Nixa woman killed in head-on crash on 14

A Nixa woman was killed in a two-vehicle collision 1:10 p.m. today on MO 14, two miles west of Nixa.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a Jessica M. Vincent, 37, Nixa, driving a 2005 Dodge Neon, failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the center line and struck a 2004 International propane truck driven by Scott C. Campbell, 47, Kimberling City head on.


Dr. David Lee pronounced Vincent dead at 1:36 p.m. at Cox South Hospital.

The fatality was the 12th this month and the 133rd of the year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Reeds Spring man seriously injured in rollover accident on 65

A Reeds Spring man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:17 a.m. today on Highway 65 near the 4.8 mile marker.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Donny L. Aydelott, 34, Reeds Spring, ran off the left side of the roadway, started sliding, returned to the roadway and rolled over.

Aydelott was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Greene County

Randall Morgan Kline
Lance Eugene Quick and Alyssa Elaine Quick
Esau J. Lee and Cherie A. Lee


Sandy Sue Hendrickson
Jamie Sue Spoon
Glenn Morris Dawson and Cindy Ann Dawson

Polk County

Alysha Elaine Marshall

Springfield man airlifted to Mercy following three-vehicle crash on I-44

A Springfield man was injured in a three-vehicle accident 4:27 p.m. Thursday on I-44, three miles west of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, with traffic congested due to a crash ahead, a 2006 Kenworth tractor-trailer driven by Scott L. Hines, 51, Glendale, Arizona, struck a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Scott A. Rothrock, 35, Springfield, in the driving lane causing the Rothrock vehicle to hit a 2015 Kenworth T680 driven by Jose Roberto Aguilar Flores, 34,  Mexico, in the rear.

Rothrock was airlifted to Mercy Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.

Springfield Public Schools principals nominated for statewide honors

(From Springfield Public Schools)

This month, the Springfield Association of Elementary Principals (SAESP) nominated the following SPS leaders:

Dr. Jason Steingraber, Nominee for Missouri Distinguished Principal

Angie Valchev, Exemplary New Principal

John Mott, Outstanding Assistant Principal

Each of these outstanding elementary building leaders will be honored at the Missouri Association of Elementary Principals banquet in March.

Campbell Avenue Bridge over Fassnight Creek closed today

(From the City of Springfield)

Due to rain forecasts, Public Works street operations division has moved up the closure of the Campbell Avenue Bridge over Fassnight Creek to TODAY (Dec. 26).

 The bridge will be closed between Catalpa Street and Meadowmere Street between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for the completion of bridge maintenance work.

Motorists are advised to follow the marked detours using Grand Street and Bennett Street.

Seven people shot at Springfield party, suspect still at large

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On December 23, 2018, at approximately 3:36 a.m., Springfield police officers were dispatched to 1042 W. College regarding several subjects who had been shot at a party at that location.

 When officers arrived, they found two victims with apparent gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began life-saving measures and the two victims were transported to the hospital.

Officers were then dispatched to both Mercy Hospital and Cox Hospital emergency rooms as more victims who had been shot arrived needing medical attention. 

Officers identified five additional victims who had been shot at 1042 W. College. At this time four females and three male victims of the shooting have been identified. One female victim’s wounds required immediate surgery upon arrival at the hospital and she is now in critical condition. None of the other victims received life-threatening injuries.

A suspect has not been identified at this time. 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).

Springfield Police Department continues investigation into shooting death of man at 1053 S. Peach Tree

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On December 23, 2018 at 4:07 a.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to 1053 S. Peach Tree after a 911 caller said that someone had been shot at that location.

When officers arrived, they found a deceased male inside the home with an apparent gunshot wound. Investigators are currently working the scene as a homicide.

The victim was identified as Eugene Johnson, a 47-year-old male from Springfield. Next-of-kin notifications have been made for the victim. 

 A suspect has been identified and taken into custody, but charges have not been filed at this time. All involved subjects in this incident have been accounted for and no other suspects are at large at this time.

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).

Springfield teen seriously injured slamming into rock bluff

A Springfield teen was injured in a one-vehicle accident 10:25 a.m. today on MO 13, four miles north of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2000 Subaru Impreza driven by Kosmin Todea, 18, Springfield, ran off the roadway and struck a rock cliff.

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

Springfield Nature Center to be closed during the holidays

(From the Missouri Department of Conservation)

People visiting the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Springfield Conservation Nature Center are reminded that the site’s building and trails will be closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

The facility will maintain its regular winter schedule Dec. 26-31 (the building is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday, and the nature center’s trails are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day).

The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is located in southeast Springfield at 4601 S. Nature Center Way. Information about nature center events can be obtained by calling 417-888-4237 or by going to mdc.mo.gov/springfield.

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Christian County

Raymond Earl Green and Teresa Nanette Green
Donna LaRue Maggard
Jeremy A. White
Eugene Johnson and Linda Lou Johnson
Jeffrey S. Ewart

Dade County

Johnnie Calven Getman and Susan Rose Mary Getman

Dallas County

Amanda Jo Pierce



Greene County

Russel Dean Goddard
Douglas Allen Anderson
Dwight Alan Harding and Ashley Nicole Harding
Tamara Jean Halterman
David E. Young and Janet K. Young
Andrea Dawn Keller
Lauren Hope Atterberry
Michael Keith Rea and Tanya Ann Rea Johnson
Darrel Dean Medley, Jr. and Amy Elizabeth Medley
John D. Washington, Jr.
Keith A. Stubblefield
Linda K. Uchtman
Jodie Linnae Kelly

Laclede County

Kevin Lee Blackburn and Sonja Denise Blackburn
Jordan Alexander Farmer

Ozark County

David Mathew Stubbs and Rebecca Denise Stubbs



Polk County

Toni Renee McGinnis

Taney County

Dustin Michael Johnson and Chi-Anna Leigh Johnson
Julie A. Partridge

Webster County

Crystal Dee Fore

Play It Forward donates 22 instruments to Springfield Public Schools students in need

(From Springfield Public Schools)

For 22 Springfield Public Schools, the holiday season will be full of good music and great cheer.

