Tuesday, October 31, 2017

400 North Main to close at MNA Railroad Crossing for two weeks

(From the City of Springfield)

400 North Main Avenue will close at the MNA Railroad Crossing north of College Street beginning 6 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 1 through Wednesday, Nov. 15 for the replacement of the existing railroad crossing and roadway surfaces. 

 Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route.

Springfield probation officer named to statewide advisory group

(From the City of Springfield)

Jody Austin, a probation officer at the Springfield Municipal Court, has been appointed by Governor Eric Greitens to the Missouri Juvenile Justice Advisory Group (MJJAG).

The mission of the MJJAG is to provide leadership and education to Missourians in the area of juvenile justice and ensuring the safety and well being of all youth, their families, and communities.


“The City of Springfield is proud that the Governor has selected Jody to serve on the Missouri Juvenile Justice Advisory Group. Her work experience aligns well with the group’s mission and makes her a logical choice for this position. I know she will be a great addition to the group,” said City Manager Greg Burris.

Austin’s body of work includes not only her years as a juvenile officer, then City of Springfield probation officer, but also her weekly service for 18 years with Greene County Mental Health Court. “She brings great depth of experience in justice as well as mental health to this appointment,” said Carol Thompson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Greene County Treatment Courts.

Commissioner Peggy Davis, of the Missouri 31st Judicial Circuit Court, echoes praise about Austin. Davis presides over Greene County’s DWI Court, Adult Drug Court, Mental Health Court and Intensive Supervision Court.

“Mrs. Austin has been with the Treatment Court programs for more than 16 years; before that, she and my Administrator worked together for five years at the Greene County Juvenile Justice Center,” Davis said.

“The Missouri Juvenile Justice Advisory Group endorses ‘prevention, treatment and the use of appropriate interventions’ that help all youth achieve their full potential within a system that balances justice for all juveniles with protection of all Missourians. Mrs. Austin has an understanding of the complex issues that the justice involved population presents to our community and works every day to achieve that balance between meeting the needs of those individuals under her supervision and the safety of the community. She is well qualified to sit on the MJJAG Board.”

Police Chief Paul Williams said he is “excited to see Jody asked to put her expertise to use statewide in the area of Juvenile Justice. Her knowledge of the juvenile system and passion for helping those in need make her a perfect fit.”

Austin is one of 30 women appointed by the Governor to leadership positions on a number of the state’s boards and commissions. These appointments follow First Lady Sheena Greitens’ announcement on Oct. 3 that the administration would appoint 25 women in the subsequent 25 days, in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Women’s Foundation.

Austin graduated from Drury University with bachelors’ degrees in sociology and criminology. In 2014, she received the Liberty Bell Award from the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Complete video of tonight's Springfield City Council meeting

Lawrence County Sheriff's Office to conduct sex offender compliance check on Halloween

(From the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office)

Any person who is required to register as a sexual offender under sections 589.400 to 589.425 of the Missouri Revised Statutes shall be required on October thirty-first (Halloween) to comply with the following:

  1. Avoid all Halloween-related contact with children.
  2. Remain inside his or her residence between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. unless required to be elsewhere for just cause, including but not limited to employment or medical emergencies.
  3. Post a sign at his or her residence stating “No candy or treats at his residence”.
  4. Leave all outside residential lighting off during the event.

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting compliance checks of registered offenders during this time. Violators will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

If you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 417-466-2131.

Springfield Police Department makes four DWI arrests during saturation patrol

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Saturday, Oct. 28, the Springfield Police Department conducted a DWI Saturation Patrol.

A total of 34 traffic stops were conducted during this operation. Four drivers were arrested for driving while intoxicated. One person was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

The Saturation Patrol was funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation, Division of Highway Safety.

Kansas man dies in crash near Norton and Barnes

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department was dispatched to a single-vehicle crash near Norton and Barnes at 10:07 a.m. on Oct. 29. 

A 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Steven Constance, 70, of Arkansas City, Kan., was westbound on I-44 when it went off the roadway to the north of the interstate. 

The vehicle traveled approximately 1,000 yards along the side of the highway and then crossed a water retention area south of a church at 3020 N. Barnes. The vehicle went airborne across Barnes and over the fence surrounding Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course, and it then came to rest on its roof after hitting a tree on the golf course. Constance died at the scene. 

It is believed the crash occurred as the result of a medical emergency. His cause of death has not been confirmed. Next of kin has been notified.

This marks the sixteenth fatality crash in Springfield for 2017.

Central High School student among student delegation to China

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Central High School senior Zoe Hancock will travel to Beijing, China as part of a student delegation. 

Hancock will represent American Legion Auxiliary, Missouri Girls State, traveling with the Midwest-US China Association along with former Missouri Governor Bob Holden. 

Hancock will journey to China in January, visiting the AmCham Intergovernmental Organization, Carnegie-Tsinghua Think Tank, the Great Wall and more.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Marionville motorcyclist killed in accident on Barnett Hills Drive

A Marionville motorcyclist was killed in a one-vehicle accident 2:57 p.m. today on Barnett Hills Drive, four miles north of Hurley.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1973 Honda motorcycle driven by Kevin L. Shepherd, 40, Marionville, left the roadway, struck a ditch and ejected the occupants.

