Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Tornado causes severe damage in Wheaton, all roads into city closed

(From the Purdy Police Department)

The City of Wheaton has suffered severe damage from a suspected tornado.

All roads into Wheaton are being closed to traffic; only emergency personnel will be allowed in.

Tornado warning issued for Springfield

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Springfield, Ozark, Nixa and the surrounding area until 9 p.m.



















Severe thunderstorm warning issued for portions of Barry, Lawrence counties

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for portions of Barry and Lawrence counties until 8:45 p.m.

The entire area is under a tornado watch until 11 p.m.







Tornado warning issued for Greene, Dade, Lawrence counties

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Greene and Dade counties, including the cities of Everton, Ash Grove and Miller, until 8:15 p.m.

The entire area is under a tornado watch until 11 p.m.












National Weather Service severe weather briefing for southwest Missouri





Tornado watch issued for Springfield, southwest Missouri

TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 111
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
1200 PM CDT TUE APR 30 2019

TORNADO WATCH 111 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1100 PM CDT FOR THE
 FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

MOC009-011-039-043-057-059-077-097-109-119-145-167-209-213-217-
225-010400-
/O.NEW.KWNS.TO.A.0111.190430T1700Z-190501T0400Z/

MO
.    MISSOURI COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BARRY                BARTON              CEDAR
CHRISTIAN            DADE                DALLAS
GREENE               JASPER              LAWRENCE
MCDONALD             NEWTON              POLK
STONE                TANEY               VERNON
WEBSTER





Highway Patrol Arrests April 29-30

Mario J. Castillo, 50, Brookline, felony driving while intoxicated, speeding, driving while revoked

Donald W. Duncan, 42, Cabot, Arkansas, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Austin D. Moore, 22, Bolivar, felony possession of a controlled substance- THC edibles, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Ethan T. Searcy, 27, Bolivar, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding, no seat belt








Sheila M. Wickman, 33, Springfield, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Travis D. Wickman, 43, Springfield, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Michael A. Falk, 30, Battlefield, felony probation and parole warrant for robbery, felony Greene County warrants for forgery and possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor Greene County warrant for no seat belt, misdemeanor Springfield Police Department warrant for speeding

Trey E. Friend, 20, Joplin, five misdemeanor Neosho Police Department warrants for dangerous drug possession, marijuana possession, no valid license, speeding, minor in possession of alcohol


Elevated tornado risk for Springifleld/Greene County area today, tonight

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Springfield MO
439 AM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-010945-
Bourbon-Crawford-Cherokee-Benton-Morgan-Miller-Maries-Vernon-
St. Clair-Hickory-Camden-Pulaski-Phelps-Barton-Cedar-Polk-Dallas-
Laclede-Texas-Dent-Jasper-Dade-Greene-Webster-Wright-Newton-
Lawrence-Christian-Douglas-Howell-Shannon-McDonald-Barry-Stone-
Taney-Ozark-Oregon-
439 AM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Missouri
Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight.

Weather hazards expected...

  Elevated tornado risk.
  Elevated hail risk.
  Elevated thunderstorm wind damage risk.
  Elevated flooding risk.
  Significant lightning risk.
  Limited non thunderstorm wind risk.








DISCUSSION...

  Gusty southerly winds will develop today behind a passing
  warm front with gusts of 25 to 35 mph expected.

  Scattered thunderstorms are expected this morning,
  especially across southeastern Kansas and western Missouri.
  A few of these storms may produce hail to the size of
  quarters and locally damaging wind gusts.

  Thunderstorms will then increase in coverage this afternoon
  and early this this evening, including the potential for
  supercell thunderstorms. Hail up to two inches in diameter,
  damaging wind gusts, and tornadoes will be possible with any
  supercells. The threat for supercell tornadoes will become
  elevated from late this afternoon into this evening as low
  level wind shear increases.

  The thunderstorms are then expected to congeal into a squall
  line this evening and push east across the area from later
  this evening into the overnight period. This will include a
  threat for damaging winds to 70 mph and tornadoes. Portions
  of the squall line which bow out towards the northeast will
  have an enhanced tornado threat.

  An elevated threat for flash flooding exists for today and
  tonight as multiple rounds of heavy rainfall are expected.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday.

  The potential for severe thunderstorms and flooding will
  then continue into Wednesday and Wednesday night. This
  includes the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and
  isolated tornadoes. Details regarding the location and
  timing of these potential hazards will become better known
  later today and tonight.

  The risk for thunderstorms will then persist into Thursday
  and Friday. The potential for severe storms and flooding is
  unclear at this time. There are then limited chances for
  thunderstorms early next week.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

  Spotter activation may be needed today and tonight across the
  entire outlook area.





Flash flood watch issued for Lawrence, Cedar, Polk counties, heavy rainfall expected

...Multiple Rounds of Heavy Rainfall Expected this Week...

.A nearly stationary frontal boundary in combination with
multiple disturbances will result in several rounds of showers
and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall rates are expected with some of
these storms due to high amounts of Gulf of Mexico moisture
streaming north into the region. This will increase the risk for
flash flooding.

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055-056-066>068-077>079-088-089-093-094-010000-
/O.CON.KSGF.FF.A.0002.000000T0000Z-190502T1200Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Bourbon-Crawford-Cherokee-Benton-Morgan-Vernon-St. Clair-Hickory-
Barton-Cedar-Polk-Jasper-Dade-Newton-Lawrence-
Including the cities of Fort Scott, Pawnee Station, Chicopee,
Lone Oak, Pittsburg, Baxter Springs, Lowell, Riverton, Columbus,
Neutral, Sherwin, Stippville, Warsaw, Whitakerville, Cole Camp,
Crockerville, Mora, Edmonson, Lincoln, Versailles, Rocky Mount,
Stover, Laurie, Nevada, Tiffin, Appleton City, Johnson City,
Weaubleau, Hermitage, Quincy, Wheatland, Cross Timbers, Kenoma,
Lamar, Cedar Springs, El Dorado Springs, Filley, Arnica,
Caplinger Mills, Stockton, Bolivar, Joplin, Carthage, Greenfield,
Lockwood, Meinert, Neosho, Aurora, Mount Vernon, and Marionville
445 AM CDT Tue Apr 30 2019

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING...

