Good morning, Springfield.

Blake Doran, a Springfield native, created the ClearDepth app to help boaters and swimmers check for underwater hazards this summer; the tool uses community input to mark dangers on lakes including 40 hazards at Table Rock Lake (across 200 lakes) to boost water safety.

Downtown Springfield hosts the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival where hundreds of classic cars are displayed—more than 800 vehicles will be shown from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today with an open cruise at 6 p.m. to honor the centennial celebration.

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield marks its 165th anniversary this weekend with firing demonstrations today and tomorrow and a commemorative ceremony Monday at 10 a.m. A free Place for History interview will stream Monday at 5:30 p.m. on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and KY3’s website and app.

Springfield is set to add art to its roundabouts with Arting-A-Round, a partnership led by the Hatch Foundation that plans to install sculptures in four city council zones by spring 2027.

Community input will be gathered at a workshop on Aug. 11 at Sequiota Elementary and via an online survey.

Springfield hosted filming and a free meet-and-greet for 'The Great American Road Rally' on Aug.

7 during the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, held in a parking lot across from Hotel Vandivort downtown. The show will premiere on Sept. 2 (on CW) and air weekly.

Ozarks Tech will unveil its new Parson Student Union during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug.

12 at 1 p.m. at the campus near Chestnut Expressway + Sherman Avenue, where the Judy and Mike Breeding Clock Tower will be on display and former Gov. Parson will attend.

Springfield Public Schools announced on Thursday, Aug.

6 the new 417 Reads initiative that will serve 1,600 third graders in 2026-27 — pending enough volunteer mentors, while SPS will also open Pipkin Middle and Reed Academy and expand transportation and Outdoor Pursuits later this month.

Missouri State safety J.J.

O'Neal (a Logan-Rogersville alum) participated in his team's bounce back effort during day two of fall camp on Thursday, Aug. 6, as they prepared for the season.

Nine local players from southwest Missouri high schools are competing for spots on Missouri State's football roster as team practices continue ahead of the Sept.

5 season opener at Texas A&M.

Former coach Mark Watson became Missouri State football’s first general manager earlier this year and now manages a 104-man roster with head coach Casey Woods, handling NIL+budget negotiations and recruiting efforts.

McDonald Arena, once home to Missouri State basketball, will be transformed this fall into a football facility with new locker rooms + weight rooms; the project also includes a tunnel connecting the arena to Plaster Stadium.

Missouri State running back Ramone Green Jr. (a Nixa native) spoke after day two of fall camp on Thursday, Aug.

6, following his team's football practice. He shared insights about his performance and plans for the upcoming season.