TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 47 NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK 905 PM CST TUE FEB 28 2017 TORNADO WATCH 47 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 400 AM CST FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS MOC007-009-011-015-019-027-029-039-043-051-055-057-059-065-067- 071-073-077-085-091-093-097-099-105-109-113-119-123-125-127-131- 135-137-139-141-145-149-151-153-161-163-167-169-173-179-183-185- 186-187-189-203-209-213-215-217-219-221-225-229-510-011000- /O.NEW.KWNS.TO.A.0047.170301T0305Z-170301T1000Z/ MO . MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE AUDRAIN BARRY BARTON BENTON BOONE CALLAWAY CAMDEN CEDAR CHRISTIAN COLE CRAWFORD DADE DALLAS DENT DOUGLAS FRANKLIN GASCONADE GREENE HICKORY HOWELL IRON JASPER JEFFERSON LACLEDE LAWRENCE LINCOLN MADISON MARIES MARION MCDONALD MILLER MONITEAU MONROE MONTGOMERY MORGAN NEWTON OREGON OSAGE OZARK PHELPS PIKE POLK PULASKI RALLS REYNOLDS SHANNON ST. CHARLES ST. CLAIR ST. FRANCOIS ST. LOUIS STE. GENEVIEVE STONE TANEY TEXAS VERNON WARREN WASHINGTON WEBSTER WRIGHT MISSOURI INDEPENDENT CITIES INCLUDED ARE ST. LOUIS CITY
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Tornado watch extended until 4 a.m. for Springfield area
(From the National Weather Service)
Hail, wind gusts up t0 50 mph possible in storm headed toward McDonald, Barry, Lawrence counties
(From the National Weather Service)
SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR EAST CENTRAL MCDONALD...CENTRAL BARRY AND SOUTHEASTERN LAWRENCE COUNTIES UNTIL 345 PM CST... At 301 PM CST, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 8 miles west of Washburn, or 14 miles west of Cassville, moving northeast at 55 mph. Dime size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Aurora... Cassville... Marionville... Purdy... Exeter... Wheaton... Verona... Butterfield... Wheelerville... Jenkins... Wayne... Mcdowell... Pleasant Ridge... Powell... Ridgley... Madry... This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. A tornado watch remains in effect until 900 PM CST for southwestern Missouri.
Tornado watch issued for Springfield area
(From the National Weather Service)
TORNADO WATCH 41 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 900 PM CST FOR THE
FOLLOWING LOCATIONS
MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE
BARRY BARTON BENTON
BOLLINGER BOONE BUTLER
CALLAWAY CAMDEN CAPE GIRARDEAU
CARTER CEDAR CHRISTIAN
COLE CRAWFORD DADE
DALLAS DENT DOUGLAS
FRANKLIN GASCONADE GREENE
HICKORY HOWELL IRON
JASPER JEFFERSON LACLEDE
LAWRENCE LINCOLN MADISON
MARIES MCDONALD MILLER
MONITEAU MONTGOMERY MORGAN
NEWTON OREGON OSAGE
OZARK PERRY PHELPS
POLK PULASKI REYNOLDS
RIPLEY SCOTT SHANNON
ST. CHARLES ST. CLAIR ST. FRANCOIS
ST. LOUIS STE. GENEVIEVE STODDARD
STONE TANEY TEXAS
VERNON WARREN WASHINGTON
WAYNE WEBSTER WRIGHT
Springfield Police to enforce ordinances in effort to stop car thefts
(From Springfield Police Department)
Due to the number of cars being stolen while unattended and running, the Springfield Police Department will start taking enforcement action on municipal ordinance 106-33. Specifically, “No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition and removing the key.”
Enforcement of this ordinance involves a municipal ticket with up to a $1,000 fine.
In 2016, car keys were left in the vehicle, or the car was left running and unattended, in 40% of the reported vehicle thefts in Springfield.
We want to encourage all citizens to be mindful of the security of their automobiles. Please lock your cars, roll up your windows and do not leave valuable items in view, and especially, please do not leave vehicles running and unattended.
Due to the number of cars being stolen while unattended and running, the Springfield Police Department will start taking enforcement action on municipal ordinance 106-33. Specifically, “No person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition and removing the key.”
Enforcement of this ordinance involves a municipal ticket with up to a $1,000 fine.
In 2016, car keys were left in the vehicle, or the car was left running and unattended, in 40% of the reported vehicle thefts in Springfield.
We want to encourage all citizens to be mindful of the security of their automobiles. Please lock your cars, roll up your windows and do not leave valuable items in view, and especially, please do not leave vehicles running and unattended.
Phoenix residents stopped with five kilos of cocaine in Greene County face federal charges
A Phoenix, Ariz., man and woman have been charged in federal court after five kilograms of cocaine were found in their truck during a highway interdiction.
Luis J. Duarte, 58, and Adriana Gutierrez-Ramirez, also known as Adriana Peralta, 42, both of Phoenix, were charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield on Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, with possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. Duarte and Gutierrez-Ramirez, who had an initial court appearance yesterday, remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Thursday, March 2, 2017.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped a 2016 Ford F350 cargo utility Budget rental truck traveling eastbound on I-44 in Greene County, Mo., on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017. The truck, being driven by Duarte with Gutierrez-Ramirez as passenger, allegedly weaved onto the shoulder three times.
During the traffic stop, the affidavit says, the trooper noted discrepancies in statements made by Duarte and Gutierrez-Ramirez, and both seemed extremely nervous. The trooper searched the vehicle and discovered a kilogram-sized package of cocaine. Four additional kilogram-sized packages of cocaine were discovered during a later search of the vehicle. The packages were located inside a cardboard box containing clothing towards the front of the cargo area of the truck.
Duarte and Gutierrez-Ramirez told law enforcement officers that they were being paid to drive the truck from Phoenix to Ohio.
Dickinson cautioned that the charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Lebanon man arrested after 9-hour standoff, sentenced on weapons charge
A Lebanon, Mo., man has been sentenced for being a felon in possession of firearms following a nine-hour-long standoff with law enforcement officers while he was in the attic space of a friend’s residence.
Jesse D. Ivey, 40, of Lebanon, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips on Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, to eight years in federal prison without parole.
On June 27, 2016, Ivey pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms. Ivey admitted he was in possession of a Charter Arms .38-caliber revolver, a high Standard .2-caliber pistol, a Ruger .357-caliber revolver and a Savage .30-06 rifle.
Ivey was involved in a high-speed pursuit by law enforcement officers on Jan. 5, 2016. When officers observed Ivey driving at speeds far in excess of the speed limit and attempted a traffic stop, he refused to yield and led officers on a high-speed pursuit. The pursuit ended with Ivey’s vehicle, a Jeep Wrangler, crashing into a wooded area in Laclede County, Mo. Ivey fled the scene of the crash before troopers arrived. During a search of the vehicle, troopers found the four loaded firearms, one of which had been reported stolen, and some tools that had been reported stolen.
Ivey was arrested on Feb. 10, 2016, after an approximately nine-hour-long standoff with law enforcement officers. Officers entered a residence in Lebanon while searching for Ivey and found a loaded Bushmaster AR-15 .223-caliber rifle lying on the floor of the second-floor master bedroom. (Ivey later admitted that he purchased the rifle to sell to a drug dealer in Kansas City.) They heard Ivey in the attic space above the bedroom and directed him to come out of the attic space, but he refused to surrender.
Due to the limited access to the attic and being unaware of whether Ivey was armed, officers withdrew from the residence and called the Missouri State Highway Patrol SWAT Team to assist. A nine-hour standoff proceeded before Ivey finally exited the attic and surrendered.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Ivey has two prior felony convictions for assault, arising from an incident in which he discharged a firearm at two individuals in 2013. In that case, law enforcement officers attempted to arrest Ivey but he fled his residence, stealing a neighbor’s truck, leading officers on a high speed chase that nearly resulted in a head-on collision with another vehicle. Ivey committed this federal offense while on probation from that case.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Laclede County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Fair Grove teen seriously injured in rollover accident
A Fair Grove teen was injured in a one-vehicle accident 6 p.m. Monday on Farm Road 225, a half mile east of Fair Grove.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1995 Ford F-350 driven by Cole J. Clark, 18, Fair Grove, was pulling a trailer filled with livestock. When he stopped at stop sign on a steep hill, the vehicle began rolling backward. The trailer went off the roadway causing the truck to overturn on its top.
Clark was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1995 Ford F-350 driven by Cole J. Clark, 18, Fair Grove, was pulling a trailer filled with livestock. When he stopped at stop sign on a steep hill, the vehicle began rolling backward. The trailer went off the roadway causing the truck to overturn on its top.
Clark was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
Highway Patrol DWI Arrests February 27-28
The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:
Matthew W. Weems, 32, Neosho
Theressa R. Dufree, 42, Kansas City
Matthew W. Weems, 32, Neosho
Theressa R. Dufree, 42, Kansas City
Monday, February 27, 2017
Portion of Portland Street to be closed Wednesday morning
(From the City of Springfield)
Portland Street between Fremont and Pickwick avenues will be closed 8:30 a.m.-noon Wednesday, March 1 for a sewer line repair.
Springfield Public Schools' patrons to vote on 24-cent levy increase
(From Springfield Public Schools)
Springfield voters will be asked April 4 to approve a 24-cent increase to Springfield Public Schools' debt-service levy to fund critical school improvements identified by SPS' Facility Master Plan.
For students, the proposed projects will provide quality learning spaces that support engaging, relevant and personal learning experiences necessary to prepare them for their success in school and beyond as they transition from students to future leaders in our community and workforce.
