Good morning, Springfield.

Veteran meteorologist Brett Anthony joins KY3 as chief meteorologist this fall (official start Oct.

1) after Ron Hearst retired; he brings extensive severe weather coverage experience and deep local ties that will benefit Springfield's trusted station.

Friends of the Library raised $421,625 through book sales on Sept.

24 at Midtown Carnegie Branch Library and the Eplex at the Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds; proceeds funded library programs and capital improvements across the library district (the group has raised over $6 million since 1985).

Meteorologist Ron Hearst, known for his clear storm updates using local landmarks, will retire from KY3 First Alert Weather on Oct.

9. He has served Springfield since 1993 and leaves behind decades of trusted forecasts.

Community Partnership of the Ozarks hosted an open house Thursday morning to showcase its new Darr Family Foundation Hub — a facility at 1518 East Dale Street that brings together housing, health care, and education services.

The hub also provides day care for up to 36 children through Kids Inn.

Ozarks Public Television hosts Roots & Relics at DoubleTree Hotel Convention Center on Oct.

3 (noon to 5 p.m.), inviting residents to explore antiques, attend appraisal sessions, and learn preservation techniques for family treasures. Organized by Easter Law Firm, the event offers workshops on papermaking, bookbinding, and printmaking.

Missouri State University's 23rd annual Public Affairs Conference runs from Sept.29 to Oct.1 in Springfield, offering in-person and virtual sessions on community engagement — Rainn Wilson’s keynote is rescheduled for Oct.23 at Juanita K.

Hammons Hall, and free parking is available at BearPark North.

A Springfield Plaza developer requested changes to its TIF deal along West Sunshine Street as half the area remained unfinished, and more investment was needed for public improvements.

MoDOT’s Forward 44 project will widen I-44 and add new ramps near Grant Avenue beginning this October, with public comments due by Oct.

8. A local church has raised concerns that the new ramp may block access to services (calling it a big inconvenience).

The Springfield Cardinals lost the Texas League Championship game on Sept.

23 at Route 66 Stadium when Amarillo defeated them 6-4 — marking the end of the team’s branding era as they will announce a new nickname and logo on Oct. 6.

Missouri State committed 11 penalties in a 30-24 loss to Marshall — mistakes that cost the team a late scoring chance — and the Bears will work on discipline as they prepare to face No. 22 SMU on Saturday at Plaster Stadium.