Daily
Springfield
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 2nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ CoxHealth launched its 12th annual Diaper Drive Tuesday in Springfield to help families who struggle to provide clean diapers—nearly half of local households face this difficulty. The drive collects both disposable and cloth diapers, with donations going to charities that serve families in need. KY3
- ➤ Marci Bowling – founder of Watching Over Whiskers – was named the winner of the 2025 Remarkable Women contest for her ten years of work that has rescued over 9,300 cats and provided emergency veterinary care as well as trap and neuter services to reduce stray overpopulation in the Ozarks. Her innovative work has turned a modest start in a garage into a vital resource for east Springfield. OzarksFirst.com
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Springfield police are asking for help to locate endangered 9-month-old Cora Eastland—last seen with her mother Katlyn Darter in Cabool on March 21 and reportedly near Glenstone Avenue and Kearney Street on March 25—after both were reported missing on April 1. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ A federal judge sentenced Joseph A. Gilbert (42) from Phoenix to 240 months in prison and ordered him to forfeit $616,756 after he pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine across several counties in southwest Missouri between November 2020 and April 2022. KY3
- ➤ Cameren Arthur Chrisco, 34, allegedly stole items from Walmart on March 23 and pretended to have a gun by saying 'bang, bang' as he left; an armed shopper confronted him—police later arrested him on charges of first-degree robbery and burglary. Springfield Daily Citizen
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Missouri State University broke ground yesterday on the $26.2 million Clifton M. Smart III University Advancement Center—a two-story 28,000 square foot building set to open in fall that will house departments like development and alumni relations. The project received an anonymous seven-figure donation and $7,440,000 in naming gifts and is located at the northwest corner of National Avenue and Bear Boulevard. OzarksFirst.com
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The four candidates for the Springfield school board have raised more than $240,000 in campaign funds ahead of the April 8 election — Gail Smart leads with $102,108 and Sarah Hough follows with $93,041. Incumbent Kelly Byrne and David Myers trail — the top two vote-getters will be sworn in to serve three-year terms if elected. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ On April 1, Springfield Environmental Services staff presented study findings at a City Council Lunch Session showing that 42% of landfill materials could have been recycled and trash disposed at the city landfill doubled over the past decade—plans now call for studying new curbside services, improved pricing, and local recycling initiatives. The report revealed high satisfaction with current curbside trash and recycling while noting that residents pay more for fewer services compared to nearby communities. KY3
- ➤ Local political action committees provided large funds to mayoral and city council candidates in Springfield ahead of the April 8 election. Mayoral candidate Jeff Schrag raised nearly $157,000—just $10,000 below a 2017 record—while council candidates also received strong support from local PACs, labor unions, and community donors. Springfield News-Leader
-
SEArenity Yoga
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Bass Pro Shops — $16 — Experience an hour of relaxation with restorative yoga amidst an open ocean exhibit.
-
Gillioz Jazz Festival
6-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free entry — Experience jazz imagery and live performances as part of the Gillioz April Artwalk.
-
Ozarks Beerfest
2-5 p.m. — Springfield Expo Center — All proceeds benefit local charities — Experience the largest beer festival in the region with unlimited samples of over 150 craft brews and more.
-
The Wizard of Oz Screening
2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free entry — Experience the timeless classic on the big screen with a heartwarming journey down the yellow brick road.
-
Chris Estrada Live
6:30-8 p.m. — Blue Room Comedy Club — Two-item minimum purchase — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian and writer Chris Estrada, star of Hulu's 'This Fool'.
-
Valparaiso Beacons vs Missouri State Bears Baseball Game
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Hammons Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup while supporting a good cause.
-
Soul Shine Mini-Retreat
Soul Shine Mini Retreat is a rejuvenating experience designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit through gentle movement, connection, and intentional self-care. This intimate gathering at Shine invites you to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and radiant from within.
-
MSU Baseball vs Valparaiso
1-5 p.m. — Hammons Field — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Missouri State Bears as they take on Valparaiso University in an exciting baseball matchup.
-
Movie Matinee: Thomas Crown Affair
2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo available — Enjoy a classic heist film featuring Steve McQueen in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game.
-
Puzzling Adventures Scavenger Hunt
1-11 p.m. — Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center — Price per team — Embark on a fun and interactive scavenger hunt adventure through Springfield's attractions.
-
2 bedroom close to Mercy
This stylishly renovated two-bedroom, two-bath home is conveniently located just half a mile from Mercy Hospital. Whether you're looking to expand your investment portfolio or settle into a perfect home, this property stands out.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Reading changes your mind, applying changes your life.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Springfield
Welcome to the Daily Springfield, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Springfield, Missouri community. If you like the Daily Springfield, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Springfield.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Springfield and across Missouri. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Springfield
A free Springfield community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyspringfieldnews.com/sitemap