If approved, Proposition SPS will fund improvements at these 19 schools:
Over the next few weeks, many of our schools will be hosting informational meetings for their communities about Proposition SPS. As they announce those dates, we hope you will make plans to attend. Our goal for these meetings is to capture any questions you may have so we can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision on election day.
If you don't have the opportunity to attend an in-person meeting, a great 24/7 resource for information is our Frequently Asked Questions page. Check this page frequently as it will be continuously updated. You may also watch a video of Superintendent John Jungmann presenting information about Proposition SPS.
For students, the proposed projects will provide quality learning spaces that support engaging, relevant and personal learning experiences necessary to prepare them for their success in school and beyond as they transition from students to future leaders in our community and workforce.
If approved, Proposition SPS will fund improvements at these 19 schools:
PHASE 1 PROJECTS
SITE
|
PROPOSED PROJECT
|
COST
(in millions)
|
| Pershing ES/Pershing MS |
New ES/MS combined campus with separate school identities
|
$34.5
|
| Pipkin/Boyd |
New ES/MS combined campus with separate school identities
|
$31.1
|
| Reed/Robberson |
New ES/MS combined campus with separate school identities
|
$31.1
|
| Jarrett/Portland |
New ES/MS combined campus with separate school identities
|
$27.6
|
| Hillcrest | Part 1 of significant renovation to 1,200 capacity |
$15.0
|
| Glendale |
Part 1 of renovation for new gym, upgraded career/tech spaces and HVAC
|
$9.0
|
| Kickapoo |
New gym with additional site improvements
|
$8.7
|
| Sunshine |
Renovation and addition to increase capacity to 500 students
|
$7.7
|
| Pleasant View |
Part 1 of renovation and addition
|
$4.8
|
| Jeffries |
Renovation
|
$3.2
|
| Pittman |
Renovation
|
$2.9
|
| Wilder |
Renovation
|
$2.8
|
| Field |
Renovation
|
$2.7
|
| Disney |
Renovation
|
$2.6
|
| Holland |
Renovation
|
$1.3
|
| Early Childhood |
Additional Classes
|
$4.0
|
TOTAL $189.0
If you don't have the opportunity to attend an in-person meeting, a great 24/7 resource for information is our Frequently Asked Questions page. Check this page frequently as it will be continuously updated. You may also watch a video of Superintendent John Jungmann presenting information about Proposition SPS.
Greitens appoints two to Missouri State Board of Governors
(From Gov. Eric Greitens)
Last week, Governor Greitens appointed Craig Frazier and Carol Silvey to the Missouri State University Board of Governors. Carol hails from the 8th District of Missouri and Craig from the 7th District.
After a 37-year career at Missouri State University's West Plains campus, teaching history and building the campus's first development office, Carol began serving as the Senior Associate for Advancement at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. She was named as one of Ingram's 50 Missourians to Know in 2015, received numerous awards for her academic success and volunteerism, and has been inducted into Missouri State University's “Wall of Fame.”
Craig Frazier has spent a career driving innovation in the healthcare information technology industry. He currently serves as a Board Member of Springfield Innovation Incorporated, which encourages and helps develop start-up companies in the Springfield area. He has previously served as a Board Member of University of Missouri Health Care, where he assisted in strategy development with university system administrators, hospital executives, and other leaders from the Springfield area and around the state.
Last week, Governor Greitens appointed Craig Frazier and Carol Silvey to the Missouri State University Board of Governors. Carol hails from the 8th District of Missouri and Craig from the 7th District.
After a 37-year career at Missouri State University's West Plains campus, teaching history and building the campus's first development office, Carol began serving as the Senior Associate for Advancement at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. She was named as one of Ingram's 50 Missourians to Know in 2015, received numerous awards for her academic success and volunteerism, and has been inducted into Missouri State University's “Wall of Fame.”
Craig Frazier has spent a career driving innovation in the healthcare information technology industry. He currently serves as a Board Member of Springfield Innovation Incorporated, which encourages and helps develop start-up companies in the Springfield area. He has previously served as a Board Member of University of Missouri Health Care, where he assisted in strategy development with university system administrators, hospital executives, and other leaders from the Springfield area and around the state.
Purdy man injured in four-wheeler accident
A Purdy man was injured in one-vehicle accident 1 p.m. Sunday on Highway HH.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Polaris four-wheeler driven by Joshua E. Talbert, 34, Purdy, was traveling at a high rate of speed in a field when Talbert was thrown from the vehicle.
Talbert was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Polaris four-wheeler driven by Joshua E. Talbert, 34, Purdy, was traveling at a high rate of speed in a field when Talbert was thrown from the vehicle.
Talbert was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
Purdy man injured in one-vehicle accident near Butterfield
A Purdy man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 6:17 a.m. today on Barry County Road 1095, two miles north of Butterfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Mathew B. Watson, 20, Purdy, traveled off the left side of the road and struck a fence.
Watson was treated for minor injuries at Cox Hospital, Monett.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Mathew B. Watson, 20, Purdy, traveled off the left side of the road and struck a fence.
Watson was treated for minor injuries at Cox Hospital, Monett.
Brighton residents injured in accident on 13
Two Brighton residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:10 p.m. today on MO 13, four miles north of Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1999 Mitsubishi Diamante driven by Madison D. Appleton, 18, Brighton, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned.
Appleton and a passenger, Aaron L McCulloch, 22, Brighton, were treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1999 Mitsubishi Diamante driven by Madison D. Appleton, 18, Brighton, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned.
Appleton and a passenger, Aaron L McCulloch, 22, Brighton, were treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
Highway Patrol DWI Arrests February 26-27
The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:
Niko S. Moralez, 20, Bolivar
Aaron R. Vaughn, 46, Sparta
Jason E. Potter, 39, Jay, Oklahoma
Larry D. Woodcock, 20, Neosho
Niko S. Moralez, 20, Bolivar
Aaron R. Vaughn, 46, Sparta
Jason E. Potter, 39, Jay, Oklahoma
Larry D. Woodcock, 20, Neosho
Northbound 65 traffic switch to Southbound Median Bridge set for March 6
(From MODOT)
MoDOT TRAFFIC ALERT!
Northbound Route 65 Traffic Switch to Southbound Median Bridge Planned for Monday night, March 6
What: Northbound Route 65 traffic moving to southbound Route 65 median bridge over Springfield Lake
When: After 8 p.m. Monday, March 6. Traffic switch complete by 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 7.
Why: Northbound Route 65 traffic moved to southbound median bridge to allow contractor crews to replace northbound bridge over Springfield Lake
Traffic Impacts:
One northbound lane of Route 65 closed at times during traffic switch
When traffic switch is completed, northbound lanes narrowed and northbound traffic using temporary crossovers in Route 65 median to reach southbound median bridge
Northbound Route 65 traffic may be slowed and backups may occur as traffic navigates across the Route 65 median to reach the southbound bridge
All four lanes of Route 65 will remain open during high traffic volume times
Northbound traffic on Route 65 will remain on the southbound median bridge until late summer
Drivers are urged to slow down and expect delays in the work zone
(Weather or construction delays could alter the work schedule.)
Project Summary:
Widen Route 65 to six lanes — three lanes in each direction — between Route 60 and a point south of Evans Road
Widen and rehabilitate southbound Route 65 bridge over Lake Springfield to accommodate new lanes and to lengthen eastbound Route 60-to-southbound Route 65 ramp
Replace northbound Route 65 bridge over Lake Springfield with new, wider span to replace old bridge in constant need of repair
Extend northbound Route 65 ramps to Route 60
Prime Contractor: Emery Sapp and Sons, Columbia
Completion Date: November 2017
Total Project Cost: $21 million.
MoDOT TRAFFIC ALERT!
Northbound Route 65 Traffic Switch to Southbound Median Bridge Planned for Monday night, March 6
What: Northbound Route 65 traffic moving to southbound Route 65 median bridge over Springfield Lake
When: After 8 p.m. Monday, March 6. Traffic switch complete by 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 7.
Why: Northbound Route 65 traffic moved to southbound median bridge to allow contractor crews to replace northbound bridge over Springfield Lake
Traffic Impacts:
One northbound lane of Route 65 closed at times during traffic switch
When traffic switch is completed, northbound lanes narrowed and northbound traffic using temporary crossovers in Route 65 median to reach southbound median bridge
Northbound Route 65 traffic may be slowed and backups may occur as traffic navigates across the Route 65 median to reach the southbound bridge
All four lanes of Route 65 will remain open during high traffic volume times
Northbound traffic on Route 65 will remain on the southbound median bridge until late summer
Drivers are urged to slow down and expect delays in the work zone
(Weather or construction delays could alter the work schedule.)
Project Summary:
Widen Route 65 to six lanes — three lanes in each direction — between Route 60 and a point south of Evans Road
Widen and rehabilitate southbound Route 65 bridge over Lake Springfield to accommodate new lanes and to lengthen eastbound Route 60-to-southbound Route 65 ramp
Replace northbound Route 65 bridge over Lake Springfield with new, wider span to replace old bridge in constant need of repair
Extend northbound Route 65 ramps to Route 60
Prime Contractor: Emery Sapp and Sons, Columbia
Completion Date: November 2017
Total Project Cost: $21 million.
Springfield man sentenced to eight years on child pornography charge
A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.
Michael Greinke, 29, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to eight years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Greinke to pay $5,000 in restitution to one of his victims.
On May 16, 2016, Greinke pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet between Jan. 1, 2014, and April 6, 2015.
On April 6, 2015, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Greinke’s residence after his computer was identified by investigators in Canada as having uploaded child pornography to an online social media platform. Officers seized a desktop computer, a laptop computer, two hard drives, three SD cards and a cell phone that were used to commit the offense.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force and the York Regional Police Service in Ontario, Canada.
