Good morning, Springfield.

Today, Mayor Jeff Schrag gave his first State of the City Address where he said Springfield has grown by lowering poverty (from 27.5% in 2015 to 19.4%) and uniting after the (April 29) storms.

He added the city will keep moving forward by using a new ¾ cent sales tax and preparing to host the Route 66 Centennial Kickoff.

Springfield police are offering a free one-day motorcycle safety course—Share the Road—for experienced riders, with applications accepted until Thursday, June 12 at noon.

The course will be held on June 14 and will also be offered on Sept. 6 and Oct. 11 to cover advanced riding techniques that help prevent accidents.

The Springfield Fire Department welcomed 16 new firefighters who earned their black helmets—marking the end of their probationary period and confirming their status as full members of Fire Academy Class 524.

The department now has a larger team ready to serve the local community with dedication.

Springfield Mayor Jeff Schrag delivered his first State of the City address on Thursday after 44 days in office, highlighting how Public Works and City Utilities helped the city recover from the April 29 windstorm and noting that major crimes like gun violence and vehicle thefts are down. He encouraged community leaders and business owners to serve on boards and volunteer to help Springfield grow while preserving its neighborhood spirit.

The Midtown Carnegie Branch Library in Springfield will reopen Monday, June 9 at 9:30 a.m. after renovations that added a new entrance with ramps, a repaired elevator, a new HVAC system and water pipes; the historic library (built in 1905 and celebrating its 120th anniversary) welcomes residents with improved accessibility.

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.

Missouri Bee Day 2025

8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Darr Agricultural Center — $65 members, $75 non-members, $15 youth — Dive into a day of beekeeping education with lectures, live apiaries, and vendor insights.

TPC Together 2025: HR is More Than Payroll

7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. — Oasis Hotel & Conv. Center — $125 for public, $95 for TPC clients — Explore how HR influences business beyond just payroll through insightful sessions and networking.