Good morning, Springfield.

On May 23, a man was arrested after he crashed into a parked Springfield Police Department patrol car at the intersection of Sunshine and Golden around 11:45 p.m.—he admitted texting while driving with a blood alcohol level of .137 and now faces charges for DWI with physical injury to emergency personnel and driving with a revoked license.

New U.S. Census Bureau data showed Missouri’s population grew to nearly 6.25 million and that towns like Rogersville and Nixa recorded gains up to 37.7 percent from 2020 counts—many residents now opt for smaller towns near major cities instead of larger urban centers like St. Louis. The report highlights a trend where people move to these smaller communities to find more space and affordable living.

Heavy rain fell over Memorial Day weekend, with 6.67 inches recorded at Springfield-Branson National Airport—causing significant flooding along the Finley River that cut off roads and left some areas near Ozark and Douglas counties soaking.

Crews in Christian County are assessing damage and expect closures, including a stretch of North Riverside Road, that will last at least two weeks.

A bill passed on May 15 now lets Springfield property owners and neighborhood organizations sue owners of nuisance properties for damages or injunctive relief, a right previously limited to St. Louis and Kansas City.

Springfield state Rep. Bill Owen, who led the effort, said the change may help improve neighborhoods—pending the governor’s signature.

Desiree Wardell, who lives near Strafford on a farm road at Route C, said heavy rains flood her property and block her from leaving home.

MoDOT said it will collect survey data and do a drainage study to check if the bow-shaped road contributes to the slow water flow — results are expected in a few weeks.

Former mayor Ken McClure joined host Tom Carlson on the In Our Town podcast to discuss challenges facing Springfield & the City Council's split over a new city manager.

He answered questions on the city's growing needs and shared his past experience leading the city.

Springfield City Council approved David Cameron as the 14th city manager with a tight 5-4 vote Tuesday before noon, and he will begin his job on July 7.

Cameron, who cut red tape in Republic and led major capital projects and job growth, has earned the council’s trust — a choice that comes as Springfield works toward further progress.

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.

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.

Movie Matinee: Vertigo

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $0 to $10 — Experience Hitchcock's haunting masterpiece in this special matinee showing.

Bobby Shmurda Live Performance

8 PM — The Regency Live — All ages — Experience high-energy Hip-Hop hits with Bobby Shmurda bringing the vibes.

Elevation Dance 2 Performances Package

11 AM — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the joy of dance with two exciting Elevation recitals.

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.

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.

2025 Butterfly Festival

9 AM – 3 PM — Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center — Free entry — Celebrate pollinators at this beloved festival marking its 16th year.

Breakthrough Basketball Camp

June 17-19 — Strafford Sports Center — $97 — Improve your basketball skills with focused training for young athletes.

Movie Matinee: Twister Screening

2 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo available — Relive the thrill of tornado-chasing in the classic 1996 adventure film, 'Twister'.