Good morning, Springfield.

More than 600 guests attended Care to Learn’s fourth annual School Soireè at White River Conference Center, a sold-out football-themed fundraiser that supported the group's mission to meet students' needs for health, hunger and hygiene—while also showing its work with nearly 50 school districts to help students succeed.

The Community Partnership of the Ozarks is seeking volunteers to run Crisis Cold Weather Shelters — which will offer safe, warm places with meals, supplies and pet rides — as they open next month in November.

Springfield Community Land Trust will host a screening of the documentary The Pruitt-Igoe Myth at Alamo Drafthouse on October 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.—local voices will lead a panel discussing affordable housing and neighborhood stability with experts including David Stoeffler, Tim Rosenbury, Dr. Lyle Foster, David Derossett, and Emily Fessler. This event will offer a chance for Springfield residents to learn about how past housing issues can guide future community planning.

On October 1, the Gillioz Center announced its partnership with the Springfield Cardinals to bring a concert series to the 8,000-seat Hammons Field in spring 2026—ticket sales and artist bookings will be handled by the Cardinals as plans are finalized.

Ozark Public Television will air the widely praised documentary In Gratitude three times this fall — at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct 10, 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov 6, and 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov 9 — which follows veterans on an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. and features a welcome home celebration at Springfield-Branson National Airport.

Starting this year, Sparta School District is partnering with local businesses and government offices in Springfield to increase its visibility.

Many downtown storefronts now display the school logos — a move that is expected to bring more foot traffic to both school events and businesses.

Missouri’s fall firearms turkey hunting season is underway, running from Oct.1 through Oct.31 for hunters with valid permits — the daily hunting hours run from half an hour before sunrise to sunset and the bag limit is two turkeys per day.

Hunters are advised to check county restrictions before they begin their hunt.

Springfield officials are planning to create a landbank to restore vacant properties and boost missing middle housing — they hope it will operate within a year pending approval by the City Council and County Commission.

Yesterday, Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon gave his annual state of the county address to the Springfield Chamber of Commerce—he noted the on-time finish of the Kansas Expressway Extension project and ongoing courthouse renovations that will open soon.

He said planned housing and growth in towns like Rogersville would boost the county while it continued to run normally during the federal shutdown.

Voters in 10 southwest Missouri counties will decide on tax hikes and community issues, including school district tax increases, bond issues, county use taxes, and fire district levies in just over a month.

Voters must register by Oct. 8 for the Nov. 4 elections — county clerks will offer polling details.

Republic, a 4-1 team, travels to Webb City today in a tough Class 5 match—its first of three games before taking on Carthage next week and Neosho on Oct.

17—while counting on its strong running game to win close contests.

Springfield Catholic head football coach Wes Page and sports reporter Chris Neyenhouse discussed the Irish turnover on October 2nd—showing that the team is working to adjust to changes while maintaining its undefeated record.

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.

A Foreign Affair: From Istria to Italy

7:30-10 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $205 — Experience the flavors of the Adriatic paired with the passion of Italian song during an evening with tenor Michael Spyres.

Eric Johnson Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience guitar legend Eric Johnson live, blending rock, blues, and jazz in an intimate setting.