Good morning, Springfield.

The annual Stop the Violence Conference takes place Oct.

28 at the efactory at 405 N. Jefferson Ave. downtown; the free, full-day event is hosted by Missouri State University’s Public Safety Training Center with support from CoxHealth and the Department of Health and Senior Services, and advance registration is required.

Springfield fire crews are learning new techniques to handle electric vehicle fires that burn hotter and emit toxic chemicals.

They are training to use large amounts of water instead of foam during emergencies.

Murphy Orchards in the Ozarks is starting its fall apple harvest after weeks of very high heat — the orchard said that the heat made some apples ripen too soon and turn sunburned, which may shorten their shelf life.

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting nominations for the Springfieldian Award (its most acclaimed honor) to honor local service.

Submissions are open to Chamber members and the public until Friday, Oct. 23, and the winner will be announced at the Annual Meeting on Jan. 29.

Diesel prices rose 43 cents since last week, putting pressure on local food pantries and non-profits like Crosslines Resource Center and Ozarks Food Harvest, which now expect an extra $90,000 in fuel costs next year.

Missouri DESE marked Deaf Awareness Week to highlight programs helping deaf students prepare for work.

At Holland Elementary, teacher Courtney Kuehne shows inclusive teaching practices while state vocational programs offer assistive technology (including sign glasses) to boost workforce readiness.

Dickerson Park Zoo has expanded its raptor rehabilitation program by adding a second flight cage.

Donations from Steve and Tammy Roark helped build the new structure, which supports native birds recovering for release.

Alpha-gal syndrome drives rising demand for emu and ostrich meat in Springfield and across the Ozarks.

T’s MO Meats and Mammal Free Meatery now delivers safe, mammal-free bundles for locals seeking red meat alternatives without triggering allergies (AGS) as restaurants offer emu burgers to meet demand.

Wednesday night, the Amarillo Sod Poodles beat Springfield 6-4 with five runs in the late innings to win the series 2-1 (the Springfield franchise will announce a new rebranding in October), marking the end of an era for fans.