Saturday, May 24th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 24th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Over 15,000 people are expected today at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds for the Mid-America Street Rod Nationals — a nostalgic car show where families can view classic cars, enjoy ride-alongs in muscle cars, and sample local food with special admission pricing. OzarksFirst.com
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On May 23, a Cousins Maine Lobster food truck served Maine lobster dishes at Hold Fast Brewing and will visit Menards on May 25 to offer its lobster rolls. The company aims to test Springfield’s market and attract a potential franchisee for the region — focusing on quality and unique offerings. Springfield Daily Citizen
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Bruce Long was charged with second-degree murder on May 7 after police linked him to his nephew Russell Long’s 2021 death by finding matching rope knots—used to secure a tarp around the body—and DNA on a bleach bottle, court documents show. Springfield Daily Citizen
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ High Tide Theatrical presents ‘Hair’ at the Lightroom Lounge from May 23 to 31—its first staging in Springfield in nearly a decade—inviting local audiences to experience a bold musical that reexamines 1960s counterculture and anti-war protest. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Nixa pitmaster Brad Leighninger will appear on season six of Food Network’s BBQ Brawl starting June 1, where he competes against top chefs including Bobby Flay, Maneet Chauhan & Antonia Lofaso in grilling challenges that test his skills. Leighninger, co-owner of Gettin’ Basted restaurants, has earned multiple titles at major barbecue competitions and brings seasoned expertise to the show. Springfield Daily Citizen
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Springfield-Greene County Library District approved a five-year plan on May 20th that calls for renovating a library, building a new branch in Fair Grove, replacing a bookmobile, adding more drop-off locations, and studying a switch from a property tax levy to a sales tax. The plan, built with input from 2,900 community members & 220 staff, also aims to upgrade services such as digital media conversion & makerspaces while upholding intellectual freedom. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Kelly McGowen — from the University of Missouri Extension Office — said some flowers glow in the dark and explained on Ozarks First Midday where locals can find and grow them. OzarksFirst.com
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Both veterans' cemeteries will host Memorial Day events Monday, May 26 to honor those who served in the U.S. military—at Springfield National Cemetery on E. Seminole St., former Mayor Ken McClure will speak from 11 a.m. to noon, and at Missouri Veterans Cemetery near Lake Springfield, shuttle buses from The Springs Church will start at 12:15 p.m. with Lt. Col. Michael Brown speaking at 1:30 p.m. for about 45 minutes. Springfield Daily Citizen
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Summer fun in the Ozarks starts now with many spots for swimming, fishing, and paddling on local lakes and streams. Springfield families can visit Camp Tomahawk and Riverside Park and enjoy free fishing days on June 7 and 8—an easy way to explore the outdoors. Springfield Daily Citizen
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ State-ranked Kickapoo baseball lost 2-0 to fifth-seeded Joplin in the district semifinal on May 21, ending senior pitcher Colin Muldoon’s high school career as he heads to Missouri Southern. Coach Jason Howser earned his 400th win with a 10-0 quarterfinal victory over Branson and said the team’s improved pitching and teamwork helped turn their season around. Springfield Daily Citizen
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Field Trip Film Screening: Finding Nemo
2 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Tickets from $5 — Enjoy a classic animated adventure as Marlin embarks on a quest to find his son Nemo.
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Trent Prewitt Live at Pappy's Place
6 PM – 12 AM — Pappy's Place — Entry cost TBA — Enjoy an evening of country music with Trent Prewitt and his fabulous 7-piece band.
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DEK of Hearts Concert
7 PM - 1 AM — Sidebar Springfield — Cost info not specified — Enjoy a blend of country, pop, and bluegrass from a talented local trio.
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Movie Matinee: Vertigo
2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $0 to $10 — Experience Hitchcock's haunting masterpiece in this special matinee showing.
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Bobby Shmurda Live Performance
8 PM — The Regency Live — All ages — Experience high-energy Hip-Hop hits with Bobby Shmurda bringing the vibes.
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Elevation Dance 2 Performances Package
11 AM — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the joy of dance with two exciting Elevation recitals.
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Willard Elevation Studio Recital 2025
2 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Reserved seating available — Experience a delightful showcase of talent at the Willard Elevation Studio's first recital.
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Field Trip Films: Toy Story Screening
2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $5 to $10 — Enjoy a nostalgic adventure with Woody and Buzz in this classic animated film.
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2025 Butterfly Festival
9 AM – 3 PM — Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center — Free entry — Celebrate pollinators at this beloved festival marking its 16th year.
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Breakthrough Basketball Camp
June 17-19 — Strafford Sports Center — $97 — Improve your basketball skills with focused training for young athletes.
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