The Flash Flood Watch continues for

* Portions of southeast Kansas and Missouri, including the
  following areas, in southeast Kansas, Bourbon, Cherokee, and
  Crawford. In Missouri, Barton, Benton, Cedar, Dade, Hickory,
  Jasper, Lawrence, Morgan, Newton, Polk, St. Clair, and Vernon.








* Through Thursday morning

* Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms producing heavy
  rainfall are expected through Wednesday night. Rainfall amounts
  of 3 to 5 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts
  possible.

* The heavy rainfall may lead to flooding of creeks, streams, and
  low water crossings.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.



Two Lampe residents killed in rollover crash, third flown to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries

Two people were killed and one seriously injured in a one-vehicle rollover crash 7:45 p.m. Monday on Rosemary Lane, a half mile south of Lampe.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1986 Ford Bronco driven by Mario M. Aberle, 49, Lampe, ran off the roadway on a curve, traveled down a steep embankment, struck a tree and overturned onto its top.

Aberle and a passenger, Eden Aberle, 14, Lampe, were pronounced dead at the scene by Stone County Coroner John Cunnyngham.








Another passenger, Lars D. Aberle, 23, Lampe, was airlifted to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

The fatalities were the 28th and 29th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.


Monday, April 29, 2019

Strong to severe thunderstorms possible Tuesday morning for Springfield/Branson area

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Springfield MO
327 PM CDT Mon Apr 29 2019

KSZ073-097-101-MOZ055>058-066>071-077>083-088>098-101>106-302030-
Bourbon-Crawford-Cherokee-Benton-Morgan-Miller-Maries-Vernon-
St. Clair-Hickory-Camden-Pulaski-Phelps-Barton-Cedar-Polk-Dallas-
Laclede-Texas-Dent-Jasper-Dade-Greene-Webster-Wright-Newton-
Lawrence-Christian-Douglas-Howell-Shannon-McDonald-Barry-Stone-
Taney-Ozark-Oregon-
327 PM CDT Mon Apr 29 2019

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of the Missouri
Ozarks and extreme southeast Kansas.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight.

Weather hazards expected...

  Limited hail risk.
  Limited thunderstorm wind damage risk.
  Limited lightning risk.








DISCUSSION...

Isolated thunderstorms will be possible through 8 pm. Severe
storms are not expected with this early activity.

Thunderstorms will increase in coverage this evening and into the
late night hours through daybreak, especially across southeastern
Kansas and western Missouri. Isolated stronger storms will be
capable of large hail and damaging winds.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday.

Ongoing activity is expected Tuesday morning with some strong to
severe storms continuing to be possible. Severe thunderstorms
appear increasingly likely from Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday
night. All modes of severe weather will be possible including hail
to the size of golf balls, damaging wind gusts to 70 mph, and a
few tornadoes. Flash flooding will also be possible where heavy
rainfall rates can persist.








The chance for severe thunderstorms and flash flooding will
continue into Wednesday and Wednesday night but the timing and the
areas with the highest probability are hard to pinpoint. Large
hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes appear possible.

The threat for thunderstorms may then persist into Thursday and
Friday. The potential for severe storms and flooding is unclear at
this time. There are then limited chances for thunderstorms late
this weekend weekend.

Billy Long: Medicare for all will be health care for none

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

After passing Obamacare without one Republican vote, the Old Blue Democrats promised over and over again that if you liked your health care plan, you could keep it.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Several months after Obamacare passed, 4 million Americans were told they couldn’t keep their health care plan. 

Now, almost 10 years later, the New Green Democrat Majority is serving up a whopper that would make Paul Bunyan blush. They are now proposing a one-size-fits-all health care plan in lieu of Obamacare.

The New Green Democrat Majority recently introduced Medicare for All legislation that would scrap our current health care system and replace it with a government-run, single-payer system. 










This radical socialist policy would eliminate all private and employer-sponsored health care plans that currently cover 216 million Americans. 

This so-called health care for all plan would get rid of a number of specialized programs that cover 58 million seniors and disabled individuals, eliminate TRICARE, our current health care system for our military and their families, as well as the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which covers nearly 7 million children.

A recent poll revealed that 60 percent of Americans wanted nothing to do with Medicare for All once they realized how much more in taxes they would have to pay. 

If implemented, Medicare for All would cost hardworking taxpayers $32 trillion over the next decade. This would require enormous tax hikes, specifically on middle class families. 

Numerous studies have shown that even doubling the federal and corporate income taxes and tripling payroll taxes wouldn’t be enough to pay for this new health care system.

Not only would Medicare for All cost trillions of dollars, it would hinder patient’s access to care. Hospitals would lose $150 billion a year under Medicare for All. Your access to care will certainly be impeded, and several countries are proof of this. 










In 2017, the average wait time in Canada for a patient going to see a general practitioner followed by a specialist was more than 10 weeks. Some specialized doctors had wait lists up to 5 months. That’s not an issue in the U.S. 

Along with longer wait times, a Medicare for All system would mean more bureaucratic red tape for new, lifesaving drugs. Compared to the Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency approves drugs at a much slower rate, and even when approved, takes longer to get them to patients. Again, not a problem in the U.S.

