Daily
Springfield
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Springfield. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Pets & Pumpkins festival returns today at Park Central Square with local vendors, food trucks and a pet costume parade led by KY3’s Leigh Moody—organizers say the $2 fee will benefit eight charities supporting children and animals. KY3
- ➤ The Share the Harvest program enters its 33rd year by linking Missouri hunters with local food pantries to feed families in need. The program, run by the Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Missouri Department of Conservation, processes about 5,000 deer each year—ensuring locally sourced venison reaches those who need it. KY3
- ➤ Ozarks Food Harvest is hosting a free drive-thru grocery giveaway today at the O’Reilly Center for Hunger Relief, 2810 N. Cedarbrook Ave, for federal employees affected by the government shutdown; up to 300 families will be served fresh food from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (attendees must pre-register by noon on Friday and show a valid federal ID). OzarksFirst.com
- ➤ After a powerful windstorm on April 29 destroyed his Hultgren’s Market — a longtime Elwood fixture — Ronnie Hultgren set up a small farm stand at 7078 State Highway EE. Neighbors assisted in clearing the site — showing strong local support — as he now sells fruits, vegetables and flowers from his truck bed. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Fanta is a kitten available for adoption at the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri and he has Feline Leukemia Virus—future owners should be ready to provide extra care. The society advises those interested to learn more before making a commitment. OzarksFirst.com
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Dick's Sporting Goods filed a permit with the city to remake an old Dillard's store at Battlefield Mall into a Dick's House of Sport at 2825 S. Glenstone Ave. The project — set to start in early January 2026 and finish in August 2026 — awaits city approval and will add a new entry facade, a sports field, and an updated parking lot. Springfield Daily Citizen
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A four‐month‐old pit bull mix was found injured with wounds and mange near a cemetery by Farm Road 190 and Farm Road 143 in South Springfield and is now being cared for at Rescue One + deputies are investigating leads for animal abuse and neglect. OzarksFirst.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Oct. 16, Springfield Public Schools inducted Nancy Allen, Warren Robinett, and Ken McClure into the Hall of Fame class of 2025. Allen, a Glendale High graduate who once led a petition for girls' sports and later published a best-selling book with James Patterson, while Robinett pioneered video game design and McClure served as mayor, are honored for their contributions — reflecting the lasting impact of public education. Springfield News-Leader
- ➤ Steve Pokin produced a three-part series on Missouri State University’s 25-year partnerships with universities in China—reporting that recent political shifts have reduced Chinese student enrollment in Springfield while the programs still offer financial, social and educational benefits. Springfield Daily Citizen
- ➤ Craft Sushi, a local restaurant, will open its third location inside Ozarks Tech's new student union — The U — in time for fall 2026. A ribbon-cutting is set for August 12 — based on local polling — and the union will also offer Hardee's, Little Caesars and Starbucks for students. Springfield Daily Citizen
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Greene County’s foster care system rose from 658 to 766 kids last year, officials said at a legislative awareness event on Oct. 16. Officials warned that funding cuts may force the system to do more with less (with an average of 57 removals per month) and lead to fewer reunifications (a 2% drop so far). Springfield Daily Citizen
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Special Olympics of Missouri kicked off its 2025 Outdoor Games this weekend in Springfield with bocce, tennis and golf matches held at Cooper Park Complex and Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course, and more events scheduled for today and Sunday. Organizers have coordinated with the National Weather Service—planning backup measures for rain and thunderstorms—to ensure nearly 1,500 athletes and coaches can compete safely. KY3
- ➤ Local high school basketball stars now fill the rosters at Drury, Evangel and Mission and will be key players in the coming season. The teams include players like Rhi Gibbons, Sara Mendel, Ali Kamies and Ireland Jones — each a former standout from southwest Missouri schools. Springfield Daily Citizen
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Montycler Concert
9 PM – 1 AM — The Regency Live — Tickets from $49 — Experience an electrifying EDM night with Montycler's high-energy performance.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Buckcherry Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Regency Live — Tickets available — Rock out with Buckcherry as they bring high-energy music to Springfield.
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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.
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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.
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Haley Mae Campbell Live Performance
7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Riff — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful sounds of Nashville country artist Haley Mae Campbell on her 'Next Chapter' tour.
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