Springfield woman sentenced to 21 years for meth conspiracy

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Springfield area.

Ronda L. Easton, 53, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 21 years in federal prison without parole.

On June 29, 2016, Ronda Easton pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime and to participating in a money-laundering conspiracy.

Ronda Easton is among eight co-defendants who have pleaded guilty, including Michael P. Ayala, 38, Steven A. Easton, 49, James M. Parker, 46, Robert M. Cardenas, Jr., 28, Cody D. Keller, 34, and David M. Climer, 37, all of Springfield, and Michael D. Thompson, 58, of Goodyear, Ariz.

Ronda Easton admitted that she had been distributing large amounts of methamphetamine that she purchased from Ayala. She paid Ayala $9,000 per pound of methamphetamine and sold it for $12,000 per pound. She stated that she received methamphetamine from Ayala every seven to 10 days and referred to one recent shipment of 10 pounds of methamphetamine.

Ayala admitted that he supplied methamphetamine to Steven Easton for distribution in the Springfield area until his wife, Ronda Easton, was released from state prison and took over the methamphetamine distribution operation in Springfield. The methamphetamine arrived by mail and was transported by vehicles from Arizona. Ronda Easton sold pound quantities to Parker, Keller, and Climer. Thompson and Cardenas delivered the methamphetamine by vehicle from Arizona to Missouri.

On April 15, 2015, law enforcement officers in New Mexico stopped a Jeep Commander driven by Cardenas, with Thompson as a passenger, and seized approximately 14.5 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside a compartment near the back of the vehicle. They also seized a bundle that contained 2,228 grams of methamphetamine inside a luggage bag. Cardenas told investigators that Ayala had paid him $1,700 to drive the vehicle from Arizona to Springfield.

The next day, a controlled delivery of methamphetamine was made to Ayala in Springfield. Ayala was arrested in a traffic stop and officers found a Springfield Armory 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the vehicle, as well as ammunition, syringes, and $19,231. Ayala must forfeit the Jeep Commander, the firearm and ammunition, and the cash to the government.

On Jan. 5, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence shared by Ayala and Ronda Easton. They seized four large Tupperware containers containing a total of approximately 1.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, a black brief case containing baggies of methamphetamine and $1,520, a Taurus .410-caliber shotgun, a Cobra .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a loaded Quality Firearms .38-caliber revolver, a loaded Springfield Armory 9mm pistol, a Smith and Wesson .40-caliber pistol, and $14,779 in a purse.

Ayala and Ronda Easton admitted that they used the proceeds from distributing methamphetamine to buy assets, which also concealed the source of their proceeds, including a residential property and a 2012 Ford Mustang that must be forfeited to the government.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Yavapai County, Ariz., Sheriff’s Department, the Bernalillo County, N.M., Sheriff’s Department, and the Franklin County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 29-30

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Michael D. Glidewell, 56, Branson
Christopher J. Dykes, 24, Marionville
James L. Austin, 27, Monett

Highway Patrol Troop D holiday totals- 59 crashes, 12 DWI arrests

Captain Juan Villanueva, commanding officer of Troop D, Springfield, announces the following traffic totals for the 2016 Thanksgiving holiday counting period for the Troop D area, which consists of the 18 southwest counties of Missouri.

During the 2016 Thanksgiving weekend traffic crash counting period, which began on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, and ended on Sunday, November 27, 2016, troopers participated in operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). During the counting period, Troop D troopers investigated 59 traffic crashes resulting in 19 injuries and zero fatalities. Troopers also arrested 12 people for driving while intoxicated. During the same period in 2015, Troop D troopers investigated 81 traffic crashes resulting in 29 injuries and two fatalities, and made 17 arrests for driving while intoxicated.

In addition to operation C.A.R.E., Troop D also participated in a special operation on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 and Sunday, November 27, 2016, during which troopers worked 12-hour shifts to patrol 20-mile intervals of Interstate 44. This operation ensured troopers were readily available to assist motorists along the major thoroughfares traveling across the Troop D area on the two main travel days of this holiday weekend.

The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every other driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. “Don’t Violate The Trust.”

Springfield firefighter awarded Medal of Valor

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

In a ceremony at the State Capitol today, Gov. Jay Nixon awarded the Missouri Medal of Valor to 10 public safety officers from across the state who bravely risked their own lives in heroic efforts to save others and protect the public during 2015.

The honored officers represent a fire department, an ambulance district, two sheriffs’ departments, a municipal police department, Missouri Capitol Police and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. They encountered and decisively responded to a variety of challenges and threats, including rescuing people trapped in a burning house and burning vehicles, pulling multiple victims from swirling floodwaters, and stopping deadly threats posed to others by armed criminals. 

“Each of these officers ignored extraordinary dangers to themselves, and instead thought only of the lives of others – people they had never met but who they have a solemn duty to protect,” Gov. Nixon said. “The Medal of Valor recipients carry out brave, decisive and selfless acts to protect the lives of others and make our communities safer. We should all be grateful for our outstanding public safety officers and the sacrifices they make to protect us.”

Family members and the officers’ colleagues were on hand for the presentation of Missouri’s highest public safety award during a ceremony in the Governor’s office in the Capitol. Gov. Nixon was joined at the ceremony by Department of Public Safety Director Lane Roberts. The newest Medal of Valor recipients are:

Jason A. Jameson, Boone County Sheriff’s Department – During a snow storm on the night of Feb. 28, 2015, Boone County Sheriff’s deputies and the Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to a homicide scene north of Columbia where two victims lay deceased and a third was in critical condition. Witnesses reported the killer, armed with a handgun, was escaping in a white car. Jameson and a Highway Patrol sergeant positioned their vehicles in an attempt to intercept the fleeing car, and Jameson observed what he believed to be blood on the side of vehicle.

A tire deflation device disabled the car, which hit a guardrail. Jameson ordered the suspect to show his hands. Instead, the gunman exited the vehicle and immediately pointed his weapon toward ameson as he fled on foot. Jameson fired his patrol rifle, striking the gunman twice. The wounded gunman was taken into custody without further incident. Facing grave danger, Sergeant Jameson encountered and ended the threat of a double-murder suspect who had fired toward the sergeant and presented a grave threat to other officers and members of the community.

David L. Marshak and Bryan R. Taylor, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department – On Sept. 10, 2015, Captain Marshak and Corporal Taylor were in a patrol vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 141 when they observed a burning van on the highway shoulder. The vehicle had extensive damage due to a multi-vehicle collision and flames were shooting out of the car. Thick smoke made it impossible to see if anyone was inside the passenger compartment. Marshak used his baton to break the passenger window and then unlocked the door. He discharged a fire extinguisher, but it had virtually no effect. The fire was spreading, thick smoke continued to billow inside the passenger compartment, and leaking fuel under the vehicle was also burning. Taylor called out to the driver but there was no response, and the driver door would not open. Fighting the thick smoke, Taylor entered the cab through the passenger door and tried to extricate the driver. However, his seat belt would not release and the noxious smoke forced Taylor to leave the vehicle. Marshak then entered the van and continued the effort to remove the driver. Now conscious but disoriented, the 85-year-old man began resisting efforts to get him out. Fighting through the smoke, Marshak, assisted by a motorist, was able to dislodge the driver and pull him out of the burning vehicle to safety. Both Captain Marshak and Corporal Taylor were treated for smoke inhalation, and Marshak was also received additional medical treatment for abrasions. Together, their efforts saved the elderly driver’s life.