As much as the New Green Democrat Majority tries to sugarcoat this massive government overreach as a win for the American people, the realities of Medicare for All are much different. I will continue to fight against this socialist plan by proposing free market solutions that work for the people rather than against. When hospitals start losing $150 Billion a year, Medicare for All will soon need to be renamed Healthcare for None.


Highway Patrol Arrests April 28-29

Nathan W. Smith, 32, Forsyth, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no seat belt

Blythe W. Bedlion, 18, Marionville, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no valid driver's license, no insurance, failure to register vehicle, following too closely, no seat belt

Heather D. Melton, 38, Kansas City, Greene County misdemeanor warrant for probation violation on driving while intoxicated

John M. Devich, 63, Rogers, Arkansas, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, speeding








Brayan A. Apolonio, 23, Noel, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, leaving the scene of an accident, no insurance

Alicia L. Ortiz, 21,Seligman, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia,

Jerry L. Straw, 36, Sheldon, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Route 14 closed in Billings Thursday and Friday

(From MODOT)

Missouri Route 14 CLOSED May 2-3 for Railroad Maintenance in Billings

What: Missouri Route 14 CLOSED for railroad maintenance work at Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad crossing in Billings

When: 7 a.m., Thursday, May 2 through 5 p.m., Friday, May 3

Why: BNSF crews performing maintenance to railroad tracks at Route 14








Traffic Impacts:


-Both lanes of Route 14 CLOSED where BNSF crews are set up working

-Drivers will be able to get to driveways and entrances on either side of the work zone, but will not be able to travel through the work zone

-Drivers urged to find alternate routes. No signed detours are planned.

(Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule)

Springfield man pleads guilty to meth trafficking, money laundering charges

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

A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a conspiracy to distribute as much as 45 kilograms of methamphetamine.

David McKinnie, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and to money laundering.

By pleading guilty today, McKinnie admitted that he distributed as much as 45 kilograms of methamphetamine in Greene and Jasper counties from May 2016 to Feb. 20, 2018. McKinnie also admitted that he transmitted a $3,000 money gram to his supplier in Oklahoma, which involved the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.








According to McKinnie’s plea agreement, he purchased up to three pounds of methamphetamine from his supplier each week for three years, for which he paid approximately $6,000 to $9,000 per pound.

Under federal statutes, McKinnie is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life 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 Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation.

***
Lost Angels: The Murders of Rowan Ford and Doug Ringler is available in paperback and e-book formats from Amazon.com

Portion of Lawrence County Route P to be closed Tuesday and Wednesday

(From MODOT)

May 1 for Railroad Maintenance Near Verona


What: Lawrence County Route P CLOSED for railroad maintenance work at Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad crossing on mile north of Business Route 60 near Verona

When: 7 a.m., Tuesday, April 30 through 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 1

Why: BNSF crews performing maintenance to railroad tracks at Route P








Traffic Impacts:

-Both lanes of Route P CLOSED where BNSF crews are set up working

-Drivers will be able to get to driveways and entrances on either side of the work zone, but will not be able to travel through the work zone

-Drivers urged to find alternate routes. No signed detours are planned.

(Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule)

Friday, April 26, 2019

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Barry County

Nigel Blake Ketcher

Christian County

Tristyn Nicole Higer
Ruben Guzman
Tiffany Marie Wallace
James Louis Kelly
Debra L. Ausmus
Lara Pauline Richoz
Matthew Brian Ledbetter and Larissa Jo Ledbetter
Travis William Baker and Mary Coleen Baker
Melinda Ellen Edmonds

Greene County

Jennifer Lee Wade
William Michael Old and Tonya Kay Old
John Musso
Azhar M. Qureshi and Farah A. Qureshi
Nathaniel Drew Spence and Deanna Ann Spence
Khai Lanae Brown Kimani
Russell Dale Rau and Tracy Lynn Rau
Nicholas B. Ferguson and Stephanie Lauren Ferguson
Randy Calvin Springs
Kelly Elizabeth Sharp






Brady Charles Floyd
Angela Renee Franco
Charmaine Lavonda Werner
Megan M. Ellis
Randall Scott Israel and Pamela Ann Israel
Miranda Lynn Goldenberg
Phillip W Illum and Twila Joy Illum
Jeffrey E. Perkins
Brice Wade Evans
John Georg Kangas and Pamela Ruth Kangas

Laclede County

Sandra Elaine Massey
David Howard Jenkins

Taney County

Cassie Leann Snow
Claudia Jo Brooks
Laurie James Gibson

Webster County

Alvin Dean Jacobs and Barbara Ellen Jacobs
Bobby L. Crosby and Deborah E. Crosby
Kevin Lavern Schulz and Dixie Diane Schulz

Wright County

Jason Matthew Bryson and Brianne Lee Bryson
Linda Kay Porter

First group of Springfield Public Schools projects ready for bids

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools has already begun the important work to deliver $168 million in facility improvements by the end of 2022. Two weeks after Springfield voters approved Proposition S, SPS has issued its first set of projects for bid.

“With more than 61 percent of voters approving these projects, our community gave a strong indication that this work is a priority,” said Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools. “Our goal is to complete these projects on budget and on time.”

The first work to get underway will be creating secure entrances at 31 schools. The secure entrance projects are divided into six different bid packages. The first bid package was released on April 12 and the remaining five will be released for bid every 10 days. Bid openings will be scheduled for 30 days after the date each package goes out for bid. Bond projects open for bid may be viewed here.







Construction of secure entrances will begin this summer and is expected to continue through May 2021.

