Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Southbound right turn lane at N. Partnership Blvd and E. Kearney Street to close Monday, Tuesday

(From the City of Springfield)

Public Works crews will close the southbound right turn lane at N. Partnership Blvd and E. Kearney Street at the entrance to Partnership Industrial Center beginning 7 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5 through 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6 for curb replacement work.

Vehicles will not be allowed to turn right from southbound Partnership Blvd. onto Kearney but will instead be asked to take Mustard Way east to access westbound Kearney. The southbound left turn lane will remain open throughout the project.

Agenda posted for Monday Springfield City Council meeting

Upcoming Springfield City Council Meeting Agenda
November 5, 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.

SWEAR IN ANDREW LEAR TO THE CITY COUNCIL – GENERAL C.

2.

ROLL CALL.

3.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES. October 22, 2018 City Council Meeting And October 25, 2018 Special City Council Meeting.

4.

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

5.

CEREMONIAL MATTERS.

6.

Council Bill 2018-260. (City Council)

A resolution honoring Scott Marrs for his impeccable, dedicated, and superb service to the City of Springfield and the Community.
7.

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

8.

SECOND READING AND FINAL PASSAGE. Citizens Have Spoken. May Be Voted On. Except Item No. 9. Amended Council Bill 2018-196 Was Amended At The October 22, 2018 Meeting. Citizens May Speak To Amendment Only. May Be Voted On.

9.

2nd Amended Council Bill 2018-196. (Simpson) Amended Council Bill 2018-196 Was Amended At The October 22, 2018 Meeting. Citizens May Speak To Amendment Only. May Be Voted On.

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning approximately 8 acres of property, generally located at 2700 East Battlefield Road, from R-SF, Single-Family Residential District, to GR, General Retail District; and establishing Conditional Overlay District No. 151. (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission both recommend approval.) (By: Briarcliffe Investments, LLC and John Gentry; 2700 East Battlefield Road; Z-15-2018 w/COD #151.)
10.

Council Bill 2018-253. (Hosmer)

A special ordinance calling an election on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in the City of Springfield, Missouri, to submit to the qualified voters the question of whether to continue the one-fourth of one percent Capital Improvements Sales Tax for a period of twenty years; authorizing the City Clerk to do all things necessary and convenient to submit said question; and declaring an emergency.
Documents:
  1. 2018-253.PDF
11.

Council Bill 2018-256. (Ollis)

A general ordinance amending Chapter 98, ‘Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places,’ Article VI, ‘Improvements,’ Division 4, ‘Sewers,’ Section 98-285, ‘Installation of lift stations and force mains by private developers,’ of the Springfield City Code, so as to authorize the revision of subsection (d), ‘Connection to existing lift stations;’ and replacement of subsection (e), ‘Annual statement of difference in costs,’ with ‘Statement of Lift Station Costs.’
Documents:
  1. 2018-256.PDF
12.

Council Bill 2018-257. (Fisk)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, on behalf of the City of Springfield, to enter into an agreement with Central Bank of the Ozarks for depository services, merchant card services, and safe keeping services, and to enter into an agreement with US Bank for the City’s purchasing card program.
Documents:
  1. 2018-257.PDF
13.

Council Bill 2018-258. (Fisk)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations for the reimbursement of overtime expenses for Springfield Police Department officers participating in joint operations.
Documents:
  1. 2018-258.PDF
14.

RESOLUTIONS. Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On.

15.

Council Bill 2018-261. (Simpson)

A resolution delaying the acceptance of applications for rezoning and lot combinations for a period of two hundred seventy (270) days from the date of passage of this Resolution in the Galloway Redevelopment Area and lands north as set forth in Exhibit 2 to allow time to seek input from area residents, property owners, design professionals, and the business and development community, Ozark Greenways, and the City Departments of Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Environmental Services, and Planning and Development, and for staff to present a report to City Council regarding appropriate changes to be made to this area to deal with development issues.
16.

