Historic Ozark caboose moving to new location
OZARK, MO – History will soon be on the move as the city relocates a longtime landmark. Since 1983, an old Frisco Railway caboose has sat on display at Finley River Park. It’s a well-known feature at the park. But following several floods over the years, the city has decided that the railcar needs to […]
City Utilities customers could see water rate increases for 3 years beginning in October...
City Utilities is seeking approval of a water rate increase of 8% each year over three years that it said is needed to maintain clean and reliable water service. The Board of Public Utilities Thursday voted to proceed with the plan. If the increase is approved by City Council, the average residential customer would pay
FIRST ALERT WEATHER: Got weekend plans? We may see some storms.
Eastern Kansas and Oklahoma saw scattered early thunderstorms, but our area remains dry today with temperatures climbing quickly. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the mid-90s in Springfield, the upper 90s across Arkansas, and near 100° in far western Missouri and northwest Arkansas.
Economist talks budgeting as gas prices reach nearly $4 a gallon in Missouri
SPRINGFIELD, Mo — According to gasbuddy.com, the current average gas price per gallon in Missouri is $3.91. The lowest price of gas in Springfield is $3.65. Economist David Mitchell spoke with Ozarks First about budgeting amid these high prices. “Gas prices go into so much of, like we said, I mean everything that you b
Fall Festivals in the Ozarks: 2026 Guide
September 27–28 Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds in Mansfield. After spending years perfecting their festival game, Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is hosting the National Heirloom Expo, combining the exposition with the farm’s October harvest festival. Buy seeds from the nation’s best heirloom companies and try tons of tasty pla
Lost and Found Grief Center says 1 in 10 children will lose a caregiver...
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - As students head back to class, one local grief center is urging teachers to pay special attention to kids returning to school after losing a parent or sibling. Lost and Found Grief Center in Springfield says one in 10 children will lose a caregiver or sibling...
Renew Jordan Creek phase 1 is getting close to completion
Our weekly program, Making Democracy Work, is a collaboration between KSMU Radio and the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri. It's hosted and produced by volunteers from the LWV, and it airs each Monday morning at 9:45 on KSMU. In this episode of our local program Making Democracy Work,...
Footage Inadvertently Released from Shootout
On Aug. 14, a YouTube channel published body camera footage obtained from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) related to the Feb. 23, 2026, incident in which Christian County Deputies Gabriel Ramirez and Michael Hislope were killed in the line of duty. MSHP tells Ozarks First the footage was released...
MSU hosts Sample Springfield as a part of new week-long welcome initiative
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Missouri State University sophomore Zoey Warren remembers her first time on the MSU campus. Originally from Chillicothe, Missouri, she came for one campus tour and immediately knew she wanted to go to school in Springfield. “It sealed the deal for me,” Warren said. “I was like, ‘This is it.’ I like t
Willard Recycle Center in threat of shutdown
WILLARD, Mo — The city has posted memorandums around the recycle center and on social media, saying that if some residents continue to misuse the resource, it will be removed. In the memorandum, the city specifically cites the dumping of unauthorized items and dumping outside of the containers as a frequent issue that
