Good morning, Springfield.

Jackie Garrity of KY3 and SPD officer Cris Swaters discussed how summer ranks among the 100 deadliest days due to the high number of traffic crashes involving teenagers—raising concerns about seasonal road safety.

An Arkansas man, Steven Michael Manson, 34, was arrested on Saturday, May 31 after police found his trailer at the Lamplighter Inn in north Springfield holding about 130 farm animals in poor condition — with animals left without proper food or water and some injured, he faces multiple misdemeanor charges for animal abuse and neglect.

Springfield Public Schools will offer free breakfast and lunch for children 18 and under at select school buildings on weekdays throughout June, funded by the Summer Food Service Program.

Adults who accompany children will pay $2.60 for breakfast and $4.60 for lunch—families should check with schools for exact meal times.

Springfield Public Schools will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on June 9 at 5 p.m. for the new Pipkin Middle School at the southeast corner of Campbell Ave and Division St—Crossland Construction will build the 114,750-square-foot facility for about 550 students with an expected completion in August 2026.

City Utilities of Springfield announced Monday that longtime spokesperson Joel Alexander, who served for 23 years, will retire on June 12— and the company named Jamie Presley as the new Manager of Communications.

Presley, who joined the team in 2018, brings over a decade of experience in strategic communications, media relations and public outreach.

The frame of Burrell Behavioral Health’s Youth Resiliency Campus in north Springfield is almost complete + the center will open in 2026 to provide emergency mental health and residential care for youth and families.

The project received $5.3 million in federal funds + $1 million from state support as it now focuses on hiring staff and developing new programs.

On May 31, the Ozarks Lunkers beat the St. Joseph Goats 54-50 in their season opener at Wilson Logistics Arena in Springfield—quarterback Josh White and receiver Rajae Johnson-Sanders made key plays in the closing seconds.

The team stands at 1-0 and will face the Eau Claire Axemen on June 7.

Twenty-two Springfield-area boys medaled at the MSHSAA Class 4-5 state meet on May 31 at Adkins Stadium, with Nixa’s Jackson Cantwell nearly breaking the Missouri shot put record + Hayden Mays finishing second in both shot put and discus to help the Eagles earn a runner-up finish.

Other events including relays and hurdles added key contributions + the Eagles scored 50 team points while Rockhurst finished with 59.

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'.

DeeBaby Concert

8-10:30 p.m. — The Regency Live — All ages — Experience DeeBaby's heart and hustle in a vibrant hip-hop rap performance.

John Moreland Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Regency Live — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of John Moreland after his celebrated decade of musical achievements.