Council Bill 2018-262. (Simpson)

A resolution declaring an intent to initiate annexation of approximately 13.11 acres of private property into the City of Springfield, generally located at 3192, 3194 and 3196 East Farm Road 188 (Annexation A-5-18). (Staff recommends approval.)
Documents:
  1. 2018-262.PDF
17.

EMERGENCY BILLS.

18.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.

19.

GRANTS.

20.

AMENDED BILLS.

21.

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

22.

Council Bill 2018-263. (Ferguson)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning approximately 0.21 acres of property generally located at 1904 West College Street from a HC, Highway Commercial District to a CS, Commercial Services District; and adopting an updated ‘Official Zoning Map.’ (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval.) (By: City of Springfield Fire Department; 1904 West College Street; Z-25-2018.)
Documents:
  1. 2018-263.PDF
23.

Council Bill 2018-264. (Schilling)

A general ordinance amending Section 1-9 of the Springfield City Code, ‘City Limits,’ by annexing approximately 0.07 acre (2,858 square feet) of property into the City of Springfield, Missouri, generally located at 3723 South Scenic Avenue, and generally referenced as Annexation A-4-18; and amending the Springfield City Code, Chapter 46, Section 46-1, ‘Boundaries of wards, precincts and council zones,’ by adding this property to the ward and precinct assigned by the County Clerk. (By: Melody Hargiss; 3723 S. Scenic Avenue; Annexation A-4-18.)
Documents:
  1. 2018-264.PDF
24.

Council Bill 2018-265. (Schilling)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning approximately 0.07 acre (2,858 square feet) of property generally located at 3723 South Scenic Avenue from County R-1, Suburban Residence District, to R-SF, Single-Family Residential District; and adopting an updated ‘Official Zoning Map.’ (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval.) (By: Melody Hargiss; 3723 S. Scenic Avenue; Z-24-2018.)
Documents:
  1. 2018-265.PDF
25.

Council Bill 2018-266. (Prater)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield Land Development Code, Section 36-306, ‘Official zoning map and rules for interpretation,’ by rezoning approximately 5.01 acres of a portion of property, generally located at 3040 East Cherry Street, from R-LD, Low-density Multi-family Residential District with Conditional Overlay District No. 77 to GR, General Retail District and establishing Conditional Overlay District No. 158; and adopting an updated ‘Official Zoning Map.’ (Staff and Planning and Zoning Commission both recommend approval.) (By: Excel Investments LP; 3040 East Cherry Street; Z-23-2018 w/Conditional Overlay District No. 158.)
Documents:
  1. 2018-266.PDF
26.

Council Bill 2018-267. (Fisk)

A general ordinance amending the Springfield City Code, Chapter 36, ‘Land Development Code,’ Article III, ‘Zoning Regulations,’ Division 2, ‘Rules of Interpretation and Definitions,’ Section 36-321, ‘Definitions,’ by adding a definition for ‘Short-Term Stay Rentals’; amending Division 4, ‘District Regulations,’ by adding as a permitted use Short-Term Stay Rentals to each district contained therein; amending Division 5, ‘Supplemental District Regulations,’ Section 36-451, ‘Home Occupations’; and adding new section 36-472, ‘Short-Term Rentals,’ establishing rules and regulations for operation and location of Short-Term Stay Rentals; and designating an effective date for said amendments.
Documents:
  1. 2018-267.PDF
27.

FIRST READING BILLS.

28.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, AND COMMUNICATIONS.

29.

NEW BUSINESS.

Refer to the Plans and Policies Committee changes to the Land Development Code proposed by Building Development Services, including the following codes: administration and enforcement; building trades, appeals and licensing; building and existing building; residential; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; property maintenance; swimming pool and spa; private sewage disposal; and fuel gas.
30.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

31.

MISCELLANEOUS.

32.

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

33.