Shepherd was pronounced dead at 4:20 p.m. by Stone County Coroner John Cunnyngham.

A passenger, Tonya A. Shepherd, 39, Marionville, suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

The fatality was the sixth this month for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Springfield pedestrian killed in accident at S. Glenstone and E. Cherry

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department was dispatched to a serious injury crash near S. Glenstone Avenue and E. Cherry Street at 7:01 a.m. on Oct. 27. 

A 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Dawson Anderson, 19, of Springfield, was southbound on Glenstone Avenue when it struck a pedestrian, Alicia Lambeth, 31, of Springfield, who was pushing a bicycle westbound across S. Glenstone Avenue, south of the intersection. 

Lambeth was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Next of kin has been notified. There is no evidence of impairment at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.

This marks the fifteenth fatality crash in Springfield for 2017. Of the fatalities, five were pedestrians.

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council meeting

Upcoming Springfield City Council Meeting Agenda
October 30, 2017 6:30 p.m.

Speakers must sign up with the City Clerk to speak to an issue on the agenda. Speakers are to limit their remarks to three to five minutes.
Note: Sponsorship does not denote Council member approval or support.
1.

ROLL CALL.

2.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES. October 16, 2017 City Council Meeting And October 24, 2017 Special City Council Meeting.

3.

FINALIZATION AND APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDAS. CITIZENS WISHING TO SPEAK TO OR REMOVE ITEMS FROM THE CONSENT AGENDAS MUST DO SO AT THIS TIME.

4.

CEREMONIAL MATTERS.


5.

CITY MANAGER REPORT AND RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS RAISED AT THE PREVIOUS CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS.

6.

SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE. Citizens Have Spoken. May Be Voted On.

7.

Council Bill 2017-238. (Fulnecky)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield City Code, Chapter 98, ‘Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places,’ Article II, ‘Excavations,’ by amending language to clarify the permitting process for excavations in the City right-of-way.
Documents:
  1. 2017-238.PDF
8.

Council Bill 2017-242. (Fulnecky)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to accept the donation of a “Phantom 4 Quadcopter” drone from Westside Stone, LLC, to be used by the Springfield Fire Department.
Documents:
  1. 2017-242.PDF
9.

Council Bill 2017-243. (Hosmer)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for and accept public education grants from Walmart, FM Global, ADM Cares, and The Home Depot, for the purpose of providing funding to “Project RED Zone;” and to appropriate said grant by amending the budget of the Springfield Fire Department for Fiscal Year 2017-2018, in the amount of $12,500.00.
Documents:
  1. 2017-243.PDF
10.

Council Bill 2017-244. (Ferguson)

A special ordinance declaring the necessity of condemning right(s)-of-way over, under, and through the properties located at 1724 West Mt. Vernon Street and 1610 West Mt. Vernon Street for the purpose of the Mt. Vernon Street Bridge Replacement Improvement Project #2015PW0007T.
Documents:
  1. 2017-244.PDF
11.

RESOLUTIONS. Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On.

12.

Council Bill 2017-225 Substitute 1. (Fisk)

A resolution amending the Capital Improvements Program for 2017 through 2022 by adding six new projects to the plan. (City staff recommends approval.)
Documents:
  1. 2017-225S1.PDF
13.

Council Bill 2017-225. (Schilling)

A resolution amending the Capital Improvements Program for 2017 through 2022 by adding five new projects to the plan. (City staff recommends approval).
Documents:
  1. 2017-225.PDF
14.

EMERGENCY BILLS.

15.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.

16.

GRANTS.

17.

AMENDED BILLS.

18.

COUNCIL BILLS FOR PUBLIC HEARING. Citizens May Speak. Not Anticipated To Be Voted On.

19.

Council Bill 2017-247. (Ferguson)

A special ordinance authorizing the issuance of Conditional Use Permit No. 431 to allow a warehousing and storage facility within a CS, Commercial Service District, generally located at 2706 West Chestnut Expressway (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval). (By MoCal Investments Company, LLC; 2706 West Chestnut Expressway)
Documents:
  1. 2017-247.PDF
20.

Council Bill 2017-248. (Fishel)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning approximately 0.451 acres of property, generally located at 4064 South Lone Pine Avenue, from R-SF, Single-Family Residential District, to LB, Limited Business District; and adopting an updated ‘Official zoning map.’ (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval). (By Lower Deck94, LLC; 464 South Lone Pine Avenue; Z-30-2017).
Documents:
  1. 2017-248.PDF
21.

Council Bill 2017-249. (Prater)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning approximately 1.71 acres of property, generally located at 1650 South Ingram Mill Road from Planned Development 129 to GR, General Retail District, and establishing Conditional Overlay District No. 135, said District to apply to the subject property; and adopting an updated Official Zoning Map. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval). (by ICT, LLC, 1650 South Ingram Mill Road, Z-31-2017 w/COD #135).
Documents:
  1. 2017-249.PDF
22.