Jordan V. Selsor, Meramec Ambulance District – On Dec. 29, 2015, Paramedic Selsor was part of an EMS team responding to a call from a motorist caught in floodwater between Catawissa and Pacific with water rushing into the vehicle and reaching the caller’s neck; contact was then lost. With no other responders or a boat on scene, the two paramedics had to act quickly. Selsor donned a life-vest and grabbed a pry axe. He then climbed into the bucket of a farmer’s front-end loader and had the farmer drive him to the submerged car. With the bucket extended from the tractor, Selsor jumped onto the trunk of the car, which was floating. He smashed out the rear windshield, which flooded more water into the vehicle but could not reach the victim in the front seat. Selsor then climbed onto the roof of the car and smashed out the sunroof. Unable to see in the muddy water, he felt around for the victim and began pulling her out by her hair. Eventually, he got a better hold of the victim and managed to extract her through the sunroof. Selsor stood on the car roof knee high in water with the patient until a Pacific Fire Protection District launched a boat and transported him and the victim to shore. The hypothermic patient was treated en route to the emergency room. Selsor was treated for numerous superficial cuts and abrasions from the rescue. Acting quickly and decisively and without concern for his personal safety, Paramedic Selsor saved the motorist’s life.

Charles L. Gerhart, Missouri Capitol Police – On July 30, 2015, Officer Gerhart was off-duty and traveling with his family westbound on I-70 to Kansas City. Near Blue Springs, Gerhart observed a pickup truck in the eastbound lanes traveling at a high rate of speed crash into a vehicle that was stopped in construction traffic. The pickup then burst into flames. Gerhart stopped on the shoulder, left his family in his vehicle, ran across westbound traffic, jumped the median barriers, and quickly reached the burning vehicle. The driver had a broken pelvis, broken hip, multiple broken ribs and vertebrae and was trapped in the cab.

Gerhart forced open the driver door and pulled the driver out of the burning vehicle. With the assistance of a motorist, he moved the driver away from the burning pickup. Gerhart then called the Missouri State Highway Patrol to report the crash and need for assistance. The severely injured pickup truck driver would spend more than three months in the hospital and skilled nursing care recovering from his injuries.

While on a family outing, Officer Gerhart observed trouble and rushed to assist. Yet, his commanding officer never learned of Gerhart’s heroic actions until three months later when the driver’s adult son contacted Missouri Capitol Police to inform them, saying he should be recognized.    

Jason M. Hurt, Missouri State Highway Patrol – On Nov. 21, 2015, Trooper Hurt was off-duty and traveling in his personal vehicle in Monroe County. It was cold and had recently snowed, but Trooper Hurt noticed a barefoot woman on the side of the road. Hurt stopped and the woman stated her intoxicated boyfriend was attempting suicide in a nearby cabin and a neighbor was with him. Hurt responded to the cabin and found two men struggling over a rifle. He drew his handgun, entered the cabin, identified himself as a trooper and told the men to put down the rifle. The men continued to fight over the gun. With one man’s finger on the trigger and the rifle pointed toward the ceiling, Hurt holstered his weapon and attempted to seize the gun. A shot was fired into the ceiling but Hurt gained full control of the weapon, and ended the disturbance. The suicidal man was transported for a psychiatric evaluation. While off-duty, Trooper Hurt first came to the aid of a civilian in need of assistance, which led to him placing himself in harm’s way by entering a highly dangerous struggle over a loaded gun. His selfless and brave action ended the threat to both the suicidal man and the civilian. Trooper Hurt has since been promoted to the position of Corporal.

David H. Brown and Robert W. Garrett, Missouri State Highway Patrol – Shortly after 2 a.m. on Dec. 27, 2015, as Missouri was experiencing record rainfall and flooding, Marine Operations Corporal Brown and Trooper Garrett responded to a call for a man clinging to a tree in the flooded Pomme De Terre River. The man had attempted to cross a bridge in Polk County on foot and was swept away.  With no sign of the flood victim and his cries for help as their only guide, a jet boat was launched, operated by Garrett with Brown using a spotlight to search a tree line for the victim. Eventually locating the victim in a tree about 10 feet above the swift-moving flood water, Corporal Garrett tactically maneuvered the boat through the turbulent water to the tree. Wet and hypothermic, the man slipped as he started to climb down. Unable to see him, Brown immediately dropped prone in the bow of the boat and reached both arms down in the roiling floodwater. He got hold of an arm and the man’s hair. The victim was devoid of strength and being pulled under by the current, but Brown got him into the boat and Garrett maneuvered it back to the safety of the shore. Corporal Brown and Trooper Garrett worked as a team using skill, decisiveness and bravery to overcome perilous circumstances and save a flood victim’s life.

Jeffrey A. Haislip, St. Charles Police Department – On the night of Feb. 4, 2015, Officer Haislip was first on the scene to a structure fire on North Third Street. Haislip quickly noticed the blaze from a vacant commercial building was spreading to a house just a couple of feet from the burning building. Officer Haislip banged on the storm door to alert anyone inside. When there was no answer to his banging on the door, he broke the glass on the storm door and kicked open the wood door, even as flames were racing up the side of the house and across the roof. During his search, Haislip discovered a frightened and disoriented 86-year-old woman who was unable to move. He picked up the woman and carried her outside. With thick black smoke now choking the neighborhood, Office Haislip carried the woman down the street to medical attention at an ambulance. Before the fire service had arrived on scene, and without protective equipment, Officer Haislip’s swift, decisive, selfless action saved the life of a fire victim who could not have escaped on her own.

Michael J. Kuss, Springfield Fire Department – As midnight approached on May 29, 2015, following a major storm and flash flooding, the Springfield Fire Department Water Rescue Team responded to a mutual aid call from the Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District. A vehicle had been swept off a bridge over the James River east of Springfield. In the pitch dark, two parents and their three children were desperately fighting for their lives against the swift, churning floodwater by clinging to trees. When the Springfield Fire team arrived, the victims had been holding on for 30 minutes and were yelling that they could not last much longer. A boat rescue attempt was immediately launched, piloted by Rescue Specialist Marc Becker. In the darkness, and with floodwaters roiling, the team’s single boat reached the victims. However, the boat did not have room for all of the victims and the adults were losing the strength to hold on and remain afloat. Firefighter Kuss volunteered to stay behind in the water with the adults as the three children were placed in life vests, pulled into the boat, and moved to the safety of the shore. With their resistance flagging in the frantic situation, Firefighter Kuss’s calm support and instructions for the adults was critical in saving the parents until the rescue boat could return and reunite them with their children on the shore.

