Good morning, Springfield.

A lightning storm caused over 8,200 power outages in Springfield on Monday, June 8 at about 8 a.m. City Utilities said crews are still working to restore power although no timeline is provided.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held a groundbreaking on Saturday for its new Springfield temple at 2720 E.

Farm Rd. 188 on a 38-acre site, which will include a 29,000 sqft building and meetinghouse to serve 20,000 local members who usually travel long distances. Construction will begin soon to bring this long-awaited project to life.

On Sunday, Jun. 7 at 6:40 p.m., a brief EF0 tornado touched down southeast of Battlefield, damaging tree limbs and prompting National Weather Service surveys while radar showed possible tornadoes in rural Christian County (NWS is reviewing damage).

Storms Sunday evening and Monday morning caused damage in the Ozarks (a tornado was confirmed near Battlefield and lightning knocked out power for thousands in Springfield).

Seafood House on South Campbell Avenue closed Monday morning after its roof collapsed during storms (weather cause unknown), and no injuries were reported while do not occupy signs were posted at the entrance.

Caracas House, Springfield’s first Venezuelan restaurant, moved from a food truck to a new location at 1425 W.

Battlefield Road. It soft-opened late May and held a ribbon-cutting and tequila tasting for its grand opening on June 8 — showcasing an expanded Latin fusion menu.

The Roost Bar and Grill will open its fourth location at 2924 E.

Sunshine St. in southeast Springfield this fall as the restaurant undergoes extensive renovations to add a fenced-in patio plus a game room for kids in its family-friendly, chicken-themed space.

The History Museum on the Square will open its Route 66 centennial exhibit tomorrow, June 10, showcasing artifacts, photos, and stories from five years of displays.

The exhibit runs until Sept. 20 and highlights the community’s enduring connection to the iconic highway.

A six-figure gift from the Carr family is funding Ozarks Tech’s new student union and event center, which will open in August + the facility is designed to boost campus engagement.

The Missouri Department of Conservation advises residents to keep a safe distance from wild baby animals to reduce stress on the animals and prevent disease transmission; officials warn that even if a young animal appears alone, a parent is likely nearby (handling it can harm both wildlife and people).

Missouri has postponed its Healthy SNAP restrictions banning candy, prepared desserts, and sugary drinks until Feb.

15, 2027 to give grocers time to prepare. The state agency will develop clear educational materials and a product list so retailers can enforce the changes.

The Mystery Hour – Mother Road Edition

8 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free entry — Experience an Emmy Award-winning talk show featuring comedy, music, and unexpected interviews.

Kam Patterson Live Comedy Show

6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience energetic comedy from a rising star and newest SNL cast member.

Candlelight: The Lord of the Rings

8:45-10:00 p.m. — Stone Chapel, Drury University — Limited Edition Tickets — Celebrate the 25th anniversary with enchanting music from The Lord of the Rings trilogy performed by a talented string quartet.

Springfield Sports Commission Awards 2026

7-10 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — No ticket purchase required for nominees — Celebrate the achievements of local scholastic athletes at the 14th Annual Springfield Sports Commission Awards.

2026 Queen City Open Pickleball Tournament

June 18-21 — Cooper Tennis Complex — Entry fee applies — Participate in the regional showdown of pickleball talent at one of Missouri's premier venues.

World Oddities Expo

11 AM – 3 PM — Springfield Expo Center — Tickets from $64 — Explore an unforgettable live showcase of the unusual and extraordinary.

S.M.A.C.T. 2: Springfield Missouri Armored Combat Tournament

9 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Pinegar Arena — Support local kids in need — Experience a thrilling 5v5 armored combat showdown featuring duels and team battles.

RPG Day 2026

1-5 p.m. — Meta Games Unlimited Inc — Free entry — Dive into an unforgettable day of adventure, storytelling, and community with tabletop roleplaying games.

Animal Science 101 Summer Camp

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — $170/Camper — Explore the world of farm animals through hands-on activities and fun learning experiences.

Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs Screening

1-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $5 to $10 — Watch the classic film about a town transformed by food-filled rain.