Good morning, Springfield.

Ewing Park's tennis courts were removed last February as park officials deemed them unsafe due to uneven surfaces and water damage; longtime player Bill Spruance (a regular visitor) said the change directs players to nearby courts while the board plans to reseed the area with turf.

Ozark’s new pedestrian overpass on the Chadwick Flyer Trail opened on April 1, linking completed trail sections into a 7.4-mile network from downtown to Olde World Estates.

Visitors should expect short, intermittent closures as the city completes final signage + decorative siding work.

A Fair Grove man who nearly died in a crash returned to his former high school Thursday to thank blood donors who helped him survive nearly 50 procedures.

His visit inspired a student-led blood drive set for April 22 at 11:30 a.m.

SWI Industrial Solutions in Springfield produced over 12 million plastic Easter eggs with the help of developmentally disabled adults, setting a record for the workshop — production for next year begins next week.

Today, the First Friday Art Walk opens downtown with 15 venues including Obelisk Home, which hosts its 20th annual birdhouse auction to benefit Habitat for Humanity and a group exhibition that donates 20% of art sales (featuring live music and special shows).

Springfield-filmed road-trip drama 'Dust to Malibu' will hold its worldwide premiere at Moxie Cinema on May 3 with screenings at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets go on sale April 7, and a Q&A with cast and crew follows each screening.

CTOzarks Lyric Opera will bring Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music to the historic Gillioz Theatre on April 17 at 7:30 p.m. and again on April 19 at 2:30 p.m., featuring international tenor Michael Spyres as Captain von Trapp (the matinee includes a family ticket promotion).

Five candidates are running for three board seats for Ozark School District in an April 7 election.

Incumbents and newcomers said funding concerns over SB3 may affect school finances and the district's ability to serve its growing community.

CoxHealth launches its 13th annual diaper drive to help local families afford clean diapers by collecting disposable and cloth diapers throughout April.

Donations will benefit organizations such as Diaper Bank of the Ozarks (among others) that distribute diapers to those in need.

Brady Yates of Glendale impressed fans after hitting a walk-off grand slam in game one and showcasing his creative moves at practice.

The versatile player celebrated the win with skill at both the plate and on the mound.

Josh Blue Live Comedy Show

6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience Josh Blue's unique humor and engaging performance that breaks down stereotypes.

Todd Barry Live at Springfield Comedy Club

7-11 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Two-item minimum — Enjoy a night of smart, unpretentious humor from the master of deadpan comedy.

Sounds Pretty Good Combo

7-9 p.m. — The Stardust Ballroom — $12 per seat — Enjoy a delightful evening of music at this cocktail table seating event.

Big Boogie & JaYy Wick Concert

7 PM — Springfield, MO — $50.00-$135.00 — Experience an electrifying night of music with top artists in a vibrant atmosphere.

Stone Cold and The Jackal Live Show

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of comedy and music with soap opera stars Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson.

Meet the Morgan Horse

1-4 p.m. — Pinegar Arena — $5 carriage rides — Experience horse demos and fun family activities at this lively event.

Spring Dance Concert: Bloom Revue

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $0 to $30.50 — Enjoy a vibrant variety dance concert featuring local talent and choreography.

Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off Celebration

April 30th — Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque — Varied pricing — Celebrate a century of Route 66 with concerts, parades, and community events in Springfield.

Becky Robinson Live

8-11 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience high-energy comedy from LA-based sensation Becky Robinson as she brings her unique characters to the stage.

Let's Drive Campaign

12-1 p.m. — The Library Center — Free entry — Attend a class to transform your business ideas into actionable plans with expert guidance.