Good morning, Springfield.

This week the Dickerson Park Zoo introduced its ambassador rats in the series The Wild Side—Kyanne Hilger shared fun facts about the animals.

Owen Martin, 19, from Marshfield announced he will appear on the upcoming 24th season of American Idol after a video audition impressed the producers—he is set to shoot his episode in late October and plans to release a new album in December.

Martin began taking music seriously three years ago and his appearance on the show could boost his career.

Missouri farmers will be able to apply for low-interest loans through the MO-BUCKS initiative from November 3 to December 3 — the program offers loans up to $2 million with interest rates of 2 to 3 percent and allocates $100 million to support farming families.

The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools awarded $88,222 in educator grants to support District-Wide and Impact Grant projects for the 2025-26 school year in Springfield.

The grants will fund initiatives such as Job Olympics+ a teacher liaison program, classroom supplies, and technology labs to help students and educators succeed.

Missouri State University will change its security measures for high-profile visitors after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed at a campus event when a shooter on a nearby rooftop attacked him—new steps include monitoring roof access and a safety app while the school still invites speakers with different views. MSU President Williams said the changes help keep everyone safe and preserve free speech.

Wilson’s Creek Intermediate School celebrated its 20-year milestone on September 11 with a community reception and the opening of a time capsule that revealed letters, CDs, and signed photos from Senator Blunt and then-President Bush.

The school—located at 4035 W. Weaver Road and serving about 450 students—marked this anniversary as a special moment in its history.

Field Elementary cut its ribbon Tuesday for a new addition with four classrooms funded by Proposition S to help welcome Pershing students from a demolished kindergarten through eighth grade building, with 25 already enrolled and 40 to 50 more expected next year—Wilder Elementary received a similar addition for the move.

As temperatures drop, brown marmorated stink bugs will soon invade homes in Missouri seeking shelter from the cold.

Experts advise sealing entry points & repairing screens and recommend vacuuming bugs to avoid releasing foul odors.

On September 4, MDC and partners including City Utilities, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Dickerson Park Zoo, Ozarks Tech College and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources were recognized at Lost Hill Park for building floating wetlands in Fellows Lake, McDaniel Lake and other local ponds using man-made islands — these wetlands help treat excess nutrients and will soon have guidelines for landowners.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is asking farmers to take pictures of drought conditions as agricultural leaders work to assess nearly two months of minimal rainfall in much of the Ozarks—these reports will help guide future water resource decisions.

Springfield-Branson National Airport launched a celebration of its new floor replacement project with limited-edition t-shirts available online until Oct 3rd.

Proceeds will go to United Way Ozarks Region.

State Rep. Jeremy Dean from Springfield lost his committee assignments and faces an ethics inquiry after he sent an obscene text message to a fellow lawmaker on Sept.

4 — the House Ethics Committee began investigating on Sept. 10 amid safety concerns.

Children’s Mercy has appointed Debbie Schwartzkopf as interim Chief Administrative Officer to lead a new joint venture with Mercy Hospital in Springfield—pediatric services will begin in November to expand care for children and families locally.

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.

Cindy Ausilio Benefit Concert

6-10 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Tickets support a worthy cause — Enjoy an evening of live music while benefiting a beloved local figure in need.

Route 66 Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. — Meador Park — $320 per team — Compete in the innovative Minor League Pickleball format with teams of four in a fun and social event.

Iam Tongi Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Regency Live — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sound and infectious smile of Iam Tongi in a vibrant live setting.

Night of Valor Gala

5:30 PM — Oasis Hotel & Conv. Center — Support veterans through a night of dinner, entertainment, and inspiring stories with service dogs.

Mystery Masquerade Ball

7 PM – 12 AM — Chateau Charmant — VIP tickets available — Experience a night of mystery and elegance at this enchanting Halloween masquerade.