Grand Street Bridge to close for five months beginning April 9

(From the City of Springfield)

The Grand Street Bridge, located west of the intersection of Grand Street and Kansas Expressway, will close for approximately five months beginning Monday, April 9 for the removal and replacement of the bridge.

The reconstruction of the bridge is part of the larger Grand Street Bridge over Jordan Creek improvement project, identified by citizens as their No. 1 priority in need of improvement in the 2015 city-wide transportation survey.

The project will involve the widening of Grand Street to three lanes from Kansas Expressway to Park Avenue, improving both traffic and pedestrian safety. It will include the addition of a center turn lane, upgraded stormwater infrastructure, stream restoration, an improved railroad crossing and the construction of a new bridge over Jordan Creek.

The area, widely used by pedestrians, will also include a new sidewalk on the south side of Grand Street and a multi-use path on the north side that will tie into the existing Ozark Greenways trail system.

A traffic detour will be marked guiding motorists around construction by way of Kansas Expressway, Bennett Street, Scenic Avenue and Mount Vernon Street.

All businesses within construction limits will remain open and access will be maintained for the duration. Access to Wabash Avenue, including the Cruse Dog Park, will also be maintained, however, nighttime closures of the Grand Street and Wabash Avenue intersection may be required.

Completion of the project is anticipated for fall. The current estimated cost of the project is $2.9 million and will be funded by the voter-approved 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax.

The City will release notifications of additional traffic impacts as the project continues. Follow the City on social media or sign up to receive notifications through the “Notify Me” tab at springfieldmo.gov.

Springfield man identified as pedestrian killed in Thursday accident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department was dispatched Thursday to a fatality crash on Kansas Expressway near Bolivar Road at 1:12 a.m. 

A 2016 Jeep Cherokee driven by Jacob Johnson, 23, of Ozark, was traveling northbound on Kansas Expressway when it struck a white male pedestrian near Bolivar Road. 

The pedestrian, Jeffrey L. Morgan, 42, Springfield, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Information at the scene indicated the pedestrian had been struck by another vehicle prior to Johnson striking him, and that vehicle had left the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

The Springfield Police Department is seeking information on this crash. Call the SPD at 417-864-1810, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 417-869-TIPS (8477) with any information.

This marks the fourth fatality crash in Springfield for 2018. Of these four, two have been pedestrians.

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Christian County

Elizabeth Carlotta West
Deborah Ann Robinson
William James Watson and Brooke Nicole Watson
Willis Lloyd McCullah and Kimberly Anne McCullah
Lucinda Leah Estep
Erin Britawna McDaniel
Shane David Hanna
Ethan Wesley Minor and Alison Nicole Minor
Travis James Eitel and Britney Ann Eitel

Douglas County

William Robert Osburn

Greene County

Carrie Marie Roat
William D. Ellis
Kim Marie Burns
Theresa Louise Pucci
Timothy James Rice and April Juanita Rice
Robert Keith Harman and Daniella Rae Harman
Charles L. Phillips and Charlene M. Phillips
David Wayne Brinegar and Heather Elizabeth Brinegar
Barbara Caroline McCutchen
Patricia Ann Walden
Bridgette Elizabeth Renfro
Austin Wayne Smith
Nancy Ann Trujillo
Richard Lewis Callaway and Lavon Kaye Callaway
Michael Linn Babcock and Nita Lou Babcock
Elizabeth Ann Ingram
Jeremy Scott Feltz
Tony Allen Stephens and Lisa Louise Stephens
Brandy Danielle McDaniel
Ryan Blake Ragan and Ashley Nicole Ragan
James Louis Parrish and Theresa Marie Parrish
Mary Lynn Lawrence

Howell County

Fredrick Eugene Mayberry and Tammy Rae Mayberry
Kendall Reid Pittman and Laken Marie Pittman

Laclede County

Konnie D. Franklin
Diana Sue Huckaby
Milton Ray Duskin and Patsy Marie Duskin

Ozark County

Erik N. Similkier and Desiree A. Similkier

Polk County

Michael J. O'Malley
Terry Lee Goddard
Stephen Paul Farris

Pulaski County

Kathleen Tracy Goodman
Victoria Anne Loar

Taney County

Linda Kay Dupoy
Angela Loy VanEngen
Kyle Benjamin Jeffery and Mary Christine Jeffery

Texas County

Sarah Beth Pearson and Ryan Mark Pearson
Ulus F. McKee Jr. and Deborah D. McKee

Webster County

Ralph John Feuerborn, Jr. and April Renay Feuerborn
David V. Martin and Joyce E. Martin

Wright County

Teresa D. Kallas
Tracy Moore and Brenda Kay Moore

Southwest Honkeys gang member pleads guilty to operating meth conspiracy from his prison cell

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

A Southwest Honkeys gang member pleaded guilty in federal court today to operating a methamphetamine conspiracy from his prison cell.