Council Bill 2017-250. (Ollis)

A general ordinance amending Chapter 36 of the Springfield City Code, also known as the ‘Land Development Code,’ Article III. – ‘Zoning Regulations,’ Division 3. – ‘Administration, Enforcement and Review,’ Section 36-362. – ‘Zero-lot-line construction’ by amending certain provisions contained therein relating to the administrative review of zero-lot-line structures. (Planning and Zoning Commission and staff recommend approval).
Documents:
  1. 2017-250.PDF
23.

FIRST READING BILLS. Citizens May Speak. Not Anticipated To Be Voted On.

24.

Council Bill 2017-251. (Fulnecky)

A general ordinance amending Chapter 2, Section 2-92 of the Springfield City Code, known as the ‘Salary Ordinance,’ relating to the salary rate and pay grade for one job title within the Springfield Police Department, as contained in the Law Enforcement Schedule pay schedule, by adding one new job title, Police Recruit, with a salary rate at Step 1 of the Law Enforcement Schedule - 2 pay schedule, and by amending the salary range for the job title of Police Officer, Law Enforcement Schedule - 2, to include Step 2 through Step 13 on the Law Enforcement Schedule - 2 pay schedule.
Documents:
  1. 2017-251.PDF
25.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, AND COMMUNICATIONS.

Mr. Bill Hill wishes to address City Council.

Mr. Dewey Bradley wishes to address City Council.
26.

NEW BUSINESS.

The Mayor recommends the following reappointment to the Tree City USA Citizen Advisory Committee: Mindy Spits with a term to expire December 1, 2020.

The City Manager recommends the following appointment to the Airport Board: Robert Spence to fill the unexpired term of Jerry Harmison. Mr. Spence’s term will expire June 1, 2020.
27.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

28.

MISCELLANEOUS.

29.

CONSENT AGENDA – FIRST READING BILLS. See Item #3

30.

Council Bill 2017-252. (Hosmer)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to accept an “On-line Training Grant” from the Missouri Police Chief’s Charitable Foundation.
Documents:
  1. 2017-252.PDF
31.

Council Bill 2017-253. (McClure)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with the City of Ash Grove, Missouri, whereby the City of Springfield, Missouri, in association with the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, will remotely operate Ash Grove’s emergency storm sirens.
Documents:
  1. 2017-253.PDF
32.

Council Bill 2017-254. (Fishel)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with the City of Strafford, Missouri, whereby the City of Springfield, Missouri, in association with the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, will remotely operate Strafford’s emergency storm sirens.
Documents:
  1. 2017-254.PDF
33.

Council Bill 2017-255. (Schilling)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with the City of Walnut Grove, Missouri, whereby the City of Springfield, Missouri, in association with the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, will remotely operate Walnut Grove’s emergency storm sirens.
Documents:
  1. 2017-255.PDF
34.

CONSENT AGENDA – ONE READING BILLS.

35.

Council Bill 2017-256. (Fisk)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager or his designee to accept a grant from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, federally funded by the Youth Leadership Project Grant, to support the activities of educating and recruiting youth through their participation in evidence-based work and social action, to contribute to better overall health for the community; amending the budget of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, for Fiscal Year 2017-2018, in the amount of $16,500.00 to appropriate the grant funds; and declaring that this Ordinance qualifies for approval on one reading.
Documents:
  1. 2017-256.PDF
36.

CONSENT AGENDA – SECOND READING BILLS. Citizens Have Spoken. May Be Voted On.

37.

BOARD CONFIRMATIONS

Confirm the following reappointments to the Landmarks Board: Kent Brown, Nancy Crandall, Paden Chambers, and Justin Stanek, with terms to expire November 1, 2020.

Confirm the following appointments to the Police Civilian Review Board: Eric Clay, with a term to expire May 1, 2020, and Chris Nease, with a term to expire May 1, 2019.
38.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA.

39.

ADJOURN.

Springfield Police quarterly report shows five percent increase in crime

(From the Springfield Police Department)

During the third quarter of 2017, SPD reported an overall increase in crime by 5 percent. This is in comparison to the crime statistics from July through September 2016, and is shown in the Springfield Police Department’s latest Quarterly Public Safety Report.

Crimes against persons (violent crime) increased by about 2 percent compared to the third quarter of 2016, while there was a 5 percent rise in crimes against property. There were notable rises in reported larcenies and vehicle thefts. Thefts of items from inside vehicles (included in larcenies) jumped by 30 percent in this quarter compared to the same quarter in 2016. These stolen items are often in plain sight and even unlocked vehicles, making the crime tempting and easily committed by the criminal. Vehicle thefts increased by 14 percent during the third quarter of 2017. This time last year is when the Department began to see the dramatic spike in vehicle thefts, which is why this year-to-year comparison is less drastic than shown in the first two quarters of the 2017. Vehicle theft reports include thefts of not just cars and trucks, but scooters, motorcycles, ATVs and golf carts as well.

The Quarterly Public Safety Report also features information about the Level Property Tax on the November 2017 ballot and how those tax dollars affect the SPD’s operations.

The SPD began publishing the Quarterly Public Safety Report in October 2013 to increase awareness about public safety issues in the community. In addition to providing crime statistics, the report provides information on innovative programs and highlights of crime prevention strategies.

Three Aurora residents, including children age 1 and 2, injured in rollover accident

Three Aurora residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident 10:25 a.m. today on Route K, 6.5 miles north of Aurora.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier driven by Shenaoh B. Norem, 25, Aurora, lost control and ran off the right side of the roadway, overturning several times.