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Cassville teen injured in one-vehicle crash on 160
A Cassville teen was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:14 p.m. Saturday on U. S. 160, three miles south of Branson.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Pontiac G-6 driven by Jeffery A. Crumpler, 19, Cassville, went off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.
Crumpler was treated for minor injuries at Cox Hospital, Branson.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Pontiac G-6 driven by Jeffery A. Crumpler, 19, Cassville, went off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.
Crumpler was treated for minor injuries at Cox Hospital, Branson.
Ash Grove woman injured in one-vehicle accident
An Ash Grove woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident on Highway T, seven miles north of Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Evelyn J. Landes, no age provided, Ash Grove, ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch.
Landes was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by Evelyn J. Landes, no age provided, Ash Grove, ran off the left side of the roadway and struck a ditch.
Landes was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
Highway Patrol DWI Arrests February 25-26
The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:
Joshua Salas, 30, Neosho
Ethan E. McDonald, 23, Galena
Dayna L. Bailey, 35, Seymour
Ricky J. Callahan, 58, Joplin
Samantha Phillips, 29, Muskogee, Oklahoma
Joshua Salas, 30, Neosho
Ethan E. McDonald, 23, Galena
Dayna L. Bailey, 35, Seymour
Ricky J. Callahan, 58, Joplin
Samantha Phillips, 29, Muskogee, Oklahoma
Willard teen injured in three-vehicle crash on Kansas Expressway
A Willard teen was injured in a three-vehicle accident 8:38 p.m. Saturday on Kansas Expressway, south of Sunhine in Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Anthony Slagle, 28, Springfield, failed to yield to Greene County deputies and rear-ended a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Cameron N. Caplinger, 19, Willard, which was stopped at a stop light. Debris from the Caplinger vehicle struck a 2012 Ford F-150 driven by Zachary M. Leonard, 22, Springfield.
Caplinger was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Anthony Slagle, 28, Springfield, failed to yield to Greene County deputies and rear-ended a 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Cameron N. Caplinger, 19, Willard, which was stopped at a stop light. Debris from the Caplinger vehicle struck a 2012 Ford F-150 driven by Zachary M. Leonard, 22, Springfield.
Caplinger was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Agenda posted for Springfield-Greene County Library Board meeting
Notice of Public Meeting
SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
February 28, 2017 4:00 p.m.
The Library Center, 4653 S Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO
Tentative Agenda
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of minutes from January 17, 2017 meeting
3. Standing Committees:
A. Finance/Personnel Committee
Finance Report
B. Buildings & Grounds Committee
4. Report of the Director
5. Library Foundation Update
6. Board Education
STEAM Programming, Phyllis Davis
7. Adjournment
SPRINGFIELD-GREENE COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT
February 28, 2017 4:00 p.m.
The Library Center, 4653 S Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO
Tentative Agenda
1. Roll Call
2. Approval of minutes from January 17, 2017 meeting
3. Standing Committees:
A. Finance/Personnel Committee
Finance Report
B. Buildings & Grounds Committee
4. Report of the Director
5. Library Foundation Update
6. Board Education
STEAM Programming, Phyllis Davis
7. Adjournment
Agenda posted for Springfield City Council lunch meeting
City Council Lunch Meeting
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 12:00 p.m
Busch Municipal Building – 4th Floor Conference Room 840 N. Boonville Avenue
TENTATIVE AGENDA
1. Update on Park Board Initiatives – Bob Belote
2. Review of the Upcoming March 6, 2017 City Council Meeting Agenda
3. Any and all matters to come before the City Council
4. Adjourn to Special City Council Meeting – Closed Session
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 12:00 p.m
Busch Municipal Building – 4th Floor Conference Room 840 N. Boonville Avenue
TENTATIVE AGENDA
1. Update on Park Board Initiatives – Bob Belote
2. Review of the Upcoming March 6, 2017 City Council Meeting Agenda
3. Any and all matters to come before the City Council
4. Adjourn to Special City Council Meeting – Closed Session
Highway Patrol DWI Arrests February 24-25
The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:
Joseph H. Poyner, 29, Springfield
Brandon J. Myhan, 30, Springfield
Jacob P. Rickman, 24, Neosho
Lauryn D. Kelly, 23, Marionville
Thomas J. Richardson, 66, Garfield, Arkansas
Patricia V. Wheeler, 41, Springfield
Joseph H. Poyner, 29, Springfield
Brandon J. Myhan, 30, Springfield
Jacob P. Rickman, 24, Neosho
Lauryn D. Kelly, 23, Marionville
Thomas J. Richardson, 66, Garfield, Arkansas
Patricia V. Wheeler, 41, Springfield
Springfield man arrested for DWI following injury accident
A Springfield man was charged with driving while intoxicated following a one-vehicle injury accident 5:20 a.m. today on Route KK at Route H.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2000 GMC Sierra driven by Joseph H. Poynor, 29, Springfield, traveled through a stop sign and left the east side of the roadway.
A passenger, Shilo R. Wilkinson, 36, Springfield, was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
In addition to DWI, Poynor was also charged with careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt, failure to maintain financial responsibility, and on warrants from Greene County for non-support and Polk County for a non-moving traffic violation.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2000 GMC Sierra driven by Joseph H. Poynor, 29, Springfield, traveled through a stop sign and left the east side of the roadway.
A passenger, Shilo R. Wilkinson, 36, Springfield, was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
In addition to DWI, Poynor was also charged with careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt, failure to maintain financial responsibility, and on warrants from Greene County for non-support and Polk County for a non-moving traffic violation.
Friday, February 24, 2017
Agenda posted for Springfield/Branson National Airport Board meeting
SPRINGFIELD/BRANSON NATIONAL AIRPORT BOARD
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017, 3:00 P.M.
AIRPORT BOARD ROOM
2300 NORTH AIRPORT BOULEVARD, SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
CALL TO ORDER (BY ROLL CALL VOTE)
NEW BUSINESS
1. Consent to Leasehold Deed of Trust for Worldwide Aviation Services, Inc. – Joy Latimer, Legal Counsel
ECONOMIC COMMITTEE CALL TO ORDER Review Minutes from February 29, 2016 meeting
1. Review of proposed 2017–2018 budget – Kristy Bork, Assistant Director Aviation/Administration
ADJOURN
The next regular scheduled Airport Board meeting will be Thursday, March 16, 2017, at 8:00 a.m. in the Airport Board Room located at 2300 North Airport Boulevard, in Springfield, Missouri.
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017, 3:00 P.M.
AIRPORT BOARD ROOM
2300 NORTH AIRPORT BOULEVARD, SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
CALL TO ORDER (BY ROLL CALL VOTE)
NEW BUSINESS
1. Consent to Leasehold Deed of Trust for Worldwide Aviation Services, Inc. – Joy Latimer, Legal Counsel
ECONOMIC COMMITTEE CALL TO ORDER Review Minutes from February 29, 2016 meeting
1. Review of proposed 2017–2018 budget – Kristy Bork, Assistant Director Aviation/Administration
ADJOURN
The next regular scheduled Airport Board meeting will be Thursday, March 16, 2017, at 8:00 a.m. in the Airport Board Room located at 2300 North Airport Boulevard, in Springfield, Missouri.
MODOT schedules pipe work next week at various Lawrence County locations
(From MODOT)
Pipe Work Scheduled for Various Routes
In Lawrence County During Week of Feb. 27
What: MoDOT crews replacing deteriorating drain pipes underneath state routes in Lawrence County
When/Where:
7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28 – Route M CLOSED between County Roads 2105 and 2077 near Mount Vernon
8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, Mar. 3 – Route NN CLOSED between County Roads 79 and 1070 south of Lockwood
Traffic Impacts: Drivers will have to find an alternate route around the closings. Drivers will be able to get to driveways and other entrances on either side of the closings. However, they will NOT be able to travel through the work zones.
Weather and/or work scheduling conflicts could postpone the project.
Pipe Work Scheduled for Various Routes
In Lawrence County During Week of Feb. 27
What: MoDOT crews replacing deteriorating drain pipes underneath state routes in Lawrence County
When/Where:
7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28 – Route M CLOSED between County Roads 2105 and 2077 near Mount Vernon
8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Friday, Mar. 3 – Route NN CLOSED between County Roads 79 and 1070 south of Lockwood
Traffic Impacts: Drivers will have to find an alternate route around the closings. Drivers will be able to get to driveways and other entrances on either side of the closings. However, they will NOT be able to travel through the work zones.
Weather and/or work scheduling conflicts could postpone the project.
Missouri House passes legislation expanding access to virtual schools
The House took action this week to ensure access to quality education for Missouri children, reform Missouri’s unemployment insurance program and ensure pregnancy resource centers receive much-needed support. Information on these and other important House issues can be found below.
Virtual Education
As the pace of technological change quickens, rapidly shifting the makeup of our workforce and economy, it is more important than ever that we ensure every student has access to advanced courses, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
House Bill 138, sponsored by Rep. Bryan Spencer, will ensure every student in Missouri has access to the courses necessary for a quality education. The measure, if enacted, would establish "The Missouri Course Access Program" (MCAP) and allow any K-12 student to enroll in MCAP courses, to be paid by the school district or charter school. This will ensure every student in a public or charter school in Missouri will have access to advanced coursework regardless of economic status.
Currently, more than half of the school districts in Missouri do not offer students access to any Advanced Placement course. No students are enrolled in physics courses in 40 percent of Missouri schools and no students are enrolled in chemistry courses in 20 percent of schools. In order to fulfill our promise to ensure every Missouri student is afforded a high quality education, we must guarantee all students have access to the courses necessary to prepare them for higher education and to participate in the workforce of tomorrow.