Nathaniel R. Eisenhour, 30, of Springfield, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from Dec. 15, 2016, to April 20, 2017. Eisenhour was incarcerated in the custody of either the Greene County jail or the Missouri Department of Corrections for almost the entire period of the conspiracy.

Eisenhour, a member of the Southwest Honkeys prison gang, admitted that he communicated with associates while he was incarcerated to sell methamphetamine and to collect money for past drug debts.

Eisenhour was arrested on Dec. 21, 2015, on an outstanding parole violation warrant. Eisenhour, while incarcerated, instructed one of his associates to take the money from drug sales to a family member. On Jan. 30, 2017, federal agents seized $31,800 from the family member who was holding the money for Eisenhour. In a jail call, Eisenhour had previously authorized another family member to obtain $200 from that same stash. The total of $32,000, including the seized amount and the $200 that was removed before the seizure, represented approximately 2.2 kilograms in methamphetamine sales, based on the price Eisenhour discussed with one of the associates who distributed for him after his arrest.

Under federal statutes, Eisenhour is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine Larison. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Ozark, Mo., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Springfield Police investigating pedestrian fatality accident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department was dispatched to a fatality crash on Kansas Expressway near Bolivar Road at 1:12 a.m. today.

A 2016 Jeep Cherokee driven by Jacob Johnson, 23, of Ozark, was traveling northbound on Kansas Expressway when it struck a white male pedestrian near Bolivar Road. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries at the scene. 

The pedestrian has not been identified at this time. Information at the scene indicated the pedestrian had been struck by another vehicle prior to Johnson striking him, and that vehicle had left the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

The Springfield Police Department is seeking information on this crash. Call the SPD at 417-864-1810, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 417-869-TIPS (8477) with any information.

This marks the fourth fatality crash in Springfield for 2018. Of these four, two have been pedestrians.

Audit completed of Springfield Municipal Court

(From the City of Springfield)

Certified accounting firm RubinBrown LLP has completed an audit report of Springfield-Municipal Court for transactions from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. The firm reported that the court’s operations have adequate internal controls.

  

The City hired RubinBrown in 2014 to create a three-year audit plan of the City’s departments. Visit the City’s Open Data page to view audits completed.

  

The audit report identified best practices already in place and made observations and recommendations on how to improve processes.

  

The following procedures were completed as part of the audit:

• Identification and review of existing policies and procedures.
• In-person interviews with court personnel to gain an understanding of court processes.
• Observation of the court’s cash reconciliation and collection procedures to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the process.
• Review of segregation of duties within the court.
• Sample reviews of:
• monthly Office of State Courts Administration (OSCA) summaries
• outgoing bond checks
• payments in suspense
• voids and refunds
• over/under payments
• waived fines and costs.
• Evaluation of the calculation of the court’s annual performance metrics published in the City’s annual budget report.
• Data analysis on the types of cases processed by the court in FY 2017.

  

Best practices

Based on RubinBrown’s review, the court has adequate internal controls.

The following are some of the observations indicative of the court’s adherence to best practice internal controls:

• The accounting services representative has several controls in place during the daily close process to ensure all funds are captured and the deposit is prepared correctly. Daily reconciliations are performed to the penny.
  
• The court administrator, chief judge and the Finance department personnel perform adequate reconciliations that are independent of the cashier and are designed to ensure that all funds collected by the court reach the bank and are recorded in Oracle.
  
• The court utilizes two-person control for access to sensitive supplies; no key holder to the accounting office has access to the safe combination and vice versa.
  
• The court administrator performs a variety of periodic audits designed to identify unusual or incomplete transactions, as well as unauthorized changes to the system of record.
  
• The accounting services representative maintains a physical log for the cash drawers and bond check stock that cashiers are required to sign whenever they receive cash or check stock.

  

Observations and Recommendations

• The court has substantial key man risk related to its Application System 400 (AS/400) system administrator, meaning that there is only the one system administrator. RubinBrown recommends seeking out a qualified employee from the City’s Information Systems department to shadow the system administrator on an ongoing basis as soon as possible.
  
• Each year, the chief judge calculates the performance measures manually, and the time period used to calculate the court’s performance measures in the City’s annual budget was not stated. RubinBrown recommends creating documented procedures that describe how performance measures are calculated and consider automating the process, as well as disclose on the City budget the time period used to calculate the metrics when different than the fiscal year.
  