Council Bill 2018-268. (Schilling)

A special ordinance authorizing the Director of Planning and Development to accept the dedication of the public streets and easements to the City of Springfield, Missouri, as shown on the Preliminary Plat of “Cherry Hills Village,” generally located at 4653 South Campbell Avenue, upon the applicant filing and recording a final plat that substantially conforms to the preliminary plat; and authorizing the City Clerk to sign the final plat upon compliance with the terms of this Ordinance. (Staff recommends that City Council accept the public streets and easements.)
Documents:
  1. 2018-268.PDF
34.

Council Bill 2018-269. (Prater)

A special ordinance repealing the designation of the Monroe Redevelopment Area and terminating the Monroe Redevelopment Plan adopted by Special Ordinance 25907 for said Redevelopment Area. (The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Staff recommend approval).
Documents:
  1. 2018-269.PDF
35.

Council Bill 2018-270. (Schilling)

A special ordinance declaring the revitalization and remediation of an area generally located along the east side of South Market Avenue, between West Mount Vernon Street and West Harrison Street at 616 South Market Avenue, and the abatement of blight. (The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Staff recommend approval).
Documents:
  1. 2018-270.PDF
36.

Council Bill 2018-271. (McClure)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to accept a donation of $5,000 from Mercy to sponsor the Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony for the purpose of adding extra lighting capabilities and supporting the expenses of hosting the annual celebration; and amending the budget for the Department of Public Information & Civic Engagement for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 in the amount of $5,000.
Documents:
  1. 2018-271.PDF
37.

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

38.

Council Bill 2018-272. (Fisk)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to accept a Blueprint for Safer Roadways grant from the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission in the amount of $11,400 for the purpose of continuing the pedestrian safety program “SGF Yields”; to enter into an agreement with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission to accept such grant; amending the budget for the Department of Public Works for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 in the amount of $11,400; and declaring this Ordinance qualifies for approval on one reading.
Documents:
  1. 2018-272.PDF
39.

CONSENT AGENDA – SECOND READING BILLS.

40.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA.

41.

ADJOURN.

MODOT schedules ramp work at I-44 Greene County routes

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT
I-44 at Greene County Routes MM/B Ramp Work to Start Nov. 5


What: Ramp work at Greene County Routes MM/B off ramps at I-44 west of Springfield

When: Monday morning, Nov. 5 until mid-to-late November

Why: Raising and widening ramps to improve visibility for drivers entering Routes MM/B from I-44



Project Schedule/Traffic Impacts:

During daytime hours, drivers can expect crews and equipment close to traffic working along the eastbound and westbound off ramps
Starting after 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 5, eastbound off ramp CLOSED ‘round the clock for up to two weeks
Starting at mid-week, westbound off ramp CLOSED at night. Work hours: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Drivers urged to find alternate routes to get around the ramp closings including Route 360 and Route 266 (West Chestnut Expressway)
Entire project complete by late November

(Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule)

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Three, including nine-year-old Branson girl, injured in near head-on collision at Indian Point

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 7:45 a.m. today on MO 76, a half mile west of Branson West at Indian Point.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country driven by Jose A. Reyes Baez was attempting to make a left turn onto Indian Point Road when it was struck nearly head on by a 2000 Oldsmobile Alero driven by George E. Hardesty, 36, Galena.


Hardesty and a passenger in the Baez vehicle, Isamary Collazo-Cartagenta, 9, Branson, were treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Another passenger in the Baez vehicle, Arnaldo A. Rivera, 18, Branson, was treated for minor injuries at Cox South.

Marionville, Aurora residents injured in crash on 39

Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 12:10 p.m. today on MO 39, three miles south of Aurora.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1979 Dodge pickup driven by Mark D. Beitel, 55, Marionville, was making a left turn into a private driveway when it was hit broadside by a 2006 Yamaha motorcycle driven by David E. Cox, 40, Marionville.

