Good morning, Springfield.

McDaniel Park in Springfield will get major upgrades as a $1 million donation from the Hatch Foundation will fund a new pavilion with restrooms and lighting for a bicycle pump track.

Additional money from the city + Trail Spring will pay for a new vehicle entrance and parking lot, with work set to begin next summer and plans to add a new playground underway.

The Springfield Center for Dyslexia and Learning is celebrating its 10-year anniversary with an Oktoberfest event today from 5 to 8 p.m. at 4X4 Brewing Company—free hot dogs, brats and drink tickets are available for clients, families and others interested in learning about dyslexia.

Springfield Police Department volunteered with Crosslines on Monday to sort clothes and clean the pantry at the children's closet for families in the foster system — part of the National Faith and Blue weekend that began on Oct.

10. Officers worked side by side with community members — building trust between law enforcement and local faith groups.

The Table, a new restaurant, will open next Monday, October 20 in downtown Springfield near the intersection of National Ave. and Chestnut Expressway—finishing touches are being added to a renovated two-story building next to the former flour mill site.

Owners Sheri Perkins and Renee Textor spent two years planning the space and have already hosted private events as a preview for the public.

Bon Bon’s Candy House in Springfield mixes old-fashioned treats with new, TikTok-trendy candy.

Owner Bonnie Nolen said the shop will sell 2,000 pounds of English toffee by Christmas—drawing in young shoppers with 55 jars of Swedish candy while keeping loyal customers who love classic sweets.

Thriller on C-Street, the Queen City’s favorite Halloween parade, will take place Saturday in its 16th year, bringing six blocks of spooky performances along the Commercial Street Historic District starting around 7 p.m. The event will feature five performances of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'—a zombie crawl-inspired spectacle—while offering off-street parking and a free shuttle from Cox North’s east lot.

Former U.S. Rep Billy Long was honored on Oct.

14 for securing $2 million in federal funds for Missouri State’s Advanced Technology Suites at the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center at 524 Boonville Ave.—The 12,000-square-foot facility will host labs, offices and conference space for three corporate partners.

The Missouri Department of Conservation removed more than 150 Chinese mysterysnails from Lake Minesa in Marshall after a concerned citizen reported their presence — the agency cautioned that further removal is limited as the species can compete with native snails, clog water pipes, and possibly spread disease.

After a year of road closures and construction, Springfield completed the Galloway Widening Project which widened Galloway Street between Luster Ave and Lone Pine Ave and added roundabouts, trails, sidewalks and storm water improvements.

A block party was held on October 14 at All Saints Anglican Church from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to thank residents for their patience and preview future landscaping work.

Missouri State University named the Billy Long Advanced Technology Suites at the JVIC on Tuesday in Springfield—this 12,000-square-foot space will soon host labs, offices and meeting areas for companies.

Former Congressman Billy Long and his family attended the ceremony.

This fall, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department said flu season (Sept.

28) began and that COVID-19, RSV, and whooping cough are on the rise, so people should get vaccinated and stay home when sick. They stressed that these actions can help reduce the risk of severe illness and hospital visits.

Springfield’s Rescue One named the owner of the Animal Clinic of Ava as its new medical director after its only veterinarian left last September — his team will rotate care over the coming weeks to keep the clinic open.

The annual 'Pets and Pumpkins' festival will return downtown on October 18 and will feature vendors, games, and a pets in costume parade—offering a fun day for local families.

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.

KDK Concert Series

5:30-11:30 p.m. — The Riff — $20 cash at the door — Enjoy headlining bands Sound The Alarm & Outlaws Reloaded alongside local artists.

Speed Dating for Adults

2-5 p.m. — Arris Pizza Springfield — Entry fee optional — Meet new people and spark connections while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere on the patio.