Good morning, Springfield.

On Oct. 23, a reader’s complaint led the park board to inspect Cruse Dog Park, built on a former landfill near Kansas Expressway, where glass pieces reappear after hard rain—members spend about an hour weekly cleaning the area.

City officials confirmed that no dogs have been injured and the park remains safe for off-leash use.

Springfield’s Convoy of Hope will send teams to Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa passes to deliver food, water, and hygiene supplies.

The nonprofit works with the American Red Cross to move resources as close as possible to the island—ensuring aid reaches residents quickly.

Du’Sean Howard, owner of the Jamaican Patty Company, is leaning on his faith as he watches Hurricane Melissa approach Jamaica—he recalled surviving a big storm as a child and said locals there are securing roofs and stocking up on groceries.

Missouri food pantries moved up their fundraisers and are asking for donations as federal food benefits will end this Saturday amid a shutdown that may leave many without help.

Jefferson City's Salvation Army and Springfield's Ozarks Harvest reported a surge in visitors and are calling for more volunteers—efforts meant to meet the growing need.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is offering a free virtual program to help residents learn to identify waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans.

The event, presented by MDC Naturalist Jordanya Raos at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, will run from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 + registration is required.

An economic study projects Missouri could see up to $75 million a year in THC beverage sales if regulators set clear rules while local bars and stores continue selling unregulated products.

State officials and law enforcement warn that without age checks and proper labeling the drink boom poses safety risks—fueling debates on the best way to protect public health.

Mailyn Marsh, an honors student at Ozark High School, returned home to an excited crowd at the airport terminal gates on Sunday after being crowned Miss Teen USA at a national pageant on Thursday night.

Marsh said she will use her title for community service, including advocating against period poverty and meeting with representatives in Washington — making her the third winner from Missouri.

As leaves begin to fall, Springfield residents are advised to use them as mulch for retaining moisture and reducing weeds — Shawn Jones from 417 Mowing noted that frequent mulching cuts work down — or bag them for recycling.

The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri will hold a spay/neuter clinic Nov.

8—reserved for cats—and Nov. 9—dedicated to dogs, as part of its effort to reduce pet overpopulation and improve pet health. The large dog list is full, but small dogs can still sign up for Nov. 9.

Three local sports radio legends announced a new live talk show on 102.1 FM called the Starting Lineup that will debut November 3 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.—the program offers sports insights from hosts with over 140 years of combined experience—and will feature local media guests.

Missouri State basketball teams are starting a new season in Conference USA with mostly new players to improve after a tough last season.

The men’s team will begin conference play in December while the women’s team plays an exhibition today at 6:30 p.m.—both teams look forward to new opponents and a faster pace.

Missouri State, a 3.5-point favorite by FanDuel Sportsbook, will host Florida International on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Robert W.

Plaster Stadium in a Conference USA game—marking the first time MSU faces a Florida opponent. Head coach Ryan Beard said FIU’s dangerous backfield and athletic offense may challenge MSU this contest.

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.

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.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

8:45-9:45 p.m. — Stone Chapel — Tickets required — Experience the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons in a stunning candlelit setting.

The Band Feel

7-8:30 p.m. — The Regency Live — Cost not specified — Experience a musical journey with a band reviving the sounds and passion of the past.

Movie Matinee: Swingtime Screening

2-7 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo available — Enjoy a classic 1936 film featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in a delightful dance and romance tale.