Good morning, Springfield.

The History Museum on the Square and partners are creating a stainless steel time capsule filled with community letters, artwork, and stories to celebrate Route 66’s centennial.

It will be showcased at 4 p.m. April 30 at the Birthplace of Route 66 Plaza and sealed in Jubilee Park until 2126.

Missouri teens in high schools (including Liberty) are joining advocacy efforts to end distracted driving.

Liberty High School won $5,000 for recruiting over 700 signers to pledge not to text while driving, and the push has helped drop distracted driving by 16% since enforcement began under the Siddens-Bening Hands Free Law.

Large hail damaged vehicles at Troop D of the Missouri Highway Patrol in Springfield around 11 a.m. on April 28, fracturing windows and causing additional damage; officials warned more severe weather would arrive this evening.

Revive Juice & Coffee Bar will open later this summer at 611 W.

Mount Vernon St. in Nixa, offering healthy smoothies, coffee, cold-pressed juice, and small bites in its first franchised location. The venue will serve allergy-friendly, homemade menu options and accommodate about 20 indoor patrons (its initial expansion).

On Monday, April 27, six SPS students signed agreements to join a new Registered Youth Apprenticeship Program that offers paid training in welding or HVAC (earning up to $25 an hour) with local companies; they will start during the 2026-27 school year while earning school credit and hands-on experience.

Hundreds of students, parents, teachers and alumni visited Bingham Elementary on Monday, Apr.

28 at (2126 E. Cherry St.) for a final open house before demolition begins to clear the way for a new 65,000 sqft school building costing $28 million funded by unspent Proposition S revenue.

The Missouri Master Gardener Conference returns to Springfield for the first time since 2013 and will run June 4-7 at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, featuring garden tours, workshops, and a keynote by Mitch McCulloch.

Register by Friday, May 1; fees are $210 (plus extra for add-ons).

Drury University extended President Jeff Frederick’s contract during its spring board meeting in Springfield, citing enrollment growth, campus improvements, and the Springfield Promise program.

Frederick, who assumed office in June 2024 (after a nationwide search), will continue to lead the university’s progress in higher education.

Storms hit Greene County yesterday, causing several trees to fall on homes and scattering debris across yards; residents began cleanup and experts advised annual inspections (to spot decay early) to reduce risks in the future.

A brief hail storm hit Springfield Tuesday afternoon and caused over 10,000 power outages mostly along the I-44 corridor in the north — crews are assessing damage with no restoration timeline set.

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.

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.

Springfield Indian Artifact Show

May 8-9 — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Entry fee may apply — Explore prehistoric artifacts and connect with local history enthusiasts.

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'.

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.

43rd Mid America Street Rod Nationals

May 22 - 24 — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Varies by activity — Celebrate classic cars and street rod culture with a weekend full of fun for car enthusiasts and families alike.

Honor Flight 5K for Flights

8-11 a.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — Entry starting at $25 — Participate to honor veterans and support their journey to memorials in Washington, D.C.

Ginger Billy Live Comedy Show

6 PM – 12 AM — Springfield, MO — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique humor of Ginger Billy, a viral sensation from rural South Carolina.