Pictures: Northern Lights brighten the sky over the Ozarks
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - The Northern Lights lit up the sky across the Ozarks on Tuesday. Check out some of the many snapshots shared by viewers across the Ozarks on Tuesday. Space weather forecasters issued an alert for incoming severe solar storms on Tuesday. Forecasters said the vibrant displays could be visible...
Branson celebrates Veterans Day with parade featuring military vehicles, school bands
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Branson displayed its patriotism Monday with a Veterans Day parade featuring military vehicles, artifacts, veterans, and local school bands. The city calls itself the most patriotic city in America for its love of country and respect for those who defended freedom. The celebration comes as...
Volunteers honor heroes at military museum in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, MO – A group of veterans and volunteers is using history to honor our nation’s heroes. “I like to tell i like to inform people of what’s going on. You know, just different stories of our lives, said Gary Keen. He’s one of the many volunteers who guide guests on a walk through time […]
Veterans cherish sense of community in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – There were several free events and meals to thank veterans for their service on Tuesday. At the American Legion Post 639, they served a free dinner for veterans. The veterans there tell Ozarks First the free meals are great, but the sense of community is even better. “Our veterans have a good […]
Heartland Virus Creeps North: Is Wisconsin Next?
Health officials confirm a new case in Missouri — and warn that climate shifts could help the tick-borne illness creep north. AI was utilized for research, writing, citation management, and editing.
Veteran suicide rates 1.5% higher than national population
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - As celebrations honoring our veterans continue across the Ozarks, many of those who served our country are struggling in silence. According to the Veterans Affairs, 1 in 3 veterans experience symptoms of depression, and 1 in 5 veterans have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. With...
Strafford welcomes new City Administrator to lead growing community
STRAFFORD, MO – This week, community leaders are welcoming a new permanent City Administrator to lead Strafford’s day-to-day municipal operations. Strafford Mayor Sandy Strecker tells Ozarks First that the city has hired Tommy VanHorn for the role. VanHorn is already a familiar face in the city. He was an 18-year...
Veterans hospitalized at CoxHealth receive gifts of handmade quilts on Veterans Day
Patients at CoxHealth who served their country received a special gift on Veterans Day. This reporter's mom and sister, Suzanne and Lisa Boyts, are part of a group of volunteers at CoxHealth that sew blankets and pillows for patients. They told her about a project they and the group were working on to honor veterans...
DONATE TODAY: CMN Miracle Week begins on Dec 1-7
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Join us for Miracle Week, December 1 through December 7. This is an opportunity for individuals to donate funds that provide medical care and assistance when families need it most. It’s a special time of year to make an impact on local kids and families served by Children’s Miracle Network...
Springfield Speaks: Community Conversations and Observations
Welcome back to our regular open thread, where we invite you to share anything and everything about Springfield. Whether you have something to get off your chest, a positive experience to share, or simply want to ask about the best tacos in town, this is the place for you. From rants and raves to questions and small...

