• A portion of online payments made by defendants does not automatically upload to AS/400. When this happens, the accounting services representative must refund the original customer payment and instruct the customer to pay in person, by phone or mail. RubinBrown recommends the court, in conjunction with the City’s IS department, determine the root cause of the issue and why certain payments are blocked from reaching AS/400.
  
• The court administrator is required to report the court’s monthly revenue figures to OSCA. In a sample of three monthly reports, the reported bond refund figure for one month was incorrect by $5,000 due to clerical oversight. RubinBrown recommends the court administrator utilize the monthly bond checklist report to supplement the accuracy of the reported bond refund total on the monthly reports to OSCA. The court implemented this procedural change immediately.
  
• Significant manual processes are required to enter data into the court’s system of record because the Springfield Police Department’s and the court’s systems do not interface. Manual routing and data entry increases the risk of clerical error or omission. RubinBrown recommends exploring opportunities to purchase or develop a system that will process citations electronically from the SPD to payment at the court, considering the effects of state mandates regarding record management systems.
  
• By law, the court is not permitted to issue arrest warrants for unpaid fines and costs. Therefore payment plans for defendants must be reissued periodically, which then must be approved by the chief judge. RubinBrown recommends the court consider purchasing a software solution to track and automate payment plans issued by the court, and for the chief judge to prepare a standard order that would allow court personnel to extend payment plans.
  
• The court collects payment for “violations bureau” tickets, which must be paid directly by the defendant without appearing before the judge. They may not be paid online at this time. RubinBrown recommends considering allowing these to be paid online once the online payment issue addressed earlier in the report is resolved. Additional online payments, when working correctly, will reduce the costs of collection while increasing convenience for defendants.
  
• In the FY 2017 Municipal Division Summary Reporting form submitted monthly to OSCA, the subtotal for disbursements of costs, fees, surcharges and bonds forfeited was presented in an inconsistent manner. Seven months of reports did not include the “other disbursements” category. RubinBrown recommends determining which method of displaying totals and subtotals is most appropriate for reporting to OSCA and ensure that revenue figures are being calculated and presented in a consistent manner from month to month. The court implemented the procedural change immediately. The court administrator reviewed the FY 2017 summary reports and submitted corrected reports to OSCA, the City and court management.

Zone 3 Councilman Mike Schilling is the chair of City Council's Finance and Administration Committee, which reviewed the audit. Other members of the committee include Zone 4 Councilman Matthew Simpson and general councilmen Richard Ollis and Craig Hosmer. The committee’s areas of responsibility are:

• fees and charges for City services
• economic development
• federal and state assistance programs
• monitoring of the internal audit plan
• making recommendations to Council regarding audit findings.

“Internal audits provide important information to the City’s leadership team, as well as accountability to the taxpayers,” Mayor Ken McClure said.

The Municipal Court audit is part of Council's approved annual audit plan and is available on the City's website.

About the Municipal Court 

The City of Springfield Municipal Court is a division of the 31st judicial circuit of Greene County. The court’s judges are appointed by City Council. The annual budget is about $2 million, or 2 percent of the City’s General Fund budget. The majority of violations dealt with by the court are traffic related.

Springfield man found shot to death in abandoned vehicle at 1026 W. Florida

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield police were dispatched to 1026 W. Florida today at approximately 12:49 p.m. after a subject called to report a deceased male in an abandoned vehicle in the backyard of the residence. Police responded and located the deceased male with an apparent gunshot wound, and circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated further.

The deceased male has been identified as Lance E. Loveless, 30, of Springfield. His next of kin has been notified.

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

An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing.

Life saving training to be offered during Stop the Bleed event at Ozarks Technical College

(From the City of Springfield)

Whether it’s a mass casualty event, a bad traffic crash or even a farming accident, bystanders who know how to stop massive bleeding can save lives.

It’s why the National Security Council Staff and the White House initiated a campaign dubbed “Stop the Bleed.” The purpose is to build greater national resilience by better preparing the general public to save lives – whether the bleeding is the result of man-made or natural disasters or accidents. The initiative gained momentum after the Sandy Hook school shooting. The training course incorporates lessons learned by military responders during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and is operated under the Department of Defense.

“When we heard about this program, we all knew the training was something we needed to bring to Springfield,” said Keith Schaefer, director of Trauma Services at Mercy Hospital Springfield. “Just like widespread CPR training has saved countless lives, this has the potential to do the same. We know victims can die from uncontrolled bleeding in a matter of minutes – before an ambulance can arrive.”

Multiple agencies are coming together for a day-long event to train anyone in the community who’s interested. Partners include Mercy, CoxHealth, Springfield Police, Springfield Fire, Ozarks Technical Community College, Missouri State University and the City of Springfield.