About the Medal of Valor

The Medal of Valor was first awarded in 2008 and is bestowed annually based on recommendations submitted by the Medal of Valor Review Board. Recipients must serve a public agency, with or without compensation, as a firefighter, law enforcement officer or emergency personnel. The nominating form states the Medal of Valor is awarded "to a public safety officer who has exhibited exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness and presence of mind, and unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her own personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life."

Nominations are now open for acts performed during 2016 and must be received by March 31, 2017. The nominating form is available on the Missouri Department of Public Safety Web site at http://dps.mo.gov/documents/MedalofValorForm.pdf.

Department of Labor awards $3 million training grant to Springfield

(From the City of Springfield)

A $3 million grant to the City of Springfield's Department of Workforce Development in partnership with Ozarks Technical Community College will provide training opportunities for individuals seeking to enter the health care industry. The grant funds from the U.S. Department of Labor will provide 372 individuals the opportunity for tuition-free training and certifications in health care related occupations, specifically Behavioral Support Specialists, Nursing Assistants, and Registered Nurses.

Ozarks' Promise, the program funded by the grant in the Ozark Region, was the only grant awarded in the state of Missouri and was one of 23 grants awarded nationwide.

According to the Department of Labor's grant announcement, "Funded by fees paid by employers to bring foreign workers into the U.S. under the H-1B temporary visa program, these grants are intended to raise the technical skill levels of American workers and, over time, help businesses reduce their reliance on temporary visa programs."

The coalition that applied for the grant seeks to support economic growth and strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers in the Ozark Region of southwest Missouri through the provision of tuition-free training opportunities in the H1-B Visa certified industry of health care. The focus is to provide unemployed, underemployed, incumbent workers, and disadvantaged populations increased access to high-quality, tuition-free education and training opportunities.

Mike Peters, Vice President Mercy Government Relations-Missouri, believes ”Several factors are creating a need for more health care services in our region, and at the core of providing those services is a growing supply of trained workers. The America’s Promise grant is an important addition to the equation of keeping the supply equal to the growing demand.”

Many regional health care training programs are operating at full capacity and therefore are forced to reject qualified applicants for education and training. Ozarks Technical Community College is forced to turn away an average of 25 percent of qualified registered nursing applicants. This capacity issue is directly related to limited program resources. By increasing program resources and removing financial barriers, the grant will allow 372 individuals to enter or advance within the health care industry.

"Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty," said Dr. Steven Bishop, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Ozarks Technical Community College. According to Bishop, "This grant removes financial barriers for deserving students and allows them to pursue rewarding careers that are in high-demand."

"We are so grateful to the Department of Labor for their support of our proposal and for the administration's commitment to growing our economy. This is a real shot in the arm for the Ozark Region. I am especially grateful to our partners and shared true commitment to building a better workforce, demonstrating that together we are unstoppable," said Mary Ann Rojas, Director of the City of Springfield's Department of Workforce Development.

Additional support was provided by:
Branson Area Chamber of Commerce
Burrell Behavioral Health
Citizens Memorial Health
Clark Community Behavioral Health Center
CoxHealth
Mercy
Missouri Coalition for Community Behavioral Health
Oxford Healthcare
Ozark Region Workforce Development Board
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Springfield-Greene County Health Department

Springfield receives 10th straight Distinguished Budget Award

(From the City of Springfield)

For the 10th year in a row, the City has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget. The award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

In order to receive the budget award, the organizations had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and a communications device.

There are four areas and more than 20 criteria upon which the document is rated.

The award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.

In order to receive the award, budgets must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and the mandatory criteria within those categories in order to receive the award.

For background information and to view the current year’s City Budget, visit http://springfieldmo.gov/310/The-Citys-Budget.

Complete video- Springfield City Council November 28 meeting

Rating agency upgrades City of Springfield bond issues

(From the City of Springfield)

Moody's Investor Service (one of the nation’s top three bond credit rating agencies) has upgraded the rating of two of the City of Springfield’s bond issues related to Jordan Valley Park’s Baseball Stadium Project.

The two issues, Springfield Center City Development Corporation MO's Series 2002B&C Taxable Revenue Bonds, were upgraded to Aa3 from A1. The Aa3 rating is two notches lower than Moody's Aa1 general obligation rating on the City of Springfield. The two-notch distinction is due to the bonds being issued for a less-essential project, specifically, a baseball stadium.

“This is extraordinary news and a reflection of how Moody's is viewing the City's sound financial condition,” said David Holtmann, City interim Finance director. Moody's reported the bonds are secured by loan payments from the City subject to annual appropriations. The 2002B bonds also benefit from a mortgage lease agreement with the developer, and guarantee agreement with the developer. The developer is the Revocable Trust of John Q. Hammons, which filed for bankruptcy in June. The trust is continuing to make payments to the trustee. If the trust were to stop making payments, there would be minimal impact to the City's General Fund.

Coffee with Springfield's police chief set for Wednesday

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams will be hosting "Coffee with the Chief" at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Classic Rock Coffee Co, 1900 W. Sunset. 

The purpose of the meeting is to encourage an open discussion between the public and the Chief. 

Anyone interested in asking questions or learning more about the Springfield Police Department is encouraged to attend.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 28-29

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Gilberto O. Ramos Palacios, 23, Branson
Glenda K. Willcut, 67, Noel
Andrew D. Henry, 24, Branson

Gender neutral bathrooms designated at Missouri State

Springfield woman stabs boyfriend after letting him suck her blood

Branson man sentenced for trading meth for stolen firearms

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

 A Branson, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for trading methamphetamine in exchange for stolen firearms.

Gerald E. Waters, 55, of Branson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

On Sept. 21, 2016, Waters pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

On May 14, 2015, a federal agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives contacted the Branson, Mo., Police Department regarding his investigation of a burglary of a federally licensed firearms dealer in Carroll County, Arkansas. During an interview with suspects in the burglary, the agent learned that someone had traded firearms to Waters in exchange for drugs.

A Branson detective contacted Waters at the Shady Oak Motel. Law enforcement officers found two Cobra Enterprise .38-caliber derringers, a Phoenix Arms .22-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a loaded Armscor of the Philippines 9mm semi-automatic pistol, all of which had been reported stolen from the firearms dealer in Arkansas, inside a safe in the motel room.

Officers searched the room and found 130.9 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a water bottle with $592 inside, all inside another safe in the motel room.

 This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Branson, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 26-27

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Bryan D. Upton, 46, Berryville, Arkansas
Monica Rodriguez, 30, Monett
Kevin S. Combs, 48, Forsyth
Daniel C. Blades, 49, Aurora
Scott W. Pace, 42, Verona
Peter A. Cowles, 32, Lamar
Kristine M. Keen, 52, Branson

Lawrence County prosecutor files felony charges against special road district board members

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway released the following statement after Lawrence County Prosecutor Don Trotter filed felony stealing charges against six former board members and employees of the Buck Prairie Special Road District. The charges are the result of concerns uncovered in an audit that identified $65,000 dollars in inappropriate spending and payments made from district accounts.

