Good morning, Springfield.

Ozarks Food Harvest CEO Bart Brown (after 25 years of service) will retire in March; under his leadership meal distributions grew from 4 million to over 23 million and new programs like the Weekend Backpack Program were launched.

The board will launch a nationwide search for his successor.

Two Greene County farm families were honored as 2026 Missouri Century Farms inductees at the Greene County Farm Bureau Annual Dinner on Sept.

28 at Sac River Cowboy Church. The Beal farm—dating to 1919—and the Kissee farm—dating from 1923—continue their cow-calf operations.

The Child Advocacy Center will break ground on Oct.

12 at 1414 W. Elfindale Road for its expanded campus—adding a 5,000 sqft forensic services building and a renovated facility for trauma-focused mental health care. The project will boost capacity for over 2,500 child victims.

Buckingham’s restaurant at Campbell and Cherokee reopened before lunch Thursday after a Sept.

6 fire damaged its pit shed and part of its front. No one was hurt.

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, Missouri State University occupational therapy students fitted custom motorized Jeeps for children with mobility limitations at the O’Reilly Clinical Health Sciences Center in Springfield (Go Baby Go program) so kids could gain more independence during family outings.

Springfield Public Schools is reviewing a master plan to consolidate schools amid declining enrollment and aging facilities that require nearly $422 million in immediate upgrades.

The district will hold community sessions on Oct. 19 (Glendale High) and Oct. 20 (Central High) to gather input on next steps.

Springfield-Greene County Library is partnering with Empower Abilities to offer free hearing screenings for children this Saturday, Oct.

10 at the Library Center meeting room A (appointments required at 417-883-5341) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chef Dyllan Dale of Wild Foods by Dyllan offers a fall favorite recipe featuring apple cider and fresh sage glazed pork tenderloin for a hearty taste of autumn.

The seared tenderloin is finished with tender apples and onions to highlight local seasonal flavors.

Missouri State was ranked eighth in the Conference USA preseason poll released Thursday as they prepare for their season opener on Nov.

3 at Great Southern Bank Arena, with Trey Williams named to the All-CUSA Preseason Team. The Bears will also hold a closed scrimmage on Oct. 24 at Koch Arena in Wichita against Wichita State.

Missouri State volleyball relies on local talent & teamwork to build on a strong 11-5 record.

The Bears will host Sam Houston at Hammons Student Center today at 6 p.m. & tomorrow at 1 p.m.

Missouri State lost 34-13 to Western Kentucky on Thursday, Oct.

8 in Bowling Green as WKU quarterback Brock Glenn threw for 231 yards plus rushed for 93 yards. The Bears remain winless in Conference USA play under coach Casey Woods.

Western Kentucky beat Missouri State 34–13 last night as Ajay Allen rushed 105 yards and scored two touchdowns while Missouri State’s Skyler Locklear completed 12 of 24 passes with one interception.