Bid timeline for secure entrance projects 

April 12 Parkview, Central, Study
April 22 Pershing, Carver, Wilson's Creek, Phelps, Jarrett, Pipkin, Pleasant View & Reed
May 2 Bingham, Bissett, Robberson, Rountree, York, former Sherwood building
May 13 Pittman, Disney, Holland, Mann, McBride
May 23 McGregor, Shady Dell, Truman, Watkins, Wilder
June 3 Weller, Cowden, Field, Twain


Design work is also currently underway for construction of the new Southwest Early Childhood Center, construction of Delaware Elementary School, and renovation/expansion of Sunshine Elementary School. These three projects are scheduled to go out for bid this summer.

Timeline for remaining projects

June 2019 Design work begins for Boyd, Hillcrest and Jarrett projects
August 2019 Construction begins on Southwest Region Early Childhood Center
Construction begins at Delaware; students relocate to former Sherwood building
Construction begins at Sunshine
October 2019 Design work begins for Williams project
February 2020 Construction begins at Boyd
June 2020 Construction begins at Hillcrest
Construction begins at Jarrett
Construction begins at Williams
August 2020 New Delaware opens
Southwest Region Early Childhood Center opens
Williams students relocate to former Sherwood building
August 2021 New Boyd opens
August 2022 New Jarrett opens

To keep the Springfield community informed about the progress of these projects, SPS has created a dedicated web page where bond project information will be posted. Visit www.sps.org/progress for regular updates on the work.

***
Let Teachers Teach by Randy Turner is available in paperback and e-book formats at Amazon.com.

Bluegrass performances planned at Roaring River State Park

(From Missouri State Parks)

Join us in the Roaring River State Park amphitheater and enjoy good old-fashion Bluegrass music from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m, each Friday in May, and on Saturday, May 25.

The event is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring a lawn chair.








Roaring River State Park is located 7 miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County, in southwest Missouri. For more information about the event, contact the park office at 417-847-2539.

For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit the web at mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Angela Holloway Payne named principal at Boyd Elementary School

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools has selected Dr. Angela Holloway Payne to serve as the next principal of Boyd Elementary School, effective July 1.

Dr. Holloway Payne's education career includes 12 years as an elementary
classroom teacher and 10 years as an elementary principal for Shelby County Schools in Memphis, Tenn. During her time with Shelby County Schools, she was recognized as Administrator of the Year by the Tennessee Education Association. She currently serves as the superintendent of Stafford USD 349 in Stafford, Kan. Dr. Holloway Payne's husband, Dr. Richard Todd Payne, is a professor at Missouri State University.

Dr. Holloway Payne received a bachelor of arts in elementary education from the University of Memphis, a master of science in administration and supervision from Trevecca Nazarene University, and both an educational specialist degree and a doctorate in educational leadership from Union University.










"It is an honor to join Springfield Public Schools," said Dr. Holloway Payne. "The opportunity to become part of the Boyd Elementary family is exciting! I look forward to learning about the rich traditions and history of our school. It is my passion to equip faculty and staff with the skills and resources to provide our students with a safe, supportive and enriched learning environment. Building positive relationships with faculty, staff, students, parents and community members will be an important part of every day."

"We look forward to welcoming Dr. Holloway Payne to Springfield and to SPS," said Dr. J Anderson, executive director of elementary learning for Springfield Public Schools. "It was obvious to the selection committee that she is passionate about providing students with a personalized learning experience unique to the abilities and interests of individual students, while supporting the work of teachers and staff who are instrumental to that work."

***
Let Teachers Teach by Randy Turner is available in paperback and e-book formats at Amazon.com

Agenda posted for Springfield City Council lunch meeting

Springfield City Council Lunch 
Tuesday, April 30, 2019, 12 Noon 
Councilman Denny Whayne Conference Room (Busch Building, 4th Floor) 840 Boonville Avenue 

TENTATIVE AGENDA 

1. Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Budget Workshop.

2. Review of the Upcoming May 6, 2019 City Council Meeting Agenda

3. Any and all matters to come before City Council

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Charges filed after Springfield police officers make property crime bust

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On April 24, 2019, formal charges were filed on two suspects believed to be involved in several property crimes throughout the Springfield area.

Over the past several weeks, Property Crime Detectives with SPD began to notice several crimes being reported that involved what appeared to be the same red Chevrolet Cruze. The car had been recorded by surveillance cameras located at targeted areas.

Further investigation revealed a similar Chevrolet Cruze was stolen on March 5, 2019, from an apartment complex in the 2800 block of S. Fort (case number 19-08334), and the license plate displayed on the Cruze during criminal activity had been reported stolen on March 23, 2019, from a vehicle near the intersection of Sunshine & Campbell. The criminals who were linked to the vehicle were heavily involved in various property crimes which included both residential & commercial burglaries, fraudulent use of a credit device, stealing, and Tampering (Auto Theft).








Information gathered regarding the Chevrolet Cruze was distributed to SPD patrol officers who were able to locate the car parked at a residence in the 1700 block of W. Sunshine. A search warrant for the residence was later obtained, evidence was seized, and two people were arrested.

Daria Morris was officially charged with First Degree Tampering. Paul Martin was officially charged with First Degree Tampering and Receiving Stolen Property. Additional charges will be forthcoming pending the outcome of the investigation.

Locations announced for Branson Drug Take-Back Day Saturday

(From the Branson Police Department)

This Saturday!!!

Do you have unused prescriptions in your home?

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will be Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the following locations:

Lakeland Pharmacy – 1232 Branson Hills Parkway
Walgreens Pharmacy – 210 State Highway 165
Branson Police Department - 110 W. Maddux

If you have any unused prescriptions in your home, please stop by this Saturday and drop them off.

