Good morning, Springfield.

Teddy, a 5-year-old Sharpei, was reunited with his family in Springfield after a two-week search that began on March 19 when he escaped while his owner was hospitalized after giving birth.

The dog, who lost 17 pounds, was found near the KOA campgrounds thanks to local community efforts.

After a severe hail storm on April 28, thousands of residents visited mobile centers to file insurance claims across Springfield—set up by companies including American Family, Geico, Shelter, Progressive and State Farm.

Residents can shop for native plants at Springfield Botanical Gardens' Spring Native Plant Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 9 at 2400 S.

Scenic Ave in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, where the Roston Native Butterfly House opens and free tram tours and farmstead demonstrations will be offered.

Springfield-based Rescue One is joining a national effort to rescue over 1,000 beagles from a Wisconsin research facility where conditions have been criticized, and the dogs will go into foster care + later be available for adoption.

After severe hail on April 28, Dickerson Park Zoo reopened on April 30 while cleanup continues.

Director Jackson Thompson said staff and volunteers are still clearing debris — and an emu died while a rhea recovered from injuries.

HMI Fireplace Shop and CFM are hosting a night at the ballpark on May 7 at 6:35 p.m. at Route 66 Stadium, where families can enjoy a Springfield Cardinals game and join conservation activities (tickets are $12 and supporters enjoy prize drawings).

BlackOak Investments, a growing private equity firm, bought the nearly 17,000 sqft former Pride Truck Sales building on N.

Eastgate in January for its headquarters and office space — the firm will also lease units and expects the building to be move-in ready by fall 2026.

Show-Me Network Week, embracing a Route 66 theme, began Monday at Missouri State University’s efactory and continues through the week with sessions on business basics, AI, hiring, and legal structures.

The series, which coincides with National Small Business Week (celebrating local entrepreneurs), offers resources for starting and growing small businesses.

Timken Belts announced that its Springfield belt plant (2601 W.

Battlefield Road) will shut down by the end of 2026, affecting more than 280 workers. The company sold its belts business to Gates Industrial Corporation (layoffs will start in August and end in December).

Missouri State University will award 2,625 degrees at three commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 8 at Great Southern Bank Arena, with sessions at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.+ the event will honor graduates from multiple colleges and present an honorary Doctor of Public Affairs to alumna Mimi Garstang.

Springfield Public Schools announced Monday night the 2026 Partner and Volunteer of the Year awards, naming Brent Emerson of Cowden Elementary School for nearly 400 volunteer hours and Crosslines Community Outreach for its Back to School Bash and Math and Reading Buddies, plus 21 awards honoring over 2,000 volunteers.

City Utilities is celebrating Drinking Water Week from May 3-9 to highlight safe, reliable water for its 86,000 customers.

The utility launched a Regional Water Supply Taskforce to support long-term planning and enhance future water supply for Springfield.

Missouri’s Department of Social Services is set to award over $216 million in federal Rural Health Transformation funds to rural hospitals for urgent safety fixes and building upgrades.

Applicants must be ready to begin projects within one month of approval.

Dr. John Bumberry of Mercy Medicine warns that although breast cancer during pregnancy is rare, routine self-checks are important since pregnancy can mask warning signs.

He urges local women to monitor for changes such as new lumps or pain and to consult their doctors promptly.

Missouri State baseball celebrated a 10-2 win Friday at newly renamed Route 66 Stadium before losing 11-4 Sunday, dropping to fourth in Conference USA.

Coach Hawkins stressed the need to improve pitching ahead of Tuesday’s game at Kansas State and next weekend’s series with New Mexico State.

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.

Henry Cho Live

8-11 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of clean comedy from acclaimed comedian Henry Cho.