Good morning, Springfield.

In August, the City of Springfield launched its Help Starts Here campaign, placing signs at spots to urge drivers to donate to groups (Victory Mission, Crosslines Community Outreach, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, United Way Ozarks Region) instead of giving cash.

Nonprofits say donations fund food, shelter, and job training.

Buckingham Smokehouse Bar-B-Q re-opened on Oct.

9 at 2002 S. Campbell Ave. after a fire damaged its smoke pit, and it now offers famed brisket, ribs, pulled pork and burnt ends during extended hours for the Springfield community.

Piccolo, a popular Italian restaurant in Nixa, closed immediately on Monday, Oct.

19 after struggling to recover from a 2025 vehicle crash; a new restaurant is set to open at 107 W. Aldersgate Drive on Nov. 1 (owner Steve D’Arpino mentioned the possibility of a future comeback).

Hundreds of zombie dancers and over 300 performers took part in the 17th annual Thriller on C-Street Macabre Promenade on Commercial Street on Oct.

17 in Springfield. The event, inspired by Michael Jackson's Thriller, drew nearly 15,000 spectators enjoying a unique Halloween celebration.

Springfield Public Schools asked parents, teachers and taxpayers for input on $400 million in facility needs at a meeting Monday evening and will host another meeting today to discuss changes driven by enrollment trends + possible school consolidations.

Springfield residents are advised to replace burning bush, which is invasive because new sales are banned in Missouri under Senate Bill 105 with phase-out sales allowed until Jan.

1, 2029, with native alternatives (Arrowwood viburnum and Eastern Wahoo offering fall color and wildlife support).

Traffic officials in Springfield shared driving safety tips during Teen Driver Safety Week that started on Sunday, Oct.

18, urging teen drivers and parents to avoid distractions and obey speed laws (a measure aimed at reducing crash risks due to inexperience).

Rescue One foster dad Stephen Brewster helped Azra, a surrendered dog that initially moved only with her front legs, gain strength using water therapy + she now walks normally and is being prepped for a forever home in Springfield.

On Oct. 6, Health inspectors found mouse droppings and insect debris at Misaki (a repeat violation) on the shelves below its sushi cooler, and they advised the restaurant to increase post-pest control cleaning.

This marks the second citation in four months.

The Missouri Department of Conservation urges hunters and residents to watch for bird flu symptoms in migrating wild birds and to report any sick or dead large birds using the state’s reporting system.

They advise proper cleaning and disposal of harvested birds to help prevent virus spread.

Ozark volleyball, led by coach Adeana Chrestman and a young roster, won the Central Ozark Conference East Division championship on Oct.

15 and enters the Class 5 District 5 Tournament as the No. 1 seed on Wednesday, Oct. 21 (26-6 record) as they aim to win the district title.

Willard’s Callie Ebert & Paxtyn Piper led their softball team to a 13-2 win over Logan-Rogersville in the district championship on Monday, Oct.

19 as they shared excitement after the decisive game.