Friday, April 18th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Springfield’s The Victim Center hosted its 30th Breakfast of Hope fundraiser on Thursday as its 20 staff served nearly 2,800 survivors in 2024 and expected a 10% rise in crisis calls at the start of 2025—providing free help for victims of violent and sexual crimes. KY3
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Springfield police arrested Paul Bowles, 62, from Fulton on April 17 on suspicion of second-degree murder, forcible rape and forcible sodomy in connection with the 1989 rape and murder of Jennifer Williams—her body was found on Sept. 20 near West Chestnut Street. Springfield Daily Citizen
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield City Council shortened its search to three city manager finalists—David Cameron, Bob Cowell and Brian Weiler—after they participated in final interviews with input from local leaders; it remains unclear if a new manager will be named by the April 21 meeting when new officials are sworn in. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Two protests will be held in Springfield on Saturday, April 19 — one at National Avenue Christian Church from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to support Amendment 3 and one on Battlefield Road from 2 to 4 p.m. to oppose federal funding cuts and collect food for Ozarks Food Harvest. The events overlap with a national day of action — organized by the 50501 movement as local groups plan more protests against state and federal measures. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Springfield’s 123-year-old Jefferson Avenue Footbridge will be dismantled in May for rehabilitation on the ground—crews will replace structural elements, add new elevators and lighting, and rebuild the span 3 to 4 feet higher for extra rail clearance. The project will finish in early 2026 and includes a city kickoff viewing event during dismantling. KY3
- ➤ City officials held an informational meeting yesterday on the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Rehabilitation Project, where project manager Nicholas Edelman explained that the team is removing wooden decking and will begin dismantling the bridge in May—residents can expect a viewing event and updated details during the work. The project is expected to finish in early 2026 and will restore the historic structure for pedestrians and train enthusiasts. OzarksFirst.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Springfield Kickapoo High School graduate Trevon Brazile announced he will return to play college basketball for the 2025-2026 season with Arkansas as a senior forward with one year of eligibility—he later removed his name from the NBA Draft after last season’s Sweet 16 loss under coach John Calipari. KY3
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Local Authors Expo
10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Nixa Community Branch Library — Free entry — Celebrate local stories with authors and discover your next favorite book.
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Easter Buffet at The Ozark Mill
10:30 AM – 7:00 PM — The Ozark Mill Restaurant at Finley Farms — All-you-can-eat — Indulge in a festive spring buffet featuring various stations.
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Vegan Sushi Night
6-8 p.m. — Craft Sushi — Cost varies — Celebrate Earth Day with delicious vegan sushi and connect with fellow vegans.
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Stephen Paul Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — The Riff — Refunds available until 7 days prior — Enjoy a night of toe-tapping country tunes with Nashville star Stephen Paul.
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CVMA Mouse Races
6-10 p.m. — Veteran Event Center — $15.00 — Enjoy thrilling races and support local veterans in need at this fun-packed charity event.
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The Little Mermaid Musical
2-6 p.m. — Springfield Little Theatre — Suitable for all ages — Experience the underwater adventure of Ariel in this enchanting musical filled with beloved songs.
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Springfield Cardinals vs Northwest Arkansas Naturals
11:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. — Hammons Field — Affordable tickets available — Experience the excitement of a live baseball game with the Springfield Cardinals taking on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
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Brown Bag Concert Series: Missouri State Opera Theatre
12-1 p.m. — John Goodman Amphitheatre — Free entry — Experience the award-winning Missouri State Opera Theatre in a captivating performance showcasing student talent.
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Taco de SOMO 2025
6-9 p.m. — Farmers Park Apartments — Free entry — Enjoy a taco festival where local chefs compete for the title of Taco Champion while supporting a great cause.
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Jeremy Camp Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $25 to $149.75 — Experience the uplifting music of Jeremy Camp with a night of inspirational songs and stories.
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