The training sessions begin at 9 a.m. March 31 at Ozarks Technical Community College’s Lincoln Hall, Room 211. While the event is free, you should sign up online ahead of time at www.mercy.net/nationalstopthebleedday or call (417) 820-3244. That will enable organizers to have enough supplies and instructors available. As classes fill up, more will be added.

“We will be showing everyday citizens how to use bleeding control equipment like tourniquets,” said Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington. “If someone has access to equipment and knows how to use it, it could make a life-or-death difference while they wait for emergency responders to arrive. The Springfield Fire Department is proud to be a part of this important project.”

Springfield Fire Department issues annual report

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

According to Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington in the Springfield Fire Department’s 2017 Annual Report, 2017 was a year of leadership transition and positive community activity.

Pennington was named fire chief in May, having served as interim fire chief since David Hall retired from the department in February.

Calls for service to the Springfield Fire Department reached a high in 2017. The department responded to 17,592 calls in 2017, up from 16,301 in 2016.

“I am thankful for the support of our community with the continuation of the Level Property Tax, which will provide for the needs for sustainment of fire apparatus and equipment, and for growth of the Fire Department into underserved areas of our community,” Pennington said. “I look forward to all that we will accomplish in 2018.”

Also highlighted in the report was the $654,505 federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant, which provides the increase in staffing required for the addition of a new fire station in west central Springfield.

A fire engine was added to the first alarm fire response for house and building fires, which provides more resources on scene to save lives, control damage, improve responder safety and better meet the needs of citizens.

Firefighters visited 6,567 homes, tested 2,121 smoke alarms and installed 1,091 free smoke alarms in 2017 during Project RED (Reduce, Educate, Deliver) Zone canvasses of Zone 1 neighborhoods, including West Central, Grant Beach and Robberson. Crews will continue canvassing throughout 2018, starting with Heart of the Westside.

Project RED Zone is an aggressive community risk reduction campaign aimed at reducing home fires. The campaign contributed directly to at least three lives saved in 2017 – in two separate incidents, three occupants were notified of fires in their homes by the smoke alarms installed by SFD crews during Project RED Zone canvasses.

Project RED Zone has contributed to other positive metrics as well. In 2017, there were 218 residential fires in Springfield, down from 220 in 2016 and from the all-time high of 288 in 2008. There were 12 fire-related injuries, compared to the all-time high of 20 in 2009. In 2017, there were zero deaths attributed to residential fires, down from five in 2016.

New program hiring veterans for firefighting positions to be in Cassville

(From Missouri Department of Public Safety)

A new program that recruits and connects recent veterans and active service members to careers in the fire service will be in Cassville on Saturday, April 28, and is seeking participants. Missouri’s “Firefighter Veterans Initiative” introduces participants to firefighting through a one-day intensive of physical skills training, basic classroom instruction and networking opportunities, all while paired with a mentor from the fire service.

“Gov. Greitens was the driving force for this veterans’ initiative,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “In response to his challenge, the Division of Fire Safety and members of the fire service across the state worked to create a program to introduce military veterans to the fire service as a career option. Firefighting requires some of the same skills and values that people with military experience possess – working as part of a team, dependability, commitment and a desire to help others. And Missouri fire departments are interested in attracting solid job candidates to their departments.”

All firefighter skills training during the day-long event is conducted with participants in full protective gear. Skills training is expected to include an automobile extrication, operation of a firehose stream, a forcible entry simulation, maneuvering a pumper truck, patient care, a fire search and rescue exercise, and basic arson investigation techniques.

A pilot veterans’ initiative event was held at the Jefferson City Fire Department training facility on Feb. 19, with participants giving it high reviews. Watch the video to experience the realistic event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djdpGizkaw8

Each participant will be partnered with an experienced firefighter as they take on the skills challenges at the Crowder College Fire Academy in Cassville.


The day starts at 9 a.m., includes lunch, and concludes at 1p.m. Participants will also meet with firefighters and fire service instructors with diverse specialties.Division of Fire Safety employees and instructors from Missouri fire training institutes will discuss training and firefighter certification opportunities. Advance registration is required.



Those interested in applying to participate in an upcoming session can do so at: https://dfs.dps.mo.gov/programs/other/mo-fire-fighter-veterans-initiative.php or by calling (573) 751-1601 or emailing Matt.Luetkemeyer@dfs.dps.mo.gov.

Reward offered for information leading to capture of man wanted for auto theft

(From Springfield Crimestoppers)

The Crime Stoppers featured fugitive is Elshamichael Nelson. He may be going by the first name of Elsha or Michael. 

Nelson has an outstanding felony warrant for 1st Degree Tampering with a Motor Vehicle (Vehicle Theft) out of Greene County. 

Nelson is a black male, approximately 5’11, 160 lbs, with black hair, and brown eyes. He is believed to be in the Springfield/ Greene County area.

