Good morning, Springfield.

Ozarks Food Harvest is bracing for an increase in food assistance requests if federal workers see pay cuts due to the ongoing government shutdown and has already spent $30,000 to purchase roughly 20,000 pounds of food—supplies that will be distributed in 28 counties as the nonprofit calls for donations and volunteers.

The Community Partnership of the Ozarks is hosting its Fix-it Fair today at Midtown Carnegie Library from noon to 4 p.m.—volunteers will help repair broken appliances, bikes and clothes to reduce waste and save money.

Springfield's rock station Q102 now broadcasts on 92.9 with a 50,000-watt signal that reaches many Ozarks counties, while Nixa mayor Jarad Giddens and City Utilities' John Stephens received public utility awards and Trevor Crist joined OMB Bank's board.

Local news also includes Valiant Group’s Oct. 1 opening of Pacific Station apartments, the Salvation Army naming John Lunardini as operations director, and a Chuck Duff Memorial Ride and Baseball Run on Oct. 18 to raise funds for veterans.

Finley Farms held a ribbon-cutting celebration at the historic Marley House in Ozark on Thursday—after remodeling the home built in the late 1800s and now used mainly for weddings, the site has drawn over 190,000 visitors since January 1 based on local chamber data.

Andrew Herr, a 44-year-old paralegal at the Greene County Prosecutor's Office, died on Oct.

8 after being hit by a vehicle on Oct. 3 near West Bypass in northwest Springfield—he is survived by his wife and two children.

The 30th annual Art in the Park is at Sequiota Park today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—39 local artists will showcase their work at this free, dog- and kid-friendly event.

OACAC’s Head Start program has received an $87,000 grant to offer healthier meals + update outdated kitchens and educational materials for local children and families.

The nonprofit plans to launch an online nutrition outreach program + start a parent education course to help families with meal planning and physical activity for preschoolers.

The Missouri Conservation Commission approved higher prices for hunting & fishing permits to take effect in 2026 after over $43.5 million was raised in permit sales in the 2024 fiscal year.

The new rates will affect both residents & non-residents as part of state efforts to boost conservation funding.

Residents have been warned that an inefficient HVAC system may lead to high power bills this winter—homeowners are advised to replace air filters regularly and test windows and doors with tissue paper to spot leaks.

They should also seal drafty spots with caulking and clean gutters and chimneys before using fireplaces to help lower upcoming energy costs.

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.

MPO Concert: Fall into the Magic of Music

7:30-8:30 p.m. — The Barley House at Moon Town Crossing — Free entry — Experience enchanting orchestral melodies in the vibrant heart of Springfield, MO.

Springfield Business Journal Pancake Breakfast

7-9 a.m. — Garbo's Pizzeria — Donations appreciated — Enjoy pancakes and support domestic violence awareness efforts in Greene County.

The Soft Surrender Red Carpet Premiere

6:30-11 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Discover the beauty and resilience in the journeys of hospice patients and their caregivers through film.

Buckcherry Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Regency Live — Tickets available — Rock out with Buckcherry as they bring high-energy music to Springfield.