"People are just plain fed up with public officials who abuse their power and take advantage of their positions to benefit themselves instead of the citizens they serve. My audit raised serious concerns with the management of the Buck Prairie Special Road District and these charges highlight the seriousness of their actions, and show how audits get results. My office worked with Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney Don Trotter, and we appreciate his dedication to justice. When those in positions of public trust abuse their power, they must be held accountable."

Court documents show six board members and employees face Class C Felony charges for 23 separate counts of receiving stolen property, including submitting for and receiving thousands of dollars' worth of inappropriate payments from the district. Residents of the district petitioned the Auditor's Office for review after raising concerns related to management and operations for the road district, which was created in 1902 to maintain rural roads near the city of Marionville. A copy of the complete August 2016 audit report is available online here.

Rogersville man injured in three-vehicle accident near Springfield

A Rogersville man was injured in a three-vehicle accident 2 p.m. today on U. S. 60, five miles east of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1993 Ford F-150 pickup driven by Timothy D. Tilton, 17, Rogersville, struck a 2014 Honda CRV driven by Jack D. Ball, 82, Rogersville, while passing it, then changed lanes and struck a 2010 Toyota Rav4 driven by Ernesto L. Carampatan, 73, Mansfield.

Ball was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 24-25

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Thomas F. Atchison, 28, Reeds Spring
Michael D. Glidewell, 56, Branson
Brittany J. Kearney, 27, Galena
Jimmy B. Haynes, 46, Springfield
Matthew A. Hernandez, 25, Stella

Teen motorcyclist injured in two-vehicle collision

A Springfield teen was injured in a two-vehicle accident 3:20 p.m. today on Park Avenue just north of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2016 Kymco motorcycle driven by Aaron L. Norris, 15, Springfield, failed to negotiate a right turn and struck a 2012 Ford F-350 driven by Ivan Z. Cortina, 37, Mitras Norte, Monterrey, Mexico, which was stopped at the intersection.

Norris was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 22-23

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Kenneth Littrel, 21, Nixa
William M. Hunt, 41, Butler
Michael L. McCarley, 49, Seligman

Springfield mayor encourages shopping local on Saturday

(From the City of Springfield)

The Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a big deal for small businesses.

Mayor Stephens will issue a proclamation at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 at Chabom Tea + Spices, 209 E. Commercial, declaring the Saturday after Thanksgiving as “Small Business Saturday,” in Springfield.

In 2010, American Express launched a national “Small Business Saturday” campaign to encourage sales at small businesses between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Eighty-four percent of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s approximately 1,800 member businesses have 50 or fewer employees, according to chamber Membership Relations Coordinator Kiley Haynes.

"Small Business Saturday offers us a chance to show our support for the small businesses here in the Springfield area," Stephens said. "I urge the residents of our community, and communities across the country, to support small businesses and merchants not only on this one day, but throughout the year. Our local entrepreneurs, friends, families and small business owners in the community should be supported as they keep and spend the dollars in the state, thus creating a large multiplier for every dollar spent."

Downtown Springfield Association, Walnut Street merchants and the Commercial Club representing small businesses in the C-Street District, are among those reminding shoppers about the contributions small businesses make to the local economy and community.

“Small Business Saturday is a fun way for everyone to support local businesses. It’s an opportunity to purchase authentic gifts with character from area craftsmen and entrepreneurs. A much higher percentage of the proceeds from your holiday shopping will stay here in Springfield to be reinvested back into the community,” said Rusty Worley, executive director of the Downtown Springfield Association. ?

Downtown Springfield is proud to be the home of three dozen local retailers that generated over $15.7 million in taxable sales last year. It continues to serve as an incubator for regional entrepreneurs who want to be part of a community that supports its businesses through collaborative marketing, financing, networking, education and iconic family-friendly events.?

Downtown Springfield activities this year include a wide variety of specials at participating retailers, a free Trolley Bike shuttle connecting downtown retailers with the Queen City Craft Show, and a free cookie at the new Magic and Mayhem Bakery inside Distorted Utopia at 310 S. Campbell.

Patrons “shopping small” will receive a free canvas tote bag (while supplies last) and a host of other specials. Be sure to visit itsalldowntown.com and the Downtown Springfield Facebook page.

Springfield suffers 22nd vacant structure fire in 2016

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

Investigators are looking into another fire in a vacant structure. The fire occurred early Sunday morning in a duplex on the 800 block of South Robberson. While the investigation is still open, investigators believe the fire was intentionally set. While no one was injured, it did cause $25,000 in damages.

This marks the 22nd fire in a vacant structure in Springfield this year. The Fire Department last responded to a fire at a vacant single-family house Nov. 2 that caused $40,000 in damages.

More than 10% of all Springfield fires occur in vacant structures. Forty-five percent of those are unsecured buildings. Of the 22 vacant building fires reported so far this year, investigators determined 16 were set intentionally, 3 were accidental and the causes of 6 were undetermined. An intensity map illustrates the geographic location of the fires in vacant structures over the past 10 years, something the Fire Department tracks to help target educational efforts.

Fire Chief David Hall encourages residents that are aware of unsecure or boarded-up houses or building in their neighborhoods, to report them to the City, by contacting the Citizen Resource Center at 417-864-1010 or call 911 if criminal activity is suspected.

Woman who embezzled $781K from Southwest Research Center sentenced to four years

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A former University of Missouri employee was sentenced in federal court today for embezzling more than $781,000 from the school over a 13-year period.

 Carla Rathmann, 55, of Mount Vernon, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to four years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Rathmann to pay $781,670 in restitution.

 On June 6, 2016, Rathmann pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and one count of credit card fraud.

 Rathmann embezzled a total of $781,670, primarily by submitting fake and fraudulent invoices and bills to the University of Missouri. Rathmann also admitted that she illegally used a university credit card for approximately $146,144 in personal expenses. Rathmann used the embezzled funds to gamble at area casinos, purchase expensive cars, buy high-end appliances for her home, pay for the remodeling of her home, take expensive vacations around the world with her husband, purchase other personal luxury items like a hot tub and a large above ground pool, and pay for many of the day-to-day bills associated with the maintenance of their home and care for her pets.

 Rathmann was hired by the University of Missouri as an administrative officer at the Southwest Research Center, located in Mount Vernon, in January 2000. Her responsibilities included receiving bills, paying bills, various accounting duties, payroll, scheduling meetings and organizing staff at the Southwest Research Center. Rathmann was fired from her position in September 2015 after officials discovered that she had used her university credit card, also known as a “p-card,” to pay for personal expenses.

 In 2005, Rathmann created and registered three shell companies with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office. Rathmann admitted that these companies – R&R, R&R Argi and Garrett Farm and Oil – did not produce a single product or provide a service of any type. Either Rathmann or her husband were the owners and registered agents for these companies.

 From Jan. 24, 2005, to June 18, 2014, Rathmann issued bills or invoices in the names of these shell companies to the University of Missouri for products or services ostensibly provided to the Southwest Research Center. In reality, none of these companies provided a single item or a service to the Southwest Research Center. The invoices or bills submitted by Rathmann to the University of Missouri for payment were entirely false and fraudulent.

