Good morning, Springfield.

Kelly McGowan from the University of Missouri Extension Office said that now is the time for Springfield residents to try new vegetable choices at local farmers’ markets.

Local farmers around the Ozarks offer many fresh foods—residents are encouraged to ask which options work best for them.

The legal consumer sale of fireworks starts today in Springfield as the 4th of July nears, and Fireworks Supermarket recommends early shopping—store officials have hired extra staff to help buyers select popular red, white, and blue cakes that shoot in three directions.

The store also shares safety tips, reminding customers to have a sober adult light fireworks and keep a safe distance from hazards.

Community Partnership of the Ozarks and the NAACP of Springfield are hosting a 3rd annual Juneteenth Celebration from June 19 to 22 with events such as a movie night at Moxie Downtown, a park dedication and community reception today at Silver Springs Park, and a concert with Keke Wyatt on Saturday—families will also enjoy an expo at the Springfield Expo Center and more activities under the theme Stronger Together.

Art Hains, who hosted pre- and post-game shows on the Chiefs Radio Network since 2008 and served as the voice of Missouri State Bears football for over 40 years, announced on June 18 he is stepping down from both roles.

His final Missouri State home game will be on Sept. 13 at Plaster Stadium (his farewell game) and his Chiefs Radio duties will end after 16 years (marking a long service to local sports).

Missouri State women’s basketball began summer workouts today in Springfield as captain Kaemyn Bekemeier leads returning players and new transfers.

Coach Beth Cunningham said the team will build trust and depth for Conference USA play—regional games and a search for a new post player are part of the plan—while aiming to end their three-year NCAA Tournament drought.

Springfield Catholic has named former Eastern Oregon head coach Carlito Labarda as its new boys basketball coach, replacing Jay Osborne who left for Greenwood — Labarda brings strong college and junior college experience and a record of winning seasons to a team that finished 17–10 last year.

Former Glendale pitcher Mike Kickham—aged 36 and a former MLB player with the Giants, Red Sox and Dodgers—threw a no-hitter on June 14 for the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars in a 1-0 win over the Staten Island Ferry Hawks, striking out 12 batters before 1,117 fans.

He said he continues to pitch for his love of the game and will keep playing as long as his body allows him.

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.

T.J. Miller Stand-Up Comedy Show

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Blue Room Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of humor with one of the world's most sought-after comedians.

Unite for Bleeding Disorders

The Midwest Hemophilia Association will host their annual walk Saturday, June, 28, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00pm at Springfield Botanical Garden in Nathanael-Green Park. Open to the public, this day is about more than fundraising...it's a day to UNITE for hope, Unite for community, and UNITE to make a difference for people diagnosed with bleeding disorders!

Movie Matinee: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

2 PM — Gillioz Theatre — Combo tickets available — Experience the classic adventure of Captain Nemo in this 1954 film screening.

Field Trip Films: Monsters Inc.

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $5 to $10 — Enjoy a showing of Monsters Inc. and dive into the whimsical monster world.

JAWS Anniversary Night

6:30-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket purchase required — Celebrate Shark Week early with a screening of JAWS and ocean education activities.

Hades Climb Challenge

7-11 a.m. — Ozark Mountain Sports Complex — Registration fee required — Conquer the stairs and test your endurance at this electrifying climbing challenge.

Movie Matinee: Rocky

2 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo available — Experience the iconic 1976 film 'Rocky' featuring Sylvester Stallone as a small-time boxer chasing the heavyweight title.

Robin Trower Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the legendary guitarist Robin Trower perform classics from his iconic albums.