Cox was treated for serious injuries and a passenger on the motorcycle, Krista R. Merriman, 30, Aurora, for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Springfield Police Department issues quarterly safety report

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield Police Department released its Quarterly Public Safety Report Tuesday.

The issue provides information on how the department handles prioritization of calls for service. All requests for service that require a response from the police department are assigned a priority. 

The number one priority for calls are those which involve a life-threatening situation or where serious injuries are believed to exist. The second priority for calls are crimes in progress or having just occurred, where there is no known threat to life or serious injury. Priorities three, four and five involve past criminal or non-criminal situations.




The QPSR also features Springfield crime statistics for the third quarter of 2018. Between July and September, SPD reported an overall decrease in crime by 15 percent, compared to the same time frame in 2017.

Crimes against persons (violent crime) increased by one percent compared to the third quarter of 2017, while there was a 17 percent decrease in crimes against property.

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council retreat

Springfield City Council Retreat
Thursday, November 1, 2018 Noon-5 p.m. 
Springfield-Branson Regional Airport 

I. Welcome and Purpose of Meeting – Mayor McClure

II. Discussing 2019 Legislative Priorities

III. Other Topics

IV. Wrap Up – Mayor McClure

Hollister residents seriously injured in crash near Branson

Two Hollister residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident 12:40 a.m. today on Lakeshore Drive, a quarter of a mile east of Branson.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2000 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic motorcycle driven by Robert W. Givens, 35, Hollister, ran off the roadway on a curve and overturned ejecting the passenger.

Givens and the passenger, Amanda D. McDonald, 38, Hollister, were treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Springfield Police Department to conduct Halloween sex offender compliance checks

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Wednesday, October 31 (Halloween Night), Springfield Police Officers will conduct checks of addresses of registered sex offenders for compliance with the state Halloween Sex Offender Statute.

Any person required to register as a sexual offender under sections 589.400 to 589.425 shall be required on October thirty-first of each year to:

-Avoid all Halloween-related contact with children

-Remain inside his or her residence between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. unless required to be elsewhere for just cause, including but not limited to employment or medical emergencies


-Post a sign at his or her residence stating, "No candy or treats at this residence"

-Leave all outside residential lighting off during the evening hours after 5 p.m.

Any person required to register as a sexual offender under sections 589.400 to 589.425 who violates the provisions of subsection 1 of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

Friday, October 26, 2018

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Filings- Springfield

Christian County

Daniel Bryant Knatcal
Jim Edward Guinn
John Steven Pierzchalski Jr. and Tara Michelle Pierzchalski

Dade County

James Lionel McDaniel and Jacqueline Valerie McDaniel

Greene County

Larry Edward Mathis and Darla Mathis
David Arnold Ryan
Jason David Bear and Lolita Angelica Ayala-Bear
Jennifer Rynee Tomb
William Terence Bennett and Sheila Gay Bennett
Christopher Douglas Harrington and Melanie Lea Harrington
Samantha Jane Posten
Amanda M. Williams
Timithy Carrtrell Fullum and Mercedes Kamarra Fullum
Augusta Lee Shearer
Bryon P. Obenour and Michelle F. Obenour
Shad Robert Richardson
Christian Hope Agee
Jason Robert Goedde and Jennifer Lynn Goedde
Frank B. Lay


Laclede County

Anthony Lee McNew
Donald Wayne Dill

Oregon County

Walter Don Simmons and Haley Nadine Simmons

Stone County

Susan Renee Clayton

Taney County

Charles Mack Forshee, Jr. and Stacie Ann Forshee
Draceana Denise Thomas-Hampton
Larry Thomas Dennison and Janet Sue Dennison

Texas County

Edward A. Wallace and Valerie L. Wallace

Webster County

Destiny Marie Potter

Wright County

Joseph Sheldon Kebage and Amy Amelia Kebage

Agenda posted for City of Springfield Personnel Board meeting

City of Springfield Personnel Board
Thursday, November 1, 2018, 1:30 p.m. 
Busch Municipal Building 840 Boonville Avenue 4th floor conference room 

TENTATIVE AGENDA 

1. Approval of Meeting Minutes – Administrative Meeting, May 3, 2018

2. Proposed Merit Rule Change

3. Any and all other matters which fall within the jurisdiction of this Board

Springfield man sentenced to 35 years for sexually exploiting a child, weapons charge

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

A Springfield man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child and for illegally possessing a firearm.

