Good morning, Springfield.

The Best of Springfield contest starts Monday as nominations run until June 27—voting follows from July 21 to Aug.

8, with winners to be announced on Oct. 9 and featured on Oct. 12 in the Springfield News-Sun. The contest invites community nominations in 74 subcategories across nine groups.

Olive Branch School has seen work done on its roof, walls, and windows but now faces hard funding and volunteer shortages that may force the Olive Branch School Preservation Society to give up the restoration project - they will meet on July 9 at 4 p.m. at the Arrow Conference Room in Tecumseh High School to decide the building’s future.

The Great Midwestivus celebration in Springfield brings local fishing activities today featuring Bass u Brunch at the Springfield Museum of Art with seminars and a tournament launch in the afternoon.

Saturday will feature a second day of tournaments and a closing ceremony festival at Co-Hatch Springfield with an awards show at the State Theater.

The Barrett Strong Foundation, New Carlisle Rotary Club and Tecumseh Strong—three local nonprofits—will host the Stronger Together fundraiser on June 21 to raise money for student scholarships, leadership programs and community services in Clark County; over 40 tables have been sold and sponsors must reserve tables by June 16, with prices from $175 per seat to $1,500 per table including a bourbon tasting event.

Pickleball courts at Springfield City Hall have opened for local residents—three new courts on East High Street that are free on a first-come, first-served basis with 24-hour parking available.

Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center is planning a new facility at 1901 Selma Road that will replace its seven older buildings and add 29,000 square feet to handle growing enrollment; groundbreaking is set for next spring.

The project received bond approval and tax levy support—totaling $89.5 million—and will be built away from current classes to avoid interruptions.

The House passed a school bus safety bill 88-0 on Wednesday after a fatal crash in Clark County killed a student in 2023— the bill will now go to the Senate and uses $10 million from lottery funds to add cameras and boost bus safety.

Bike Night at the Roadhouse

6-9 p.m. — Rip Rap Roadhouse — Free entry — Enjoy live music, food, drinks, and a gathering of over 1,000 bikes under the stars.

Coffee & Climb Meetup

10 AM – 2 PM — Mad River Gorge & Nature Preserve — Free coffee and donuts — Connect with fellow climbers and explore climbing access in Ohio.

On-Site Tour at Brookdale Buck Creek

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Brookdale Buck Creek — Free entry — Explore tailored living and exceptional care at this top-rated senior community.

I Want My 80s Tour - Rick Springfield

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Rose Music Center at The Heights — General parking included — Enjoy an evening with Rick Springfield and relive the 80s hits.

Frisbee Golf Fun

2-6 p.m. — Benham Pence Student Center — Free entry — Enjoy a friendly game of Frisbee Golf while exploring campus and connecting with fellow future students.

AAU Track & Field Region 4 Qualifier

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Wittenberg University — $49.87 — A competitive track and field qualifier for athletes, starting early each day with concessions available.

Free Tennis Clinic

10:00-11:30 a.m. — National Trail Parks and Recreation District — Free entry — Enjoy a morning of tennis fun with drills, skills, and games for ages 8-17.

Chapel Hart at the Summer Arts Festival

8-10 p.m. — Veterans Park Amphitheater — Admission-free with donations accepted — Experience the vibrant Southern sound of Chapel Hart, a rising country band with gospel roots.