 On numerous occasions, Rathmann, in her capacity as an administrative employee for the University of Missouri at the Southwest Research Center, approved the fraudulent invoices and bills. After she approved the payments, the University of Missouri wrote checks to Rathmann’s fictitious companies, which were deposited into her bank account.

 The University of Missouri paid Rathmann $570,521 for the products and services that in fact were never delivered or provided.

 Shortly after she was hired, Rathmann was given a credit card to facilitate the purchasing of goods and services needed for the Southwest Research Center. Rathmann fraudulently used the credit card to make unauthorized personal purchases (i.e., her dog’s surgery, remodeling her home, dental expenses, propane for her home, gas for her vehicle and herbicide for her home).

 The first unauthorized use of the credit card occurred on Feb. 19, 2002, when Rathmann’s credit card was used to pay Bolivar Insulation in the amount of $1,249. The last unauthorized use of the credit card was on Aug. 20, 2015, when Rathmann’s credit card was used to pay an invoice from Ozark Mountain Pest Control in the amount of $30. In between these purchases were numerous other personal purchases she made using the credit card that totaled approximately $146,144.

 This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The University of Missouri was instrumental in detecting the fraud, initiating the investigation and assisting law enforcement.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 20-22

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Joseph L. Chew, 33, Ash Grove
Janice L. Harris, 62, Chadwick
Derek P. Adams, 43, Bourbon

Two injured in three-vehicle accident on U. S. 60

Two people were injured in a three-vehicle accident 8:30 a.m. today on westbound U. S. 60, 3.3 miles east of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer driven by Tammy J. Cudworth, 48, Norwood, struck a 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Angela L. Ball, 41, West Plains, causing it to hit a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD driven by Randall K. Miller, 64, Branson. The Cudworth vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck an embankment.

Cudworth and a passenger in her vehicle, Mable Wehrer, 67, Norwood, were treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Buffalo woman injured in accident on I-44

A Buffalo woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident 11:03 a.m. today on I-44, eight miles west of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2010 Hyundai Elantra driven by Kristopher D. Moore, 30, Buffalo, ran off the roadway and struck a concrete barrier.

A passenger, Miranda M. Moore, 27, Buffalo, was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 19-20

The Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Austin C. White, 21, Joplin
Amber L. Leckliter, 26, Bogalusa, Louisiana
James R. Lee, 23, Loma Linda
Richard W. Stark, 40, Columbus, Kansas
Mark D. Wright, 60, Joplin

***
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Trucker injured in accident on I-44 at Chestnut Expressway

An Urbana man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 11:10 a.m. today on eastbound I-44 at Chestnut Expressway, one mile west of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Bradley Dampier, 59, Urbana, driving a 1994 Freightliner truck, was traveling in the passing lane and began skidding in order not to hit a vehicle in front of him.

The truck went off the right side of the road, struck a guard rail and overturned.

Dampier was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Springfield woman injured in two-vehicle accident

A Springfield woman was injured in a two-vehicle accident 6 p.m. Friday three miles east of Springfield at the intersection of Highway 125 and Route AD.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro driven by Jialiang Li, 22, Springfield, was turning south onto MO 125 from Route AD and failed to yield to a 2009 Nissan Xterra driven by Annette S. Tate, 52, Rogersville, which struck the Li vehicle.

Li was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Billy Long: I am committed to giving diabetes the attention it deserves

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

Recently I was saddened to learn a buddy of mine, who I competed against regularly in bass fishing tournaments several years ago, had to have his leg amputated due to diabetes which had been diagnosed in June of 2000. He hadn't realized he had cut his foot, which later became infected. When the infection continued to spread, despite steps taken to stop the spreading, his doctor had no choice but to amputate his leg.

As of 2012, the American Diabetes Association reported that 9.3 percent of Americans have diabetes, which is over 29 million people, and each year 1.4 million people will be diagnosed. According to the Center for Disease Control, that percentage is much higher for people in southwest Missouri. Only one of the 10 counties in Missouri's 7th Congressional District is below the national average.

November marks National Diabetes Awareness month and it's my hope that during this month I not only raise awareness, but I also make sure Congress does the same. Diabetes is a serious condition that can't be taken lightly.

Just recently, the Joplin Globe reported on a story about a man who had been dealing with diabetes for 16 years. He had a scratch on his ankle that didn't seem to be going away. As time passed, it only grew worse. Finally, he went to Mercy Hyperbaric and Wound Care in Joplin to see if they could do anything. After six weeks of hyperbaric treatments, his wound was completely gone. Without this treatment, the end result might have been much different, possibly requiring the amputation of his foot. Diabetes has a number of additional effects on the body that need to be monitored.

In August I had the opportunity to talk with members of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding type 1 diabetes research. Additionally, I spoke with constituents and their families who shared their stories about living with type 1 diabetes. The stories once again confirmed to me that fighting for this cause, whether it be type 1 or type 2 diabetes, is so important.

Diabetes still remains the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. According to the American Diabetes Association, as of 2013, the cost of diabetes in the United States reached $245 billion. If you break it down even further, those with diabetes end up paying 2.3 times more on medical expenditures than those who are not diagnosed with diabetes.

This condition deserves far more attention than just one month of bringing awareness to the issue. As a Congressman, I will continue to stay committed to holding both myself and my colleagues accountable to making sure this issue gets the attention it deserves. I will also continue to travel all across Missouri's 7th District listening to stories and finding out new ways I can help those affected by this condition.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 18-19

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Alisha J. Veith, 27, Cassville
Eric A. Smith, 27, Hooteston, Illinois
David J. Bates, 41, Warrensburg
Jessica D. Bouslaugh, 25, Verona
Carmena S. Sanders, 27, Rueter
Joshua D. Hammers, 28, Seligman
David J. Ford, 27, Verona

Complete video- Springfield Board of Education November 15 meeting

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council special lunch meeting

IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 2-32 OF THE SPRINGFIELD CITY CODE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL IS HEREBY CALLED FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSE:

1. ROLL CALL.

2. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE. Council Bill 2016-259. (Fishel) A general ordinance amending the Springfield City Code, Chapter 98, ‘Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places,’ by amending language in Section 98-292, ‘Loan program for installation of sewer laterals;’ to increase the maximum loan amount to $20,000; to make lateral loans available to facilities with existing laterals that are failing; and to change the annual interest rate to an interest rate established by the 10-year treasury bill rate at the time a loan is made.

