Good morning, Springfield.

Ozarks Food Harvest is asking Springfield residents to support its backpack program that gives kids weekend meals during Hunger Action Month.

A $30 monthly donation covers meals and future events – Hungerthon from Sept. 11 to Sept. 14 and McDonald’s donation day on Sept. 14 – boosting program funding.

The Springfield-Branson National Airport is finishing a new terrazzo floor that will replace its iconic blue and green carpet.

Old carpet tiles were donated to the Springfield Regional Arts Council (raising funds for local programs) as the project wraps up later this fall.

Spirit Halloween has opened its store at 3500 S.

Glenstone Ave. in Primrose Marketplace today and will open a second location at Battlefield Mall (opening in September) to serve local shoppers preparing for Halloween.

Sophie Bryan, a Missouri State science student, used a $500 grant (from Drop Dead Generous) to complete a 90-foot mural of Ozarks wildlife on a privacy fence along Battlefield Road east of Luster Avenue last August.

Her early morning sessions beat the heat ahead of the new school year.

Springfield officials and partners will celebrate the completion of road projects that improve access to a 411-acre site planned for commercial and industrial use.

The ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. near the intersection of LeCompte Road and Eastgate Avenue by Springfield Underground.

Monarch butterflies have begun their annual migration and are now seen across Missouri in fields and suburban gardens.

The peak is set for mid-to-late September when locals may view clusters on milkweed + wildflowers before they fly south.

Lake Springfield’s popular Tailwaters fishing spot is closed indefinitely due to safety concerns following a review after three deaths in June — City Utilities is adding signage and urging anglers to use other lake access points.

The former gas station at Grant and Division, built in 1945, is being renovated by owners Kelly Oosterhuis and Jeffrey Scott Rogers; they have not yet decided its future use (240 sqft).

Missouri State's football team will begin its 2026 season Saturday at 6 p.m. at Kyle Field in College Station against eighth-ranked Texas A&M.

The Bears are 41.5-point underdogs and will receive $1.2 million to support their growing program as they bring in offensive coordinator Casey Woods.

Fair Grove High School Eagles, led by new head coach Josh Evans, defeated state-title contender Mountain Grove in their Week 1 game.

Evans said the team is driven to build on the win as they prepare for upcoming challenges.