Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield CU is expanding its toilet rebate program (offering free water-efficient toilets and installation) to help eligible customers lower utility costs.

Springfield’s Victim Center will host its final advocate training session this weekend to teach volunteers to answer hotline calls and assist with ex parte orders (44% of calls occur after business hours); executive director Tara Benson said the training will cover the center’s history and key resources.

The City of Springfield registered Young-Lilley as a new neighborhood association to help residents share local issues and access city programs.

More associations like East Central were added in October, and additional registrations are expected by year’s end.

The annual Pets and Pumpkins festival returns Saturday, Oct.

24 in downtown Springfield — it will feature vendors, games and a pets-in-costume parade.

Springfield DAR members will mark National Family Literacy Day on Oct.

26 when Mayor Jeff Schrag presents a proclamation at his office at 11:30 a.m. and the chapter donates children's books to Mercy Hospital and Cox Medical Center South.

Missouri State Board of Education approved swift changes to the A-F school grading system that will release grade cards using test scores and growth measures in December, and interim Commissioner Stacey Preis resigned effective immediately before a closed session.

A committee will now search for her permanent replacement.

Missouri conservation officials warn campers to buy local firewood and use only packaged heat-treated wood instead of unprocessed wood, as moving firewood more than 50 miles can spread pests like the emerald ash borer.

City officials have hired Eocene Environmental Group to create a plan for revitalizing College Street (from Grant Avenue to Kansas Expressway) and invite public input via survey and interactive map until the end of November.

Fieldwork will continue until April 2027 and plan development is expected to begin in December.

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department reported 18 measles cases across several Missouri counties today, including four in Benton County from one household (a reminder for residents to verify their MMR vaccine status).

Treatment counselors in Springfield explain that past or recent trauma can lead to substance misuse and recommend dual treatment for both addiction and emotional pain.

Daniel McDowell (director at Centerstone Recovery Services) advises families to watch for signs such as early prescription refills.

Willard softball defeated Logan-Rogersville 13-2 on Oct.

19 to win the Class 4 District 6 Championship after a three-year wait - the Tigers will host Helias Catholic in the state quarterfinals on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Glendale football is on a winning streak thanks to an improved defense that turned its season around.

The team won four straight games + will face Nixa soon.

Springfield-area high schools invite residents to vote for Athlete of the Week from Oct.

12-17 as standout nominees include players from Springfield Catholic, Republic, Ozark, Nixa, and Glendale; votes close at noon Friday, Oct. 23 (check local coverage for details).