Daily
Springfield
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 2nd of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Michelle Pender and Tucker Franks spent $1.2 million to transform HootenTown campground into Finley & James River Co., a family friendly outdoor destination with a new general store, RV sites and plans for a pavilion, dog park and outdoor screening. It will open in May 22 miles south in Crane. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Local auto body shops have seen growing business after Tuesday's hail as more cars are brought in for repair estimates. Experts caution that DIY fixes (using heat or suction methods) risk further damage, so car owners should rely on professionals and file claims for proper repairs. KY3
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Country stars Little Big Town + Gretchen Wilson and other performers headlined the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Concert at Great Southern Bank Arena on Thursday, April 30. The event took place on the Missouri State University campus with additional acts including Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Chris Janson, and Gary LeVox. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Springfield dedicated Queen's Gate 66—an Instagrammable sculpture marking the start of Route 66 near St. Louis Street and Glenstone Avenue—on May 1; the event featured ribbon-cutting remarks, a Pipkin Middle School choir, and a musical road playing America the Beautiful when driven over. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ On Friday night, May 1, Springfield hosted the National Celebrate America on Route 66 Parade as part of the centennial kickoff celebration, featuring bands, floats (showcasing classic cars) and festive displays that honored local tradition. KY3
- ➤ Seventeen-year-old artist Mabel Smallwood turned a storage overflow at her parents’ home into a thriving art business and will showcase her polymer clay creations (booth No. 65) at Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street today, with an appearance at Pickwick Street Fair on June 6. Springfield Daily Citizen
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Amy Crandall, a first-grade teacher at Fair Grove Elementary, was named KY3’s April Teacher of the Month and recognized for 24 years of service in a nurturing classroom. The award includes a $500 Visa gift card plus a $100 gift card, honoring her longstanding commitment to her students. KY3
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Local trucking magnates Robert and Lawana Low will try again with their Kentucky Derby favorite, Renegade, raised on their Primatara Farm. The race runs today at 5:57 p.m. with coverage starting at 1:30 p.m. as the horse is a 5-1 favorite trained by Todd Pletcher. KY3
- ➤ Missouri State's 2026 football schedule is set with challenging matchups including Texas A&M on Labor Day and a home game against Lindenwood; the Bears, led by first-year coach Casey Woods, continue their FBS transition as they face top teams and new conference rivals this season. Springfield Daily Citizen
-
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.
-
Overnight Ghost Hunt at Pythian Castle
7 PM-3 AM — Pythian Castle — Entry fee applies — Explore the historic Pythian Castle through guided investigations and storytelling.
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
Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Springfield
Welcome to the Daily Springfield, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Springfield, Missouri community. If you like the Daily Springfield, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Springfield.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Springfield and across Missouri. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Springfield
A free Springfield community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyspringfieldnews.com/sitemap