Norem was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Aurora. Two passengers, Albus Bayliff, 1, and Merlin Bayliff, 2, both of Aurora, were treated for minor injuries at Mercy.

ATV driver cited for DWI following accident near Marshfield

A Marshfield man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 9:30 p.m. Friday on Highway A, three miles south of Marshfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a Camouflage 2007 Honda TRX420 ATV driven by William W. Hoffman, 55, Marshfield, traveled off the right side of the highway and overturned. Hoffman was ejected and the ATV landed on top of him.

Hoffman, who was taken to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries, was cited for driving while intoxicated and unlawfully operating an ATV on the highway.

Friday, October 27, 2017

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Filings- Springfield

Christian County

Myra Lynn McNeill
Alicia Lorraine Idell

Dallas County

Melvin Ray Smith and Karen Sue Smith

Greene County

Kenneth William Plaster
Gary Leon Wright
John Alfred Sisk, Jr.
Lisa Dawn Amlin
Antwuann LaVell Looney and Donne Marie Looney
William Jon Smith and Laura Patricia Smith
Timothy Ellery Crum
Clint Leslie Rosdahl
Matthew James Worthy and Heather Christine Worthy

Laclede County

Harold Junior Myers and Alice Marie Myers
Kayla Sharyne Stepp
Alisha Amber Larson

Taney County

Myra Lynn Gobeli
Daniel J. Evinger and Sherry L. Evinger
Brenda Lynn Potts

Webster County

Craig Nick Lesser and Anita Marie Lesser


Wright County

Lee Lunsford Grantham and Shirley Laura Grantham

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Springfield Fire Department to hold Truck or Treat event

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

The Springfield Fire Department is partnering with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board for its first ever "Truck or Treat" event, held tonight at Fire Station No. 8. During the event, families can come in costume to meet Springfield firefighters, tour the fire station, see the department's new apparatus, play games, paint pumpkins and enjoy Culver's ice cream – all for free! The event will also be a safe spot for trick-or-treating.

The event is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday at Fire Station No. 8, located at 1405 S. Scenic Ave. Guests are asked to park on the east side of Scenic at Ewing Park. A crossing guard will be on hand to help families safely cross the street.

Families with children 5 and under can get a sneak peek of "Truck or Treat" from 4 to 5 p.m. In addition to the festivities, these families can also learn about Springfield Public Schools' Parents as Teachers program.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Safe Housing program presented at Springfield City Council lunch meeting

(From the City of Springfield)

At today's Council Lunch, Director of Building Development Services (BDS) Chris Straw presented additional details on a proposal he plans to bring forward for formal City Council approval next month. The proposal focuses on improving the City’s ability to address chronic nuisance properties and buildings/houses that are deemed to be dangerous structures.

“The volume of service requests for dangerous and nuisance properties, and the severity of the cases reported, have increased,” Straw explained. Increased awareness about the issue, following a nine-neighborhood Community Listen tour in Springfield’s Zone 1 neighborhoods in 2015, is one of the reasons Straw cited for the increase in reporting.

Chronic nuisance properties are defined as those properties in which repeated service requests (complaint calls) are received and responded to, including from the City’s Building Development Services, Police and Fire Departments, as well as other calls for service. Certain properties in Springfield have had upwards of 70 complaint calls in a single year.

The issue is such that “chronic nuisance properties” rose to the top of the list of concerns in seven of the nine neighborhood listening sessions and remained a clear “number one” priority throughout a follow-up process with residents participating in Zone Blitz brainstorming sessions.

In partnership with the West Central Neighborhood Alliance, BDS launched a Safe Housing Pilot Program last year. Lessons learned from the volunteer pilot program informed Straw’s proposed rental registration – part of a comprehensive Safe Housing Program.

Straw proposed a no-cost, online registration process for single-family rental properties that would require landlords to register their rental properties with the City. Any service requests would trigger an inspection process. If a violation is found and the property is not registered, a notice of violation for not registering would also be sent. If the owner does not request a hearing, a penalty fee of $200 will be assessed to the property for it not being registered. This would not excuse the violation issues.

“The City brought multiple stakeholders to the table,” explained Tim Smith, Deputy City Manager. “We met with neighborhood leaders and property owner groups such as the Greater Springfield Apartment and Housing Association and individuals who own multiple rental homes, as well as residents throughout the city. There are a lot of interests to balance, but I am optimistic that we have worked together to find common ground. The safety of our residents and heath of our neighborhoods is THE top concern.”

City officials also met with first responders and other organizations providing home-based services, such as City Utilities technicians, home healthcare workers, Parents as Teachers and others, about life safety concerns they are seeing in Springfield homes. They expressed an interest in helping and some expressed relief in creating an alternative for addressing the concerns they say they see on a regular basis.

Those groups will have the ability to report life safety concerns to the City’s Citizen Resource Center, after which time BDS will request permission to inspect and educate the occupant(s) and property owner.

“These individuals will not search or inspect houses seeking life safety issues; they will only be requested to address life-safety concerns witnessed within the scope of their duties,” Straw explains. BDS staff will follow up on the reported concerns that exhibit life safety issues that place occupants at risk. Three tiers of life safety violations have been developed. (See attached document.)