Play It Forward SWMO donated 22 instruments to SPS student musicians in need. The nonprofit approached SPS earlier in the year with the idea of serving 12 students in need of an instrument. Music teachers districtwide were encouraged to nominate students who needed a new instrument to further their pursuit of music.

"We were going to call the event the 12 Instruments of Christmas," said Ruell Chappell, director of Play It Forward SWMO. "Breana posted the call to music educators for their requests of deserving students. Well, we got 22 requests for instruments for 22 deserving students. As Play It Forward SWMO had no heart to choose 12 out of 22 presented, we decided to work to provide instruments to all 22 students."

Right before Winter Break, students were presented with new or gently used instruments that would further their musical education. Students from Central High School and Carver, Pipkin and Westport middle schools received trumpets, trombones, violins, cellos, clarinets and more in their music classes.

"For many of these students, they're headed to high school next year, and they might not have the instrument to continue pursuing music at school," said Kavanaugh. "A new instrument helps build confidence and keeps them engaged at school, because for some kids, music class is why they come to school every day. We want them to have that band or orchestra community, because music is a critical part of their overall education."

At Carver, a number of students received instruments, including eighth-grader Haylea Richardson. She received a new clarinet.

"I almost started crying," said Haylea. "I've had a school instrument for three years, and now I can have one of my own. It is really shiny. Now I can take this one home and practice whenever I want."

Local businesses supported the effort of equipping SPS students with new instruments this holiday season. Participating sponsors of Play It Forward SWMO include: Springfield Music, Car-Fi, Youngblood Auto Group and Fouche Enterprises. Together, their contributions purchased approximately $15,000 in new and gently used instruments.

Former MU standout Dorial Green-Beckahm faces drug charge after climbing out window of Springfield residence

Former University of Missouri wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, who was booted out of Mizzou before his collegiate career ended for his constant brushes with the law, is in trouble again.

Green-Beckham is being held in the Greene County Jail on no bond on charges of marijuana possession and resisting arrest.

The Springfield Police Department released the following information to NBC Sports earlier today:

“At approximately 8:30 PM on December 19, 2018 Springfield Police Department Special Response Team served a search warrant,” Springfield Police Public Affairs Officer Jasmine Bailey told PFT via email. 

“While attempting to make entry, officers observed [Green-Beckham] inside the residence attempting to flee from a window.




Officers were able to restrain DGB with handcuffs and found marijuana in his pocket. A search of the residence revealed about one pound of marijuana inside a backpack belonging to DGB along with several vials of THC oil.

Inside the residence officers also uncovered about seven more pounds of marijuana. DGB was arrested for drug charges and resisting arrest and Keenen Sharp was arrested for drug charges pertaining to the seven pounds of marijuana.”

Public hearing scheduled for January 8 on Springfield HUD action plan

(From the City of Springfield)

Springfield City Council and the Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development (CACCD) will hold a joint public hearing on the City’s proposed use of funds for its Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020) HUD Annual Action Plan, at City Council Chambers, 830 Boonville Avenue on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019 at 6 p.m.

Topics covered will include the following: Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Programs, and proposed activities for the upcoming fiscal year. 

Following presentations, any person or organization desiring to comment will be afforded an opportunity to do so. 

Further information is available by contacting the Department of Planning and Development at the Busch Municipal Building, 840 Boonville Avenue, P.O. Box 8368, Springfield, Missouri 65801 or calling 417-864-1031. 

Springfield Schools won't be in session Friday

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Classes will not be in session in Springfield Public Schools Friday, Dec. 21, so staff can participate in a districtwide day of Professional Development.

Classes will also be dismissed Dec. 24 -Jan. 2 for Winter Break. Classes will resume on Thursday, Jan. 3.

District offices will be closed on Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Campbell Avenue Bridge to be closed between Catalpa, Meadowmere next week

(From the City of Springfield)

Public Works street operations division will close the Campbell Avenue Bridge over Fassnight Creek between Catalpa Street and Meadowmere Street beginning 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27 and Friday, Dec. 28 for bridge maintenance.

Motorists are advised to follow the marked detours using Grand Street and Bennett Street.

Springfield Public Schools shares heartwarming story about a non-traditional family

In the accompanying video, Springfield Public Schools offers a feel good holiday story about an unusual family that is succeeding.

Rachel Hunt, a woman in her mis-20s, talks about her adopted foster daughter Xana, who is graduating from high school this month.

Both women talk about the positive impact a Springfield Public Schools program has had on their lives.

Springfield NAACP chapter to swear in president, executive committee

(From the Springfield NAACP)

Join the Springfield NAACP Branch as we witness and celebrate the swearing-in of our new president and executive committee.

The event will be held at the Diversity Center located in the historical Washington Avenue Church on Drury University campus. The event will begin at 6:30 and is open the public. We will also be celebrating Cheryl Clays' 10 years of service and leadership to the Springfield Branch.

There will be a reception at Q Enoteca 308 W. Commerciakl that will begin approximately at 8:30p.



