Good morning, Springfield.

The 89th annual Ozark Empire Fair will run from July 24 to August 2 in Springfield.

It offers $5 cash-only parking, special days with lower fares and free admission for select groups — live concerts, rides, and emergency services are provided throughout the event.

Local mechanics in Springfield advise car owners to check fluids, battery, and tires regularly during the extreme heat to stay safe on the road.

They warn that small issues can become bigger problems—decreasing gas mileage and increasing the risk of breakdowns—if maintenance is neglected.

Chance McPhetridge was charged with aggravated fleeing after a burglary call when he drove over 100 mph on Saturday morning and crashed through a concrete culvert at Park Central Square—his car went airborne and hit trees before catching fire—causing significant property damage.

Four local musicians are set to open MoonTown Sound on East Commercial Street in Springfield this fall to give artists a fair wage and boost local arts.

The venue will support performers with full door fees and digital technology — including cameras and projectors — in a 240-capacity space that also features local art panels.

The FDA announced on July 17 that Florida-based Rich's Ice Cream Co. recalled over 100,000 ice cream bars due to possible listeria contamination.

The recall began on June 27 and affects products sold in Missouri and 22 other states + it is classified as Class II, meaning any health issues are expected to be temporary.

Last week, city inspectors checked Springfield restaurants from July 14 to 18 and found that most had active permits with few health code issues.

Several establishments had priority violations such as unsafe food temperatures or improper storage that were corrected after staff education — reinspections were scheduled as needed.

Peggy Wolf, a Springfield woman, celebrated her 100th birthday today by skydiving in Lawrence County with more than 40 family and friends (some traveled from Virginia) cheering her on at Ozarks Skydive Center.

She lost a shoe during her jump but ended the day smiling.

Lauren Thomlinson, a Fair Grove grad and Drury junior, is an All-American rugby player who will join the college team traveling to England in August for a U23 World Cup Tour+ she trains at an Olympic hub and hopes to earn a spot on Team USA for the 2029 World Cup.

1 Million Cups-Springfield

9-11 a.m. — Bambinos Cafe on Battlefield — Free coffee — Network with local entrepreneurs and grow your business in a friendly setting.

Berlin Concert at Ozark Empire Fair

7:30-8:00 p.m. — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Tickets from $18.00 — Enjoy a live performance by the iconic band Berlin under the stars.

Anime Adventures (Ages 9-11)

9 AM – 4 PM — Discovery Center of Springfield — Cost info not provided — Dive into the creative world of anime with drawing, storytelling, and STEM challenges.

Back to School Bash

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Springfield Expo Center — Free entry — Get ready for the school year with resources like backpacks and immunizations for Springfield students and families.

Breakthrough Basketball Essential Skills Camp

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — The Fieldhouse Sportscenter — Limited spots available — Enhance your basketball skills and character with expert coaching from Camp Kelly.

Wilco Live Concert

3:00-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening with Wilco, the venerated pioneers of independent music.

Pet Therapy of the Ozarks

11 AM – 4 PM — Springfield Missouri Dog Training Club — Cost not specified — Explore the joys of canine companionship and training for happy, well-behaved dogs.

Movie Matinee: Red River Screening

2 PM — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo — Enjoy a classic 1948 film starring John Wayne and Montgomery Clift on the big screen.