Reward offered for information leading to arrest of woman wanted for felony forgery, identity theft

(From Greater Springfield Area Crimestoppers)

This week’s featured fugitive is Megan A. Matney.

Matney has active, felony warrants for Failure to Appear for Trafficking Stolen Identities and Forgery. 

Matney is a 47 years of age white female, and is approximately 5’08” tall, 140 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. Matney is believed to frequent the Springfield and Greene County areas.










Law enforcement is asking the public for assistance in locating Matney. 

If have any information about her whereabouts, please contact Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online atwww.p3tips.com.

***
Lost Angels; The Murders of Rowan Ford and Doug Ringler is available in paperback and e-book format from Amazon.com

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Suspect in Marionville armed robbery arrested in Springfield

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

U.S. Marshal Mark S. James, Western District of Missouri announces the arrest of fugitive Leslie Sean Stevens, on April 24, 2019:

On April 19, 2019, the Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Leslie Sean Stevens with 1st Degree Robbery, 1st Degree Burglary, and Armed Criminal Action.

The charges stemmed from an April 5, 2019, incident in Marionville, in which prosecutors alleged Stevens and a second suspect, Brandon Alonzo Dubois robbed and assaulted a third man at gunpoint.

Prosecutors further allege that Stevens and Dubois forced the victim to withdraw a large sum of cash from his bank account to give to them. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigated the case against Stevens and Dubois.








On April 24, 2019, investigators with the U.S. Marshals Service-Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force began searching for Stevens. 

During this search, investigators quickly developed a possible address for Stevens in North Springfield. Deputy U.S. Marshals, and Springfield Police Officers surrounded a house in the 900 Block of West Chicago Street. 

The Springfield Police-Special Response Team also responded to the scene after Stevens refused to exit the home. After a standoff lasting approximately three hours, Stevens surrendered to officers without further incident.

The arrest of Stevens represents the culmination of a cooperative investigative effort between the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, the Springfield Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service. Bond for Stevens is set in this case at $175,000.

Fugitive Brandon Dubois remains at large. Individuals with information on Dubois’ current location are encouraged to call the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 417-466-2131. Report tips to the U.S. Marshals online at https://www.usmarshals.gov/tips/index.html as well.

The U.S. Marshals Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force-Springfield Division, operates in conjunction with members of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, the Springfield Police Department, and the Joplin Police Department.

Grand Street to close east of Crutcher Avenue next week

(From the City of Springfield)

Public Works will be closing Grand Street east of Crutcher Avenue for the installation of a storm water pipe beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, April 29 through 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, weather permitting.

Motorists are advised to use Barnes Avenue and Cherry Street as a detour.

Highway Patrol Arrests April 23-24

Dejanae T. Morris, 17, Springfield, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Shannon L. Marley, 49, Ozark, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Brandon J. Sageser, 37, Wentworth, tampering with motor vehicle, receiving stolen property

Pierce City woman killed in crash near Monett

A Pierce City woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash 8:10 a.m. today on MO 37, two miles south of Monett.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 Kia Optima driven by Susan E. Neely, 83, Pierce City, pulled into the path of a 2017 Chevrolet truck driven by Lon W. Cearley, 64, Monett.







Barry County Coroner Tim Fohn pronounced Neely dead at the scene.

The fatality was the 26th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield City Council selects mayor pro tem

(From the City of Springfield)

City Council unanimously selected Zone 1 Councilwoman Phyllis Ferguson as the Mayor Pro Tempore at Monday night’s regular meeting.

The Mayor Pro Tem assumes mayoral duties in the event of the mayor's absence, including leading meetings and representing City Council as an ambassador at a variety of community functions,

Mayor Ken McClure commended Ferguson for her dedication and thanked her for her willingness to serve.








“I congratulate Phyllis and appreciate her dedication to the City,” said Mayor McClure. “I look forward to working closely with her in this new role. And I thank Councilwoman Fisk for her service these past two years. She fulfilled the role very well, giving of her time and energy.”

Councilwoman Jan Fisk nominated Ferguson.

“Councilwoman Ferguson has worked tirelessly serving her four years on Council, and I know she will give 100 percent plus," said Fisk.

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

Lane closures begin Wednesday for Primrose Street improvement project

(From the City of Springfield)

Utility work with possible lane closures will begin Wednesday, April 24 for the Primrose Street improvement project.

The project will widen Primrose Street to five lanes between South Avenue and Kimbrough Avenue. The project includes the addition of bike lanes, sidewalks, storm sewer, curb and gutter, gas and water renewals, traffic signal upgrades at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Primrose Street, and a sewer extension.








The project will impact traffic, so please use caution when traveling through the site. Periodic nightly closures are expected. Additional information on closures will be released at a later date. The project is expected to be complete this fall.

The project is funded by the 1/4-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax.

Aurora man charged with felony DWI after two injured in crash on 413

An Aurora man was charged with felony driving while intoxicated after two people were injured in a one-vehicle crash 10:22 p.m. Monday on MO 413, a half mile north of Crane.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1994 GMC pickup driven by Lucas C. Trevino, 26, Aurora, ran off the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.

Trevino and a passenger, Aeryn L. Ross, 25, Aurora, were treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.


Springfield city budget workshops begin

(From the City of Springfield)

City Manager Jason Gage began a series of City Council workshops Tuesday, April 23 in preparation for the formal presentation of the FY 2019-20 budget recommendations. The City’s fiscal year runs from July 1 – June 30 each year.

The first workshop was held during City Council’s regular lunch meeting and provided a high-level overview of the City’s annual budget development process. Gage provided a general overview and indicated the priorities for the General Fund proposed budget.