Corey Dean Frasher, 43, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 35 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Frasher to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.

On June 4, 2018, Frasher pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child and to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The investigation began on Jan. 30, 2017, when law enforcement officers received two Cyber Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In the CyberTips, Yahoo! Reported that an individual (later identified as Frasher) had uploaded images of child pornography to his Flickr account.



Officers executed a search warrant at Frasher’s residence on Feb. 22, 2017, and seized a computer tower as well as a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun and a loaded Harrington & Richardson 16-gauge shotgun. Investigators examined the computer tower and found a series of child pornography images and videos that were taken at Frasher’s residence. The images and videos depicted Frasher engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a child victim.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Frasher has prior felony convictions for stealing.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Division Street to remain closed at BNSF crossing until October 31

(From the City of Springfield)

Due to weather conditions and scheduling conflicts, Division Street will remain closed at the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad crossing west of Kansas Expressway through 6 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31 to complete the replacement of the existing railroad crossing and roadway surfaces. Drivers are advised to use an alternative route.

This project has been facilitated through a cost-share partnership between the City of Springfield and BNSF Railway Company. The City portion will be funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

Springfield City Council appoints Andrew Lear to vacant seat

(From the City of Springfield)

Andrew Lear
has been named City Council’s newest member, appointed to fill General Seat C. He will hold this seat until the April 2, 2019 election.

City Council interviewed seven finalists Tuesday and selected Lear with five votes in one round of voting. Finalist AJ Exner received two votes and finalist Theresa Martin received one vote. Lear is a retired partner of BKD, CPAs & Advisors. He is a certified public accountant.

Lear is a product of Springfield Public Schools, having attended Wilder, Pershing and Glendale and received a Bachelor of Science in Business majoring in accounting and business administration from the University of Kansas.

He has served in various board service capacities, included the Springfield Family Y, the Developmental Center of the Ozarks, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Springfield Business and Development Corporation. He served as the initial chairman of the Civility Project and is active in various arts organizations.



“I’m really grateful to have the opportunity to work in whatever way I can to help the City reach its potential. This is my lifelong home and I would like to see it continue to thrive for the next generation,” Lear said.

The seven finalists submitted answers to the following list of questions, prior to the interview session:

1) What is your short-term and long-term vision for the City of Springfield?
2) What are the City's strengths, and how would you build upon them?

3) Among the challenges faced by the City is the need for adequate revenue to deal with issues such as public infrastructure, sidewalks, nuisance properties, etc. What are your specific suggestions and approaches regarding those and other challenges?

4) What would you like to see accomplished by the time you leave Council?

The finalists and their answers are linked below:

Amy Champlin
Kevin Evans

AJ Exner

Andrew Lear
Theresa Martin

Natalie McGuire
Charles Pettijohn

In Tuesday’s interview session, available online at CityView.Springfieldmo.gov, finalists were asked:

1) Please provide a brief summary of your background and why you are interested in this position.

2) Our community is facing several opportunities and challenges, which we as a Council must address. Transportation, infrastructure, low wages, workforce training, economic vitality, public safety, and legislative engagement are just a few examples of these issues. What are your thoughts on City Council’s role and responsibilities in solving these problems?

3) Please discuss your abilities and desires to work collegially with other Council members as a team – respecting the differences in approach and philosophies which occur among Council members, while at the same time, working together to achieve our shared goal of a strong and prosperous Springfield.

