Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Right, eastbound lane of Republic Road to close on both sides of Scenic Avenue intersection

(From the City of Springfield)

The right, eastbound lane of Republic Road will close on either side of the Scenic Avenue intersection between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Aug. 6 and 7 for utility work in the right-of-way.

Highway Patrol Arrests July 30-31

Tonia J. Pendegrast, 44, Kearney, Lyon County< Kansas felony warrant for burglary

Gina M. Riboni, 46, El Dorado Springs, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, no seat belt

Krista R. Merriman, 31, Mount Vernon, Lawrence County felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance-suboxone, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, misdemeanor Anderson Police Department warrant for no driver's license, no seat belt


Northbound lane of Grant Avenue between Commercial, Chase to close next week

(From the City of Springfield)

Springfield Public Works will close the northbound lane of Grant Avenue between Commercial Street and Chase Street beginning 7 a.m., Monday, Aug. 5 through 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 for stormwater grate replacement.

The southbound travel lanes on Grant Avenue will remain open. Northbound motorists should use the marked detour via Commercial Street, Lyon Avenue, and Chase Street.

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Springfield City Council outlines 2019 priorities

(From the City of Springfield)


At its July 29 meeting, Springfield City Council unanimously approved a resolution adopting its 2019 priorities, which will guide and empower the City’s elected officials and staff as they work on the City’s behalf.
“During a retreat in May, City Council identified several important priority items and related objectives that we believe will provide general guidance for the application of municipal time and resources and support the future betterment of the Springfield community,” said Mayor Ken McClure.
The priorities are:

Quality of Place

Those features of physical environment and qualities of life that make a location a desirable, competitive and economically vibrant place to live
Objectives 
  • Create an image campaign that communicates to and empowers citizens to get engaged with Quality of Place efforts
  • Invest in projects that improve livability for Springfieldians; including the beautification of City property, roadways and entryways
  • Revitalize Springfield’s neighborhoods
  • Invest in quality multi-modal transportation infrastructure
  • Attract and retain Springfield’s talent
  • Review work of business community visioning group related to quality of place
  • Proactively promote activities that instill community pride
  • Foster activities that promote a clean, safe and friendly neighborhood.

Legislative Engagement

The deliberate formation of a positive relationship with local and regional legislative delegates to affect positive outcomes in legislative policy.

Objectives 
  • Partner further with our region’s cities and organization to create a unified legislative voice
  • Serve as a subject matter trusted source for municipal issues
  • Work closely with the Missouri Legislature’s newly formed Local Government Caucus
  • More formally recognize the efforts of Springfield’s legislative delegation
  • Focus annually on the City’s top and most impactful priorities to ensure a clear legislative priority message.

Fiscal Sustainability and Accountability

The ability of a municipal organization to adequately meet its primary service delivery needs and financial commitments over the long-term, while also preserving a healthy financial condition based on municipal association best practices including accountability and transparency.








Objectives 
  • Review new revenue opportunities to meet future capital and operational needs
  • Determine the most reasonable means to grow existing revenue sources
  • Encourage ideas for improving operational efficiencies
  • Fully project and address deferred maintenance needs
  • Examine enhanced cooperation opportunities with Greene County and other government entities
  • Develop performance and financial accountability measures
  • Prudently maximize idle funds investment options
  • Enhance fiscal transparency through website functionality.

Economic Vitality

A sustainable economic climate that fosters low poverty, affordable options for quality housing and wage levels that allow the opportunity for people to participate in quality of life endeavors.
Objectives 
  • Enhance Springfield’s potential as a regional tourism hub for both traditional and sports tourism
  • Improve the efficiency and value of the development process
  • Review and refine the City’s annexation strategy
  • Enhance efforts to revitalize Springfield’s neighborhoods
  • Review the provision of alternative forms of energy that are desired by business prospects
  • Strategically market and apply a targeted use of economic development incentives for big impact projects
  • Leverage the benefit of private, public, educational and medical partnerships
  • Make proactive investments in public infrastructure for those areas with the highest potential for development and redevelopment
  • Be a partner to help close the skills gap within our community
  • Improve the community’s attractiveness to business site selectors
  • Align development interests with the priorities of place, design and safety
  • Successfully complete the review of the City’s land use plan and effectively implement the outcomes.