“My first priority in developing the FY20 budget relates to employee recruitment and retention. Employee recruitment and retention is the foundation for implementing City Council’s priorities of public safety, economic vitality, and fiscal sustainability,” said Gage. 








“We must increase our employee pay to ensure we remain competitive in employee salaries. To the most financially prudent extent possible, employee compensation has been addressed to move employee pay toward the middle third of the City’s benchmark cities and organizations. Many of our positions are now within the target middle third, but many still remain in the lower third and need continued attention. My proposed employee compensation funding pool is intended to help address this challenge.”

The largest individual segment of the City’s operations is supported by the General Fund, (approximately $86.1 million), which covers most police and fire operations, public works, planning and development, building development services, and all administrative support services. 

These activities are funded by four major General Fund revenue sources: sales and use tax, payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs), other taxes, and licenses and fines. The General Fund is the primary focus of the City’s annual budget process because it funds many of the high-profile citizen services (e.g., those listed above) and is the revenue source that provides the most flexibility in use by City Council.

As in prior years, the City’s General Fund operational and capital needs continue to exceed available funding. A total of $14 million of budget requests related to spending increases were submitted by the City departments. In all, Gage is recommending increased funding for approximately $3.8 million of ongoing costs and $1.1 million of one-time requests in the FY2020 proposed budget. 








For FY2019, sales tax revenue was budgeted to grow 1.5%. Sales tax is exceeding last year’s actuals to date (April 2019) by 3.3% and is projected to end 1.8% over FY2019 budget. To budget for FY20, the base was then increased 1.5% for the upcoming fiscal year. Use tax revenue, a smaller component of sales tax on goods sold to Springfield residents by out-of-state vendors, has seen growth over last year and is expected to see growth again in FY2020.

“Economists tell us that we are currently experiencing the second longest period of economic expansion in the history of the United States,” Gage said. “Though we hope this expansion period continues for many more years, we believe it is prudent to budget our sales tax on the expectation of an economic slowdown in the near future. It is difficult to forecast retail sales for the upcoming 16 months, so we will closely monitor actual sales tax and revenue during the upcoming fiscal year.”

The City’s second largest general revenue source is Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT). PILOT revenue is generated as a percentage of the gross receipts collection from City Utilities, the City's municipally-owned utility. Currently, the City’s PILOT revenue is on track to exceed last year by 3%. FY2018 actuals of $15.3 million exceeded the FY2019 budget of $15 million due to higher than expected revenue on electricity; the largest segment of this revenue source. Revenue from PILOT’s for FY2019 is projected to be $15.8 million. PILOT’s are a challenging revenue source to project due to its dependency on the weather.

While the Level Property Tax now provides funding for much needed lifecycle capital replacement and additional public safety staffing, it does not alleviate much General Fund budget pressure, Gage explained.


“Although the renewal of the Level Property Tax (LPT) and its increased flexibility allows us to address some pressing needs, we continue, however, to have unfunded ongoing capital needs.”
For example, $12.1 million dollars of reasonable capital requests were submitted, with the ability to only fund $3.5 million in both carryover funds and the FY20 proposed budget.


Expenditures of Level Property Tax funds are included in the FY20 budget proposal, including promised projects that were included in the Council bill authorizing the renewal ballot in August 2017.
About the City’s Budget Process

The annual budget is a plan – a financial proposal that directs the provision of public services and facilities. The services provided by a public organization are based on the available revenues (funds) from all sources as approved in its annual budget.

The City’s budget process is led by the City Manager, who is required by the City Charter, to present a proposed balanced budget to City Council by May 1. The series of budget workshops allow City Council time to review and discuss the City Manager’s proposed budget and to approve the budget before the new fiscal year begins on July 1 each year.


The following general principles have been followed in the financial management of the City and in the development of the annual budget. These policies have been developed to guide the City in delivering a consistent level of service, while maintaining a stable financial position and equitable tax structure.
Financial Planning Policies (including operating with a balanced budget)
Revenue Policies (such as fees for services paid for by those receiving the services to recover the cost of providing the services)
Expenditure Policies (such as providing the best service possible given revenue constraints and maintaining adequate cash reserves).

The FY20 proposed budget attempts to address funding needs within all areas of the organization. However, consistently over the past eight years, law enforcement and public safety have been the clear funding priorities

Throughout the budget workshop process (May 1 – June 30), the public has access to both the proposed budget and the later adopted budget online at Springfieldmo.gov/Budget and at Springfieldmo.gov/OpenData (the City’s data portal). On both of these web pages, there are links to full line-item detail reports in addition to helpful summaries. Printed copies of the proposed budget are available at the cost of printing.

The City Council lunch workshops are open to the public and broadcast live on CityView’s channels on Mediacom and U-Verse. They are live streamed from the CityofSGF Facebook site and on springfieldmo.gov.

Results of Springfield Readiness for Kindergarten Study released

(From the City of Springfield)

The Mayor’s Commission for Children presented the Readiness for Kindergarten 2018 Continuation Study findings at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 23 at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. This study is conducted approximately every four years. This year, the study was prepared by Dr. Melissa Duncan Fallone from the Dixon Center for Research and Service at Missouri State University.

A total of 435 surveys were completed by Springfield Public Schools teachers for a response rate of 93.5%. 2018 overall readiness results indicate 26% of those surveyed were not prepared for kindergarten. This compares to 24.7% in 2016.

40.6% of free and reduced lunch program students were reported as “not ready” while 10.6% of their non-free and reduced lunch program peers reported as “not ready.” In 2016, 31.8% of free and reduced lunch program students were reported as “not ready,” while 16.7% of non-free and reduced lunch program students were reported as “not ready.”