Amy Champlin presented her responses in writing.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Lawrence County Route K closed in Aurora for two weeks

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT

What: Lawrence County Route K (Elliott Avenue) CLOSED in Aurora at railroad crossing

When: Oct. 29 until mid-November

Why: Contractor crews rebuilding railroad crossing to smooth ride over tracks and widening Route K at the crossing



(Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule)

Traffic Impacts:
Drivers urged to find alternate routes
No signed detour is planned

Details: Work is part of larger project to build new railroad bridge on Missouri Route 39 and improve safety at railroad crossings in various locations in Aurora.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Stolen dump truck and forklift used to steal ATM machine

(From Springfield Crimestoppers)

On 10/18/18, at approximately 0233 hrs., a forklift was stolen from a construction site south of Weller Ave./Bradford Pkwy. It was driven to Simmons Bank, 1414 E. Primrose St., where it was used to remove the drive-thru ATM. The ATM was placed into the bed of a dump truck that had arrived on the Simmons Bank parking lot just before midnight in preparation for the theft. The forklift was then abandoned on the bank parking lot and the dump truck was driven away with the ATM inside.

On 10/21/18, the Ozark, Mo. Police Department located and recovered the stolen ATM at a construction site just south of the city limits of Springfield, along Hwy. 65. It was determined that the dump truck utilized during the Springfield ATM theft, had been previously stolen from the site in Ozark, driven to Springfield to remove the ATM, then returned to the same construction site where it was originally stolen from. An excavator at the site was used to break open the machine. An undisclosed amount of currency was removed from within.



Springfield police are actively investigating (SPD #18-41839). If you have any information about these crimes, and would like to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com.

Note: Ozark, Mo. P.D. is also actively investigating the related crimes in their jurisdiction- case #18-13704.

Kickapoo High School to hold 17th annual Fall Carnival

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Kickapoo High School invites the community to the 17th annual Fall Carnival.

In addition to a haunted house, there will be activities and games for all ages. The entrance fee is a minimum of two nonperishable food items per person. The food items collected will be donated to the Ozarks Food Harvest. Last year, over 3,000 canned goods were donated.



The carnival is held in the high school’s gymnasium on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, contact KHS sponsor Jared Wooderson at 417-523-8735.

Complete video- Springfield City Council meeting

Springfield man sentenced to 20 years for sexual exploitation of a child

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of a child.

Ryan Lee Christoph, 26, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Christoph to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.

On June 27, 2018, Christoph pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child.

On Aug. 15, 2017, Springfield police officers responded to a report that an individual had found Christoph and a 14-year-old female engaged in sexual activity. The victim told investigators that she and Christoph had been in a sexual relationship since before Christmas 2016.



On Oct. 20, 2017, Facebook reported that child pornography was being exchanged by Christoph and the same child victim in chat sessions in Facebook Messenger between May 7 and Aug. 11, 2017. Images and videos depicted Christoph engaged in sexual activity with the child victim. During the messages, Christoph asked the child victim to send him sexually explicit pictures and videos. Investigators located numerous video files of child pornography that depicted the child victim and Christoph engaged in sexually explicit activity.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Mansfield man sentenced for receiving, distributing child pornography

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

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

Clinton Campbell, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 13 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Campbell to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.

On May 25, 2018, Campbell pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Campbell admitted that he shared child pornography over a peer-to-peer file-sharing network.



Campbell’s computer was identified during an undercover law enforcement investigation and an officer downloaded 74 complete files and 22 partial files of child pornography from Campbell’s computer. Several of the files contained depictions of children as young as five years old being sexually assaulted.