3. ADJOURN TO CITY COUNCIL LUNCH

SAID MEETING SHALL BE HELD beginning at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 22, 2016, in the Busch Municipal Building, 4th Floor Conference Room, 840 N. Boonville Springfield

Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

The following petitions for dissolution of marriage were filed this week in Greene County Circuit Court:

Marsha Paulette Locke vs. Keith Richard Locke
Eileen Gobinet Swopes vs. Dwight Irwin Swopes
Marek A. Szyszlo vs. Malgorzata Szyszlo
Rosanna Marie Underdown vs. Jarrod Stephen Underdown
Paulina Stacy Herd vs. Tommy Allen Herd
Jeanne Coleman vs. Donald Coleman
Natalia Stites vs. Barrett Stites
Caley S. DeJarnette vs. Alexander J. DeJarnette
Ina Burgdorf vs. Mitchell Burgdorf
Cheryl A. Lynch vs. Michael E. Lynch
Jimmie Lee Ray vs. Barbara J. Ray
Jennifer Lea Longoria vs. Adam Cruz Longoria, Jr.
Nicholas Benjamin Ibarra vs. Jina Lynn Gorham
Martha Lee Roca vs. Guillermo Gomez Roca
Robert Dolan Severn vs. Kaylynn Ann Severn
Leah Joy White vs. Jeffery Allen White
William Todd Newcomb vs. Alyssa Jo Huffman
Brooke Ashley Flanigan vs. Ryan Thomas Flanigan
Russell Brian West vs. Alexandra Nicole West
Melissa Rae Chandler vs. Christopher M. Chandler
Tonya Sue Egger vs. Michael Bradley Egger
Karen E. Preis vs. Garry K. Harris
Ronnie Dean Gillmore vs. Lindsay Ranae Gillmore
Ashley Budd vs. Steven Budd
Svetlana M. Tolokovoy vs. Dimitriy A. Tolokovoy
Danielle Christina Small vs. James Andrew Small

Trucker airlifted to Mercy, three injured in accident involving two semis

Three people were injured in a three-vehicle accident 3:05 a.m. today on U. S. 160, three-tenths of a mile east of Norwood.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Kenworth driven by Donald K. Watt, 57, Welda, Kansas, lost control and struck a 2007 Mercury Mariner driven by Christina M. Pugh, 41, Springfield,

Watt overcorrected and overturned causing a 2005 Kenworth driven by James R. Chapman, 38, Fort Scott, Kansas, to strike Watt's trailer.

Watt was airlifted to Mercy Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries. Chapman was treated for serious injuries and Pugh for minor injuries at Mercy.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 17-18

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Jeffrey S. Kidwell, 36, Kissee Mills
Peter Lukaszewitz, 60, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Michael J. Murphy, 26, Pierce City

Guaranty Bank at 1510 E. Sunshine robbed

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred at approximately 12:34 p.m. today at Guaranty Bank at 1510 E. Sunshine.

A male walked into the bank lobby and handed a teller a note demanding money. No weapon was displayed. With an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect left the bank on foot traveling across Sunshine and to the east. He was described as a black male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, and he was wearing a black and gray hoodie, a black baseball cap, sunglasses and green gloves.

Attached are photos of the suspect from surveillance footage that captured the robbery. If anyone has any information about this robbery or the suspect involved, please contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

Springfield man pleads guilty to producing child pornography

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to producing and distributing child pornography.

Christopher Peck, 40, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to the charges contained in a Jan. 19, 2016, federal indictment.

By pleading guilty today, Peck admitted that he used two minors, identified in court documents as Jane Doe #1 and John Doe #1, to produce child pornography between Nov. 1, 2014, and Jan. 8, 2016. Peck also pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography during that time.

Co-defendant Tracy Ann Smith, 42, of Springfield, pleaded guilty on May 10, 2016, to one count of the sexual exploitation of a child and one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Smith admitted that she used Jane Doe #1 to produce child pornography between Nov. 1, 2014, and Jan. 8, 2016. Smith also admitted that she received and distributed child pornography during that time.

Under federal statutes, Peck and Smith are each subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 50 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings for Peck and Smith have not yet been scheduled.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.

Portion of Lyon Avenue to close for a week beginning Monday

(From the City of Springfield)

Lyon Avenue will close to through traffic between Kearney Street and High Street for approximately one week beginning Monday, Nov. 21 for the completion of a sanitary sewer crossing.

Residents of this section of Lyon Avenue will have full access to their driveways throughout this process. All other motorists are advised to seek an alternate route.

Proposed 2017-2018 calendar presented to Springfield School Board

(From Springfield Public Schools)

An overview of the proposed 2017-2018 school calendar was presented to the Springfield School Board at its study session Tuesday, Nov. 15. 

The first day of the 2017-2018 school year is proposed to be Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017. 

 The school board is scheduled to adopt the 2017-2018 calendar at its Dec. 13 meeting. 

View the proposed 2017-2018 school calendar.

Marshfield motorcyclist injured in accident on 38

A Marshfield motorcyclist was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:15 p.m. today on MO 38, four miles west of Marshfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1999 Suzuki motorcycle driven by Jay E. Harmon, 48, Marshfield, traveled off the right side of the road after Harmon lost control due to high winds. The motorcycle struck an embankment and overturned.

Harmon was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 16-17

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Lynette L. Davey, 59, Springfield
Robert L. Liveley, 60, Sheldon
Jared C. Pyle, 50, Jerico Springs

Republic teen injured in crash outside city limits

A Republic teen was injured in a two-vehicle accident 6:20 p.m. Tuesday on MO 174, 100 feet west of Republic.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Jeep Wrangler driven by Paul N. Beard, 65, Republic, was making a right turn and was struck in the rear by a 2007 Pontiac G6 driven by Madison K. Kendrick, 17, Republic.

Kendrick was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Collision with deer kills Fair Grove driver

A Fair Grove man was killed when his pickup collided with a deer 5:25 p.m. Tuesday on Route H, seven miles west of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2002 Ford F250 driven by James W. Haynes, 60, Fair Grove, struck a deer, which penetrated the cab and fatally injured Haynes.

Greene County Medical Examiner Tom Van De Berg pronounced Haynes dead at the scene at 5:50 p.m.

The fatality was the 101st this year and the fifth in November for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield man injured in two-vehicle accident

A Springfield man was injured in a two-vehicle accident 6:50 p.m. Tuesday at U. S. 60 and MO 413, 50 feet west of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 Chrysler 300 driven by Danielle N. Stuart, 34, Springfield, struck a 1999 GMC Sonora driven by David W. Wright, 54, in the rear when the Wright vehicle stopped in traffic.

Wright was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Republic man killed in one-vehicle accident

A Republic man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 9:07 p.m. Tuesday on MO 360, just south of Route MM in Republic.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 Chevrolet 3500 pickup driven by Michael D. Porterfield, 50, Republic, ran off the left side of the roadway, struck a guard rail, a large sign and a concrete base. Dr. Kevin Christian pronounced Porterfield dead at 10:04 p.m. at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

The fatality was the 102nd of the year and the sixth in November for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 15-16

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Edgar Arreola, 27, Butterfield
Andrew R. Cook, 26, Branson
David N. Roth, 70, Lamar
Enrique D. Harris, 36, Springfield
Anthony J. Silva, 31, Nixa
Alanders L. Harris, 39, Springfield

Forty projects included in Springfield Public Schools master facility plan

(From Springfield Public Schools)

A plan to address Springfield Public Schools facility needs over the next 12 years has been developed following nine months of facility assessment, data analysis and community input.

SPS recently solicited community feedback via 10 public meetings and an online survey regarding two possible options for meeting facility needs. Based on that feedback, MGT of America, the firm SPS hired in January to develop the plan, recommended Nov. 15 that the school board pursue Option 2, which reflects the community's desire to maintain small schools and would create several elementary/middle school combined campuses.

