Good morning, Springfield.

The Better Business Bureau gave Springfield-based Reflections Bath & Spa Inc.—formerly known as Bath Planet Missouri—an F rating after multiple customers reported incomplete contracts and unreturned payments; business owner Jim Barnett said he will address outstanding installations.

On September 3, 2025, Clifford Pickens pleaded guilty to felony charges after admitting he repeatedly abused a minor and took the teen to a known cruising park on West Farm Road—where a 72-year-old man also had sexual contact with the victim, with sentencing set for Nov.

6.

Today, the 29th annual Japanese Fall Festival starts at 5 p.m. at the Springfield Botanical Gardens Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden—where representatives from Isesaki and local cultural groups offer origami, archery, kimono try-ons, and performances throughout the weekend.

Tickets cost $9 on Friday and Sunday, $14 on Saturday, with kids paying $4—visitors should expect a detour due to a closed Sunshine Street bridge.

Today, Ozark School District used $5 million left over from a 2022 bond issue to improve school facilities by adding an inclusive playground at Tiger Paw Early Childhood Center and new play clocks, a video board, and Hudl cameras at Ozark High for sports use.

The district is still working on a second playground at Tiger Paw and will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony once it is complete.

Missouri State University will hold a dedication ceremony at 10:15 a.m. on September 12 to mark the completion of a new addition to Roy Blunt Hall—home to the College of Natural and Applied Sciences—and to honor those who contributed to the $80 million project, with renovations to the original building scheduled for completion by next summer.

The Springfield Fire Department released second quarter data showing 3,170 calls for service, 29 building fires, 136 other fires, and 767 medical/rescue calls.

Officials reported 272 alarms and 88 smoke alarm batteries installed, noting that about 22% of accidental structure fires were due to electrical problems and that the first unit responded in an average time of 6 minutes & 55 seconds.

Burrell Behavioral Health will host the ONE Step to Save a Life walk on Saturday, September 6 at 1:30 downtown Springfield to honor those lost to suicide and shine a light on mental health.

Jeanne Coburn said the walk will include mindfulness stops and stations for writing positive messages—efforts to help people share hope and find support.

Kid'Athlon

1:30-5 p.m. — Chesterfield Park — $35/Child; $25/Additional child — A mini-triathlon for kids ages 5-12 featuring swimming, biking, and running fun.

Blind Melon Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — The Regency Live — All ages — Blind Melon returns for a night of alternative rock after six years away.

Shining A Light: Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Webinar

This webinar will provide insight into warning signs, prevention strategies, and resources regarding youth suicide awareness and prevention, available here in Missouri. We encourage registration and attend as groups, as space is limited.

Springfield Native Plant Sale

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Bass Pro Shops — Cash, checks, and credit cards accepted — Discover a variety of native plants while supporting local conservation efforts.

Movie Matinee: Harvey Screening

2 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Combo ticket available — Enjoy a classic film about a man and his imaginary giant rabbit friend.

Fall Classics: The Princess Bride 2025

8-10 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $12 to $25 — Celebrate the timeless classic with a costume contest and VIP perks at this annual showing.

Pound the Pavement for Parkinson's 5K Walk/Run

8:30 AM – 8:30 PM — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — Check event page for registration fees — Lace up and hit the ground running for a cause supporting Parkinson's awareness.

Cinema Sundays: Encanto

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy a magical free showing of Encanto with popcorn, drinks, and dance performances.

VIP Fall Classics Package

8 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $75 — Enjoy exclusive VIP experiences for classic films with early entry and raffle opportunities.

BEATrio with Bela Fleck

7:30-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an innovative collaboration featuring banjo, harp, and drums that promises captivating melodies and rhythms.