The new Executive committee being installed is: Toni Robinson, President, Delilah Jackson, Vice President, Andrienne Denson-Ewell, Secretary; TJ Appleby, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, Cheryl Clay; Members at Large, JR Chappell, Shurita Thomas-Tate, Marty Moore, Sabrina Brinson, and Isabelle Walker.

For more information call the office: 417-873-6386.

Reward offered for information leading to arrest of woman wanted on felony forgery charges

(From Springfield Crimestoppers)

This week's featured fugitive is Megan Ann Matney. Matney has three active felony warrants for Probation Violation- Forgery x 2 and Probation Violation- Trafficking in Stolen Identities.

Matney is a 47-year-old white female, approximately 5’8”, 140 lbs, with blonde hair, and blue eyes. Matney has been known to use alias names including "Megan Frantz."

It is believed Matney frequents the Greene County area and may be continuing to commit crime locally.

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

City of Springfield receives fiscal year 2018 independent audit report

(From the City of Springfield)

The Springfield City Council received an unmodified opinion, the highest level given, on the City’s financial statement audit from the City’s independent auditing firm, RSM. The firm indicated that the audit showed no material weaknesses, significant deficiencies or compliance issues.

RSM also audited compliance of the City's grant programs. In FY 2018, the City received $14.5 million in federal grant funds. The auditors found no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses when reviewing the City's compliance with the major federal grant programs. The City is qualified as a “low-risk” auditee as related to federal funds, having no identified material weaknesses more than three years in a row.

The City’s Finance Department prepares the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) each year, in compliance with the City Charter, which requires an annual report to the City Council on the financial condition of the City.

The equity of the City at the close of the most recent fiscal year was $910 million, an increase of $50 million over last year. This is also referred to as net position. Governmental activities increased the City’s net position by $40.3 million. Sales and use tax revenues, the largest governmental category, were $131 million, or 55 percent, of total revenues. Revenues from governmental activities totaled $238 million, or 74 percent, of the total City revenues. Sales tax increased approximately $4.6 million from last year due to improved economic conditions.

The largest portion of the City’s net position, $657.3 million (72 percent), reflects its investments in capital asset, e.g., land, construction in progress, buildings, improvements, machinery and equipment and infrastructure, less any related debt used to acquire those assets that are still outstanding.

The City uses these capital assets to provide services to citizens; consequently, these assets are not available for future spending. An additional portion of the City’s net position, $31.7 million (4 percent), represents resources that are subject to external restrictions on how they may be used. The remaining balance of the City’s net position, $221 million (24 percent) represents unrestricted net position that may be used to meet the City’s ongoing obligations to citizens and creditors.

The City's net investment in capital assets, such as buildings, roads and sewer systems, increased $4 million over the last year to more than $657 million.

The fund balance of the General Fund is $27.4 million – an increase of $1.5 million from last year.

“The City of Springfield continues to provide financial stability to our citizens by living within our means, providing award winning services, and meeting the financial challenges of a changing economy,” City Manager Jason Gage said.

The Finance Department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the 41st consecutive year.

The department also received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award for its budget presentation for the 13th consecutive year.

Agenda posted for Springfield Art Museum Board of Directors meeting

Springfield Art Museum Board of Directors Meeting 
Thursday, December 20, 2018 5 p.m.
1111 East Brookside Drive Springfield 

Tentative Agenda

I. Call to Order

II. Approval of Minutes

III. Campaign Study Presentation


IV. Financial Report
a. FY20 Budget

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

VI. Unfinished Business

VII. Additional items requiring Board approval

VIII. Communications

IX. Adjournment

Springfield City Council to honor former councilman, civil rights pioneer Denny Whayne

(From the City of Springfield)

Mayor Ken McClure will host a reception and unveiling of the new signage at 4 p.m, Friday, Dec. 21 in the new Councilman Denny Whayne Conference Room in the Busch Municipal Building 4th floor. City Council unanimously passed a resolution recently honoring former him for his service on City Council and his decades-long commitment to justice and equal rights.

“We felt it was fitting to name this particular meeting space after former Councilman Whayne because it’s where we have our weekly council workshops and council committee meetings and frequent community-wide collaborations occur,” said Mayor Ken McClure. “In the many years I have known Denny, he has always been about bringing communities of people together.”


Whayne was the first African-American elected to City Council since the Council/Manager form of government was adopted in 1953 and served as the Zone 1 representative for two consecutive four-year terms. First elected in 2001, Whayne served until 2009 and was a member of the Finance, Plans and Policies, Administration and Public Involvement committees.


“My time on council was one of the best experiences of my entire life,” Whayne has said. “My mindset on council was to try to move the city of Springfield forward.”

Whayne, who grew up in Springfield, joined the NAACP at 11, later participating in the Freedom Rides of 1961. He continued his civil rights work in Tulsa, where racial tensions were high in the late 1960s. He moved back to Springfield in 1972 and served as president of the Springfield chapter of the NAACP from 1980 until 1988. He worked for the City’s Finance department from 1975 until 1985.

Marshfield woman seriously injured in collision on 38

Two Marshfield residents were injured in a two-vehicle collision 4 p.m. Monday on MO 38, one mile east of Marshfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Sara L. Yarbrough, 16, Marshfield, failed to yield and pulled into the path of a 2003 Hyundai Sonata driven by Packyleon T. Wolfe, 32, Marshfield.


The two vehicles collided and the Yarbrough vehicle slid off the roadway and crashed into a fence.