An additional dimension is an expanded partnership with social service providers and the faith community to develop a protocol for accommodating occupants (renters or owners) who may be temporarily relocated due to the most egregious life-safety concerns during the remediation process and cannot afford alternate accommodations during the remediation time. The City will look to its partner, One Door, to assist with coordination of this work.

Straw also proposed changes to how the City defines and responds to dangerous and often vacant buildings/houses. His research revealed the following:

Increased crime: A study in Austin, Texas found that crime rates on blocks with open or abandoned buildings were twice as high as rates on matched blocks without open buildings.
Fire: The U.S. Fire Administration reports over 12,000 fires in vacant structures each year in the United States, and the National Fire Protection Association estimates that 6,000 firefighters are injured every year in vacant and abandoned building fires.
Higher Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies are beginning to look at the proximity of vacant and condemned properties as a “high hazard” based on their underwriting manuals. One national company has indicated that it could lead to a cancellation or non-renewal of an insurance policy on wood structures within 100 feet of a vacant or condemned property.

Straw suggested changes to the adopted International Property Maintenance Code as follows:
Definition of a Vacant Structure: A structure that is substantially void of personal belongings and furnishings.
Require free registration of vacant properties in similar fashion to what is proposed for rental property registration.

Based on a complaint, if the vacant structure is found to be in violation of the dangerous building code or nuisance code, the hearing officer may order the boarding of the entire structure with a boarded building permit. The current cost of a boarded building permit is $200 for six months and the boarding cost is assessed against the property.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Springfield Crimestoppers Fugitive of the Week wanted for tampering, receiving stolen property

(From Springfield Crimestoppers)

The Crime Stoppers fugitive of the week is Tyler Hickerson. Hickerson is wanted in Greene County for three felony warrants with charges of Tampering with a Motor Vehicle x2 and Receiving Stolen Property. Hickerson has pierced ears and several tattoos.

If you have any information about Hickerson's whereabouts, please contact Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com. A reward of up to $1,000 is possible for information leading to Hickerson's arrest. Tip information must be given through Crime Stoppers to be eligible.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Forsyth woman killed in two-vehicle crash on 266

A Forsyth woman was killed in a two-vehicle collision 8:05 p.m. Friday on MO 266, 6.5 miles west of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 Lexus RX350 driven by Mary Parr, 75, Forsyth, pulled into the path of a 2006 Mack truck driven by Jason P. Gray, 32, Clever.

Parr was airlifted to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, where she was pronounced at 1:59 a.m. today by Dr. Daniel Cardwell.

A passenger in the Parr vehicle, Barbara A. Bowman, 86, Longmont, Colorado, was treated for serious injuries at Cox South.

Friday, October 20, 2017

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Cedar County

Robert David Simon and Victoria Nicole Simon

Christian County

Andrea L. Bricker

Greene County

Jamie L. Reynolds
Logan Jimmy Bliss and Alicia Desiree Bliss
Sandra G. Lyles
Jared Evan Pentecost and Misty Dawn Pentecost
Cynthia Lynn Harris
Alyssa Ralene Michael and Alisa Dee Miller
Brian H. Ford and Tharenee Pakirisamy
Justin Daniel Sowards
Pamela Annette Faught
Dawn Marie Kirkham

Polk County

Jessi Mel Barker and Christina Marie Barker
Jennifer Tracy Lambeth

Taney County

Esther D. Conque

Texas County

Kimberly Robbin Buckner

Wright County

John William Cooper, Jr.

Complete video- Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame ceremony

Complete video- Springfield Board of Education meeting

Overnight lane closures on Battlefield Road to begin Sunday, last through next week

(From the City of Springfield)

Expect various overnight lane closures on Battlefield Road between Lone Pine Avenue and Moulder Avenue beginning 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 through Friday, Oct. 27 for pavement maintenance and asphalt work.

Motorists are advised to obey posted signage and travel carefully through work zones.

Deputy, K9 officer collar burglary suspect

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

On October 20, 2017, at approximately 0341 hours, deputies noticed a burglary in progress while driving by Best-West Storage at, 217 S. Farm Road 115. Three thieves broke into the facility and stole money. The suspects fled in a vehicle when the deputies pulled in the drive. The vehicle was located a short distance from the storage units. A female was arrested inside the vehicle and the two males ran on foot.

Springfield, MO Police Department assisted Greene County Sheriff's Office with a perimeter. Greene County Deputy Kendrick and K9 Stark responded and located one of the male suspects hiding beside a house. The suspect was arrested and had the money on him ,which was stolen from Best-West Storage, there were also several burglary tools inside the suspects vehicle.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council special meeting

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

1. ROLL CALL 

2. SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE. Citizens Have Spoken. May Be Voted On. 

3. Council Bill 2017-245. (Fishel) A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Intergovernmental Cooperative Agreement with Greene County, Missouri, for the purpose of coordinating the purchase of asphalt overlay services. 

4. ADJOURN TO CITY COUNCIL LUNCH 

SAID MEETING SHALL BE HELD beginning at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 24, 2017, in Room L45, Busch Municipal Building, 840 Boonville, Springfield, Missouri.