On July 18, 2017, officers executed a search warrant at Campbell’s residence and seized a laptop computer and several digital storage devices. Campbell’s laptop computer contained approximately 1,483 images and 48 videos of contraband imagery. According to court documents, Campbell digitally altered some of the images by placing the faces of children he knew (whose photos Campbell took himself) onto images of another child being sexually assaulted in order to make his experience “more real.” In some of the images, Campbell manipulated the image of the perpetrator to replace the original face with his own photograph. Other images of children appear to have been taken surreptitiously as they passed in front of his house. More than 90 children have been identified in Campbell’s collection of child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Mansfield, Mo., Police Department.

Nixa man sentenced to 12 years, seven months on child pornography charge

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

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

Jeffrey Scott Seaton, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 12 years and seven months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Seaton to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration.

On May 21, 2018, Seaton pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Seaton admitted that he downloaded child pornography from the internet and traded child pornography via a peer-to-peer file-sharing network.



Law enforcement officers identified Seaton’s computer during an undercover investigation and downloaded images and videos of child pornography from Seaton’s computer. Officers executed a search warrant at Seaton’s residence on Jan. 9, 2018, and seized a laptop computer, which contained images of child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.

Springfield women injured when deer crashes through windshield

Two Springfield women were injured when the car they were in collided with a deer 11:35 a.m. today on U. S. three miles east of Highlandville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a deer attempted to jump over a 2010 Hyundai Elantra driven by Cynthia Kimball, 62, Springfield, and crashed through the windshield.

Kimball and a passenger, Wilma Sumner, 69, Springfield, were treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Reward offered for information leading to arrest of man wanted for probation violation, car theft

(From Springfield Crimestoppers)

This week's featured fugitive is David J. Starr.

Starr has a felony warrant for Probation Violation- Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, issued 08/20/18. His second warrant is for Neglect of a Child issued 08/27/18. 

Starr is a 39 year old white male, approximately 6’0”, 163 lbs, with blonde hair, and blue eyes. Starr is believed to still be in the Springfield area.

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

Monday, October 22, 2018

Springfield City Council holds first reading of call for election on continuing capital improvements sales tax

(From the City of Springfield)


The City’s Public Works Director Dan Smith presented the first reading of a bill requesting to call an election on April 2, 2019, asking voters whether or not to continue the 1/4-cent Capital Improvements Sales Tax for a period of 20 years.
Springfield voters first approved the 1/4-cent sales tax in 1989 and have renewed it nine times, most recently in 2016 by 86 percent. The tax has generated approximately $10 million annually for voter-approved projects and programs.

Recent projects completed as promised include the widening of Republic Road; Campbell and Primrose intersection improvements; miles of school sidewalk construction and stormwater infrastructure improvements; and major street resurfacing and rehabilitation in all four City Council zones.
Over the program’s history, funding has been leveraged with other partners, including county, state, federal and private developer funding to increase investment return.
Projects for the 2019 proposal were selected based on an evaluation of City/agency need; citizen input from 1,504 responses on a public survey; level of partner and agency commitment, such as continuation projects and equitable dispersion across the city. In addition to ranking projects, citizens weighed in on three questions, asking whether to increase or  maintain investment for improving pavement condition (58 percent indicated increasing investment), improving sidewalks, trails and bike lanes (66 percent indicated increasing investment) and funding economic development projects (53% supported increasing).
City/agency need is determined by City departments and partner agencies who assess other variables that may impact the project’s overall benefit to the community. Total crashes, traffic capacity, infrastructure condition, economic development potential and flooding within the project area were all factors considered.
The specific proposed construction projects  include:
• Galloway Street Widening (Luster to Lone Pine)
• Division Street Reconstruction (National to Glenstone)
• West Bypass and Kearney Intersection Improvements
• Division Street Sidewalk (West Avenue to Kansas Expressway.)
• Battlefield and Lone Pine Intersection Improvements
• National and Sunset Intersection Improvements
• Scenic Avenue over Wilson’s Creek Bridge Replacement
• Walnut Street over Jordan Creek Bridge Replacement
The specific proposed design projects include:
• Kansas Avenue Widening (Maplewood to Walnut Lawn)
• Fremont Avenue Widening (Erie to Independence)
• Campbell Avenue Widening (Republic to Westview)
Proposed City-wide programs include:
• Major street resurfacing and rehabilitation
            National/Battlefield/Sunshine Major Street Resurfacing
• Sidewalk/curb and gutter construction
• Schools sidewalk program
• Neighborhood initiative program
• Cost-Share / Economic Development Projects
• Traffic Signal / Traffic Calming
            National and Commercial Traffic Signal Improvements
• Center City Development
            Jefferson Avenue Streetscape (Walnut to St. Louis)