Wolfe and a passenger in his vehicle, Keri A. Wolfe, 32, Marshfield, were treated for minor and serious injuries, respectively, at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

City of Springfield sales tax revenue down

(From the City of Springfield)

After a rebound in November, the City of Springfield’s sales tax revenues from the Missouri Department of Revenue are down 3.79 percent compared to budget with the December sales tax check. The check was $4,143,468 compared to the budgeted amount of $4,306,831. On a year-to-date basis, revenues are up compared to budget just over 1 percent. On a rolling 12-month average, revenues are 2.6 percent above budget.

The check reflects sales processed by the state in November from transactions made primarily in October. Compared to December 2017, revenues are down about 5 percent, or $235,854, compared to December 2017’s revenue check in the amount of $4,379,322.

The City heavily relies on sales tax revenues as its main source of revenue to fund vital services, such as police and fire operations. In Springfield, approximately 56 percent of revenue comes from sales tax and use tax.

I-44 interchange ramps in Lawrence County to be closed Tuesday night

(From MODOT)

I-44/Lawrence County Route H Interchange Ramps (MM 44) CLOSED at Night Dec. 18

What: I-44 eastbound and westbound ramps CLOSED during nighttime hours at Lawrence County Route H interchange (Mile Marker 44) near Mount Vernon

When: 8 p.m. until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18

Why: Contractor crews resurfacing ramps and shoulders near the entrance to the ramps

Traffic Impacts:

Drivers cannot exit off of I-44 onto Route H from westbound or eastbound lanes during paving work
Ramps closed for short periods – up to three hours at a time
Drivers urged to use other nearby I-44 interchanges to reach destinations during the work. No signed detour is planned.

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

Grant Avenue Bridge to close for maintenance

(From the City of Springfield)

Public Works street operations division to close Grant Avenue Bridge over Fassnight Creek between Catalpa Street and Meadowmere Street beginning 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18 and Wednesday, Dec. 19 for bridge maintenance.

Motorists are advised to follow the marked detour.

Winter rotation of Springfield Tumbler scheduled

(From the City of Springfield)

Interested citizens are urged to visit Park Central Square at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18 for the wintertime rotation of the Tumbler, Springfield’s first piece of modern art.

Grab some coffee and watch a Public Works crew put a new spin on this familiar downtown landmark.

About the Tumbler

Created by sculptor Aris Demetrios, The Tumbler was installed on the square in 1971 and is regarded as Springfield's first piece of modern art. 

It was discovered in recent years that the sculpture was intended to be re-oriented, or “tumbled,” every season to create a new piece of art. 

Creation of the Tumbler was funded by an arts patron identified as "Mrs. Monroe Swyers," who reportedly donated $15,000. Demetrios said that barely covered the cost of steel to make it.

Agenda posted for Springfield Art Museum Board of Directors

Springfield Art Museum Board of Directors Meeting 
Thursday, December 20, 2018, 5 p.m.
Community Room – 5 p.m. 

Tentative Agenda 

I. Call to Order

II. Approval of Minutes

III. Campaign Study Presentation


IV. Financial Report
a. FY20 Budget

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

VI. Unfinished Business

VII. Additional items requiring Board approval

VIII. Communications

IX. Adjournment

Five injured in three-vehicle collision on 65, Branson woman cited for felony DWI

Five people were injured in a three-vehicle collision 4:42 p.m. Sunday on U. S. 65, three miles south of Hollister.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2010 Mercury Mariner driven by Holly R. Titman, 27, Branson, attempted to back onto U. S. 65 and drove into the path of a 2011 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Michael P. Cronin, 43, Kirbyville, striking it in the rear.

After impact, the Titman vehicle ran off the roadway, overturned and struck a road sign and a 2009 Honda Pilot driven by Richard R. Vernatti,m 72, Ozark.


A passenger in the Titman vehicle, Gonzalo A. Eguren-Ramirez 24, country of Peru, was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Titman, Cronin and a passenger in Cronin's vehicle, Brooklynn J. Bartlett, 20, Kirbyville, were treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.


Another passenger in the Cronin vehicle, Teresa Cronin, 43, Kirbyville, was treated for moderate injuries at Cox.

Titman was charged with felony driving while intoxicated.

Springfield man charged with DWI, manslaughter after Lebanon woman killed in head-on collision

A Springfield man was charged with driving while intoxicated and involuntary manslaughter following a two-vehicle crash 11:53 a.m. today on westbound I-44 inside the Strafford city limits killed a Lebanon woman.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2004 Chevrolet pickup driven by William A. Dorlac, 39, Springfield, was traveling eastbound on I-44 when Dorlac tost control of the vehicle and crossed the median cables into westbound I-44 where it struck a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Deborah R. Coleman, 65, Lebanon head on.


Mercy paramedic Charles Schrader pronounced Coleman dead at the scene at 12:09 p.m.

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

The fatality was the 125th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Middle schoolers attend Computer Science Inspires Conference in Springfield

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Hickory Hills eighth-grader Cara Taylor had one goal: to make a humanoid robot do the dab.

"Now, put the robot in a position where its arms are doing the dab," said Robert Stokes, owner/president of Stokes Educational Services. "We're going to program the robot's movements, one step at a time."

Nearly 200 SPS middle schoolers attended the Computer Science Inspires Springfield 2018 Conference, held on the Ozarks Technical Community College campus and sponsored by Mid-America Technology Alliance.

Students had the ability to learn about the basics of computer science, code a basic software program from start to finish and develop problem solving skills while using programming to solve problems.

The all-day conference provided participating students interested in computer science to also explore careers available in the computer science field in the Springfield community, introducing middle schoolers to potential employers and jobs, says Maxcy Dimmick, math and technology teacher at Jarrett Middle School.