51.1% of students who did not attend a formal preschool were reported as “not ready” as compared to 17.8% of their preschool-attending peers.

31.1% of boys were reported as “not ready,” while 21.1% of girls were reported as “not ready.”

Springfield Public Schools continues to use new state funding to expand access to high quality early childhood education for under-resourced and underrepresented students. With the historic decision to create Campbell Early Childhood Center, SPS expanded access to 200 4-year-olds in 2018-19.

With the passage of the 2019 bond, the district will construct the first building designed for early childhood education. By maximizing the funding stream and the community’s support to build a new early childhood facility, the district plans to serve over 1,000 4-year-olds by 2020-21.

“This study continues to inform and focus the collective efforts of many partners to ensure our children are ready to learn,” said Brigitte Marrs, executive director of the Mayor’s Commission for Children. “It is certainly a cornerstone in fueling the energy and momentum around the importance and impact of early childhood education that has helped our community embrace the opportunities for pre-school expansion and strengthen other initiatives to remove barriers for readiness.”

The Kindergarten Readiness Study was made possible through the funding and support of the City of Springfield, Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Musgrave Foundation and Springfield Public Schools.










“As we continue our work to skill up our workforce in Springfield, we must remember that it all begins with children arriving at kindergarten ready to learn,” said Mayor Ken McClure. “I want to thank the commission and our partners for tracking this important data, and I want to commend Springfield Public Schools and the education community for their efforts to make pre-K programs accessible to every child in Springfield.”
About the Mayor’s Commission for Children

The Mayor’s Commission for Children was established in 2004. Our mission is to ensure every child matters by acting as a catalyst to mobilize and educate our community concerning the health and well-being of our local youth. Our vision is to be the voice for children’s issues in our community. Meetings are held at 8 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway.
Mayor’s Commission for Children board members are:
Jennifer McClure, chairman
Susan Henderson, vice chairman
Shara Cash
Bria Coale
Christen Davis
Chris Jarratt
Trysta Herzog
Linda Saturno
Missy Riley.
Advisory Council
Dr. Doug McNeal
Dr. Kayce Morton
Kimberly Shinn Brown
Dr. Jennifer Baker
Alexis Brown
Dr. Elizabeth Andrews
Dr. Laurie Edmondson
Jan Fisk
Dr. Denise Fredrick
Morey Mechlin
Carol Wooten
Mike White
John Chastain
Amy Chenoweth
Linda Ramey-Greiwe
Gerry Lee
Pat Gartland.

Members and advisory council serve three-year terms.

***
Longtime Huffington Post education blogger and former classroom teacher Randy Turner writes about teachers, students and the issues they face in Let Teachers Teach, available now in paperback and e-mail formats from Amazon.com

Eight DWI arrests, four drug arrests made during Greene County Sheriff's Office crackdown

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

Saturday night, between the hours of 10 pm and 3 am, 13 Greene County deputies were part of a grant funded enforcement to deter impaired driving. 

As a result of their efforts lives were potentially saved. Below are stats from the enforcement (the numbers below reflect GCSO numbers only).








85 cars stopped
8 DWI arrest
6 Warrant Arrest
4 Drug Arrest
1 Possession of a prohibited weapon felony
18 various citations issued

Springfield's Give 5 program receives statewide innovation award

(From the City of Springfield)

The Missouri Municipal League announced this week (Local Government Week) that Springfield’s Give 5 program has won a 2019 Innovation Award in the Extra-Large City category. These awards are given to municipalities to honor great projects happening in communities across Missouri that enhance the quality of life for Missouri cities.

“We are pleased and honored that the Missouri Municipal League has recognized the importance of civic engagement programs,” said Mayor Ken McClure. “Our community benefits from Give 5 graduates who are doing great things.”

The Give 5 program was launched in late 2017 by the City of Springfield as a “civic matchmaking” program and is supported by the City of Springfield, the Greene County Senior Citizens’ Service Fund, and the United Way of the Ozarks, where it is now formally operating.








Give 5 has matched 140 participants with meaningful volunteer opportunities within nonprofits in need of talent and support. Nonprofits were selected in alignment with identified community priorities. The program has the following objectives: connect each program graduate with one or more strategic volunteer opportunities in the community that feeds his/her passion and provides a renewed sense of purpose and meaning (“civic matchmaking”); address social isolation; strengthen the community’s fabric by increasing “bridging” social capital in the community; help program graduates discover the community legacy he/she wants to leave; and re-engineer volunteer opportunities to make them more meaningful.

“The Give 5 program has been underway for more than one year and has been very successful in achieving our program goals,” says Give 5 Executive Director Greg Burris. “We are preparing to graduate our eighth class, and each of these objectives is being achieved to a greater degree as each class graduates and begins volunteering in our community.”

The official award will be presented at the MML Conference scheduled for September in St. Charles.

The program is also drawing attention from other cities across the country. Burris and program co-creator Cora Scott, the City’s director of Public Information & Civic Engagement, have discussed the program in an article featured in MML’s monthly magazine, in a national webinar hosted by the Alliance for Innovation, and in an international podcast hosted by the International City / County Manager’s Association.








“We are thrilled and humbled by the reception Give 5 is receiving nationally,” says Burris. "Realizing the demographic shifts that are occurring in our country and beyond, I believe those communities that are proactive in ‘civic matchmaking’ are going to have a significant competitive advantage over the next 20-30 years.”

Give 5 has recently received additional support from a Senior Mental Health Grant from Community Foundation of the Ozarks and sponsorship by BKD Wealth Advisors.

Participation is free for those living in Greene County who are ages 60 and older. A few spots remain and applications are currently being accepted for Class 9, which meets Thursday, May 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 2019; 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The class will visit nearly two dozen nonprofits over the course of the program. Expect to have fun, make new friends and learn about volunteer opportunities that match your talents, passions and personality, Burris says. Visit sgfgive5.org for more information and to apply.

