Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of June.
Good morning, Springfield.
More than 1,300 volunteers completed 114 projects for local nonprofits during last Thursday's Day of Caring event in southwest Missouri — donating an estimated $185,000 worth of labor.
The annual event highlighted strong community dedication.
The Sertoma Duck Race Festival kicked off Thursday with a carnival at Finley River Park in Ozark.
Today, the event features a food truck park, hot air balloon glow and craft fair, with a Duck Waddle 5K set for Saturday morning and a rubber duck race at 7 p.m.
Boone County Fire Protection District deployed K+9 teams with local agencies at Lake Springfield dam after four were reported in need; a 12-year-old was rescued on Sunday, bodies of two youths were recovered on Wednesday and June 17, and search efforts resumed on Thursday for the missing 40-year-old Taylor.
Springfield’s fourth Juneteenth celebration runs from June 18 to June 20 with a ‘Black Panther’ screening at Moxie Cinema, rapper Trina’s concert at The Venue on Sunset on Friday (6 p.m. doors open) and free events with vendors and concerts at Expo Center and Silver Springs Park on Saturday.
Springfield Art Museum hosts the second Pops in the Park concert with ’80s pop hits from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Jeans ’n Classics.
The free event begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at Phelps Grove Park (lawn chairs and blankets recommended).
Documentary Gone Guys examines challenges faced by young men in education and work, highlighting COVID-era isolation and its lasting effects.
Dr. Jennifer Baker of Good Dads outlines community efforts, and viewers can attend a screening to learn more.
Springfield is launching two initiatives for West College Street: a plan using a $99,000 EPA grant to improve underused, potentially contaminated sites and a survey to list historic structures (with public meetings Monday, June 22 at Midtown Carnegie Library and Tuesday, June 23 at Resurrection Church).
On Monday, the city council will consider a $32 million bond proposal to finance Andy’s Frozen Custard headquarters move, from its current site on Water Street to a new location (intersection of East Division and North Le Compte) northeast.
The project will retain 54 jobs and create 16 new roles.
Health experts advise Springfield residents to exercise caution when setting off fireworks (wear goggles, maintain a 50-foot safe distance, and let fireworks cool before disposal) ahead of Fourth of July festivities.
Ryan Campos, a 23-year-old fourth-round draft pick from Arizona State, is working to stand out in Springfield's Cardinals lineup by splitting time between catcher and designated hitter.
He hit .406 on a nine-game streak at Wichita on June 18 and remains focused on improving his play.
Springfield native Trevon Brazile is expected to be selected in the second round of the NBA Draft next week, making him the first local player in modern times; he impressed NBA teams with strong workouts after his comeback from an injury (he plans a private celebration in Springfield).
Ozark native Devyn Wright ran the second leg for Arkansas in the NCAA Outdoor Championship 4x400-meter relay today, helping the Razorbacks secure the men’s team title with a third-place finish in the final event (Wright advanced from JUCO baseball to NCAA champion in four years).
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.
The Boxmasters Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the Sixties inspired sounds of The Boxmasters as they celebrate their latest album, 'In The Bay'.
Family Fishing Fun Night
6-9 p.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — $10/person (own gear) or $15/person (rental) — Enjoy a relaxing evening of catch-and-release fishing, a Cow Train, and more at a scenic park.
Springfield Junior City Championship
Eligible for Junior Golf Scoreboard points — Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course — Entry fee applies — Compete in a prestigious junior golf tournament.
Houndmouth Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — General admission available — Experience Houndmouth’s emotionally resonant music from their new album 'Lordy' in a historic venue.
Ozarks Lunkers 2026 Season
7:05 PM — Wilson Logistics Arena — Tickets from $55 — Catch the excitement as the Ozarks Lunkers take on Arkansas in this thrilling season match.
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