Law enforcement is asking the public for assistance in locating Nelson. If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online atwww.p3tips.com.

Complete video- Springfield City Council meeting

Northbound lanes on Luster south of Battlefield Road to close April 2-3

(From the City of Springfield)

Public Works will close the northbound lanes of Luster Avenue south of the Battlefield Road intersection beginning Monday, April 2 through Tuesday, April 3 (weather permitting) for sidewalk repair work.

Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.

Portion of College Street to close overnight Thursday

(From the City of Springfield)

College Street will close overnight between Grant Avenue and Douglas Avenue beginning 7 p.m. Thursday, March 29 through 6 a.m. Friday morning (weather permitting) for utility work related to the Grant Avenue and Route 66 Streetscape project.

This project will complete streetscape improvements along Grant Avenue from Olive Street to Walnut Street. Included are street improvements, construction of ADA compliant sidewalks, new storm sewer, gas and water renewals, and signal improvements at the intersection of College Street and Grant Avenue and the intersection of Walnut Street and Grant Avenue. The project is funded by the City of Springfield ¼-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax and a federal Transportation Alternatives Program Grant.

Flood warning issued for James River at Galena

Flood Warning
National Weather Service Springfield MO
1109 AM CDT Mon Mar 26 2018


...The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued a Flood
Warning for the following rivers in Missouri...

  James River at Galena affecting Stone County.


.This warning is based on future forecast precipitation amounts of
around three inches of rain during the next 48 hours near the river basin.
If conditions warrant...additional rises or falls may occur based on
future precipitation and runoff.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Those with property and livestock along the river should continue to
monitor river conditions.Additional river information can be found on
our Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service page at
http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/ index.php?wfo=sgf

&&

MOC209-270409-
/O.NEW.KSGF.FL.W.0021.180328T0852Z-180329T2050Z/
/GLNM7.1.ER.180328T0852Z.180328T1200Z.180328T2050Z.NO/
1109 AM CDT Mon Mar 26 2018

...For the James River at Galena...
* At 10:15 AM Monday The stage was 4.6 feet.
* Flood stage is 15.0 feet.
* Minor flooding is forecast.
* Forecast...The river will rise above flood stage by Wednesday
  morning and continue to rise to near 17.5 feet by Wednesday
  morning. The river will fall below flood stage by Wednesday
  afternoon.
* Impact...At 17.5 feet...Flood waters reach the second window level
  of the restrooms at the James River Outfitter Canoe Park area.
  (938.5 FT MSL)

Portion of Washington Avenue to close for two weeks

(From the City of Springfield)

Washington Avenue will close for two weeks between Commercial Street and Chase Street beginning Monday, March 26 through April 6 for Public Works crews to complete stormwater improvements.

This closure is weather permitting. Motorists are encouraged to use an alternate route.

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council lunch meeting

Springfield City Council Lunch Meeting
Tuesday, March 27, 2018 11:30 am 
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds – Boot Daddy Grill 3001 N. Grant Avenue 

TENTATIVE AGENDA

1. Follow-Up from the City Council Meeting of March 26, 2018

2. Presentation from Fair Board

3. Any and all matters to come before City Council

U.S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions-Springfield

Barry County

Terry S. Corter and Tasha N. Corter

Christian County

Tatyana Aleksandrvna Letunovskaya
Bradley Dean Corp
Lisa J. Moore
Melanie Leigh Haldoupis

Dade County

Joe Guerrero and Janice Marie Guerrero
Scotty Dale Holman and Mary Nell Holman

Douglas County

Ronald Charles Smith and Beverly Jeanne Smith

Greene County

Kyle Gentry Booth
Carrie Lynn Cryderman
Jeremy L. Moore
Kimberly Denise Bott
Steven Lee Womack
Randy Joe Conlon and Shannon Lynn Conlon
John Pitts
Scott Allan Dunn
Aimee B. Earl
Britany Paige Johnson
Terrie Lee Wallace
Janey Dawn DeWitt
Steven Ray Greer
Melissa S. Whittaker
Joseph Albert Bonebrake and Ericca Lynn Bonebrake
Harold Bing Miller and Valleri Jean Miller
Jesse Walter Nash
Jessie Alen Cassidy and Stefanie Kay Cassidy
Christopher W. Gilmartin and Ashley Jeannette Gilmartin
Jerry L. Frankum

Howell County

Jeannette Elaine Curran
Amelia Ann Aguirre

Laclede County

Sandra Lee Mayville
Eric Don Swigert and Rebecca Breann Swigert
Clifford Tennis Ogle and Shannon Dawn Ogle

Oregon County

Frances L.Woodyard

Pulaski County

Brianna L. Mathis
Brianna Alicia Singh
Sam Vick Richardson III and Catherine Marie Richardson

Stone County

Timothy R. Glasgow and Amanda L. Glasgow

Taney County

Rodney L. Sparks and Jacquelin L. Sparks
Tracy Ellen Pride
Serelie Ambrosia Karagac

Stone County deputies injured in pursuit of man who fled from traffic stop with two-year-old in car

(From the Stone County Sheriff's Office)

On 03-23-18 at approximately 1:40 p.m. Deputies initiated a traffic stop on YY Highway in Shell Knob, MO. The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit started that went up YY Highway to 39 Highway and then back down YY to Keystone Road in Turkey #2 Subdivision.