The recommendations, if implemented as presented, would result in a total of 40 projects, which, when completed, would move 22 district schools currently rated as "unsatisfactory" or "poor" into the "excellent" or "new" categories along with multiple schools currently listed as "fair" being elevated to "good" or "excellent" condition. The recommendations both align to and deliver the priorities identified by stakeholders and would be addressed in two phases over a 12-year timeframe. Each phase will require voter approval for funding before it could begin.

View the Details 

Phase 1 recommendations.

Phase 2 recommendations.

Nov. 15 Facility Master Plan report.

Summary of Work Proposed 

The scope of work detailed in Phase 1 would deliver new construction of four elementary/middle combined campuses. In addition, upgrades at three high schools and one middle school would be completed. Seven elementary schools would be renovated and one elementary would receive an addition and renovation. Early childhood classroom expansion would also be addressed.

Phase 2 would result in the construction of three replacement elementary schools and further improvements to three sites partially addressed in Phase 1. Two high schools would experience additions and renovations and two middle schools would receive upgrades. Two elementary schools would receive additions and renovations with an additional seven receiving renovations. Four support learning sites would also receive renovations and there would be further expansion of early childhood classrooms.

Full implementation of the recommendations includes the closing and repurposing of Campbell, Delaware, York and Bowerman elementary schools with students from these schools being reassigned to other elementary schools.

Cost of the Work

The total projected construction budget for all projects is $337.6 million in current dollars. An additional $30 million will be required for projected adjustments due to inflation over the 12-year implementation of the Facility Master Plan. Funding the plan would require voter approval to increase the district's debt-service levy. 

Next Steps

• Dec. 13, 2016- Anticipated Board approval of facility master plan recommendations.
• Develop project design for Board approval along with ballot language for bond initiative for Phase 1.Place bond proposal on ballot for taxpayer consideration for Phase 1.
• Once approved by voters, begin implementation of projects for Phase 1 (6-year timeframe for completion).
• Upon completion of Phase I projects, Phase 2 project design would be developed for Board approval along with ballot language for bond initiative.
• Place bond proposal on ballot for taxpayer consideration for Phase 2
• Once approved by voters, begin implementation of projects for Phase 2 (6-year timeframe for completion).

More Details 

While the recommendations provide some level of precision regarding many aspects of implementation such as buildings to be addressed, scope of projects, approximate budget, etc., it is impossible at this stage to provide definitive answers to all questions. Issues regarding items such as location of new construction, boundary line changes, etc., will be determined in the future. Belief statements included in the proposed facility master plan, however, define some key principles that will influence decisions.

Read more about the long-range facility master planning process and view prior reports from MGT at plan.spsk12.org.

Agenda posted for Springfield Art Museum Board

Springfield Art Museum Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, November 17, 2016
SMMA Gallery – 5:00 p.m.

 Tentative Agenda

I. Call to Order

II. Approval of Minutes

III. Recognition of Guests

IV. Financial Report

V. Reports:
a. SMMA
b. FOSAM
c. Officers and Committees
d. Director’s Report

VI. Unfinished Business
a. Accreditation Self-Study: Sections 1-3
b. Accreditation Self-Study Discussion
c. Strategic Plan Discussion- Collections Management

VII. Additional items requiring Board approval

VIII. Communications

IX. Adjournment to closed session for consultation with legal counsel

Springfield police investigating apparent murder-suicide at 315 N. Park

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield police officers were dispatched to 315 N. Park at 11:16 a.m. on Nov. 14 after receiving information from a family member of the male resident regarding deceased individuals possibly inside the home.

Upon arrival at the residence, officers located two deceased adults. They have been identified as Terry Lynne Porter, 36, of Springfield, and Rick Gene Chambers, 54, of Springfield. Next of kin notifications were made for the deceased individuals.

Initial indications from the crime scene processing and follow-up investigation are that Chambers killed Porter before taking his own life. A final determination of the causes and manner of the deaths will be made by the Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office at a later time.

Detectives continue to investigate the incident and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-8477.

Springfield motorcyclist injured in accident near Merriam Woods

A Springfield motorcyclist was injured in a one-vehicle accident 1:40 p.m. today on U. S. 160, two miles north of Merriam Woods.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Keith E. Garcia, 67, Springfield, driving a 2003 Yamaha motorcycle, failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the right side of the road and struck a guard rail.

Garcia was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Springfield man sentenced to eight years on child pornography charge

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.

David D. Lerssen, Jr., 34, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to eight years in federal prison without parole.

On June 28, 2016, Lerssen pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Lerssen was arrested following an investigation into the use of a peer-to-peer file-sharing network to distribute child pornography. Lerssen’s computer was identified as distributing child pornography and law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence.

According to court documents, Lerssen had more than 876 files containing child pornography, with victims ranging in age from toddlers to 17 years old, including prepubescent children engaged in bondage or sadistic conduct. Lerssen had a large amount of child pornography on multiple devices. He used multiple mediums and Web sites to not only view child pornography, but to receive and distribute it. Lerssen admitted to viewing child pornography for the past five years.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the FBI.

Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony set for Saturday in Springfield

(From the City of Springfield)

Mayor Bob Stephens, with help from local elementary school students, will signal the start of the holiday season by lighting a 33-foot Norway spruce, located in Jordan Valley Park, east of the Mediacom Ice Park at the annual Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. The musical tree and surrounding park will be lit up with thousands of lights.

Hundreds of children are expected to attend the tree-lighting ceremony, which will include live music, a visit from Santa Claus and other celebrity guests, including everyone’s favorite winter princesses. Santa’s mailbox (a decked-out mailbox provided by the U.S. Postal Service) returns, on-site Saturday night only, for children to send their letters to Santa.

Mediacom Ice Park, located at 635 E. Trafficway, will again offer free ice skating, 5:45-6:45 p.m. that evening. Skate rental is $2.50.

Free parking is available at Mediacom Ice Park and Hammons Field. Convenient parking is also available for a fee at the Jordan Valley Car Park on Trafficway.

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council Tuesday lunch meeting

City Council Lunch
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
12:00 Noon
Busch Municipal Building
4th Floor Conference Room
840 N. Boonville Avenue

TENTATIVE AGENDA 

1. Follow-up from City Council meeting of November 14, 2016.

2. Conversation With University Presidents – Greg Burris

3. Any and all matters to come before the City Council.

Teen's body discovered in courtyard at Town and Campus Apartments

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield police were dispatched to Town and Campus Apartments at 2010 E. Page Sunday morning at approximately 6:47 a.m. after a female body was located in the courtyard.

The victim was identified as Camille Crews, 19, of Springfield. Next of kin notifications have been made for the victim.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

An autopsy is being conducted by the Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office to confirm the cause of death, and this investigation is ongoing.