State auditor commends six school districts for proactive cyber awareness

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

State Auditor Nicole Galloway recently visited six schools in southern Missouri to commend officials on their efforts to be a Cyber Aware School. Each of the school districts have policies in place that require notification if a data breach occurs.

"State law does not require schools to notify parents if their children or family's personal information has been compromised in a data breach, and as a parent and as state auditor, I find that concerning," Auditor Galloway said. "I'm pleased to visit and congratulate these schools for taking a proactive approach to cyber awareness and voluntarily incorporating this critical step into their policies."

Auditor Galloway highlighted that October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month and visited Houston R-I, Mountain Grove R-III, Ava R-1, Dallas County R-I, Bolivar R-1 and Morgan County R-1 school districts. These visits are part of a statewide initiative by Auditor Galloway to encourage schools to adopt a policy that will increase safeguards for students whose information is compromised during a data breach.

Current state law does not require notification if student information is compromised in a cybersecurity incident. Auditor Galloway was part of a bipartisan effort to change the law and require parental notification in the case of a data breach during the previous legislative session. The bill is expected to be filed again during the 2018 legislative session.

Since taking office, Auditor Galloway has focused on efforts to keep Missourians' information secure by incorporating data security into the standard audit process and regularly making recommendations to counties, municipalities and courts on ways to better safeguard electronic records. She is also reviewing ways to better protect electronic data within state government.

Four inducted into Springfield Public Schools Hall of Fame

Four outstanding SPS graduates were inducted into the SPS Hall of Fame Oct. 19. The inductees were Gary "Peanut" Adams, Central High School, Class of 1988; Mark Arnoldy, Kickapoo High School, Class of 2005; and Gary and Patricia Presley, Hillcrest High School, Class of 1965 and 1966, respectively.

Adams is a special agent with the U.S. Secret Service who has provided protection for foreign dignitaries and U.S. Presidents.

Arnoldy is the CEO of Possible, a nonprofit that delivers integrated primary health care throughout rural Nepal.

The Presleys are co-owners of the Presleys' Country Jubilee which has been a cornerstone of Branson's entertainment and tourism industry for 50 years.

Each inductee's accomplishments and contributions are highlighted in these videos, which were shown at the induction ceremony:

Gary "Peanut" Adams

Mark Arnoldy


Gary and Patricia Presley

Springfield man sentenced to 15 years on child pornography charges

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

A Springfield, Mo., man identified during an online live-streaming session was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Michael V. Lucas, 32, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Lucas to a 15-year term of supervised released following incarceration.

Lucas, who pleaded guilty on May 3, 2017, admitted that he received and distributed child pornography from Jan. 1, 2016, to Sept. 22, 2016.

According to court documents, a federal law enforcement agent in Phoenix, Ariz., encountered a person later identified as Lucas among the participants who were live streaming images and videos of child pornography over the Internet on Sept. 15, 2016. During the live-streaming session, Lucas claimed to have molested two 13- and 16-year-old victims and said he would attempt to broadcast a future sexual encounter with the victims.

Lucas was partially visible in a reflection during the live stream. The federal agent engaged in two additional live-streaming sessions that day in which Lucas participated and continued to share images and videos of child pornography.

On Sept. 19, 2016, Lucas was identified by the agent posting messages in a known pedophile group. These messages described the number of videos he possessed as well as advertising his new Skype group. Lucas was live streaming videos of child pornography and his reflection could be seen. Lucas also shared two links to a Dropbox account that contained images of child pornography and claimed that he was in possession of more than 1,000 videos of child pornography.

On Sept. 20, 2016, Lucas was live streaming and moved the position of the camera to show his face. Lucas also displayed a handgun and loaded magazine for the weapon during the course of the stream.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Lucas’s residence on Sept. 22, 2016, and Lucas was arrested.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.

Springfield sex offender sentenced on weapons charge

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

A Springfield, Mo., sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.

Robbie R. Robinson, 29, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to seven years and seven months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Robinson to a three-year term of supervised release following incarceration, with the special condition that he register as a sex offender as required by state and federal law.

On June 1, 2017, Robinson pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Robinson admitted that he was in possession of a loaded CW9 9mm pistol on Oct. 13, 2016.

Springfield police officers contacted Robinson at a local Wal-Mart store on that date and discovered an active warrant for his arrest. Officers asked Robinson if he possessed any weapons, and he admitted he was in possession of the pistol. An officer frisked Robinson and found the pistol in his front right pants pocket.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Robinson has prior felony convictions for the attempted rape of a child and failure to register as a sex offender. Robinson was not registered, as required by law, at the time of the offense.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Driver airlifted to Mercy Springfield after van collides with horse near Purdy

A Rocky Comfort man was seriously injured in a collision with a horse 5:30 a.m. today on Route B east of Farm Road 1045, approximately two miles west of Purdy.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2002 Chrysler Town and Country van driven by Mark E. Tarrant, 61, Rocky Comfort, hit a horse, ran off the right side of the road and hit a fence.

Tarrant was airlifted to Mercy Hospital, Springfield, to be treated for serious injuries.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Springfield seeking qualified candidates for Board of Public Utilities

(From the City of Springfield)

The City of Springfield is seeking qualified candidates for the Board of Public Utilities. The Board has three vacancies becoming available in December.

