Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why did Evangel’s president resign after big projects but deep deficits?
Also, don't miss Springfield-Greene County Environmental Advisory Board Meeting on the Springfield Patch calendar
Good morning to you Springfield! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- Why did Evangel's president resign after big projects but deep deficits?
- Where Springfield's historical archives are moving and how you can see them
- What Greene County's sheriff change means for law enforcement around Springfield
Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Springfield Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Springfield Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Springfield. 
- Wednesday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., with a high of 95 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: A thundershower in spots, temps: high: 90, low: 69.
- Friday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 94 and low of 69 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Mike Rakes is out at Evangel. The president was a prolific fundraiser yet struggled to balance checkbook. (sgfcitizen.org) — Evangel University in Springfield is suddenly without President Mike Rakes, who resigned July 30 after years of budget deficits despite major fundraising and new campus projects. The article details local concerns about Evangel's finances, staffing cuts, family hires, and use of non-disclosure agreements, raising questions about transparency at one of Springfield's key Christian institutions. Residents and alumni may feel the impact on jobs, tuition benefits, and the university's stability. 
2. History Museum on the Square transfers archives to MSU (ozarksfirst.com) — Springfield's History Museum on the Square has moved its entire archival collection to Missouri State University's Duane G. Meyer Library, where it will now be preserved and open to the public. The shift lets the museum focus more on exhibits and education while giving students, researchers, and local residents easier access to historic photos, documents, and media about Springfield and Greene County.
3. Former Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott looks back on career (ky3.com) — Springfield-area residents have a new interim Greene County sheriff, as Jason Johnson was sworn in Tuesday after longtime Sheriff Jim Arnott resigned ahead of a likely move to become U.S. Marshal for western Missouri. Arnott reflected on 18 years leading the department, highlighting new facilities, training improvements, and difficult moments like losing deputies, while expressing confidence in Johnson and gratitude for community support.
4. Missouri State starting QB battle continues between Locklear, Belin IV (news-leader.com) — In Springfield State's quarterback race between Henry Belin IV and Skyler Locklear is still wide open with less than three weeks before kickoff. Coaches say neither veteran has separated yet, with Locklear's mobility and Belin's pocket skills both on display in recent scrimmages, and another closed-door session Friday expected to shape who ultimately leads the Bears' offense.
5. Vulgarity Guitarist Zach Griffin on the Springfield Metalcore Band's Savage Sophomore LP (noecho.net) — Springfield metalcore band Vulgarity is drawing attention with its brutally heavy new album "Beckoned Beyond," written and recorded DIY by guitarist and vocalist Zach Griffin. In this in-depth Q&A, the band talks about Bible Belt themes, their recording process, and other Springfield and Missouri hardcore acts they're excited about, offering a snapshot of the local heavy music scene.
📸 Around Springfield
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Springfield
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Springfield-Greene County Environmental Advisory Board Meeting →
Springfield, MO Calendar, 290 E. Central St., Springfield
8:00 am - STI Clinic Appointments →
Springfield, MO Calendar, 227 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield
8:40 am - Shingles/RSV/Tdap Clinic →
Springfield, MO Calendar, 227 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield
9:00 am - Administrative Review Committee Meeting →
Springfield, MO Calendar, 840 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield
3:30 pm - Springfield Art Museum Building & Grounds Committee Meeting →
Springfield, MO Calendar, 300 S Jefferson Ave 3rd Floor Conference Room (Suite 303), Springfield
4:30 pm - Springfield Art Museum Board of Directors Meeting →
Springfield, MO Calendar, 300 S Jefferson Ave 3rd Floor Conference Room (Suite 303), Springfield
5:00 pm - Mayor's Community Conversations - Greater Parkcrest, Mark Twain →
Springfield, MO Calendar Springfield, MO 65802
5:30 pm - STI Clinic Appointments →
Springfield, MO Calendar, 227 E. Chestnut Expressway, Springfield
8:40 am
Thursday August 20
Friday August 21
📣 Springfield Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Back to School Events
Early Childhood Program Nixa, MO 65714 - Teacher Work Day
Republic R-iII Republic, MO 65738 - Wake Up Republic
Republic Area Chamber of Commerce Community Events Whataburger Republic 1371 US-60, Republic, MO 65738
8:30 am - Open House (PreK & ECSE)
Early Childhood Center Republic, MO 65738
5:30 pm
Thursday August 20
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Lost cat 😺 His name is s'mores.
He loves to be out at days at a time. But now it's been 2 weeks. Please let me know if you see him. He's very friendly and cuddly. (Nextdoor Pleasant View) - An older pug came into our garage this morning - blue harness, no collar or any kind of identification, breathing heavily.
We gave him/her water and started around the neighborhood to look for owner. The neighbor across the street took him/her in so if this is your dog… (Nextdoor S Golden Ave)
- Mercy posted a job opening for Environmental Services Floor Technician, Full Time Days in Springfield. Apply here.
- Cintas Corporation posted a job opening for Warehouse Associate - Loader/Unloader - 2nd Shift - $20.00/Hour in Springfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Springfield here.
Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.