The House passed HB 138 with strong bipartisan support by a vote of 124-31. We continue to strongly support reforms to our state’s educational system to ensure every Missouri child is provided access to a quality education.
Unemployment Insurance
House Bill 288, sponsored by Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, would tie the number of weeks individuals are eligible for unemployment benefits to the Missouri average unemployment rate. If the unemployment rate falls below 6 percent, recipients would be allowed 13 weeks of benefits. The eligibility period would increase by one week for every one-half percent increase in the unemployment rate up to 9 percent unemployment. If the unemployment rate reaches 9 percent or higher, recipients would receive benefits for 20 weeks.
Maintaining a fair, low and simple tax system in Missouri is one of the top priorities of the House. In order to accomplish this, we must investigate every aspect of Missouri government to ensure all taxpayer-funded programs are operating in the most efficient manner possible. The common sense reforms included in Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick’s measure will make sure unemployed workers receive the benefits needed to support their families while working to reduce the tax burden holding our economy back.
The House passed HB 288 this week and the measure will now move to the Senate for consideration. We will continue to investigate ways to reform taxpayer-funded programs to ensure your tax dollars are being spent effectively and efficiently.
Pregnancy Resource Centers
The Missouri House continued its commitment to ensuring expecting mothers have access to counseling and support services necessary for carrying pregnancies to term this week. House Bill 655, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Engler, reauthorizes tax credits for donations to maternity homes and pregnancy resource centers which do not perform, induce, or refer for abortions and do not advertise abortion services. These facilities are essential to ensuring mothers with crisis or unplanned pregnancies in Missouri are afforded pregnancy testing and counseling, as well as the emotional and material support necessary to assist in carrying pregnancies to term.
Our chamber chose to proudly stand to support every Missourian’s Right to Life. The House perfected Rep. Engler’s legislation this Wednesday and should soon give final approval to send it over to the Senate.
House Approves Legislation to Stop Illegal Herbicide Use
House Bill 662, sponsored by Rep. Don Rone, would allow the Department of Agriculture to fine any individual who knowingly applies a herbicide to a crop for which the herbicide is not labeled for use. The department could fine violators up to $1,000 per acre in violation and the per-acre fine would be doubled for those who repeatedly violate the new law. The current flat fine of $1,000 has proven to an ineffective deterrent of illegal herbicide use. The money collected in fines would go to the local school district in which the violation occurred.
This legislation is meant to stop the illegal use of herbicides that caused widespread damage to crops in the Southeast Missouri last year. According to experts from the University of Missouri, 150 farmers in Southeast Missouri lost an average of 35 percent of their crops when neighbors utilized an outdated Dicamba product. Wind and temperature changes caused that product to drift onto nearby fields, damaging crops.
The bill would also give the Department of Agriculture additional powers to investigate claims of illegal uses and hold violators accountable for the damage of personal property. House Bill 662 passed the House this week and will be sent to the Senate for consideration.
Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
The following petitions for dissolution of marriage were filed this week in Lawrence County Circuit Court:
Cheryl A. Christopulos vs. Peter G. Christopulos
Raqueal Salas vs. Manuel Salas
Valerie Flygare vs. Carl Flygare
Jennifer D. Bauer vs. Shannon T. Bauer
Jodi R. Bridgman vs. Irving B. Bridgman
Chey Divine vs. David Divine
Cheryl A. Christopulos vs. Peter G. Christopulos
Raqueal Salas vs. Manuel Salas
Valerie Flygare vs. Carl Flygare
Jennifer D. Bauer vs. Shannon T. Bauer
Jodi R. Bridgman vs. Irving B. Bridgman
Chey Divine vs. David Divine
Barry County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
The following petitions for dissolution of marriage were filed this week in Barry County Circuit Court:
John P. Lukens vs. Crystal D. Click
Lydia T. Bartee vs. Mark P. Bartee
John D. Cruzan vs. Traci L. Scheppert
Malinda R. Tolbert vs. Kelly R. Tolbert
John P. Lukens vs. Crystal D. Click
Lydia T. Bartee vs. Mark P. Bartee
John D. Cruzan vs. Traci L. Scheppert
Malinda R. Tolbert vs. Kelly R. Tolbert
Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
The following petitions for dissolution of marriage were filed this week in Greene County Circuit Court:
Matthew Taylor vs. Tiffany Jean Taylor
Jennifer A. Rogers vs. Ebert R. Rogers
Byron L. Mead vs. Brooke L. Pontillo
Richard Wentworth Polk vs. Deborah Jean Polk
Kimberly A. Nelson-Gramm vs. Eric R. Gramm
Jeannette K. Gerken vs. Larry A. Gerken
Lesley Jo Vest vs. Kyle Wayne West
Juliet Christine Kuhnert vs. Todd Randall Kuhnert
Cherish Lynne Daniels vs. Michael Paul Daniels
Cheryl A. Glidewell vs. Michael D. Glidewell
Steven M. Kitrel vs. Courtney Kitrel
Patsy Cruz vs. Alberto Cruz
Jeremy D. Cornelison vs. Stacey E. Cornelison
Robert L. Barton vs. April L. Barton
Jeffrey Dean Hall vs. Valerie Annette Hall
Renette Elizabeth Wardlow vs. Jon C. Wardlow
Teresa G. Maschino vs. James M. Maschino
Dustin Paul Latham vs. Cecily Dominique Latham
Jessica E. Alderson vs. Stefan W. Alderson
Matthew Taylor vs. Tiffany Jean Taylor
Jennifer A. Rogers vs. Ebert R. Rogers
Byron L. Mead vs. Brooke L. Pontillo
Richard Wentworth Polk vs. Deborah Jean Polk
Kimberly A. Nelson-Gramm vs. Eric R. Gramm
Jeannette K. Gerken vs. Larry A. Gerken
Lesley Jo Vest vs. Kyle Wayne West
Juliet Christine Kuhnert vs. Todd Randall Kuhnert
Cherish Lynne Daniels vs. Michael Paul Daniels
Cheryl A. Glidewell vs. Michael D. Glidewell
Steven M. Kitrel vs. Courtney Kitrel
Patsy Cruz vs. Alberto Cruz
Jeremy D. Cornelison vs. Stacey E. Cornelison
Robert L. Barton vs. April L. Barton
Jeffrey Dean Hall vs. Valerie Annette Hall
Renette Elizabeth Wardlow vs. Jon C. Wardlow
Teresa G. Maschino vs. James M. Maschino
Dustin Paul Latham vs. Cecily Dominique Latham
Jessica E. Alderson vs. Stefan W. Alderson
Billy Long: Gorsuch is good choice to replace Antonin Scalia
President Donald Trump recently nominated Neil Gorsuch, a judge on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, to replace late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Mr. Gorsuch is a man who has had a long history of interpreting the Constitution as it was intended by our founding fathers.
Mr. Gorsuch is a graduate of Columbia, Harvard and Oxford. After law school, he worked at a law firm in Washington, D.C., the Department of Justice and clerked for two Supreme Court Justices, Byron White and Anthony Kennedy. His resume is quite impressive, but it is his commitment to upholding the Constitution and his commitment to justice that make him deserving of a seat on the Supreme Court.
Mr. Gorsuch is an excellent choice to replace Justice Antonin Scalia, who also interpreted the Constitution as the framers intended it, and not what he or society wanted it to be. An example of this is Mr. Gorsuch’s record on the Second Amendment. Throughout his time as a judge, Mr. Gorsuch has been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment.
Another example of his commitment to upholding the Constitution is his dedication to religious freedom. In the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case, Judge Gorsuch sided in favor of religious rights by ruling against an Obamacare provision that required companies to provide coverage for certain contraceptives despite their religious beliefs. The Supreme Court sided with Judge Gorsuch’s opinion and struck down the provision.
This is a man who has consistently been respectful of the Constitution and its intended purpose. Neil Gorsuch will make an excellent Supreme Court Justice. I am sure if my colleagues in the Senate to take the time to talk with him and listen to him he will be easily confirmed.
Justice Antonin Scalia’s successor should be one that holds the same strong conservative values as the late Justice and Mr. Gorsuch is such a person.
Senior Alert canceled, Sally Hubbard is safe
The senior alert has been canceled. Sally Lynn Hubbard has been found and is safe.
Earlier news release
The Springfield Police Department is investigating a report of a missing endangered person and is asking for assistance from the public.
The missing endangered person is identified as Sally Lynn Hubbard, a 79-year-old white female. She is approximately 5’01” and 120 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes, wearing glasses, tan jacket and gray sweat pants.
Hubbard was last seen on Feb. 23 at her residence, 4654 S. Palmer Avenue. Hubbard was missing from her residence with the garage door open, lights on and cell phone inside.
She is believed to be in her vehicle, Silver 2009 Honda CRV with Missouri license plate SK9C7G. Hubbard suffers from Alzheimer’s.
Police are seeking to confirm her well-being and do not suspect foul play at this time. Anyone with information concerning her whereabouts should call the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.
Silver Alert issued for missing Springfield woman
The Springfield Police Department is investigating a report of a missing endangered person and is asking for assistance from the public.
The missing endangered person is identified as Sally Lynn Hubbard, a 79-year-old white female. She is approximately 5’01” and 120 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes, wearing glasses, tan jacket and gray sweat pants.
Hubbard was last seen on Feb. 23 at her residence, 4654 S. Palmer Avenue. Hubbard was missing from her residence with the garage door open, lights on and cell phone inside.
She is believed to be in her vehicle, Silver 2009 Honda CRV with Missouri license plate SK9C7G. Hubbard suffers from Alzheimer’s.
Police are seeking to confirm her well-being and do not suspect foul play at this time. Anyone with information concerning her whereabouts should call the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.
