Good morning, Springfield.

Community volunteers revived the decades-old gardens at Phelps Grove Park in Springfield by clearing weeds and planting native and nonnative species along new, accessible paths.

The revitalized area will host the Art in the Garden Tour on Sunday, June 1 from 1 to 4 p.m.—local families can enjoy the improved space for weddings and relaxation.

Local tracker Charlie Barnes and his team used a drone to find Buddy—who ran off from a Strafford truck stop and was later caught in a trap—and then drove the dog to Joplin for an emotional reunion with his trucker owner.

Chef Joe Gidman, with his mother and a partner, will open La Roux Bistro at 300 E.

Commercial Street this summer—set in an 1883 building, the three-story restaurant will feature a New Orleans-style first floor, a French bistro second floor, and an underground speakeasy known as the Phenix Vault—and aims to share French and Ozarks flavors with Springfield diners.

Hollister police have asked residents to throw away hateful flyers—antisemitic and racial—that were distributed in plastic bags by a known hate group around Taney County and to report any sightings to law enforcement.

High school sophomores and juniors must apply by April 30 for a free weeklong summer camp—led by local conservationists—that will take place June 8-15 at Childress Camp near George Washington National Monument Park.

Missouri’s turkey season began on April 21 and runs through May 11 as local hunters prepare for a season boosted by conservation surveys showing a growing turkey population—new rules last year increased hunting opportunities on private land.

Springfield City Council will vote on a $35 million Special Obligations Bond to expand and improve cells 3, 4, and 5 at the Noble Hill Sanitary Landfill and upgrade its environmental systems.

The vote will also include a review of a bid from Emery Sapp & Sons Inc. for $23,786,595.39 & lower than the engineer’s estimate.

Springfield’s new City Council members were sworn in Monday after the council approved bills to expand the Noble Hill Landfill—this included a $23.8 million bid from Emery Sapp and Sons, $35 million in special bonds, and a $30,000 grant agreement for new city signs.

Mayor Jeff Schrag along with councilmembers Bruce Adib-Yazdi, Craig Hosmer, Heather Hardinger, and Monica Horton began their terms while former Mayor Ken McClure exchanged honors with Schrag before leaving office.

The Drug Enforcement Administration will collect unused prescriptions on Saturday, April 26—encouraging residents to safely dispose of expired tablets, capsules, and patches—and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies will host drop-off sites for the event.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Payton Smith Live Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Midnight Rodeo — Ticket info available — Experience the rising star Payton Smith and his captivating blend of country music.

Acres Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — The Regency Live — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the passionate live performance of Acres that resonates with the audience from start to finish.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush Live

7:30-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Reserved seating — Experience the electrifying blues mastery of Grammy-winning legends Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush.