Good morning, Springfield.

Preliminary survey results from Springfield 2051 show residents feel the city is divided, and Future IQ CEO David Beurle noted that no one chose the highest unity rating — a sign that community leaders must address deep-seated divisions — as officials plan further outreach efforts.

Clark County Land Bank held an open house on September 25 to show the first homes in the Affordable Homes Program at 424 and 432 East Liberty Street in Springfield—officials said the event marked a key step in offering affordable housing options.

Bryan Szekacs, a longtime high school teacher who spent 32 years at Shawnee High School, died on Sept.

21 after battling cancer; his memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 4 at Grace Lutheran Church — family and former students plan to honor his legacy.

Greenon Local Schools earned the second highest overall rating in Clark County with 3.5 stars on the 2024-25 state report card, the same as last year.

Superintendent Darrin Knapke said the district improved in gap closing (45.8%), early literacy (76.8%) and college-career readiness (65%) while progress and graduation rates declined, and the district will analyze the data to support student growth.

Springfield City School District’s state report card shows improvements in nine areas and declines in two—graduation rates rose and chronic absenteeism dropped.

Superintendent Bob Hill said the card reflects growth and resilience for students facing challenges and that the district will focus on boosting early reading and teacher support.

At Springfield Air National Guard Base, the new Space Intelligence Production Cell was launched yesterday to combine the 76th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron and the 4th Intelligence Analysis Squadron for gathering crucial intel for U.S. Space Force operations—officials say its location near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will support future growth.

On Thursday, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Clark County Auditor Hillary Hamilton must keep collecting taxes from the 2013 bond levy to fund Springfield schools.

School officials will cancel an extra five-year tax levy from the November ballot since the decision ensures debt service payments are made as voters intended—upholding the district's plan.

The BMV at Southern Village Shopping Center at 1221 Sunset Avenue in Springfield has been closed since September 19 for failing to meet six state requirements for asking proper questions during transactions—state officials said the office will shift operations to the North Bechtle Avenue location in about a week while it undergoes remodeling. Deputy Registrar Cecil Rice resigned on September 19 to pursue personal ventures, and the state is working quickly to complete the transition.

Halloween Yoga

4:30-6 p.m. — Betty — $20 — Enjoy a cozy Halloween-themed yoga class with candlelight, gentle flow, and a spooky soundtrack.

Fall Harvest Festival

2-6 p.m. — Kettering Fields — Free admission — Celebrate autumn with family-friendly activities, a pumpkin patch, and a costume contest.