Stormwater Program Areas of Focus
• Rountree Stormwater Improvement Project
            Pickwick Avenue and Lombard Street to Weller Avenue and Monroe Street
            Pickwick Avenue from Grand Street to Delmar Street and Weller Avenue from Grand
            Street to Delmar
            McCann Avenue from Page Street to Harrison Street
            Rogers Street and Fremont Avenue to Belmont Avenue and Monroe Street
• Grant Avenue from Norton Street to Woodridge Street
• Berkeley and Westwood to Seminole and Nettleton
• Hampton from Seminole to Cherokee
• Loren Street and Karla Avenue to Bennett Street and Meadowview Avenue
• Area around Lone Pine Avenue and Catalpa Street   
The above projects would occur over a five-year period. For future projects, public input would again be sought and another evaluation of projects would be discussed publicly. The final approval for each project still would require City Council action.
Some reasons that suggest a longer term (20 years) could be beneficial include:
• The City currently splits up project phases (e.g., design and construction) and cannot fully commit to our citizens that a project will be completed, regardless of need, until a future tax initiative is approved. An extended term would allow us to see a project commitment all the way through.
• Due to short tax terms, it is more challenging for the City to respond to unknown future needs. These could be related to a job growth project or critical infrastructure needs.
• A longer tax term allows us to have the flexibility to respond to such a need, if necessary; and
• Provides flexibility to utilize bonding, with future voter approval, to accelerate certain projects and/or to address larger scale projects that would use too high a proportion of pay-as-you-go tax dollars.
“When you have a longer window of planning, it does create additional efficiencies,” Smith explained. “And could expedite project timelines.” 
About the 1/4-cent capital improvement sales tax program

The current 1/4-cent capital improvement sales tax, renewed by Springfield voters for the ninth time in 2016, is estimated to generate approximately $30 million, which is being invested in projects such as intersection improvements, school sidewalks and traffic signals.
When possible, funding is leveraged with other partners including county, state, federal, and developer funding to increase the investment return to the citizens of Springfield.
In April 2019, Springfield voters will be asked to approve the renewal (with no tax increase) which funds capital improvement and transportation improvement projects in Springfield. The 1/4-cent capital improvement projects sales tax currently has a three-year sunset, was first approved in 1989 and was renewed in 1992, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013 and 2016.
Projects that have been completed with 1/4-cent funds include:
Intersection / Interchange Improvements:
• I-44 and Kansas Expressway
• James River Freeway at National Avenue
• James River Freeway at Campbell Avenue
• National Avenue at Kearney Street
• Campbell Avenue at Primrose
• Widening of U.S. Route 65 to 6 lanes, in 2 phases, from Chestnut Expressway to Sunshine Street, and from Sunshine to Battlefield Road.
• Widening of Republic Road in various phases.
• Turn lane improvements for safety and capacity at various locations, such as Glenstone at Battlefield and Chestnut Expressway at Sherman Avenue.
• Bridge and pavement preservation, including bridge rehabilitation on Kansas Expressway viaduct.
• Design priority intermodal connectivity improvements to enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and transit mobility.
• Construct pedestrian connections to transit stops along Glenstone Avenue.
• Enhancements to the Ozarks Traffic Intelligent Transportation System including variable message signs.
• Cost-share projects for economic development working with MoDOT, Greene County and private developers.