Springfield trash and recycling collection study begins

(From the City of Springfield)

On behalf of the City of Springfield, Fort Hays State University Institute of Public Affairs students, under the direction of consultant firm Burns & McDonnell, will begin conducting a telephone survey of Springfield residents as part of the ongoing Trash and Recycling Collection Study. The survey will be conducted over approximately one month beginning Monday, Nov. 14.

Springfield residents will be chosen through a random selection process and contacted via telephone for the five to seven minute survey. Caller identification information will read “785-261-9059” or “Dockins.” Surveyors will identify themselves as calling on behalf of the City of Springfield. Questions included in the survey will address trash and recycling collection, including residents’ preferences and concerns. Those contacted will not be asked to provide any personal information, but will be requested to confirm they reside within Springfield city limits.

Information from this survey will be compiled as part of the public input process for the Trash and Recycling Collection Study. Overall findings and recommendations from this study will be presented to City Council in early 2017.

Please consider participating if contacted for this important survey.

For more information on the Trash and Recycling Collection Study, visitspringfieldmo.gov/trashstudy.

City Council decision opens door to Uber, Lyft in Springfield

(From the City of Springfield)

City Council voted Monday evening to amend language in the City Code to make room for transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in Springfield. The vote was 8-0 with Jan Fisk recusing herself.

Language in Chapter 118 Vehicles for Hire was amended and regulations added for both TNCs and drivers. Drivers of TNC, Taxi Cab or Airport limousines will no longer be required to obtain a permit from the City. Instead, the company will be required to regulate the drivers, including doing a background check.

What passed was a substitute bill that replaced a previous one tabled in March. The topic was referred to the City Council Finance and Administration Committee, chaired by Mayor Pro Tem Ken McClure.

“We’re delighted that Springfield can serve as a model in Missouri in terms of allowing transportation companies, like Uber, to operate successfully. If we want to attract and keep young professionals, we need our community to support new technology and advances like this,” McClure said. “I appreciate the work of the Finance and Administration committee, along with City staff, to come up with legislation that works for all parties.”

Chairman McClure and City staff gathered comments from the industry and held a conference call to discuss feedback to the earlier version of the bill. Many of the changes are related to use of terminology and remove requirements that do not apply naturally to the TNC structure.

Key Components of the Legislation:
- Allows TNC companies to operate in Springfield with a permit.- Drivers of TNC, Taxi Cab or Airport limousines or no longer required to obtain a permit from the City. Instead, the company will be required to regulate the drivers, including doing a background check.
- Insurance language was amended to increase the limits for taxi cabs and airport limousine companies.- Insurance for TNC companies will mirror state law in Section 379.1702. While that state law does not go into effect until April 2017, the City’s ordinance goes into affect immediately upon passage and will require those amounts.
- Removes the requirements for taxi cabs to provide an income statement and balance sheet prepared by a certified public accountant.

Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

The following petitions for dissolution of marriage were filed last week in Greene County Circuit Court:

Holly Jean Musser vs. Timothy Adam Musser
Laura Melby vs. Tony James Melby
Joshua Michael Gress vs. Alicia Janelle Gress
Latosha May Parker vs. Micah Dean Parker
David M. Leishman vs. Haley M. Leishman
Thomas Eugene Box vs. Kelley R. Box
Angel Lewis vs. William R. Lewis II
April Sarah Martinez vs. Francisco Martinez Ostoa

Greenfield man airlifted to Cox South after falling off bluff at Stockton Lake

A Greenfield man was airlifted to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries after falling from a bluff at the Roark Public Use Area at Stockton Lake 11:45 a.m. Sunday.

According to the Highway Patrol report, James C. Wright, 75, Greenfield, was fishing and fell, nearly drowning.

Springfield, Willard teens injured in accident near Everton

Two teens were injured in a one-vehicle accident 10:10 a.m. today on County Road 235, five miles northeast of Everton.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a Jamie R. Weatherford, 16, Willard, driving a 2008 Pontiac G6, lost control on loose gravel, traveled off the roadway and overturned several times.

Weatherford was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield. A passenger, Evan M. Kirksey, 17, Springfield, was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

HIghway Patrol DWI Arrests November 13-14

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Curley E. Johnson, 43, Lamar
Stevie D. Nusz, 33, Galena

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 12-13

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Brendon R. Smith, 24, Springfield
Pedro Lopez, 27, Branson
Jeffrey A. Bargielski, 33, St. Louis
Jason D. Green, 30, Springfield
Faisal K. Aljahani, 22, Springfield
Ashley D. Brattin, 31, Seneca
Tristen N. Foster, 17, Lamar
Julie A. England, 55, Aurora
Jack R. Hicks, 33, Fair Grove

Nixa woman injured in two-vehicle accident

A Nixa woman was injured in a two-vehicle accident 6:55 p.m. Friday on Farm Road 182, a mile and a half west of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Cassie D. Langwell, 26, Springfield, failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a westbound 2010 Honda Accord driven by Victoria A. Forrest, 59, Springfield.

A passenger in the Forrest vehicle, Cheryl D. Belcher, 64, Nixa, was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 11-12

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Jessica H. Hudson, 40, Verona
Stuart P. Andres-Nolan, 23, Springfield
Adel S. Almutairi, 25, Springfield
Victor Marin, 20, Carthage
Charles M. McAlpine, 30, Halfway
Jordan R. Stanton, 25, Bolivar
Victor Cachon Medina, 39, Monett
Tabatha L. Cardenas, 33, Monett
Jacob T. Metz, 27, Marionville
Ashley N. Booker, 25, Aurora
Anna R. Starostenko, 30, Springfield
Heather A. Huff, 45, Springfield
Deandre L. Davis, 30, Little Rock, Arkansas

Highway Patrol DWI Arrests November 10-11

The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:

Jerald L. Warth, 32, Noel
David P. May, 69, Wheatland
Christopher J. Owens, 25, Springfield
James D. Elbert, 34, Springfield
Ricky W. Cagle, 61, Niangua

Agenda posted for Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau board meeting

Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc., Board of Directors will meet at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the Route 66 Visitor Information Center, 815 E. St. Louis St., Springfield, MO 65806

1. Approval of October Meeting Minutes
2. Chairman's Report
3. October Financial Reports
 4. Simpleview Dashboard
5. Hotel Tax Reallocation Committee Report
6. Destination Springfield November Meeting
7. Convention Complex Report/Tourism Business Improvement District
8. City of Springfield Report
9 Staff Reports
10. Old or New Business

Portion of Talmage Street to close for a month

(From the City of Springfield)

Talmage Street will close between Newton Avenue and Fort Avenue beginning Monday, Nov. 14 for construction on the Talmage Street Sidewalk and Stormwater Improvement project. The street will be closed for approximately four weeks, weather permitting.

This project, commonly referred to as the Talmage Dip, includes construction of a new box culvert section to improve stormwater issues over Pea Ridge Creek. Roadway improvements and a new sidewalk will also be constructed to improve pedestrian safety along this stretch of Talmage.

The Talmage Dip project is part of the 18-month Zone Blitz, a city-wide initiative to improve the quality of life in Springfield's Northwest quadrant. Funding for the $100,000 project is coming from the ¼-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax Stormwater and School Sidewalks programs.