Good morning, Springfield.

Mama G's Kitchen will host a fundraiser on Sunday, Sept.

13 at 210 S. Market Ave. to support the families of an employee killed and another injured in a Sept. 2 crash on Kearney Street — the event will feature donation boxes, a percentage of sales, and live music with DJ Platinum from 5 to 8 p.m.

A fire burned at Springfield Iron and Metal on Thursday around 1 p.m. near 1323 West Locust & the smoke was seen for miles with no cause identified.

Kingdom Coffee opened its new Midtown shop in the former Boyd Elementary library on Sept.

8, featuring an expanded menu and seating that invites community gatherings (located at 1425 N. Washington Ave).

Jacob Brower introduced his new novel September Ten at One More Page bookstore, revisiting the quiet beauty of Sept.

10. The book is available now on Kindle and through local booksellers.

Today, the 30th annual Japanese Fall Festival begins at 5 p.m. at the Springfield Botanical Gardens to celebrate cultural ties with Isesaki — a 40-year exchange with our sister city that features art displays, music, and cultural conversations.

On Thursday, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation awarded over $100,000 in youth literacy grants to Missouri nonprofits, schools and libraries, benefiting more than 11,000 local individuals.

Grant applications for the 2027 cycle will open in January.

Care to Learn celebrated a milestone at its sold-out, football-themed 5th annual School Soirée at the White River Conference Center.

The fundraiser supports its mission to meet health, hunger and hygiene needs across nearly 50 local school districts.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is tracking a hemorrhagic disease outbreak in deer this summer and advises residents to report dead or ill deer found near water.

Officials are monitoring ponds + creeks for signs of the virus.

Local conservation officials report hummingbirds are beginning their southward flight, and they advise residents to keep feeders clean and fresh until most have left by October.

They recommend using a white sugar + water mix, changing it every few days to support the birds' journey.

Ava Fire Department added a used 2012 rescue engine to its fleet on Thursday after a five-year search, purchasing it from Springfield + taking about six months to complete the process.

Meanwhile, Logan-Rogersville’s new engine is nearly two years behind schedule because custom builds are complex.

City officials will present plans on Sept.

17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at New Covenant Academy Liberty Campus for Kansas Avenue upgrades that include new sidewalks, a multiuse path, raised crosswalks, and roundabouts. Construction will begin in 2028 after easement acquisitions.

World Atlas named the Ozark Mountains as America’s top tick hotspot, citing humid summers and thick brush around trails near Mark Twain National Forest; local residents are advised to check pets, clothing, and skin for ticks as these parasites remain active all year.

Missouri State lists Tchio, Brantley and Igbinedion on its two-deep roster for Saturday’s home opener against Lindenwood after Malone tore his ACL in the Texas A&M game; defensive coordinator Jack Curtis said the team will rely on depth to fill gaps from recent injuries.

The Missouri Tigers and Kansas Jayhawks will face off tonight in a college football game known as the Border War, a rivalry that began in 1891 (it started during the Civil War era).