City Utilities of Springfield (CU) is a progressive, community-owned utility serving 320 square miles in southwest Missouri since 1945 with electricity, natural gas, water, broadband, and public transportation services.

Over 111,000 CU customers enjoy electricity prices among the lowest in the United States, the convenience of one bill for all utilities, and dependable hometown services delivered with a personal touch. Read more about CU’s history here.

The 11-member Board of Public Utilities is comprised of citizens and is appointed by the Springfield City Council to serve three-year terms. The Board establishes policies on how to best serve customers and sets the long-term direction for the utility as outlined in the City Charter.

Applicants for this board must meet a 2-year residency requirement. The Board meets at 3 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month in the City Utilities Board room, located at 301 E. Central St.

To apply, visit springfieldmo.gov or download and fill out the attached form and return it to the City Clerk’s office at the Busch Municipal Building, 840 Boonville.

Applications for the current vacancies will be accepted by the City Clerk until the close of business on Oct. 27, 2017.

City of Springfield director of building development services to retire

(From the City of Springfield)

The City’s Director of Building Development Services (BDS) Chris Straw announces he will retire in January 2018. Many residents have become familiar with Chris and his department because many of the department’s services affect the quality of life in neighborhoods and workplaces.

The BDS team ensures the community’s buildings are safe by issuing permits for all phases of building construction and by giving tests and awarding skill-based certificates to electricians, plumbers, gas fitters and mechanical craftsmen for a license to operate in Springfield. BDS inspectors also respond to approximately 12,000 citizen service requests per year, addressing a wide variety of nuisance complaints.

Chris has served as director since 2010 after joining the City in 1999 as a plan review specialist and later a project facilitator and code administrator. A licensed architect, Chris previously worked in the private sector working in building design and development for 22 years.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Chris as a project manager while working on the Expo Center. He was top-notch then and he’s top-notch now,” said Rick Quint, a general contractor and owner of Q & Company.

Quint worked with Chris on two high-profile projects: Springfield Expo Center and the Springfield-Branson National Airport terminal. “He just has a roll-up-your-sleeves, get-to-work attitude and he’s a problem solver,” Quint said. “He’s the kind of guy that just drops everything to help someone who needs his help. He will be missed.”

Chris has been instrumental in the City’s Zone Blitz initiative, working to address the number one priority shared by neighbors in the 2015 Community Listen tour: chronic nuisance properties. Since the listening tour, Chris has taken several steps (with City Council approval) to further address dangerous buildings and enforce the unkempt property code.

Those steps included:

• Hiring of two additional BDS inspectors in July 2016

• Adopting the standards of the International Property Maintenance Code in March 2017

• Streamlining the administrative hearing process for those contesting compliance enforcement attempts in March 2017

• Revising portions of the City’s Chapter 74 Nuisance and Housing Code

To address unhealthy and unsafe rental properties, Chris and a multi-disciplinary team consisting of City public safety departments and private sector organizations and nonprofits have teamed up to create a Safe Housing Inspection program. He is scheduled to provide an update on that program to City Council in the coming weeks.

“Chris is tireless in his dedication to private citizens and developers,” said Greg Burris, City Manager. “He provides outstanding customer service and dramatically improved the City’s reputation for being a friendly and easy organization to work with. He and his department have led multiple initiatives that improve the quality of life in Springfield. Our entire city is better because of Chris’ work.”

Arkansas man sentenced to 30 months in prison for making bomb threats to cancel court hearing

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

An Arkansas man was sentenced in federal court today for making bomb threats to the Cedar County Courthouse in an effort to cancel his own court hearing that he feared would send him to jail.

Phillip Ray Robison, Jr., 36, of Hartford, Arkansas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to two years and six months in federal prison without parole. The court ordered this federal sentence to be served consecutively to Robison’s sentence in a Cedar County, Mo., case.

On May 25, 2017, Robison pleaded guilty to one count of maliciously conveying false information related to explosive materials. Robison admitted that he made three separate bomb threats on two occasions in January 2016, each of which caused the evacuation of the Cedar County Courthouse in Stockton, Mo.

Robison called the court clerk for the Cedar County Courthouse on Jan. 11, 2016. Robison stated, “You better tell Judge Bickel to clear the courthouse cuz a bomb is going off at 2:30.” Law enforcement cleared everyone and searched the courthouse for the presence of an explosive or bomb. Law enforcement did not locate an explosive device in the courthouse, the building was reopened to the public, and the court docket was resumed.

Robison then called the clerk’s office a second time and said, “you screwed up,” indicating that law enforcement had missed the bomb during their original search. Once again the courthouse was closed and another search was conducted. Law enforcement again failed to find an explosive device during this second search. Due to the late hour, the remainder of the court docket was cancelled and rescheduled for a later date.

On the day of the bomb threat, a court bailiff observed Robison at the courthouse. The bailiff thought that Robison seemed nervous. Robison had been scheduled to appear in Judge Bickel’s court for a probation violation hearing following his prior conviction for distribution of illegal narcotics. Robison was concerned that he was going to be sent to the Missouri Department of Corrections for a 120-day sentence.

