Hello Springfield! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Andy's Frozen Custard incentives, a sensory swim, and a hot dog weiner eatin contest + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Council weighs major incentives: Springfield City Council is weighing a $32 million bond and tax breaks for Andy's Frozen Custard headquarters, plus a four-month pause on data centers. Without the deal, company may leave -- see the incentive terms.
Roadside hazards after storms: Recent storms left nails and debris on Ozarks roads, putting tires at risk. Experts advise avoiding curbs and gutters and leaving nails in place until a tire shop checks them -- get the full safety tips.
Packed nonconference slate ahead: Missouri State Lady Bears revealed their 2026-27 nonconference slate, opening vs SEMO at home Nov. 2, visiting Wyoming Nov. 7, and playing the Cancun Challenge Nov. 26-27 -- see the nonconference slate.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
You've traveled abroad without being able to speak the local language. You can change that in just 10 minutes a day. Most people are holding real conversations within three weeks. In fact, 92% of users improved their proficiency in just two months, with 25 million subscriptions sold -- take 55% off.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Press Start On Nostalgia: When your inner 80s kid needs a victory lap, 1984 delivers wall-to-wall classics, satisfying pinball clacks, and just enough neon to power your mood. Grab a friend, chase high scores, and remember that joystick dexterity is basically self care.
Mini sanity saver: Feeling cooped up? Jenny Lincoln Park is the bring-your-own-vibes kind of green space that turns a quick stroll into a mood upgrade, so grab a podcast, sip your coffee, give the dog a lap, and call it a win before dinner.
Springfield staple in bloom: Need a quick pick-me-up for your home or a just-because gift? Schaffitzel's Flowers has been family-owned since 1949 and still cranks out fresh, thoughtfully arranged blooms, plus plants and gift-y add-ons that make you look delightfully put together. Swing by this week and let their folks help you pick something cheerful.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Makeup for skin that's changed, now up to 65% off: Laura Geller has built its following on formulas made for mature skin, led by the baked foundations women over 40 keep coming back to. Right now, new email subscribers get up to 65% off plus an extra 22%. Enter your email on the page and the discount activates. *See the VIP pricing →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
Wish you had someone to talk to right now? The quiet hours are the hardest, especially when you just want someone to talk to. That's exactly what this is built for: real conversations, real matches, real people. Not endless swiping, but actual chats with singles who want to connect as much as you do. Someone to talk to could be a message away. *Join now and start chatting → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎲 Sensory Friendly Hours @ Village Meeple Board Game Cafe | Wednesday (6/24) at 12:00 PM – Whether you crave a break from the blare or just want to hear your own brilliant strategy, Village Meeple’s sensory friendly hours keep it blissfully low key. Think library vibes, but with snacks, no music, no rowdy games, and no loud talkers.
🦖 Happy Hands “How to Catch a Daddysaurus” @ Art Zone (Nixa) | Thursday (6/25) at 10:00 AM – Your weekly toddler outlet, a hands-on art and movement class with Ms Jenni where littles explore materials, make marks, and wiggle with purpose. Expect Rainbow Fish, Swimmy, a dad-themed keepsake, and a clay Daddysaurus. You supervise the chaos, rug gets a break, drop-in or pass.
🏊 Sensory Swim @ The Aquatic Center (Nixa) | Friday (6/26) at 10:00 AM – CC Links and Nixa Parks are dialing the pool way down for a Sensory Swim, no thumping speakers, gentler whistles, and room to ease in on the zero depth side. A quiet splash for folks who prefer zen over cannonballs, and admission is free.
🗽 Freedom Fest @ Jackson Street Park (Willard) | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – Whether you’ve been hauling lawn chairs to Jackson Street Park since the kids were in 4-H, or you’re just here for kettle corn, Freedom Fest delivers. Local eats, live music, vendors, and the kind of fireworks that make you glad you skipped the lake traffic.
💦 Bussell's Big Summer Splash @ Nixa Aquatic Center | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – Cool off at Nixa Aquatic Center with Bussell Homes’ Big Summer Splash. First 150 through the gate swim free, there’s El Cafecito treats, an ice cream truck, giveaways, and swag. Toss your name in for a YETI cooler, because adulting requires cold beverages.
🌭 Hot Dog Weiner Eatin Contest @ Springfield Raceway | Saturday (6/27) at 5:00 PM – Celebrate America turning 250 the local way with dirt cars ripping laps, a Fire Fall fireworks blowout, and a wiener eating showdown at Springfield Raceway. Bring the crew, grab a bleacher or the $30 carload tailgate with a big screen, and test your mustard-to-bun convictions.
🖌 Family Day Sunday Funday Paint Day @ Painting with a Twist | Sunday (6/28) at 2:00 PM – Swap grocery runs for brushstrokes at a peaceful, laugh-filled family paint day. They supply paints, canvases, and full guidance, you supply the crew, mild chaos, and a sense of humor. Expect new fridge art, fewer screens, and stories you actually remember.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Springfield report Weather forecastToday — High: 81°F — Low: 67°F — Precip: 49%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 10am and 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 81, with temperatures falling to around 79 in the afternoon. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tomorrow — High: 83°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 81%
Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. South wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 80%. This house is wildThis 1921 Meadowmere Place gem pairs Springfield prestige with rare historic charm and major modern updates. Inside, 14-foot ceilings, original windows, preserved millwork, and 3,700-plus square feet shine alongside a remodeled kitchen and light-filled family room. Three ensuite bedrooms, a finished attic, full basement, 2,200 square feet of brick patio, and a detached four-car garage seal the deal.
Take a peek inside → |
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