Good morning, Springfield.

The Ozark Empire Fair opened on July 24 and now features classic attractions such as camel and pony rides—new experiences like the Butterfly Kingdom and food vendors offering treats add extra fun.

Special discount days, including $3 Day on July 28, free entry on July 30, and military free admission on July 31, will give families affordable ways to enjoy the fair.

Springfield police issued an Endangered Person Advisory for 13-year-old Tydus Vang, reported missing from the 2200 block of West Deerfield Street at 4:20 p.m. on July 22 after a landscaping crew saw him running west; he is described as having black hair, brown eyes, and wearing a gray t-shirt, blue shorts, and a black Nike backpack—he also has ADHD and autism.

A federal court sentenced Springfield resident Joseph Archer III (43) to 8 years in prison without parole on July 23 for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon; his case began after he initiated a vehicle pursuit on June 29, 2023 that led to a crash and minor injuries to an officer, with local and federal agencies investigating the incident.

Officer Estes from the Springfield Police Department chased a pig honking along West Chestnut Expressway on Wednesday morning—and later adopted it as his pet, Flash, to keep the animal safe from busy streets.

Overlay, Springfield’s live mural art festival, will hold a Brooklyn-style block party event on Oct.

3 and Oct. 4 near Jefferson Avenue and Park Central East to unveil a new large mural on the east side of the Park East building. Founder Meg Wagler said the festival will offer donation-based entry with tickets on pre-sale in August—bringing local and national art communities together as it grows into a lasting event.

Construction crews are working on the new Pipkin Middle School on North Campbell Ave — designed to replace the older building on North Boonville Ave. The project is on schedule and within budget and will be ready in early 2027 with funds from voter-approved Proposition S.

The EPA awarded a $500,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant to Springfield to help assess and plan cleanup for contaminated sites.

The funds will support 20 Phase I and 10 Phase II environmental assessments along the Chase Street Corridor and College Street Corridor — a move expected to spur redevelopment— in the city.

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.

Postmodern Jukebox Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $49 to $217.06 — Experience a nostalgic blend of modern hits reimagined in classic styles by the talented Postmodern Jukebox collective.