"My two goals for the conference from the beginning were to show students that computer science is fun and to show students that there are lots of opportunities in computer science, right here in Springfield," said Dimmick. "I think there has been a real surge in the interest in computer science with middle schoolers, locally, nationally and internationally, with Hour of Code and a lot more platforms being able for students to be able to code. I consider our conference just adds to the momentum for the kids, so that they stay interested."

The third annual conference was initially developed by Dimmick, with support from Jarrett Middle School principal Rob Kroll. The first year, 80 students participated, with the following around 95. Both conferences were funded by a back-to-school grant from the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. But with an additional $5,000 provided by a High Impact Imagine Grant, the conference was able to expand, with 175 students learning about computer science with hands-on experiences, facilitated by local experts.

Jarrett seventh-grader Daniel Cox was selected to attend the conference by Dimmick because of his interest in robotics and programming. And before lunch, he already had a hands-on experience programming a robot.

"I like coding and robots and just tinkering with stuff, so I thought it would be good to be here and be at the career fair and see what all they do with that," said Daniel. "It was really fun to see how they coded the humanoid robot and see how they coded it, and I found out something new about the coding that I didn't see when watching a video about it on YouTube at school. I want to work with robotic prosthetics; I like robots and helping people, so that's what I want to do."

Lawrence County Sheriff's Office releases November statistics

(From the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office)

November 2018 Call Stats Released

TRAFFIC November 2018 DWI 0 DWR/DWS/NO DL 1 SPEEDING 22 FAIL TO REGISTER 12 LANE VIOLATION 6 FAIL TO STOP 9 NO INSURANCE 1 NO SEAT BELT 2 C AND I DRIVING 0 EQUIPMENT VIOLATION 6 NO FRONT PLATE 0 INVESTIGATIVE 1 WARRANT ARREST 4 OTHER HMV 0 OTHER NON HMV 1 TOTAL NUMBER OF STOPS 43 TOTAL NUMBER OF CITATIONS 4 TOTAL WARNINGS 52 CALLS FOR SERVICE November 2018 STEALING/THEFT 34 BURGLARY 12 PROPERTY DAMAGE 11 ASSAULT 6 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE 28 GENERAL DISTURBANCE 0 NARCOTICS 0 HARASSMENT 6 ALARM 27 FIRES 9 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT 19 TRESPASS 3 CIVIL MATTER 29 OFFICER/AGENCY ASSIST 88 DEATH 1 MOTORIST ASSIST 2 911 HANG UP 18 CHECK WELL BEING 15 ANIMAL 26 FOLLOW UP INVESTIGATIONS 48 MEDICAL 19 CHECK VEHICLE 38 CITIZEN CONCERN 54 PSYCHOLOGICAL CALL 5 MISCELLANEOUS 61 EXTRA PATROL REQUEST 3     TOTAL CALLS FOR SERVICE 552 TOTAL NUMBER OF ARRESTS 15

Lawrence County deputies seeking man attempting to burglarize vehicles

(From the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office)

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office is asking for assistance in identifiying the subject attempting to gain access to vehicles who was caught on camera.

This particular incident was in the Mt. Vernon area just a few nights ago. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office at 417-466-2131.

Springfield police, fire departments warn against fake bomb threats

(From the Springfield Police Department and the Springfield Fire Department)

The Springfield Fire Department Bomb Squad has been responding to reports of bomb threats that were delivered via email over the past 24 hours.

These emails are consistent in tone and content with what is occurring nationally, and threaten to activate an explosive device if the recipient does not immediately pay a ransom through Bitcoin. These threats are not considered to be credible by Homeland Security.

Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington and Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams provide these important points to remember:

These messages are being delivered to email accounts, and should be handled as a cyberthreat to your information systems network. Many, if not all, of the email received contains the subject line “I advise you not to call the police” 

Take care not to open email with an unfamiliar sender or odd subject line, and, should you accidentally do so, do not respond to the message or open attachments. Under no circumstances should you comply with the demands contained in the email. 

Should you receive a similar email, notification to your information systems or networking team is advised.

The FBI has asked that persons receiving these email threats log a complaint at IC3.gov.
See something – say something. While the current email is being considered a hoax, it is important for the public to always remain vigilant. Do not hesitate to contact 9-1-1 if concerned by something you receive or see something you consider to be out of the ordinary. 

The Springfield Police and Fire Department are prepared to investigate and ensure the safety of our community, and every threat will be taken seriously.

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Christian County

Rodney C. Tracy and Tracey A. Tracy
Jaime L. Flint and Kimberly R. Flint
Trampas Gene Longley
Brian Dean Stoops
Lisa Renee Morrow

Greene County

Christal Lea Mercado
Micheal Lee Ayers
Jessica Ann Hawkins
Timmarie I. Hamilton
Kayla Niccole Vanaman
Amber Marie Calloway
Randall Kenneth Zickefoose and Janice Sue Zickefoose
Benjamin C. Hoffman and Natasha Lynn Young
Joyce Annette McCormack
Jason Neal Portinier
Marcus Aaron Shollenberger and Gloria Dawn Shollenberger
Taylor Lynn Belcher


Howell County

Michael D. Hall
Rodney Allen Alcom
Kelly Diane Alcom

Polk County

Keith Robert Weigelt
Roxanna Jones

Stone County

Carol Lee Lawrence

Wright County

Edward Lorning Jaeger and Antionette Marie Jaeger

Springfield man sentenced to 30 years on child pornography charges

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for producing and distributing child pornography.

Genard Alonzo Toney, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Toney to a lifetime of supervised release following incarceration.

On May 29, 2018, Toney pleaded guilty to one count of using a minor to produce child pornography and to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to court documents, Toney engaged in a pattern of soliciting images of child pornography through the internet. Toney pretended to be a female seeking female relationship on a dating website and would text message with women he met on the dating website. 