The suspect slammed on his brakes twice during the pursuit causing the deputies to hit the suspect vehicle. The suspect then ran on foot. After a short foot pursuit, a Tazer was deployed and the suspect was taken into custody after a struggle.

It was found that there was a two-year-old boy in the back seat of the vehicle during the pursuit. Both Deputies received minor injuries and were taken to Cox South in Springfield for treatment.

The suspect, a 29-year-old male, was taken to the Stone County Jail. He is being held on a 24 hold for endangering the welfare of a child and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Sheriff Doug Rader

Lawrence County Sheriff announces results of St. Patrick's Day DWI crackdown

(From the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office)

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office worked around the clock during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over drunk-driving enforcement campaign showed zero tolerance for impaired driving and helped keep community streets safe during the weekend of holiday festivities.

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office ramped up its usual enforcement efforts, adding four (4) deputies for this enforcement. The Sheriff said that by removing drunk drivers from the roads, many lives were likely saved. During the enforcement four (4) tickets were issued for speeding, one (1) for seat belt, one (1) for uninsured motorist, two (2) for suspended/revoked licenses and two (2) fugitives were apprehended. Deputies also issued 93 warnings for various other violations.

“St. Patrick’s Day should be a time for making memories, not for destroying lives,” said Sheriff Brad DeLay. “Too often, our law enforcement officers on the streets are arresting drunk drivers who, frankly, know better. Drunk drivers endanger other drivers, vehicle passengers, and pedestrians. There is just no excuse for this selfish behavior.”

With more than a quarter of traffic fatalities involving drunk drivers in 2016, it’s safe to say that drunk driving is still an issue. “We won’t stop showing zero tolerance for drunk driving,” said Sheriff DeLay. “Drunk driving is illegal, but we’re here to help them understand: Drunk driving is illegal, it is deadly, and it is unacceptable. If you are going to head out for a night of fun, be responsible and plan for a sober ride home. It’s that simple.”

For more information on this and other highway safety campaigns, visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov.

Drug takeback planned in Branson

(From the Branson Police Department)

Medication take-backs offer a safe way for community members to dispose of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications, helping eliminate potential public safety concerns. There is no cost for disposal, and all medications, EXCEPT sharps, inhalers and glass containers, are accepted free and anonymously.

The following locations in Branson will be participating in the upcoming drug take-back event.

Lakeland Pharmacy - 1232 Branson Hills Pkwy #205

Branson Police Department - 110 W. Maddux

Errin Kemper named Springfield Director of Environmental Services

(From the City of Springfield)

Errin Kemper has been named the City’s Director of Environmental Services, effective April 1, 2018. Kemper succeeds Steve Meyer, who is retiring.

Kemper has been Assistant Director of Environmental Services at City of Springfield since January 2013. He previously worked for the City as a Professional Engineer for more than 10 years, serving in the stormwater engineering division of Public Works.

The Department of Environmental Services is one of the City’s largest departments, overseeing the sanitary sewer system, wastewater treatment plants, solid waste management and recycling, air quality, sustainability efforts and integrated planning for the environment. Environmental services also works in partnership with the Public Works Department to provide programs, projects, and services to meet the stormwater management needs of the community and protect the quality of our streams, rivers, and lakes.

Kemper has been recognized nationally as an expert in integrated planning for the environment and has shared the first-of-its-kind Springfield-Greene County plan with communities from coast to coast. City Manager Greg Burris said Kemper will be a strong leader navigating increasingly challenging waters ahead.

Like many other communities across the nation, Springfield is addressing the challenge of increasingly stringent environmental regulations from every front. Our community is required to devote an increasing amount of money and resources to comply with these regulations. In the midst of these increasing environmental obligations and the economic importance of protecting our environmental resources, however, Springfield is facing growing levels of poverty and an increasing demand for public spending.

In response to this, leaders from the City of Springfield, Greene County and City Utilities developed a holistic approach (integrated plan for the environment) proposing to use local knowledge to examine our environmental resources related to air, water, and land resources.