Rogersville motorcyclist charged with DWI after slamming into tree
A Rogersville motorcyclist was charged with driving while intoxicated following a one-vehicle accident 12:02 a.m. today on Route D, three miles east of Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Buell motorcycle driven by Jacob D. Conner, 38, Rogersville, ran off the roadway and struck a tree.
Conner, who was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, was also charged with careless and imprudent driving, no motorcycle endorsement, and with not having any insurance.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Buell motorcycle driven by Jacob D. Conner, 38, Rogersville, ran off the roadway and struck a tree.
Conner, who was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, was also charged with careless and imprudent driving, no motorcycle endorsement, and with not having any insurance.
Highway Patrol DWI Arrests February 23-24
The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:
Cortney P. LaRue, 21, Bolivar
Jacob D. Conner, 38, Rogersville
Kurt L. Johnson, 21, Springfield
William H. Miller, 39, Purcell
Jason L. McNeely, 38, El Dorado Springs
Steven Dobkins, 38, Cassville
Cortney P. LaRue, 21, Bolivar
Jacob D. Conner, 38, Rogersville
Kurt L. Johnson, 21, Springfield
William H. Miller, 39, Purcell
Jason L. McNeely, 38, El Dorado Springs
Steven Dobkins, 38, Cassville
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Portion of Division Street to close next week
(From the City of Springfield)
Public Works street maintenance will be closing Division Street to through traffic between Fairway Avenue and Weller Avenue beginning 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27 through March 3 (weather permitting) to conduct pavement maintenance work.
The streets will be open to local traffic only. All residents will have access to their homes.
Motorists are advised to seek an alternate route and follow posted signage.
Public Works street maintenance will be closing Division Street to through traffic between Fairway Avenue and Weller Avenue beginning 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27 through March 3 (weather permitting) to conduct pavement maintenance work.
The streets will be open to local traffic only. All residents will have access to their homes.
Motorists are advised to seek an alternate route and follow posted signage.
Greitens announces restoration of funding for home and community based services
Governor Greitens today announced an amendment to his budget, posting the following on Facebook:
Last week, the state of Missouri learned that it will receive $52 million dollars from a legal settlement and additional federal funding.
Many people wanted us to use the money as soon as we got it. Commentators in the media accused us of not spending it fast enough. They were, and are, wrong.
Too many politicians spend before they think. In fact, when we came into office, they were trying to spend $700 million that we simply don’t have in the bank. I was elected to fight for the people of Missouri, to be a budget hawk, and to guard every tax dollar.
This money makes our budget situation a bit better. It helps; it doesn’t make us whole. When you consider that politicians were overspending by $700 Million, this $52 Million is helpful, but it is not a long-term solution to the challenges that we face.
We looked at every part of the budget, and we looked at what the people of Missouri needed most. In our original budget, because of the shortfall, one of the tough choices we made was to change eligibility standards for the home and community-based services program. Making that change helped us protect the most vulnerable people in Missouri.
This program spends almost $1 billion taxpayer dollars every year—and it is growing at an unsustainable pace. It is on a path to break budgets for many years to come. If we are not careful, this program alone will eat away at every other budget priority, including public safety, domestic violence shelters, K-12 education, veterans programs, and programs for children with special needs. The simple fact is that if healthcare spending in Missouri is not reformed, it will destroy the budget and threaten every other important program that we care about.
Given the settlement money, I am issuing a Governor’s amendment to the budget to restore $41 million in funding to home and community-based services. This will maintain coverage for every patient currently in the program, while giving us time to work to overhaul a broken healthcare system.
This is not a long-term fix—it is short-term relief. My team and I intend to use the coming months to do a thorough audit of how this program works: who it helps, where it’s broken, and how we can deliver better services for fewer dollars.
This amendment also restores $11 million dollars for K-12 school bus transportation. Protecting K-12 education was always one of our priorities. This $11M means that we are spending more on elementary and secondary education than any budget has before.
This settlement is good news. But it’s important to remember that they are a lucky break. Sound budgets are not built on lucky breaks. Our budget problems cannot be solved by stopgaps and short-term funding windfalls.
A politician would pretend that this extra money was somehow of their doing, and they’d promise that everything will be fine if we keep spending exactly as we have. I came here as an outsider, and I know we can’t do what we’ve always done.
The hard truth is that Missouri needs to get our fiscal house in order. We need to cut unnecessary programs, reform others, and get maximum value from a minimum of tax dollars. Most importantly, we need to get the economy moving, so we can create more jobs and higher pay for the people of Missouri.
My boxing coach used to say, “Hope is nice and lucky is great when you can get it, but if you want to be a champion, count on hard work.” Missouri, we caught a lucky break, but we’ve got a lot of hard work in front of us.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Informational open house set on Cherry Street widening project
(From the City of Springfield)
Public Works will host an informational open house for the Cherry Street Widening project 5 – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at King's Chapel Assembly of God (2434 E. Cherry St). Residents are invited to learn about the initial plans for the project and provide input as the project progresses. There will be no formal presentation.
This project will involve widening Cherry Street to three lanes from Barnes Avenue to Oak Grove Avenue. Improvements will include bike lanes, sidewalks and stormwater infrastructure. Intersection improvements at Cherry Street and Oak Grove Avenue will also be included, with signal upgrades and ADA improvements.
The Cherry Street Widening Project will be funded through the voter-approved 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax. The project is still in the preliminary design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2019.
Public Works will host an informational open house for the Cherry Street Widening project 5 – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 at King's Chapel Assembly of God (2434 E. Cherry St). Residents are invited to learn about the initial plans for the project and provide input as the project progresses. There will be no formal presentation.
This project will involve widening Cherry Street to three lanes from Barnes Avenue to Oak Grove Avenue. Improvements will include bike lanes, sidewalks and stormwater infrastructure. Intersection improvements at Cherry Street and Oak Grove Avenue will also be included, with signal upgrades and ADA improvements.
The Cherry Street Widening Project will be funded through the voter-approved 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax. The project is still in the preliminary design phase. Construction is expected to begin in 2019.
Top Springfield firefighters honored during ceremony
A year of accomplishments was recognized during the Springfield Fire Department's Annual Awards Ceremony. During the event, several fire crews were honored for meritorious support of the Department, Fire Life Saves, Medical Life Saves and Special Operations Life Saves. Captain James A. Frieze IV (top photo) was named Fire Officer of the Year and Bradley A. Jones received the honor of Firefighter of the Year.
Also during the ceremony, crews from Truck 10A, Rescue 1A, Rescue 4A, Engine 12A and Water Rescue 8A were recognized for two water rescues in 2016. The crews from Rescue 1B, Rescue 4B and Engine 6B were honored for a technical rescue on June 15, 2016. And 33 members of the Department were recognized for their support of the Department as educators during Fire Prevention Month.
Fire Department personnel who have departed service in the past year were also recognized. Several citizens were honored for outstanding contributions including Tim Penn and Thomas Penn, who saved a woman from a burning car on October 7, 2016. The OTC Simulation Center was also recognized for its support of Departmental training.
The event took place at the Springfield Art Museum Wednesday evening.
Monett man, Washburn woman injured in three-vehicle accident on 37
Two people were injured in a three-vehicle accident 4:45 p.m. Tuesday on MO 37, two miles south of Washburn.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Angela D. Anderson, 38, Seligman, and a 2006 Ford Escape driven by Courtney L. Cotton, 26, Washburn, were stopped in traffic on northbound MO 37, when the Cotton vehicle was rear-ended by a 2005 Dodge Ram driven by Taylor D. House, 24, Monett, pushing it into the Anderson vehicle.
House was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Rogers, Arkansas. Cotton was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Cassville.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Angela D. Anderson, 38, Seligman, and a 2006 Ford Escape driven by Courtney L. Cotton, 26, Washburn, were stopped in traffic on northbound MO 37, when the Cotton vehicle was rear-ended by a 2005 Dodge Ram driven by Taylor D. House, 24, Monett, pushing it into the Anderson vehicle.
House was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Rogers, Arkansas. Cotton was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Cassville.
Monett residents injured in one-vehicle crash near Verona
Two Monett residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident 8:25 p.m. Tuesday on Farm Road 2010, three miles south of Verona.
According to the Highway Patrol report, Jose Alberto-Morales, 64, Monett, driving a 2001 GMC Yukon, failed to notice a T intersection and left the roadway.
Alberto-Morales and a passenger, Rosa Alberto, 60, Monett, were treated for minor injuries at Cox Hospital, Monett.
According to the Highway Patrol report, Jose Alberto-Morales, 64, Monett, driving a 2001 GMC Yukon, failed to notice a T intersection and left the roadway.
Alberto-Morales and a passenger, Rosa Alberto, 60, Monett, were treated for minor injuries at Cox Hospital, Monett.
Highway Patrol DWI Arrests February 20-22
The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:
Danny J. Clines, 37, Marshfield
Donna R Schonlau, 55, Branson
Danny J. Clines, 37, Marshfield
Donna R Schonlau, 55, Branson
City of Springfield, partners dedicate Packer Road Expansion Project
(From the City of Springfield)
The City of Springfield, along with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Prime Trucking, Inc., Ozarks Food Harvest, Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Rankin Development, gathered Feb. 22 at the MoDOT Garage (3025 E. Kearney St.) for a Partners in Progress celebration to dedicate the Packer Road Expansion Project.
The Packer Road Expansion Project began with an identified safety issue on E. Kearney Street caused by the offset alignment of Packer Road to the south and the MoDOT Southwest District office drive to the north. The need for this intersection improvement created an opportunity for area businesses to partner with the City to expand the road north to improve vehicle access and provide for future business expansion and economic development opportunities.