Toney used a cell phone application, which provided him with a fake, anonymous cell phone number, cloaking his own number from identification. 

 Generally, one of the first things Toney would ask the person he was messaging with was whether they had any children. Toney would then ask them to send him a sexually explicit picture of the children.

Investigators examined devices seized from Toney and found 283 separate conversations, consisting of 13,676 messages Toney engaged in with the women he met on the dating website, and multiple images of child pornography.

At the time of this offense, Toney was on state probation after being convicted of three counts of distributing a controlled substance.

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

Springfield woman sentenced to 20 years for meth trafficking

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

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

Carol A. Hardy, also known as Carol A. Johnson, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole.

On July 17, 2018, Hardy pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from March 30 to Oct. 18, 2017.

Hardy was an upper-level distributor in a drug trafficking organization that distributed at least 4.5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine in the Springfield area. The methamphetamine was purchased from Kansas City, Mo., and Oklahoma City, Okla., and transported by vehicle to the Springfield area.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hardy’s residence and found 1.766 kilograms of methamphetamine in a safe on the floor of a bedroom closet. Officers also found a notebook containing a drug ledger inside a purse on top of the bed.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Ozark man pleads guilty to $2.4 million cattle fraud scheme

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

An Ozark, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to a $2.4 million wire fraud scheme in which he falsely claimed that he had purchased thousands of head of cattle under a contract with a Texas company.

Dwight Moody Cox, 57, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, to one count of wire fraud.

Cox was the owner of Dwight Cox Cattle Company, which provided cattle procurement services. DCCC purchased cattle throughout the region and placed those cattle on land owned or rented by Cox to graze and feed. Once the cattle reached a specified weight, Cox shipped the cattle to his clients.

Cox had a contract with Texas Beef Cattle Company (TBCC), located in Amarillo, Texas, from 2009 until Nov. 30, 2017. 

During this period of time, Cox purchased cattle from various livestock auction houses and kept them on land he owned or had rented to graze, feed, and provide care. 

Cox submitted invoices to TBCC for all cattle he purchased, and billed TBCC for feeding the cattle. Once the cattle had reached a weight previously agreed to between Cox and TBCC, the cattle would be shipped by Cox to TBCC. TBCC would then sell the cattle and any profits would be shared equally between TBCC and Cox.

Between April 1, 2017, and Nov. 30, 2017, Cox submitted 35 different invoices, claiming to have purchased approximately 3,250 head of cattle. Cox also claimed to have those cattle grazing on land he owned or rented. In return for his representations, TBCC issued bank transfer payments in the amount of approximately $2,559,419.

In February 2018, TBCC officials contacted Cox and requested that the cattle be shipped to their facility in Amarillo for sale. On Feb. 27, 2018, Cox reported to officials with TBCC that he was unable to deliver the cattle and that he only had 147 head of cattle. When asked why 3,100 head of cattle were missing, Cox admitted that he had submitted false invoices to TBCC.

TBCC officials reported that minus the 147 head of cattle that were received from Cox, he fraudulently obtained $2,403,975 through his wire fraud scheme.

Under federal statutes, Cox is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 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 Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the FBI.

Four children injured in Springfield school bus-pickup collision caused by deer

Four people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 7:30 a.m. today on Route YY, one mile east of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a westbound 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Brian K. Clopton, 30, Fair Grove, struck a deer, causing the vehicle to be thrown into the eastbound lane where it was struck by a 2014 IC Corporation Springfield Public Schools bus driven by Christina K. Romaniak, 44, Springfield.


A passenger in the Clopton vehicle, Kylyn Young, 12, Springfield, was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Three passengers in the school bus, Autumn G. Entrekin, 12, Savannah Oldham, 11, and Jazlynn Williams, 13, all of Springfield, were treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Governor appoints Springfield, Ozark men to state commissions

(From Gov. Mike Parson)

Today, Governor Parson announced six appointments to various boards and commissions.

Dr. Cindy Herrmann Baker, of Ozark, was appointed to the Committee for Professional Counselors.

Dr. Baker is the owner of four counseling-related companies: Baker Consulting Services, LLC; Touchstone Counseling, LLC; Touchstone Helping Families; and Garden of Healing, LLC. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Family and Consumer Sciences from Washburn University, a Master of Science in Counseling from Missouri State University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is a National Certified Counselor and a Certified Civil and Family Mediator.

Brandon Boulware, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Missouri Gaming Commission.

Boulware is the Managing Partner of Boulware Law, LLC. He previously served as a Judicial Law Clerk in the Supreme Court of Missouri and the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Missouri-Columbia and his Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and was the Assistant Notes & Comments Editor for the American University International Law Review. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees for St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School, a Board Member for the Kansas City Midtown Housing Advisory Board, and serves on the Executive Board for the Committee for County Progress.

Dr. James Gray III, of Des Peres, was appointed to the State Board of Pharmacy.

Dr. Gray is the Executive Director of Pharmacy at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. He is responsible for operations, drug use policy, regulatory compliance, program development, and financial performance of the pharmacy department. Dr. Gray received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Pittsburgh. He earned a Doctor of Pharmacy at Duquesne University and completed an American Society of Health-System Pharmacists accredited residency in pharmacy practice at Mercy Hospital. He also has his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. 

Dr. Colby Grove, of Springfield, was appointed to the State Board of Pharmacy.

Dr. Grove is a pharmacist and co-owner at The Pharmacy @ Pleasant Hope. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Chemistry from Drury University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy. Dr. Grove is one of nine pharmacists in his family, and his family’s history in the pharmacy business dates back to over eighty years.

