Daily
Springfield
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Springfield DoorDash driver Sharon Simmons, who studied at Ozarks Technical Community College, delivered food to the White House on April 13 in a staged photo op and has since completed over 14,000 deliveries since she began dashing in 2022. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Design is underway for a major McDaniel Park redesign with plans for a pump track, inclusive playground & open-air pavilion funded by partner groups and the city; construction begins in August with a grand opening in Spring 2027. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Cora Scott previews upcoming events for the Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration in Springfield scheduled from April 30 to May 3 (including a concert, historic parade, footbridge dedication and a live broadcast of NBC's Today). Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Families may not use Grant Beach Pool this summer because storm damage to the pool house from April 29, 2025, delays repairs. The Park Board is reviewing bids and expects repairs to take (90 days), which may not finish before the pool season ends Aug. 16. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Springfield students broke a record by collecting 83,000 meals today during the 15th Food Fight & supporting Ozarks Food Harvest. The drive involved 38 schools & local partners and will help fund the Weekend Backpack Program. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ A new 24/7 Check the Chip Station is available in front of the Springfield Animal Advocacy Foundation building to help lost pets get home faster by scanning microchips + offering instructions; a ceremony will be held Sunday, Apr. 26, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 1600 North Washington Avenue. KY3
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Kathy Loomer questioned delay in the Staybridge Suites project (1301 E. Lark St.) and contractor Jeff Dawdy said weather setbacks shifted the expected opening from spring to mid-summer. Springfield Daily Citizen
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ City Utilities of Springfield will raise customers’ electricity bills by about $14 per month for the summer to cover winter fuel costs. Homeowners are encouraged to use rebates for insulation & thermostat upgrades and try DIY fixes from local hardware stores to keep energy costs down. KY3
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents from Doling, Robberson, Tom Watkins, and Woodland Heights met Friday at Northview Center for Springfield’s first Community Conversation with Mayor Schrag and department heads. The mayor promised replies within two weeks and a public report, and the next session is set for May 14th for Oak Grove and Brentwood. KY3
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Today, families affected by hemophilia are invited to the Discovery Center in Springfield from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for an event that promotes education, advocacy, and community support — registration is required. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Missouri State baseball is drawing attention with its powerful lineup that fuels hopes for a postseason run. The Bears will build on a 15-0 home record with a key game vs. Western Kentucky today (2 p.m.), as coach Hawkins praises the team's depth and consistent hitting. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Senior forward Shaelee Franck broke Nixa records by tying Alex Johnson on March 27 and posting a hat trick on March 31 to become the all time points leader and reach 106 career goals by Thursday in a 2-1 loss. She will compete in the Missouri Valley Conference next season. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Miller softball seniors Rachel Nunez and Loghann Leivan were named Athletes of the Week. The players have been close since childhood and work together on the field — sharing honest feedback after each game. KY3
- ➤ Two Springfield-area high schools have been invited to the 2027 Tournament of Champions — officials say changes to the Central Ozarks Conference are coming soon, with details provided by KY3’s Chad Plein. The realignment may shift local sports competition starting next season. KY3
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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.
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Meet the Morgan Horse
1-4 p.m. — Pinegar Arena — $5 carriage rides — Experience horse demos and fun family activities at this lively event.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Comedian Shelly Belly
6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of relatable laughs with the renowned comedian Shelly Belly in an intimate setting.
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Springfield Indian Artifact Show
May 8-9 — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Entry fee may apply — Explore prehistoric artifacts and connect with local history enthusiasts.
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William Montgomery Live Comedy Show
6:00 PM - 12:45 AM — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket price varies — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian William Montgomery, known for his appearances on the hit podcast 'Kill Tony'.
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Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Springfield
7-10 a.m. — Truman Elementary School — Registration required — Run through Springfield in a fun-filled family event with races for all ages.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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
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