The project included an adjusted street alignment, a new intersection with traffic signal and turn lanes, and the three-lane expansion of Packer Road north of Kearney Street.
Aided by the extension of Packer Road, Prime Trucking, Inc. has begun the expansion of its Springfield headquarters with a 60,000 square foot plaza and driver training facility, truck wash facility and three additional parking areas.
The project at Packer Road also benefits the expansion plans of Ozarks Food Harvest who, with the help of the City, has applied for a Missouri Department of Finance Board Tax Credits for Contributions program. Through this program Ozarks Food Harvest recently unveiled plans to construct much-needed warehouse space to expand the capacity of their existing facility by an additional 56,000 square feet.
Through the project at Packer, new access was provided to Developer Tom Rankin’s North Creek Development at Jean Street and Packer Road.
The total cost of the project was approximately $3.3 million with the City’s investment totaling $1.5 million. The City’s portion was funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation and ¼-cent Capital Improvement Sales Taxes.
The City of Springfield, along with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), Prime Trucking, Inc., Ozarks Food Harvest, Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Rankin Development, gathered Feb. 22 at the MoDOT Garage (3025 E. Kearney St.) for a Partners in Progress celebration to dedicate the Packer Road Expansion Project.
The Packer Road Expansion Project began with an identified safety issue on E. Kearney Street caused by the offset alignment of Packer Road to the south and the MoDOT Southwest District office drive to the north. The need for this intersection improvement created an opportunity for area businesses to partner with the City to expand the road north to improve vehicle access and provide for future business expansion and economic development opportunities.
The project included an adjusted street alignment, a new intersection with traffic signal and turn lanes, and the three-lane expansion of Packer Road north of Kearney Street.
Aided by the extension of Packer Road, Prime Trucking, Inc. has begun the expansion of its Springfield headquarters with a 60,000 square foot plaza and driver training facility, truck wash facility and three additional parking areas.
The project at Packer Road also benefits the expansion plans of Ozarks Food Harvest who, with the help of the City, has applied for a Missouri Department of Finance Board Tax Credits for Contributions program. Through this program Ozarks Food Harvest recently unveiled plans to construct much-needed warehouse space to expand the capacity of their existing facility by an additional 56,000 square feet.
Through the project at Packer, new access was provided to Developer Tom Rankin’s North Creek Development at Jean Street and Packer Road.
The total cost of the project was approximately $3.3 million with the City’s investment totaling $1.5 million. The City’s portion was funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation and ¼-cent Capital Improvement Sales Taxes.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
State auditor asks Greitens to approve family-friendly leave policy for state workers
Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway today issued a letter to Gov. Eric Greitens calling on his administration to approve two important changes to family leave policies for state executive branch employees. Auditor Galloway issued the letter after learning the administration informed the state's Personnel Advisory Board meeting on Feb. 14 that it was not moving ahead with the changes. The proposals were unanimously approved by the Board in December of 2016.
These family-friendly policies were designed to provide additional flexibility to parents by allowing employees to use earned sick leave for parental bonding after the birth or adoption of a child. The policies also expand parental leave allowances for parents in cases where both parents are state employees. Auditor Galloway urged the Governor to reconsider the halting of these policies, which would benefit employee health and welfare, at no additional cost to the state.
"This is paid time off employees have earned through their time in the state workforce, but can't use during the critical bonding period that exists in the weeks and months after a child is born or adopted," Auditor Galloway said. "Families benefit when parents are involved in the care of a child and without these policy changes, many state employees will remain prohibited from using their own paid leave to take time off to bond with and care for a new addition to their families."
The delay adds additional pressure to the timeline in order to complete the process prior to established deadlines.
The proposed changes would allow state employees to use accrued sick leave to take time off for parental bonding after the birth or adoption of a child. Current policies allow employees to use accrued vacation time for parental bonding. Sick leave is limited to pregnancy, childbirth and recovery from childbirth, but not for parental bonding. If the employee has no vacation leave, or once that leave is exhausted, the employee may take unpaid time off for parental bonding up to a combined total of 12 weeks of leave after the birth or adoption of a child. The maximum amount of protected time off would remain 12 weeks, but employees could use both vacation and sick leave for parental bonding, which could be spread out over 12 months.
The policy changes would also expand parental leave in instances where both parents are state employees. The state currently allows 12 weeks of protected leave, which must be split between both parents. The new policy would allow 12 weeks to each parent.
Unlike the executive branch workforce, which is under the control of the governor's office, other statewide office holders have the authority to approve their own internal personnel policies. Auditor Galloway has taken steps to ensure these beneficial family leave policies apply to employees of the State Auditor's office. She also highlighted a recent change to allow her staff to use sick leave or shared leave in situations involving domestic violence.
Auditor Galloway is calling on other statewide office holders to examine their own policies to ensure they offer adequate leave benefits. These leave benefits are key to attracting workers in a state where state employees are among the lowest paid in the nation. The policies would have no impact on private businesses.
Springfield Fire Department to hold annual awards ceremony
(From the Springfield Fire Department)
The Springfield Fire Department's annual awards ceremony will take place Wednesday, February 22nd at the Springfield Art Museum.
The Springfield Fire Department's annual awards ceremony will take place Wednesday, February 22nd at the Springfield Art Museum.
During the event, fire crews will be honored for meritorious support of the Department, Fire Life Saves, Medical Life Saves and Special Operations Life Saves.
The Fire Officer and Firefighter of the Year will also be named and Fire Department personnel who have departed service in the past year will be recognized. Several citizens will also be recognized for outstanding performances.
The Springfield Art Museum is located at 1111 E. Brookside Drive. The ceremony begins at 6:30 pm.
Springfield Police need help identifying naked man
Between 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 and 8:52 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, the Springfield Police Department received numerous calls for service in Springfield reporting a naked white male (wearing only tennis shoes) had approached females in the parking lots of various commercial properties. In some instances, the suspect was reported as touching himself.
The suspect is described as between the ages of 40 and 50 years old with dark, partially gray unkempt or scraggly hair that is balding on top, of average height, heavyset but not obese, wearing glasses and possibly sporting a beard or unshaven.
The suspect was noted as lurking near the Dumpsters of the businesses and targeting the same locations multiple times. All incidents occurred during the weekend. He would approach the female victims and ask for the time, then would run off when they would turn around.
In some incidents, the suspect was witnessed fleeing the area in a vehicle, described as a tan or gray passenger vehicle, possibly a Kia or a Hyundai Sonata.
Similar incidents occurred in Springfield in April 2016. Based on suspect descriptions, it is believed the same male has targeted the Overland Park/Kansas City metro and University City areas as well.
Those with information about this suspect are asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 and refer to SPD incident 17-2003.
Cassville man injured in one-vehicle accident
A Cassville man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 12:30 p.m. Monday on Route AA, four miles south of Cassville.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Todd L. Hoppes, 41, Cassville, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a culvert and overturned.
Hoppes was treated for moderate injuries at Cox Hospital, Cassville.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2016 Jeep Compass driven by Todd L. Hoppes, 41, Cassville, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a culvert and overturned.
Hoppes was treated for moderate injuries at Cox Hospital, Cassville.
Shell Knob man injured in two-vehicle accident
A Shell Knob man was injured in a two-vehicle accident 4:27 p.m Monday on Highway 76, two miles west of Exeter.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a westbound 2004 Saturn Ion driven by Adrien M. Lee, 16, Exeter, was making a left turn onto FR 1045. A westbound 1997 Mercury Mountaineer driven by Raymond A. Bousman, 73, Shell Knob, swerved to avoid hitting the rear end of the Lee vehicle, hit the right rear corner, traveled off the roadway and overturned.
Bousman was treated for minor injuries at Northwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Bentonville.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a westbound 2004 Saturn Ion driven by Adrien M. Lee, 16, Exeter, was making a left turn onto FR 1045. A westbound 1997 Mercury Mountaineer driven by Raymond A. Bousman, 73, Shell Knob, swerved to avoid hitting the rear end of the Lee vehicle, hit the right rear corner, traveled off the roadway and overturned.
Bousman was treated for minor injuries at Northwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Bentonville.
Monday, February 20, 2017
Miller motorcyclist airlifted to Cox South following two-vehicle crash
A Miller motorcyclist was injured in a two-vehicle crash 8:47 a.m. Sunday on Farm Road 1120, one mile south of Miller.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Chrysler van driven by Harry W. Peek, 46, Ozark, crossed the center line and struck a 2010 Victory motorcycle driven by John R. Hood, 53, Miller.
Miller was airlifted to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Chrysler van driven by Harry W. Peek, 46, Ozark, crossed the center line and struck a 2010 Victory motorcycle driven by John R. Hood, 53, Miller.
Miller was airlifted to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.
Wentworth, Monett residents injured in two-vehicle accident
Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 5:40 p.m. Sunday on Highway J at the Wentworth city limits.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1996 GMC 1500 driven by Tyler W. Potter, 18, Wentworth, turned into the path of a 2014 Dodge Charger driven by Georgia R. Liebenberg, 24, Monett, striking the Liebenberg vehicle.
Liebenberg was treated for moderate injuries at Cox Hospital, Monett. A passenger in the Potter vehicle, Dalton K. Carver, 10, Wentworth, was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Joplin.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1996 GMC 1500 driven by Tyler W. Potter, 18, Wentworth, turned into the path of a 2014 Dodge Charger driven by Georgia R. Liebenberg, 24, Monett, striking the Liebenberg vehicle.
Liebenberg was treated for moderate injuries at Cox Hospital, Monett. A passenger in the Potter vehicle, Dalton K. Carver, 10, Wentworth, was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Joplin.