Christopher Sanford, of Brighton, was appointed to the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy.

Sanford is the Director of Rehabilitation and a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at Choice Rehab, Strafford Care Center. He has over twenty-five years of experience as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, and the last eleven years in Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation Homes. He has his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Wayland Baptist University and completed the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program from AMMED Center and Schools. Sanford was also a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and Medical Company First Sergeant with the U.S. Army for twenty years. He has been certified with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy since 1982 and licensed in Missouri since 2008.

Dr. Linda Sue Hermann Wimpfheimer, of Webster Groves, was appointed to the Committee for Professional Counselors.

Dr. Hermann is a therapist in private practice and the Owner of the Marriage and Family Institute in Clayton. She has her Bachelor of Science from Maryville University, a Master of Education in General Counseling from University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. Dr. Hermann is the past president and board member for Psychotherapy St. Louis, and serves on the Board of Directors for Junior Leagues (St. Louis, Honolulu, and Minneapolis), Kids in the Middle, and Mid-County Teen Advocacy Council.

Agenda posted for Springfield/Greene County Library Board of Trustees

Notice is hereby given that the Springfield-Greene County Library Board of Trustees will meet or vote December 18, 2018, 8:30 a.m. at the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library, 2214 Brentwood Blvd., Springfield, MO.

Tentative Agenda

1. Roll Call

2. Consent Agenda
• Minutes – November 27, 2018 board meeting
• Policies in Force Review: Image Reproduction Policy

3. Standing Committees:
• Finance/Personnel Committee
o Fiscal Year 2018 financial audit report o Financial Report
• Buildings & Grounds Committee


4. Report of the Director

5. Library Foundation Update

6. Old Business

7. New Business

8. Miscellaneous Items

9. Closed session citing Missouri Revised Statutes 610.021(2)

10. Adjournment

Agends posted for Springfield City Council lunch meeting

Springfield City Council Lunch 
Tuesday, December 18, 2018, 12 pm 
Busch Municipal Building – 4th Floor Conference Room 840 Boonville Avenue 

TENTATIVE AGENDA

1. Audit Report.

2. Any and all matters to come before City Council.


3. Adjourn to Special City Council Meeting-Closed Session.

***
 Closed Session

 1. ROLL CALL

2. CLOSED SESSION
 City Council will hold a closed meeting to discuss legal actions, causes of action or litigation involving a public governmental body and any confidential or privileged communications between a public governmental body or its representatives and its attorneys pursuant to Section 610.021(1), RSMo.; and leasing, purchase or sale of real estate by a public governmental body where public knowledge of the transaction might adversely affect the legal consideration therefor pursuant to Section 610.021(2), RSMo.; and this meeting, record, and vote shall be closed and the City Council shall stand adjourned at the end of the closed session. SAID MEETING SHALL BE HELD beginning at 12:30 p.m. or Immediately Following City Council Lunch, Tuesday, December 18, 2018, in the 4th Floor Conference Room, Busch Municipal Building, 840 Boonville, Springfield, Missouri.

Agenda posted for Springfield/Branson National Airport Board meeting

SPRINGFIELD/BRANSON NATIONAL AIRPORT BOARD 
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018, 8 A.M. 
AIRPORT BOARD ROOM 2300 NORTH AIRPORT BOULEVARD, SPRINGFIELD

CALL TO ORDER (BY ROLL CALL VOTE)
Statistical Summary for November 2018
Financial Data for November 2018

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Request approval of minutes from Regular Board Meeting on November 15, 2018


NEW BUSINESS
1. Recognition of Board Service by Alison George – Jim Anderson, Airport Board Chair
2. Discuss Board Self-Assessment – Jim Anderson, Airport Board Chair
3. Ground Lease for new Hangar – Joy Latimer, Legal Counsel
4. Contacts for Escalator Conversion Project – Dave Schaumburg, Assistant Director of Aviation

GENERAL BUSINESS (DISCUSSION ONLY, NOT ANTICIPATED TO BE VOTED ON)
 1. Director’s Report - Brian Weiler, Director of Aviation
2. Chair’s Report – Jim Anderson, Airport Board Chair
3. Items to be referred to Committee - Board Members may bring up items for consideration to be assigned to a committee for further action
4. Public Comment Period

ADJOURN

Agenda posted for Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau Board meeting

Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc., Board of Directors will meet at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, December 20, 2018 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Springfield, 2431 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO.

1. Introductions

2. Approval of November Meeting Minutes/ Subsequent Motion to Revise Wording in Legislative Priorities

3. Recognition of Retiring Board Members

4. Chair's Report

5. November Financial Reports

6. FY19 Budget Revision


7. Social Security/Medicare Withholding

8. Enabling Legislation for Increase in Hotel Tax

9. Strategic Plan Update/Annual Banquet

10. Convention Complex

11. Short-term Rentals

12. Office Lease

13. Destination Springfield Report

14. City of Springfield Report

15. Staff Reports

16. Old or New Business

Springfield tutor sentenced to 30 years for sexually assaulting 10-year-old student

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

A Springfield, Mo., man who worked as a private tutor was sentenced in federal court today for sexually assaulting a former 10-year-old student.

John Paul Sparapani, 30, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 30 years in federal prison without parole, which is the maximum statutory penalty for this offense. The court also sentenced Sparapani to a lifetime of supervised release following incarceration.

On Feb. 21, 2018, Sparapani pleaded guilty to using a minor to produce child pornography. He admitted that he took pornographic photos of a student he was tutoring in a private room at a public library.

