Good morning, Springfield.

Wildlife Spooky Park in Springfield will open themed exhibits later this week — additional local events promise more family fun as details continue to develop.

The University of Illinois Springfield will host a talk by artist, curator, and anti-war veteran Aaron Hughes at Brookens Auditorium on Oct.

22 at 6 p.m. as part of its free ECCE Speaker Series, with an exhibition of his artwork on view from Oct. 13 through Nov. 20—two additional programs are scheduled for Nov. 5 and Nov. 19.

Channel Catfish live in local rivers, lakes and ponds and are prized by anglers for their strong fight.

They help keep local waters clean by eating decaying matter—pollution and habitat loss could affect their numbers.

On October 18, the nationwide No Kings movement will hold protests to fight what its organizers call dictatorship.

Springfield will host its demonstration at the Illinois State Capitol from noon to 2 p.m.+ many other Illinois cities plan similar events.

The UIS women's cross country team finished 24th of 36 teams on Saturday at Lewis Crossover with a top-five team time of 1:57:07.

Head coach Emmons King said the Prairie Stars will work to improve at the GLVC Championship on Oct. 25 — they already gained momentum after beating No. 2 Southwest Baptist earlier this season.

On Saturday afternoon, the Springfield volleyball team lost 3 to 1 to Rockhurst at TRAC with set scores of 26 to 24, 25 to 12, 16 to 25, and 25 to 19, leaving the Prairie Stars with a record of 7 to 9 overall and 1 to 5 in GLVC play.

Makenna Cox led with 18 kills and 12 digs—Rockhurst stayed unbeaten in conference play at 12 to 5 overall and 5 to 0.

On Saturday morning, the UIS men's cross country team finished 15th in a field of 37 at the Lewis Crossover, posting a top-five overall time of 2:06:21 with its top seven runners finishing within 33 seconds—building momentum for the GLVC Championship they will compete in on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The Illinois Springfield men's tennis team battled Purdue Northwest on Saturday and lost 4-3 with narrow doubles wins and close singles matches—The team will play at the Dwight Davis College Open in St. Louis from Oct 17 to 19.

2025 GSDCA National Specialty Show

Event duration: Oct 17-25 — Illinois State Fairground — Entry fees vary — Celebrate the love of German Shepherds with competitions and exhibitions.

Dads to Doulas Workshop

3-8 p.m. — 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL — Free entry — Empower fathers with vital knowledge for maternal health and infant advocacy.

Wicked Which? Paint Night with Ashley Blake

1-3 p.m. — Harvest Market — All ages welcome — Unleash your creativity at a Halloween-themed paint night with Ashley Blake.

Flight Instructor Refresher Course

10:00 AM – 7:30 PM — Northfield Inn Suites and Conference Center — $65 — Enhance your aviation skills with this comprehensive refresher course for flight instructors.

Ansar Shrine Circus

7-8:30 p.m. — Bank of Springfield Center — Tickets required — Prepare to be amazed by death-defying acrobats, amazing animal performances, and hilarious clowns.

Springfield Marathon, Harvest Wind Half Marathon & 10K

8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Danenberger Family Vineyards — Check website for registration — Experience a thrilling day of running with a Boston Marathon qualifying course amidst beautiful vineyards.