Crane, Stotts City residents injured in accident near Cassville
Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 7:28 p.m. Sunday on Business 37, a half mile north of Cassville.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2010 Ford F-250 driven by Zachary Thomas, 19, Cassville, and a 2009 Dodge Truck driven by Robert A. Presley, 33, Stotts City, struck mirrors with the glass hitting occupants of the Presley vehicle.
Presley and a passenger, Lauren R. Presley, 13, Crane, were treated for minor injuries at Cox Hospital, Monett.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2010 Ford F-250 driven by Zachary Thomas, 19, Cassville, and a 2009 Dodge Truck driven by Robert A. Presley, 33, Stotts City, struck mirrors with the glass hitting occupants of the Presley vehicle.
Presley and a passenger, Lauren R. Presley, 13, Crane, were treated for minor injuries at Cox Hospital, Monett.
Monett man injured crashing into tree near Granby
A Monett man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 9:35 p.m. Sunday on U. S. 60 at Turtle Drive, four miles east of Granby.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2000 Dodge Dakota driven by Jordan B. Hickerson, 21, Monett, traveled off the roadway and struck a tree.
Hickerson was treated for minor injuries at Freeman Neosho.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2000 Dodge Dakota driven by Jordan B. Hickerson, 21, Monett, traveled off the roadway and struck a tree.
Hickerson was treated for minor injuries at Freeman Neosho.
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Aurora woman injured in accident near Pierce City
An Aurora woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident 10 p.m. Saturday on Highway 97, 3.5 miles north of Pierce City.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Suzuki Forenza driven by Kirstie G. Swisher, 20, Aurora, traveled across the left side of the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned.
Swisher was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Suzuki Forenza driven by Kirstie G. Swisher, 20, Aurora, traveled across the left side of the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned.
Swisher was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
Highway Patrol DWI Arrests February 18-19
The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:
Kevin O. Sanchez, 19, Monett
Derek T. Arnold, 36, Springfield
Miles D. Elliott, 40, Pierce City
Dillon C. Bohannon, 25, Neosho
Matthew R. Blanton, 30, Branson
Matthew N. Baker, 31, Billings
Kevin O. Sanchez, 19, Monett
Derek T. Arnold, 36, Springfield
Miles D. Elliott, 40, Pierce City
Dillon C. Bohannon, 25, Neosho
Matthew R. Blanton, 30, Branson
Matthew N. Baker, 31, Billings
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Billings man cited for DWI, felony leaving the scene of an accident, woman seriously injured
A Billings man was cited for driving while intoxicated (drugs) and felony leaving the scene of an accident following an incident 7:48 a.m. today on MO 173, north of 76.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1998 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Matthew N. Baker, 31, Billings, swerved to avoid a deer, ran off the roadway and struck an embankment.
A passenger, Natasha M. Nelson, 31, Billings, was treated for serious injuries at Cox Hospital, Branson.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1998 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Matthew N. Baker, 31, Billings, swerved to avoid a deer, ran off the roadway and struck an embankment.
A passenger, Natasha M. Nelson, 31, Billings, was treated for serious injuries at Cox Hospital, Branson.
Springfield bicyclist runs stop sign, hit by car
A Springfield bicyclist was injured after being hit by a car 4:14 p.m. Friday on Route DD, two miles northeast of Strafford.
According to the Highway Patrol report, Curtis N. Brown, 40, Springfield, riding a 2016 Salsa bicycle, ran a stop sign and was struck by a 2013 Honda Pilot driven by Brandi L. Baugus, 33, Strafford.
Brown was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, Curtis N. Brown, 40, Springfield, riding a 2016 Salsa bicycle, ran a stop sign and was struck by a 2013 Honda Pilot driven by Brandi L. Baugus, 33, Strafford.
Brown was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
Springfield residents injured in two-car collision
Two Springfield residents were injured in a two-vehicle accident 5:10 p.m. Friday on Route H, 1.4 miles north of Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2012 Scion TC driven by Patrick L. Walker, 47, Springfield, was stopped, waiting to make a left turn, and was struck in the rear by a 1998 Jeep Wrangler driven by Jackson D. Gilstrap, 16, Springfield.
Two passengers in the Walker vehicle, Donald W. Walker, 76, and Nancy M. Walker, 74, both of Springfield, were treated for minor and moderate injuries, respectively, at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2012 Scion TC driven by Patrick L. Walker, 47, Springfield, was stopped, waiting to make a left turn, and was struck in the rear by a 1998 Jeep Wrangler driven by Jackson D. Gilstrap, 16, Springfield.
Two passengers in the Walker vehicle, Donald W. Walker, 76, and Nancy M. Walker, 74, both of Springfield, were treated for minor and moderate injuries, respectively, at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
Springfield man injured crashing into tree
A Springfield man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 5:44 p.m. Friday on Farm Road 125, a half mile south of Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Ford Ranger driven by Robert T. Cheslic, 26, Springfield, ran off the roadway and struck a tree.
Cheslic was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Ford Ranger driven by Robert T. Cheslic, 26, Springfield, ran off the roadway and struck a tree.
Cheslic was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
Highway Patrol DWI Arrests February 17-18
The Missouri Highway Patrol arrested the following people for driving while intoxicated:
Henry S. Warren, 40, Grove, Oklahoma
Sharlene K. Delashmit, 39, Andover, Kansas
Burt Helgen, 21, Neosho
Jose M. Delatoree, 21, Springfield
Sarah R. Stalzer, 19, Ozark
Christina R. Morgan, 35, Neosho
Logan J. Houser, 26, Ash Grove
Tiffany N. Adams, 24, Springfield
Ashley N. Pugh, 27, Branson
William R. Stoval, 50, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Michael D. Dupree, 31, Marshfield
Cole K. Tackett, 22, Blue Eye
Randy J. Binning, 64, Carthage
Robert T. Cheslic, 26, Springfield
Barbara L. Schuyler, 59, Hollister
Henry S. Warren, 40, Grove, Oklahoma
Sharlene K. Delashmit, 39, Andover, Kansas
Burt Helgen, 21, Neosho
Jose M. Delatoree, 21, Springfield
Sarah R. Stalzer, 19, Ozark
Christina R. Morgan, 35, Neosho
Logan J. Houser, 26, Ash Grove
Tiffany N. Adams, 24, Springfield
Ashley N. Pugh, 27, Branson
William R. Stoval, 50, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Michael D. Dupree, 31, Marshfield
Cole K. Tackett, 22, Blue Eye
Randy J. Binning, 64, Carthage
Robert T. Cheslic, 26, Springfield
Barbara L. Schuyler, 59, Hollister
Friday, February 17, 2017
Darla Morrison named City of Springfield human resources director
(From the City of Springfield)
City Manager Greg Burris officially named Darla Morrison as the City’s Human Resources Director, effective Feb. 20. Darla has been serving as the Interim Human Resources Director since July 2016 when previous director Sheila Maerz retired.
“Darla has done an outstanding job as Interim Director, and I am excited to select her for this key position within the third-largest city in the state. As we consider the new types of talent recruitment and retention challenges that all employers will experience over the next few decades, Darla has the skill set to develop the strategies the City will need to fiercely compete,” Burris said.
The Human Resources director oversees the areas of employment, classification, compensation, payroll/HRIS, benefits, employee training, compliance, collective bargaining with labor groups, employee relations programs, workers’ compensation, and the City’s health plan.
Morrison has experience in both the private and public sectors, with the most recent 20 years at the City of Springfield. While working at the City, she has most recently served as the Senior Human Resources Coordinator, where she supervised and managed the employment, training, and classification division. Morrison has a Bachelor of science degree with a double major in human resources and psychology from Missouri State University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Missouri State University.
"Throughout my career at the City, I have had the privilege to serve in a variety of roles within the Human Resources Department and work with incredibly talented staff both within HR and throughout the City. I am honored to be chosen in this new role to lead the Human Resources Team and continue to serve the City and this community. "
Darla’s salary will be $110,000 per year.
The City of Springfield’s Human Resources Department is charged with recruiting talent for public service professionals in more than 400 job classifications. The 20-plus person team is committed to hiring, compensating, and developing the City's workforce to ensure its ability to serve the citizens by strategically partnering with other city departments.
City Manager Greg Burris officially named Darla Morrison as the City’s Human Resources Director, effective Feb. 20. Darla has been serving as the Interim Human Resources Director since July 2016 when previous director Sheila Maerz retired.
“Darla has done an outstanding job as Interim Director, and I am excited to select her for this key position within the third-largest city in the state. As we consider the new types of talent recruitment and retention challenges that all employers will experience over the next few decades, Darla has the skill set to develop the strategies the City will need to fiercely compete,” Burris said.
The Human Resources director oversees the areas of employment, classification, compensation, payroll/HRIS, benefits, employee training, compliance, collective bargaining with labor groups, employee relations programs, workers’ compensation, and the City’s health plan.
Morrison has experience in both the private and public sectors, with the most recent 20 years at the City of Springfield. While working at the City, she has most recently served as the Senior Human Resources Coordinator, where she supervised and managed the employment, training, and classification division. Morrison has a Bachelor of science degree with a double major in human resources and psychology from Missouri State University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Missouri State University.
"Throughout my career at the City, I have had the privilege to serve in a variety of roles within the Human Resources Department and work with incredibly talented staff both within HR and throughout the City. I am honored to be chosen in this new role to lead the Human Resources Team and continue to serve the City and this community. "
Darla’s salary will be $110,000 per year.
The City of Springfield’s Human Resources Department is charged with recruiting talent for public service professionals in more than 400 job classifications. The 20-plus person team is committed to hiring, compensating, and developing the City's workforce to ensure its ability to serve the citizens by strategically partnering with other city departments.
