Good morning, Springfield.

Downtown Springfield Association held a public listening session yesterday at The Regency Live to collect ideas on making downtown more vibrant.

The association will use the community input in its strategic plan and share goals by early fall.

During Monday’s heat advisory, families in Springfield had fewer options when outdoor pools closed at 6:30 p.m. due to staffing challenges and low turnout, while indoor aquatic centers stayed open until 8 p.m. to offer a cool respite & time to relax.

Local HVAC companies in Springfield are busy handling service calls and system replacements amid rising heat and parts delays up to 14 days (temporary air conditioners help customers while waiting).

Experts advise homeowners to clean condensers and check filters to improve system performance.

The Ozark Empire Fair turns 90 in 2026, and archival photos show how its rides and contests have changed over the years.

The fair will celebrate local tradition with new attractions + classic favorites for visitors in Springfield.

Drury University is preparing to welcome a record number of new students this fall while teaching skills for jobs not yet invented & hosting a day of community service; fall classes start Monday, Aug.

17.

The Better Business Bureau has offered guidance to help Springfield families pick quality youth sports leagues and travel teams as the school year approaches.

They recommend reviewing ratings, fees, and safety protocols before enrolling.

Springfield has been awarded a $3.58M EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant to remediate contaminated properties at 404 and 428 N.

Jefferson Ave. and support Phase II of the Renew Jordan Creek project, which will remove industrial hazards and foster future investment (FEMA-designated floodplain).

Missouri Department of Conservation released updated hunting guidebooks for deer, turkey, dove and waterfowl, which detail changes to season dates, permits, and harvest rules for fall outings.

Copies are available at permit vendors and online + nonresident hunters face a new one-antlered deer limit.

Missouri health officials said on Monday that 216 people are sick with cyclosporiasis, a stomach illness caused by a parasite.

The department is doing targeted tests to find the source while the CDC tracks over 1,600 cases statewide.

Skin care experts caution residents against using the UV Index to plan tanning, noting that the tool was designed to signal dangerous sun conditions (not to maximize sun exposure).

They advise reapplying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing to help protect skin.

High school football camps in Springfield are taking heat precautions as summer temperatures rise; teams at Springfield Catholic School and Springfield Public Schools are limiting gear and scheduling water breaks to keep players safe.

Mercy trainers monitor wet bulb globe temperature and advise proper fueling to help prevent heat-related illness.

Riley Franklin, the Ozark golf standout (Male Golfer of the Year), is set to defend his AJGA Bass Pro Junior Championship title Aug.

4-7 in Hollister. The senior who committed to Marquette aims to win a state title in his final season at Ozark High School.

Nike Baseball Camp for Kids

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Route 66 Stadium — $299 for three days — Young athletes enhance their skills with professional coaching from the Springfield Cardinals.

Underoath Concert

7:00 – 9:30 PM — The Venue on Sunset — Tickets from $80 — Underoath delivers an unforgettable live music experience in Springfield.