Public Safety 

The effective delivery of police, fire, 911 and emergency management service, including prevention efforts and protection from events that could endanger the safety of the general public from significant injury/harm or damage, such as crimes or disasters.
Objectives 
  • Actively review the application and benefit of new public safety technology
  • Address quality of life issues, with special emphasis on reducing chronic nuisance properties to ensure clean, safe neighborhoods
  • Strongly encourage the empowerment of neighborhoods to identify and community needs and concerns
  • Increase crime prevention and public education efforts
  • Make efforts to reduce traffic accidents by emphasizing the Education, Engineering and Enforcement approach
  • Continue to utilize, promote and recommend alternative sentencing approaches where relevant to reduce warrant-related activities
  • Place additional emphasis on the diversity of staff
  • Work with community partners to determine the root causes of mental health issues
  • Continue to focus on reducing public safety response times
  • Review alternative approaches to enhance compliance with municipal court orders
  • Transition from a complaint-based code enforcement approach to a City-initiated approach.

Springfield Police Department invites residents to family-friendly National Night Out

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Join the Springfield Police Department on Tuesday, August 6th at 5:00 p.m. for National Night Out at Meador Park, 2500 S. Fremont. The family-friendly event is a free, city-wide event that brings together law enforcement, health and safety organizations, and neighborhood groups for a night of safety education and fun activities for the whole family.

Enjoy music, free food, tennis and other family fun games along with tours of police, fire and safety vehicles. This year will also feature professional eater Randy Santel who will compete against an SPD officer and one volunteer in a hotdog eating contest.

At the end of the event, there will be a softball game from 7 to 8 p.m. between Springfield Firefighters and Springfield Police Officers.

This free event is a result of a collaboration between Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Springfield-Greene County Park Board and the City of Springfield.








National Night Out celebrates the culmination of crime prevention activity in all Springfield neighborhoods: people working together in associations and other groups to prevent and address crime and other neighborhood problems. It also promotes healthy neighborhoods and encourages people to get out and get to know one another.

“It is an occasion to celebrate past successes, discuss current challenges or issues, and re-dedicate collaborative efforts with neighbors, police, businesses and others to improve the quality of life in our city,” said Chief Williams.

Past National Night Out campaigns involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.




Crime prevention

The Springfield Police Department uses a variety of crime prevention and community engagement strategies to increase ways that citizens can protect themselves and their property.

Community policing is a collaborative effort between the police department and the community they serve that identifies problems of crime and disorder, and involves all elements of the community, in the search for solutions to these problems. It is founded on close, mutually beneficial ties between police and community members.

Police Area Representative (PAR) officers use problem-oriented policing to produce long-term solutions to the problems of crime or decay in communities. Police, residents, and other agencies or organizations work together to identify and find the causes for neighborhood crime problems, then develop responses to those problems. In most cases, the responses developed through problem-oriented policing are joint police-community actions, which also involve participation by a variety of other departments within the City of Springfield. By doing this, the PAR officers are able to resolve long-standing neighborhood issues, thereby avoiding an escalation of those specific incidents. Citizens can locate their PAR Officers at the City’s website.








Neighborhood Watch, Block Watch, Apartment Watch and Business Watch are voluntary programs organized by concerned citizens to reduce crime. Working with local law enforcement agencies, citizens can learn when and how to report suspicious activities, assist in property identification, conduct security surveys and implement security measures and precautions.

Crime Prevention Officers coordinate and help organize watch groups and perform commercial and residential security surveys using established Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.

Crime prevention officers are available to present on varied topics, including robbery prevention, drugs, residential security, commercial vandalisms and burglaries and personal safety and can be reached at can be contacted at 417-874-2113. Crime prevention tips are available at springfieldmo.gov/spd.

Springfield man flown to Mercy following collision with semi on I-44

A Springfield man was injured in a two-vehicle collision 6:23 a.m. today on I-44, a half mile west of Mount Vernon.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Richard Woods, 35, Springfield, was struck in the rear by a 2005 Kenworth driven by Steven J. Haddock, 56, Collinwood, Tennessee.