This investigation began when an officer with the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force identified Sparapani’s computer as sharing child pornography on a peer-to-peer file-sharing network on May 25, 2015. Officers executed a search warrant at Sparapani’s residence on Dec. 21, 2015, and seized two laptop computers, three hard drives and a cell phone, which contained multiple images and videos of child pornography.

On August 25, 2017, a 12-year-old minor female disclosed that Sparapani had sexually assaulted her when she was 10 and 11 years old and had taken photographs of the assault with his cell phone. The child victim disclosed that the sexual abuse occurred while she was being tutored by Sparapani in a private room at a public library.

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

Springfield Public Schools, MSU play host to Saudi Arabia teacher leaders

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Sarah Alkhaldi has been a teacher for 16 years, and her favorite thing about Wilder Elementary School is the small libraries in each classroom.

“I also noticed how the playground equipment is a good place for children in elementary schools,” said Alkhaldi. “They can move and they can run and they can learn outside the classroom, which is a good thing for them. We don’t have playgrounds in my country.”

Alkhaldi is one of 28 teacher leaders from Saudi Arabia participating in the Khebrat Program as part of an internship with Springfield Public Schools, in partnership Missouri State University’s English Language Institute.

Teachers from Saudi Arabia are placed in 14 other universities and their communities in America and five other countries to learn best practices in education globally to implement in their own classrooms in Saudi Arabia. 

“The Saudi Ministry of Education and Cultural Mission had learning goals for participants, who volunteered to be a part of the Khebrat program,” said Rachel Love, school immersion coordinator at the English Language Institute at MSU. “In the program, they’re reaching those goals by teacher training courses, like education technology courses, and the active immersion experience in the schools.”

From Oct. 1 through Dec. 14, Saudi teachers are observing classrooms at six sites: Wilder, McGregor, Hickory Hills, Carver, Parkview and Central. At each site, Khebrat participants are partnered with a site mentor, who helps to oversee the teachers’ observations, as well as answering their questions about processes, procedures and customs in American schools.

At Wilder, ELL teacher Lesley Strange-Robinson serves as Alkhaldi’s mentor, working and learning right alongside her. 

“I have actually learned a lot from Sarah,” said Strange-Robinson. “We were talking today about how the schools in Saudi Arabia compare to us here, and it’s been very interesting, culturally, as well as getting to know someone who I have a connection with in Saudi Arabia.”

In the ELL classroom at Wilder, Strange-Robinson and Alkhaldi learn from each other daily. But Alkhaldi isn’t the only one in her family learning at SPS.

“I like school because I like math and reading and writing and listening,” said Linah Alkhaldi, second-grader at Sherwood Elementary School. “It’s fun to go to school, even though there are boys here.”

Linah is one of five Alkhaldi children who are enrolled in Springfield Public Schools: Zayd and Hanin are at Central High School, Abdullah is a pre-kindergartner at Campbell, and Faizah, a fifth-grader at Sherwood. Faizah and her siblings also attended Explore last summer, improving their language skills.

“We have summer school in my country, but it is not as effective as it is here,” said Sarah. “My daughter in fifth-grade at Sherwood said that her English was getting good and she can now speak with her teacher fluently in English after summer school. Now she can understand everything in the class, even if the ELL teacher is not there.”

At Sherwood, Faizah and Linah are two of 11 students who are children of participants of the Khebrat program -- with 40 total Khebrat children enrolled at SPS in its first cohort, according to Jeremy Borland, coordinator of English Language Learners and Migrant Education Program.

“It’s great that we’ve welcomed Khebrat participants with open arms and that they feel welcome in our district,” said Borland. “We only want to strengthen their relationships with our community, so they can learn from us and we can learn from them.”

At the end of her internship, Sarah Alkhaldi will take her pages of notes about Wilder Elementary’s building, classroom, lessons, specialty classes and more to create a final project. The culminating project will focus on a systemic change for her school district in Saudi Arabia, based on her learning from the 12-month Khebrat program and her experience within Wilder Elementary.

“The teachers here in SPS can design her class; we don’t have this opportunity,” said Alkhaldi. “She can design it to be attractive for her kids, so they can learn easily and they feel safe and interested in the class. That’s a great process for the students: they learn more.”

Rhonda Lewsader named Springfield city attorney

(From the City of Springfield)

City Manager Jason Gage has named Rhonda Lewsader as City Attorney. Most recently the City’s Deputy City Attorney, Lewsader has been with the City of Springfield for 19 years, minus a short tenure as Republic’s City Attorney.

“Rhonda has served as Interim City Attorney since the position was vacated by Frank Romines. She is very bright and has done an excellent job managing the Law Department. The City benefits from her quality legal analysis and advice and I am very excited to make her an official member of the City’s Leadership Team,” said Gage.

The City Attorney assists the City Council, City management and all City departments with matters of municipal law and represents the city in all legal matters including civil actions brought by or against the city. Ordinances and resolutions that come before the City Council are routinely written by the legal staff. The Law Department employs 20 people.

“It is an exciting time in the City, with projects like the Idea Commons and the Art Museum’s Master Plan taking shape. I appreciate the opportunity to step into the role of City Attorney and look forward to providing legal support that will assist City Council and the City’s Leadership Team in implementing the projects and services that will build a better future for this community and allow it to continue to be a wonderful place to live,” Lewsader said.

Lewsader is a graduate of Missouri State University (Bachelor of Arts in Writing and a Master’s in Business Administration) and of Washington University School of Law (J.D.) Following graduation from law school, she worked as a public defender, before joining the City of Springfield in 1999.

Her appointment is effective Dec. 16. She will make an annual salary of $148,000.