On Jan. 25, 2016, Robison called another bomb threat into the Cedar County Courthouse. The court was cleared and searched by law enforcement officers. No explosive device was located. When the court reopened to the public, Robison was first in line. Deputies who were aware of the circumstances of the first bomb threat recognized Robison.

Deputies asked Robison to step out of line to speak with them. Robison agreed to be interviewed and was taken to the sheriff’s office. Robison admitted that he had made both of the January 2016 bomb threats because he wanted his court hearing to be cancelled. Robison believed that if his hearing was held, the court would return him to jail, and he wanted to avoid returning to jail. Robison also told deputies that there were never any bombs.

According to court documents, Robison also had been scheduled to be in court on Dec. 14, 2015, but his hearing was postponed because he had a medical emergency and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. On that day, Robison’s vital signs were normal, but he advised medical personnel that he wanted to be transported to the hospital.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Cedar County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.

Additional charges filed against Springfield man alleged to have run child pornography chat group

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

Additional charges have been filed against a Springfield, Mo., man who managed an online chat group to share child pornography.

Anthony Cotter, 30, of Springfield, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Cotter on Oct. 5, 2017, and includes an additional charge.

Today’s indictment alleges that Cotter used a minor, identified as Jane Doe #1, to produce child pornography from Jan. 1, 2015, to Oct. 5, 2017. The indictment also includes the original charge against Cotter of receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.

According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s criminal complaint, Cotter was a group administrator for a very active online chat group of 50 members who shared images and videos of child pornography with each other. Cotter also told investigators that he had been sexually abusing a minor female and taking photographs of her in various states of nudity.

The investigation began on March 9, 2017, when federal agents assisted the New York State Police with a child exploitation investigation that resulted in the arrest and prosecution of a member of Cotter’s chat group. Investigators reviewed communications that occurred in the group, including Cotter’s involvement as he monitored other users and warned them to follow the rules of the chat group. Cotter actively encouraged other users to post child pornography, the affidavit says, and posted several video files to the chat room himself.

According to the affidavit, members of the chat group were receiving and distributing videos and images of child pornography that depicted children from infants to approximately 12 years old. The images and videos depicted various types of sexual abuse to the children perpetrated by adult males and adult females; some of the images and videos depicted bondage and bestiality involving the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12.

Investigators also identified Cotter as the source of a Skype account that was being used to distribute images and videos of child pornography, the affidavit says. Multiple cyber tips related to the account were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Officers executed a search warrant at Cotter’s residence and arrested Cotter.

Larson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Free neighborhood cleanups planned in Springfield

(From the City of Springfield)

The City of Springfield and Community Partnership of the Ozarks has again contracted with Republic Services to offer free neighborhood clean-ups for registered Springfield neighborhoods this fall and the spring of 2018.

The twice-yearly cleanups give residents the opportunity to dispose of bulky items such as mattresses, furniture, and appliances as well as yard waste, free of cost. They also offer a reason for neighbors to interact and get to know each other.

“Clean-ups are a great example of collaboration in action. They are only possible because of the support and commitment of numerous organizations and volunteers from across our community,” says CPO Neighborhood and Housing Stabilization Specialist Amanda Stadler, who coordinates the cleanups each year.

Five cleanups have already been completed in Grant Beach, Heart of the Westside, Rountree/Delaware, Tom Watkins and Greater Parkcrest.

Bissett’s, West Central’s and Oak Grove’s cleanups are coming up Oct. 21, Nov. 4 and Nov. 18.

Bissett’s fall cleanup is curbside only – meaning there will not be a centrally located dumpster as in years past. Instead, Republic Services will pick up furniture and other large items at the curb 8 a.m.-noon. No brush, leaves or appliances will be accepted. Residents are asked to have their items curbside by 7 a.m.

West Central’s dumpster will be located at Campbell Elementary, 506 S. Grant from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Nov. 4. Oak Grove’s dumpster will be at East Grand Church of Christ, 2220 E. Grant from 8 a.m. until noon Nov. 18.

Stadler said each year, neighborhood cleanups serve approximately 900 households and remove more than 175 tons of bulk waste (furniture, mattresses, appliances and other large items), scrap metal and brush from Springfield neighborhoods.

Greater Parkcrest neighborhood resident George Freeman posted to Greater Parkcrest Area Neighborhood Association’s Facebook group thanking the association and volunteers for the Oct. 14 cleanup.

“Just wanted to say thanks to all the well-organized volunteers led by our persistent president, Carol McCarthy, who turned out Saturday for the Greater Parkcrest Area Neighborhood Association cleanup. It's amazing what a few dedicated people have done with this group and some guidance from Amanda Stadler, liaison with the Community Partnership, who guides at least 17 neighbor associations in Springfield,” Freeman posted.

Greater Parkcrest President Carol McCarthy and several other residents of the neighborhood chimed in with their thanks.

The neighborhood cleanup program is part of the City’s Great Neighborhoods initiative and is eligible for points in the Great Neighborhoods recognition program, which awards yearly grants to registered neighborhood organizations to fund neighborhood improvements, such as parks enhancements and community gardens.

For more information about the program, visit springfieldmo.gov/

greatneighborhoods.