Good morning, Springfield.

Swim Safe Shell Knob is a new non-profit formed after a tragic drowning at Table Rock Lake last summer; it now provides life jackets to every student in Shell Knob Schools (with plans to add local swim lessons soon).

Lost and Found Grief Center unveiled its Legacy of Hope Wall on Tuesday in Springfield.

The wall (a tribute to supporters who fund free grief support groups) honors those who help serve families throughout the Ozarks.

The Springfield Art Museum will turn 100 in 2028 and is releasing a new book that tells its founding story by Deborah Weisel and her group (who began the museum in 1926) with a panel discussion and book signing on Saturday, Aug.

29 at 3:30 p.m. at The Library Center’s Hatch Auditorium.

Two events on Saturday, June 13 will honor Springfield’s Black history and local leadership; the D.A.S.

Baton Honors Award will be presented at Washington Avenue Baptist Church at 2 p.m., and the Living History Freedom Ball will follow from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Library Center. Registration is required.

Workers and visitors at Wonders of Wildlife celebrated Reese, a 33-year-old (gentoo penguin), Tuesday with a happy birthday song and ice fish cake; her milestone stands out as her species typically lives about 15 years.

Friends of the Springfield Art Museum announced that gifts from four local families have established an endowment fund to support museum programs and operations.

Starting July 1, new board leaders including Matthew Edwards as chair and Alia Lee as vice chair will guide the foundation’s work.

On June 6, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints broke ground for its new Springfield temple at 2720 E.

Farm Road 188 in Ozark. The 29,000 sqft, single-story building will serve 20,000 members across six stakes & be built on a 38-acre site & bolster local culture.

OMB Bank's Concert in the Wild series will kick off on June 11 at Dickerson Park Zoo with Molly Healey performing at 6 p.m. The series supports Friends of the Zoo and will feature local music & natural sounds that invite families to enjoy a unique after-hour experience.

An interactive exhibit on St. Louis Street built to celebrate Route 66's 100th birthday is causing noise and safety issues for east Springfield residents who report constant rumble sounds.

City officials say the installation will be dismantled at the end of summer after the Birthplace of Route 66 celebration.

Springfield Public Schools is hosting a job fair today from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its transportation headquarters (2945 E.

Pythian St) to fill support staff roles including bus drivers and cafeteria workers; a free hot dog lunch will be served and on-site application help is available.

City Utilities advises local residents to adjust thermostat settings, clean HVAC filters, and close shades to lower bills as temperatures rise + a $75 rebate is available on ENERGY STAR smart thermostats.

Missouri National Guard soldiers from the 1136th Military Police Company left Drury University Tuesday, Jun.

9, for an overseas mission in the Middle East. They will join Operation Spartan Shield under U.S. Central Command to boost security & cooperation.

Mercy Springfield announced it will launch a graduate medical education program next summer (aimed at training local doctors) to ease the regional physician shortage in southwest Missouri.

The program will start with 75 residency slots and plans to expand to 160 by 2032.

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.