Ozark man injured in accident near Ash Grove
An Ozark man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 1:30 p.m. today on Highway F, four miles south of Ash Grove.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Volvo driven by Veaceslav S. Caterenciuc, 46, Ozark, ran off the roadway and overturned.
Caterenciuc was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Volvo driven by Veaceslav S. Caterenciuc, 46, Ozark, ran off the roadway and overturned.
Caterenciuc was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.
Billy Long: Providing for our military is the right thing to do
One of my primary responsibilities as a Congressman, and something I am very honored to do, is to make sure that the men and women who serve our country are taken care of and get the care and treatment they deserve. Last December, I voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2017. This legislation funds the critical programs in the Department of Defense to ensure the military has the strength it needs to carry out its mission of protecting our country.
The NDAA provides $619 billion for national defense, which is $9 billion more than President Obama’s budget request. The additional $9 billion will help close the readiness gap, which will stop the drawdown of the military, rebuild our military and make sure that our troops have the most up-to-date resources and tools when carrying out missions.
Not only does the NDAA go above and beyond what former President Obama requested, it continues to prohibit transferring of Guantanamo Bay detainees to American soil and helps combat sexual assault in the military. Finally, this piece of legislation gives our troops a pay raise, something that was long overdue.
My first priority is making sure that that my constituents are safe, and by voting in favor of this bill, I am reassured it will accomplish just that. Not only does this legislation help our men and women in uniform, but it ensures those who do not serve are also taken care of.
With significant bipartisan support, the NDAA passed the House by a vote of 375-14, the Senate by a vote of 92-7 and signed into law by the President.
With so much talk about gridlock in Washington, there are still many issues my colleagues and I can work with each other on, and that includes making sure our military has the resources it needs to protect our country.
Portion of Campbell Avenue to close Thursday
(From the City of Springfield)
Campbell Avenue will close between Chestnut Expressway and Nichols Street 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 for repairs to the roadway related to a City Utilities water main repair.
Motorists should follow the marked detours.
Campbell Avenue will close between Chestnut Expressway and Nichols Street 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 for repairs to the roadway related to a City Utilities water main repair.
Motorists should follow the marked detours.
From February 2014: Probable cause statement in murder of Hailey Owens
Ten-year-old Hailey Owens was shot in the base of the skull and stuffed in two trash bags, according to a probable cause statement written today by Detective Neal McAmis of the Springfield Police Department.
Officers found the child's body in the basement of the home of Craig Michael Wood, 45, a in-school suspension teacher and coach at Pleasant View Middle School and coach in Springfield.
Wood has been charged with murder in the first degree, kidnapping, and armed criminal action.
The probable cause statement is printed below:
I interviewed Michelle. She told me she was in her garage, with the garage door open, talking with Carlos. Michelle said she saw a young girl walk westbound on Lombard on the north side of the road. She said the female had a cell phone in her hands. Michelle said a tan Ford Ranger drove eastbound on Lombard, drove into the westbound lane of travel and pulled up next to the girl.
Michelle told me she heard the male subject ask the girl where Springfield Street was. Michelle said the girl turned to walk away from the vehicle. She said it was at that time when the male opened the driver's door and said to the girl, "Hey, come here a minute." Michelle said the male extended his hand out the door and motioned for the girl to come to him. Michelle told me the girl took one or two steps closer to the truck. She said the male lunged out of the vehicle, grabbed the girl with his left hand and threw her into the truck "like a rag doll." Michelle said the suspect then fled the area at a very high rate of speed.
Michelle gave me a suspect description. She said he was a white male that had a baseball-style hat on. She said he had grey hair that came out from under the hat. Michelle told me the suspect possibly had facial hair or a beard. She said he appeared to be 45-55 years of age. She said the suspect appeared to be a "taller" individual and she said he had a thin to medium build.
Michelle told me she was also able to get a license plate number from the suspect vehicle. She was adamant the license plate number was 1YF454. She told me she was positive that was the license plate number.
Detective Barb interviewed Carlos. Carlos' story matched that of Michelle's. Carlos also gave a detailed description of the suspect. Carlos said the suspect was a white male that appeared to be in his early to mid 40s. He said the subject had grey hair and was wearing a baseball style hat. He described the suspect as being unshaven, with grey in his facial hair.
Preliminary investigation revealed the victim was Hailey Owens. Owens was only 10 years old. Owens lived about a block from where the abduction occurred. It was believed Owens was walking home from a friend's house.
The license plate number that Michelle provided had been researched by department personnel. That license plate checked to a 2008 Ford pickup to Jim and Regina Wood. Their address was listed as being in Ash Grove. I was informed officers responded to that location and contacted Jim. Jim informed the officers that his son, Craig Wood, was the person who drove that vehicle.
Information was researched about Craig. Craig's description matched that of the suspect and Craig is 45 years old. Craig's address was found to be 1538 E. Stanford.
Sgt. Neal and Sgt. Schwind responded to the area of Craig's residence. Shortly after they arrived, they saw a tan Ford Ranger pull into Craig's driveway. The license plate on the vehicle matched the license plate number that Michelle previously provided. Sgt. Neal and Sgt. Schwind approached Craig as he exited his truck. Sgt. Neil and Sgt. Schwind saw that Craig had a roll of duct tape in his hand as he exited the driver's side door. When Craig saw the officers, he threw the duct tape into the bed of the truck.
Craig agreed to respond to police headquarters for an interview. It was at headquarters where I first saw Craig. Craig appeared just as Michelle and Carlos described the suspect. Craig was tall (6-2) and had a medium build. He had on a baseball-style hat. It could see his grey hair from under the hat. Craig had an unshaven appearance and there was grey in his facial hair.
Detective Kevin Shipley interviewed him at headquarters. Craig initially told Detective Shipley that he got off work (Pleasant View Middle School) about 1515 and went straight home. He later changed his story and said he went driving around for a while. Craig denied having contact with Owens.
Officers did a safety sweep at Craig's residence to check for Owens. When the officers got to the basement steps, they could smell a strong odor of bleach. The odor continued as they entered the basement. The officers informed me the basement floor was wet. They also said they saw bottles of bleach in the basement.
On 2-19-14 at 0128 Detective Barb obtained a signed search warrant to search Craig's residence. Several crime scene technicians responded to the scene. In the basement, the crime scene technicians located two plastic storage totes. They were stacked one on top of the other. There were papers and documents in the top tote. In the bottom tote was what appeared to be the body of a small child. The body was concealed inside two trash bags. The crime scene technicians removed the trash bags and confirmed it was the body of Owens.
Tom Van De Berg, the chief investigator for the Greene County Medical Examiner's office responded to the scene. I contacted Van De Berg at that location. He informed me Owens had what appeared to be a gunshot wound at the base of her skull. He said there were also apparent ligature marks on Owens' arms.
The crime scene investigator continued to process the crime scene. They located a spent .22 caliber shell casing in the basement.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Billy Long lobbies Trump for job for actress Fran Drescher
Long, along with nine other Congress members who supported Trump's candidacy, met with the president for a listening session this morning.
The transcript shows that Long spoke more than any of his fellow Congressmen.
While most of the Congress members simply introduced themselves, Long began a conversation with the president and almost outtalked him.
The transcript of Long's conversation with the president is printed below:
CONGRESSMAN LONG: Billy Long, Missouri 7th. And I’m co-chair of the Congressional Study Group on Japan. I’m going to be leading the delegation to Japan Saturday, meeting with Prime Minister Abe on Monday.
THE PRESIDENT: He’s a great guy.
CONGRESSMAN LONG: So if you will tell me how many golf balls he lost in Florida. I don't know how many House of Representative golf balls to take. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: He played well, I'll tell you. And you know, we played with Ernie Els. I called up Billy -- I said, see if you can get me somebody good to play with; I have the Prime Minister of Japan who wants to play golf. So we get to the front of the club, and Ernie Els is waiting for us. He said, when you're ready. So we had a good time.
No, he played very nicely, and he’s a great guy. You're going to like him. I like him.
CONGRESSMAN LONG: Oh, yeah, I’ve met him the last three or four years -- met with him there. He’s a great guy. And I knew you all would hit it off because you're both people persons and a great personalities.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, we had a good feeling.
CONGRESSMAN LONG: So I knew you guys would get along good.
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I always said about President Obama, it’s great to play golf, but play golf with heads of countries. And, by the way, people like yourself, when you're looking for votes, don't play with your friends who you play with every week. (Laughter.) Does that make sense?
CONGRESSMAN LONG: Yeah, it does.
THE PRESIDENT: I hit it off with the Prime Minister. He is a fabulous guy. He’s -- loves his country. And we spoke all day long and well into the night. As you know, they launched a missile in North Korea, and we were discussing that. So it was really something.
But have a good time over there.
CONGRESSMAN LONG: I will.
THE PRESIDENT: And give him my regards.
CONGRESSMAN LONG: Ambassador Sasae was in my district for two full days, and he mentioned he was with you down there to play golf.
THE PRESIDENT: He was.
CONGRESSMAN LONG: He’s another great guy -- he and his wife both.
THE PRESIDENT: They're all good.
CONGRESSMAN LONG: One last quick thing. Fran Drescher, from “The Nanny” --
THE PRESIDENT: Right.
CONGRESSMAN LONG: -- said you were on “The Nanny” one time. She has a request with her battle for cancer that you have a cancer board that has one non-medical person. So she wanted me to put her name in the hat for that. My daughter came through a successful cancer battle.
THE PRESIDENT: She’s fought hard. She’s fought hard. Yes. You know what, if you would, Billy, why don't you give me that request? And we’ll see if we can do that.
CONGRESSMAN LONG: We will. I’ll give it to your people. Thank you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)