Watch Springfield City Council lunch meeting live

Complete video of Monday's Springfield City Council meeting

Monday, April 22, 2019

Highway Patrol Arrests April 21-22

Thomas M. Carney, 33, Aurora, misdemeanor Christian County warrant for failure to appear on driving while revoked, Seneca Police Department warrants for failure to appear on failure to keep right, driving while suspended/revoked (2) and giving false information to officer

Martha M. Igo, 39, Wheatland, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no seat belt

Lawrence A. Drake, 60, Conway, driving while intoxicated, littering, no insurance, no front plate








Keith E. Eggiman, 50, Lebanon, driving while revoked, failure to drive in right lane, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor Christian County warrant for failure to appear on driving while intoxicated, misdemeanor Springfield Police Department warrant for possession of marijuana

Nicholas A. Cobb, 25, Springfield, driving while intoxicated


Billings man suffers serious injuries in crash on 76

A Billing man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 8:48 a.m. today on MO 76, five miles west of Forsyth.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2016 Ford F-150 driven by Ronald A. Dannaldson, 66, Billings, ran off the right side of the roadway, struck a culvert and trees and overturned.

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

Springfield, Sparta women seriously injured in two-vehicle collision

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle collision 7:30 a.m. today on MO 125, a half mile north of Linden.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2019 Toyota Camry driven by Kari L. Christensen, 51, Sparta, crossed the center of the roadway and struck a 2008 Toyota Sienna van driven by Janine F. Wilson, 39, Springfield.







Wilson was treated for serious injuries and a passenger in her vehicle, Andrea J. Letsom, 58, Sparta, for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

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

Springfield's African-American Heritage Committee plans markers for four churches

(From the City of Springfield)

The Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail Committee announces plans for additional trail markers commemorating four churches historically interconnected to form the core of the African-American religious community in Springfield and markers commemorating Alberta’s Hotel and Lincoln School. The markers will be installed in early summer.

The trail project which is now in its second year recognizes the history and contributions of the African-American community to area history with trail markers commemorating local history, culture and points of interest.

The new markers will be recognizing the following historical sites:

Church Square North

During slavery, some slaves met in secrecy to worship in the woods along Jordan Creek (formerly Wilson's Creek).

In the north area bounded by Central, Benton, Washington Avenue and Brower Street (currently Bob Barker Boulevard), the Benton Avenue African Methodist Episcopalian Church (AME) was organized in 1872. In 1926, the current two-story brick building was completed.








Washington Avenue Baptist Church, organized in 1867 as a mission by members of the white congregation of the First Baptist Church, was called Second Baptist Church (Colored). The church was renamed Washington Avenue Baptist Church to remove two stigmas: the use of the term “colored," and eliminating Second Baptist Churches as inferior "offshoots" of First Baptist Churches. The church was later moved 300 feet north on Washington Avenue so that Drury University could build a new science center. The church is now the Drury University Diversity Center.


Church Square South


The southern area of the historic Church Quadrangle includes Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church, built in 1865 after an arsonist torched the log cabin church along Jordan Creek.

The other church is Gibson Chapel at Tampa and Washington Avenue, which was formed as the First Negro Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1865 by a former slave, the Rev. Peter Lair.

Alberta’s Hotel


The community hospital for the black community was remodeled by Ms. Alberta Ellis to include rooms for paying guests; a large dining room, a rumpus room, beauty salon, barbershop and snack bar. The hotel, staffed by family members, was located three blocks north of historic Route 66. Alberta’s Hotel was listed in The Negro Travelers’ Green Book beginning in 1954. Over the years, Route 66 travelers from across the United States and other countries stayed at Alberta’s Hotel.








Lincoln School

The Rosenwald Foundation in 1930 issued a grant to pay for a new school for Springfield’s Negro students and a two-story redbrick school was dedicated on May 21, 1931. When it opened, teachers led students in a parade on Central Street to the New Lincoln School. Once there, students sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” The new school had 15 rooms, including a gymnasium, mechanical arts shop, domestic science room and a library. Lincoln School, described in the local newspaper as “one of the best equipped Negro schools in the state,” was a community school. Teachers, administrators and parents sponsored scout troops; a community library and child care center; as well as held dances, plays, concerts, talent contests and fashion shows. When Springfield public schools integrated, Lincoln School became a junior high school and is now Lincoln Hall on the Ozarks Technical Community College campus.

Funding support for the African-American Heritage Trail has been received from the City of Springfield and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Donations are welcome and encouraged, and can be sent to the Springfield-Greene County African-American Heritage Trail c/o of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

Sunday, April 21, 2019

Niangua teen airlifted to Cox South after ATV accident near Marshfield

A Niangua teen was injured in an ATV accident 3:15 p.m. today on private property three miles east of Marshfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Jackilyn E. Harris, 16, Niangua, driving a 2015 Honda ATV, made an abrupt turn, causing the vehicle to overturn, ejecting Harris.

Harris was airlifted to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, to be treated for serious injuries.

Ozark man treated for serious injuries after motorcycle accident on 76

An Ozark man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 4 p.m. today on MO 76, two miles west of Bradleyville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 Harley Davidson driven by Michael L. Elliott, 49, Ozark, ran off the right side of the roadway, began to skid and slide, returned to the roadway and overturned, ejecting Elliott.

Elliott was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield,

Friday, April 19, 2019

Portion of High Street to close Monday

(From the City of Springfield)

High Street will close between Benton Avenue and Jefferson Avenue beginning 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday, April 22 for sewer main repairs.

Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route.