Good morning, Springfield.

Ozarks Food Harvest and Panera Bread are hosting the 12th annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, which began on Sept.

25 and will run until Oct. 2—proceeds will support the Weekend Backpack Program that provides weekend meals for nearly 1,700 children in southwest Missouri. Handcrafted bowls donated by artists are available online until Oct. 1 and will be sold in person at Panera Bread on Campbell Avenue on Oct. 2.

Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services will sell Ashley House at 2740 E.

Pythian St.—a property that sheltered foster children for decades—and will reinvest the funds into its Transitional Living Services program to help young adults gain independence. The program now operates from multiple apartments and will expand support for former foster youth.

The Arc of the Ozarks held a safety resource fair yesterday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. outside its Neurodevelopment Center to help neurodivergent families learn about law enforcement practices and home safety tools—including trackers and live remote support.

The event also featured experts on financial and cyber safety to give families useful guidance.

On Wednesday night, members of the Grant Beach Park community—together with the park board—met to discuss how to improve the park.

They talked about reopening the pool after spring storm damage, adding a skate park, and keeping current features as part of a complete plan.

Walmart will open three new gas stations in Springfield near its stores at 3245 S.

Campbell Ave.—Walnut Lawn St., 3535 Mt. Vernon St.—West Bypass, and 1923 E. Kearney—Glenstone Ave. Work is underway at these sites, with the Campbell and Mt. Vernon locations expected to finish by mid-to-late November while the Kearney site’s timeline is still pending.

Midtown Carnegie Library Branch is celebrating its 120th birthday and reopening after a year-long renovation that updated the front entrance, elevator, and HVAC system—events include historic tours, refreshments, and activities for all ages scheduled for Saturday the 27th from 10 am to 5 pm in Springfield.

Evangel University reported a record 2,741 fall students, a 4.6% increase from last fall—marking its fifth year of steady growth.

The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary added 23% more students, the largest single-year gain in its 52-year history.

Missouri State University announced a record fall enrollment with the Springfield campus growing by exactly 200 students—from 25,038 to 25,238—and the overall system rising from 26,874 to 27,235.

The increase comes as dual enrollment jumped 9.1% to 7,778 students + first-time transfer enrollment climbed 2.8% to 1,342, even as international and graduate numbers declined.

Springfield City Council will hear a presentation by the Department of Planning and Development on citywide remapping designed to align with the new Community Land Development Code—the live-streamed Council Lunch will take place on September 30th so that residents can watch and ask questions.

The Kansas Expressway Extension project in south Springfield is now complete and opened to motorists between 9 and 10 a.m. today.

The final phase, planned since the 1980s, built a mile-long two-lane road, a pedestrian and bicycle path, an east/west connection, and a new four-way stop — a $12.5 million project funded mostly with federal funds and Greene County dollars.

Springfield City Council approved revised plans for Chimney Rock subdivision near Battlefield Road and Lone Pine Avenue on Sept.

22—reducing lots from 40 to 29 and limiting access to Mimosa Street only. Neighbors remain concerned about potential future access to Arcadia and traffic issues while councilmembers said safety and compliance will be reviewed by city staff.

The Springfield Cardinals clinched the Texas League title with a 13-1 win over the Midland RockHounds on Sept.

24 at Momentum Bank Ballpark in Midland, Texas—securing their second championship since 2012.

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.

Speed Dating for Single Parents

2-5:30 p.m. — Arris Pizza Springfield — Limited seating — Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with fun speed dating rounds designed for single parents to connect.

Movie Matinee: To Catch A Thief

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $0 to $10 — Watch Cary Grant in the classic 1955 film about a retired cat burglar accused of a series of robberies.

Pets & Pumpkins Family Festival

11 AM – 4 PM — All About Dogs & Cats — $2 entry — Enjoy a fun-filled day with costume parades and activities for pets and families while supporting local charities.

Montycler Concert

9 PM – 1 AM — The Regency Live — Tickets from $49 — Experience an electrifying EDM night with Montycler's high-energy performance.