“Quality environmental resources are especially important to the Ozarks since much of our economic development, tourism and overall quality of life are directly tied into the quality of our air and water,” Burris said. “Errin has a unique set of skills and understands the technical details, but also sees the bigger picture, while being an approachable leader. He’s an emerging rock star in this industry.”

Kemper is a licensed professional engineer as well as a board certified water resources engineer. He has a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology and a master's in civil engineering with emphasis in water resources, also from Missouri S&T.

Agenda posted for Monday Springfield City Council meeting

Upcoming Springfield City Council Meeting Agenda
March 26, 2018  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. March 12, 2018 City Council Meeting And The March 13, 2018 Special City Council Meeting.

Documents:

1. 03-12-2018.PDF
2. 03-13-2018 SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING.PDF

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.

Council Bill 2018-071. (McClure)

A resolution recognizing the Springfield-Greene County Park Board for its exceptional services, facilities, and programs throughout its 105-year history, and its resultant induction into Missouri’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Documents:

1. 2018-071.PDF

6.

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

7.

SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE. Citizens Have Spoken. May Be Voted On. Except Item No. 8, Which Was Amended At The March 12, 2018 City Council Meeting. Citizens May Speak To The Amendment Only. May Be Voted On.

8.

Amended Council Bill 2018-015. Substitute No. 1 (Ollis, Hosmer, And Schilling). Amended At The March 12, 2018 City Council Meeting. Citizens May Speak To Amendment Only. May Be Voted On.

A general ordinance amending the Springfield City Code, Chapter 40, Article II, ‘Chapter 353 – Urban Redevelopment,’ by repealing Article II and enacting in lieu thereof a new Article II and Article III; amending Chapter 2, ‘Administration,’ Article IV, ‘Boards, Commissions and Committees,’ Division 5, ‘Tax Abatement and Tax Increment Financing Advisory Commission,’ by repealing Division 5 and enacting a new Division in lieu thereof; for the purpose of adopting, and updating, various code provisions related to tax abatement administration and to adopt a Workable Program for the City.

Documents:

1. 2018-015S1AMENDED.PDF

9.

Council Bill 2018-061. (Ferguson)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning approximately 16 acres of property, generally located at 1001 East Chestnut Expressway, from a R-TH, Residential Townhouse District, LB, Limited Business District, CS, Commercial Services District and GM, General Manufacturing District to a GI, Government Institutional District. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval.) (By: Community College District of Central Southwest Missouri; 1001 East Chestnut Expressway; Z-6-2018)

Documents:

1. 2018-061.PDF

10.

Council Bill 2018-062. (Prater)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning approximately 8.44 acres of property, generally located at 3811 South Weller Street, from Planned Development District No. 117, 4^th and 5^th Amendment, to Planned Development District No. 363. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval.) (By: Weller Development, LLC; 3811 South Weller Avenue; Planned Development 363)

Documents:

1. 2018-062.PDF

11.

Council Bill 2018-063 (Schilling)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning approximately 4.74 acres of property, generally located at 1701 South Fort Avenue and 1401 West Elfindale Street, from Planned Development District No. 46, 2^nd Amendment, to Planned Development District No. 364. (Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff recommend approval.) (By: Vetter Senior Living; 1701 South Fort Avenue; 1401 West Elfindale Street; Planned Development 364)

Documents:

1. 2018-063.PDF

12.

Council Bill 2018-064. (Schilling)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning approximately 2.27 acres of property, generally located at 3411 South Kansas Avenue, from an R-SF, Residential Single Family District to an R-LD, Low-Density Multi-Family Residential District and establishing Conditional Overlay District No. 145. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval.) (By: RED 81, LLC; 3411 South Kansas Avenue; Z-5-2018 w/COD #145)

Documents:

1. 2018-064.PDF

13.

Council Bill 2018-065. (Fisk)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to hire, through a competitive process, a real estate agent to market surplus City property; and authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to sign real estate contracts submitted by the real estate agent hired under the authority of this Ordinance.

Documents:

1. 2018-065.PDF

14.

Council Bill 2018-066. (Fulnecky)

A general ordinance amending General Ordinance 6376 for the purpose of authorizing the use of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development funds by the Springfield Affordable Housing Center and One Door to acquire and rehabilitate the Pepperdine Elementary School building.

Documents:

1. 2018-066.PDF

15.

Council Bill 2018-067. (Hosmer)

A general ordinance amending Chapter 2, Section 2‑92 of the Springfield City Code, known as the ‘Salary Ordinances,’ by adding one new job title of “Museum Facility Coordinator,” to be included in the Crafts, Trade and Labor (“CTL”) salary schedule as a CTL-8.

Documents:

1. 2018-067.PDF

16.

