co.’s Shakespeare on Tap: Romeo & Julie-ale. I’m still laughing. There aren’t many tickets left for this fundraiser, so if you’ve been considering it, you’d better add to cart now.

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 20d

I am on vacation.

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 23d

When Springfield Contemporary Theatre closed earlier this year, I felt sad Springfield wasn't going to get to see Mosaic Arts Collective's version of "Hairspray." Shoulda known the forces of nature that are Amanda Snead and Nki Calloway would find a way to make it happen.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 23d

When Mosaic Arts Collective lost its partner in staging "Hairspray" this fall, it decided to push forward with the cult musical on its own. The community has rallied behind the production, which opens tonight at the Historic Fox Theatre.

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

The cast of Mosaic Arts Collective's production of "Hairspray" rehearses at the Historic Fox Theatre on Oct. 2, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · 23d

High Tide Theatrical's annual tradition is back: "The Rocky Horror Show" opens tonight. It's the last time you'll see Grace Billingsley play Janet. I appreciate her sharing with me what this character means to her and how her father helped encourage her on her path.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · 24d

Grace Billingsley says High Tide Theatrical's 2025 production of "The Rocky Horror Show" is bigger and better than ever. It's also the last time she'll play Janet, a character that means so much to her.

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

High Tide Theatrical stages “The Rocky Horror Show” every year because executive director Grace Billingsley says it’s a “a show where everyone is welcome, diverse stories are told and it’s a safe space for our actors and for our audience.” (Photo by High Tide Theatrical)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Oct 2

I had so much fun meeting Andrea Copeland and Lori Casey from I Love Springfield, MO! And learning about the 2025-2026 Ozarks Coffee Trail. There are 40 stops and some cool prizes. I’m looking forward to visiting some old favorites and trying out new spots!

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Oct 2

Had to sneak downtown for a second to see how things are coming along on Overlay's 2025 mural. It's incredible how different that area feels now that some of the mural is up. Can't wait to see the finished product.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · Oct 2

Artists Osiris Rain and Emily Ding are already at work on the six-story mural that is the centerpiece of this year's Overlay Fest, this Friday and Saturday in downtown Springfield. Here's what you need to know before you go to the festival.

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

Artists Osiris Rain and Emily Ding paint a six-story-tall mural in downtown Springfield on Oct. 2, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Oct 1

Whoa!

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · Oct 1

NEW: The Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment will bring a concert series to Hammons Field as early as spring 2026. Ryan Collins has details on the partnership between the Gillioz and the Springfield Cardinals.

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

Hammons Field opened in 2004 and has been home to the Springfield Cardinals Double-A team since 2005. (Photo by Cory Matteson)

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 30

Big community events don't happen without volunteer help and right now, Overlay is in need of volunteers. Want to help create magic in downtown Springfield? Here's where you can sign up!

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

2025 Overlay Volunteer Application Form

Overlay 2025: Volunteer Application Form Thanks for your interest in Overlay Mural Art & Culture Festival. We are gearing up for our returning event on October 3 & 4, 2025 and we’re on the lookout for...

docs.google.com

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 29

Thinking of all my LDS friends today.

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 26

I think of Overlay as SGF's scrappy, underdog festival. Meg Wagler and team have some fun things planned Oct. 3-4 and tickets are very affordable. I'm so excited to see the 6-story mural Overlay gives to the community.

Also, if you need a boost, Meg's a good one to chat with.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · Sep 26

The second edition of Overlay, Oct. 3-4, will add a six-story mural to a downtown Springfield building. The block party also features local artists, a pop-up skate park and your chance to participate in a laser-guided community art project.

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

International artists Osiris Rain, left, and Emily Ding will paint a new mural downtown during Overlay, Oct. 3-4. (Photo provided by Overlay)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 25

Took a walking break today and bumped into Amaka Onyeka, who I wrote about last October. It was so lovely to catch up for a second and, as always, I was stunned anyone remembers me. I’m so grateful for all the connections my work as a journalist has helped me make.

sgfcitizen.org/springfield-...

New web series from Missouri State students shares the experience of non-immigrants - Springfield Daily Citizen

Amaka Onyeka, a Missouri State University graduate student from Nigeria, has some big decisions in her future.

sgfcitizen.org

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 25

First half North Division Champions.
Second half North Division Champions.
Franchise record for wins.
Texas League Champions.

What a summer.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · Sep 25

The Springfield Cardinals capped a historic season with a Texas League championship Wednesday night, routing Midland 13-1 in Texas. The Cardinals collected 19 hits off seven Midland pitchers.

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

Springfield Cardinals relief pitcher Nick Raquet, center, high fives teammates in the dugout before the first pitch against the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. (Photo by Ellie Frysztak)

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 19

“I love you. I would rather die than hate you.” — MLK

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 18

I’ll tell you this much: I don’t trust a porch swing.

Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 12

Being so involved in news social media M-F gets heavy. Really heavy sometimes. I can't avoid it because it's my job. For my mental health I'm staying off most platforms on the weekend, but I do hang out on Instagram a bit. I'd love to connect with you there, too. My @ is queencityfamilyman.

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Jeff Kessinger @jkessingersgf.bsky.social · Sep 12

A most incredible thing is happening in Springfield this weekend, as two very different casts launch productions of the same classic musical, "Annie." I would argue they're both very worth your time.

Springfield Daily Citizen @sgfcitizen.bsky.social · Sep 12

Two productions of "Annie" open in Springfield tonight and they could not be more different. But behind the scenes, the casts at Springfield Little Theatre and Theatre North of 60 are finding self-confidence and community.

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

Morgan Baum, as Annie, and Esther Yen, as Molly, rehearse a scene from “Annie” at the Landers Theatre on Sept. 9. The musical opens Springfield Little Theatre’s 91st season. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)

Marla Cantwell sings “Tomorrow” during a rehearsal for Theatre North of 60’s production of “Annie.” Cantwell is returning to the stage after a 40-year absence. (Photo by Jeff Kessinger)

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