Council Bill 2018-068. (Ollis)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with the City of Nixa, Missouri, for the use of a consolidated Police Records Management System<

Documents:

1. 2018-068.PDF

17.

RESOLUTIONS. Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On.

18.

Council Bill 2018-072. (Ollis)

A resolution granting a new liquor license to sell retail liquor by the drink, including Sunday sales, to The Coffee Ethic d/b/a Coffee Ethic, located at 124 Park Central Square, Springfield, Missouri, such license to include a patio area measuring 20 feet by 15 feet on the North side of the building.

Documents:

1. 2018-072.PDF

19.

EMERGENCY BILLS.

20.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.

21.

GRANTS. Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On.

22.

Council Bill 2018-073. (Fulnecky)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to accept supplies for the sustainment of current HAZMAT equipment valued at $73,540.00, from a State Homeland Security Grant Program grant.

Documents:

1. 2018-073.PDF

23.

AMENDED BILLS.

24.

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

25.

Council Bill 2018-074. (Simpson)

A special ordinance Approving a petition to establish the Southern Hills Community Improvement District; authorizing the City Manager, on behalf of the City, to execute a Cooperative Agreement between the City of Springfield and the Southern Hills Community Improvement District; and directing the City Clerk to notify the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Greene County Clerk of the creation of said District. (Staff recommends approval.)

Documents:

1. 2018-074.PDF

26.

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

27.

Council Bill 2018-075. (Hosmer)

A general ordinance amending Chapter 96 of the City Code for the purposes of removing antiquated language, and resolving duplications and inconsistencies between the “Flood Control and Water Quality Protection Manual” adopted on December 11, 2017, and Chapter 96.

Documents:

1. 2018-075.PDF

28.

Council Bill 2018-076. (Prater)

A general ordinance amending Chapter 36 of the City Code, Article II, ‘Subdivision Regulations,’ Divisions 4, ‘Requirements for Improvements, Reservation and Design,’ by adding thereto a new section 36-253; and amending Chapter 36, Article III, ‘Zoning Regulations,’ Divisions 5, ‘Supplemental District Regulations,’ by adding thereto a new section 36-472, for the purpose of providing additional flexibility for complying with the City’s stream buffer and water quality standards.

Documents:

1. 2018-076.PDF

29.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, AND COMMUNICATIONS.

Ms. Cindy Dennis wishes to address City Council.

30.

NEW BUSINESS.

As per RSMo. 109.230 (4), City records that are on file in the City Clerk’s office and have met the retention schedule will be destroyed in compliance with the guidelines established by the Secretary of State’s office.

31.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

32.

MISCELLANEOUS.

33.

CONSENT AGENDA – FIRST READING BILLS. See Item #3

34.

Council Bill 2018-077. (Hosmer)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into Interlocal Agreements with Greene County and the City of Nixa for the purpose of establishing terms, conditions and responsibilities related to the Department of Justice, 2017 National Crime Statistics Exchange Implementation Award.

Documents:

1. 2018-077.PDF

35.

CONSENT AGENDA – ONE READING BILLS. See Item #3.

36.

Council Bill 2018-078. (McClure)

A resolution approving the reappointment of Sarah Kerner and Bill Weaver to the College Station Community Improvement District Board of Directors. (Staff recommends approval.)

Documents:

1. 2018-078.PDF

37.

CONSENT AGENDA – SECOND READING BILLS.

38.

Council Bill 2018-069. (McClure)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager to accept a donation of $10,304 from Carden International Circus Corporation, through its President and CEO, George Carden, and to do all things necessary to transfer all of said donation to Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Inc., for use by the ‘Crime Stoppers’ program, which provides support for the Springfield Police Department and the Springfield Fire Department in the furtherance of public safety in the City; and amending the budget for the Springfield Police Department for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 in the amount of $10,304.

Documents:

1. 2018-069.PDF

39.

BOARD CONFIRMATIONS

Confirm the following reappointment to the Board of Equalization: Mary Cullers, with a term to expire April 1, 2021.

Confirm the following appointment to the Citizens’ Tax Oversight Committee: Ryan Kelly to fill the unexpired term of Jason Krebs. Mr. Kelly’s term will expire May 1, 2019.

Confirm the following appointment to the Citizens’ Tax Oversight Committee: David Troyer to fill the unexpired term of Jennifer Nelson-Colwell. Mr. Troyer’s term will expire May 1, 2018.

Confirm the following appointment to the Landmarks Board: Matthew Cadle, with a term to expire November 1, 2018.

Confirm the following appointment to the Building Trades Examination and Certification Board: Lonney Smith to fill the unexpired term of Richard Glenn. His term will expire October 1, 2019.

40.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA.

41.

ADJOURN.