Woods was airlifted to Mercy Springfield to be treated for serious injuries.

Branson woman drowns in Table Rock Lake

A Branson woman drowned 8 p.m. Monday at the east shore of Table Rock Lake in the James River area.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Jennifer E. Arnold, 37, Branson, was pronounced dead at the scene by Stone County Coroner John Cunnyngham.

The drowning death was the fourth this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.


Highway Patrol Arrests July 29-30

Robert D. Stevens, 27, Joplin, driving while revoked, careless and imprudent driving, displaying plates of another, failure to title vehicle

Bradley S. Schnedler, 27, Richards, felony first degree tampering with a motor vehicle


Lawrence County Route H under 1-44 near Mount Vernon open to traffic

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT
Lawrence Country Route H Under I-44 Near Mt. Vernon OPEN to Traffic


Where: Lawrence County Route H under I-44 at Mile Marker 44.3 near Mt. Vernon

When: 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 30

What: Route H OPEN under I-44 to traffic following work to increase the clearance under I-44 near Mt. Vernon. Route H to westbound I-44 on-ramp CLOSED to traffic until mid-November.








Details:


Route H closed week of June 17 between the ramps under I-44

Work is part of I-44 Project Bridge Rebuild which will improve 19 bridges along an approximately 30-mile stretch of I-44 between Sarcoxie and Halltown

Project includes replacing 13 bridges and rehabilitating six other bridges, many of which were part of the original construction of I-44 in the 1960s

Contractor: The ESS Team

Total project cost: $36 million

Completion date: December 15, 2021

Monday, July 29, 2019

Complete video of tonight's Springfield City Council meeting




Sanitary sewer smoke testing planned for portions of Springfield

(From the City of Springfield)

City of Springfield Environmental Services will perform sanitary sewer smoke testing in portions of the Rountree, Delaware, Phelps Grove and University Heights neighborhoods beginning Tuesday, Aug. 6. Testing throughout the area is expected to last through the end of the month (weather permitting).

Boundaries of the testing area correspond with stormwater basins that drain into Fassnight Creek. The testing area is located roughly between Glenstone Avenue (east) and Holland Avenue (west), and between Cherokee Street (south) and Cherry Street (north).

Smoke testing is conducted to help locate leaks in the sanitary sewer system. Harmless, odorless smoke is blown into sewer manholes in the street, goes through the pipes and comes out where there are broken pipes and where roof downspouts, outside area drains, or foundation drains are connected to the sanitary sewers.

The smoke testing program is part of the City’s $200 million overflow control plan to reduce sanitary sewer overflows in Springfield’s aging sewer system over the next 10 years. The City’s plan was approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in 2015.








How does smoke testing work?


Colorless, odorless chemical smoke is blown into sewer manholes in the street, travels through the pipes and comes out where there are leaks in the sewer system. Crews walking along each property watch for smoke coming out of yards or gutters and collect data of any location where a potential defect is detected. The smoke is non-toxic and does not create a fire hazard.

Residents and property owners can expect to be notified by mail two weeks before smoke testing will occur in their area. Days before, doorhangers are left on front doors, reminding residents of the upcoming test and providing a contact number to the field technician conducting the test. Flashing message signs are often posted along major roadways to notify motorists that a smoke test is in progress.

Testing days and locations are also communicated to 911 dispatchers, the Police Department and the Fire Department in case they receive calls.

Following smoke testing, an informational open house will be held in various portions of the testing area. This is an opportunity to educate residents on the City’s Private Sewer Repair Program and schedule voluntary plumbing evaluations to fix potential defects on private property at no cost to the property owner.








Smoke Testing Tips:


• You do not need to be home when the smoke testing is performed. Field inspectors will be noticeably documenting and taking photos during the smoke test, so the defects detected may be found and repaired at a later date.

• All smoke testing crew members are uniformed and carry identification badges. They will travel in clearly marked vehicles.

• Sometimes smoke may enter your home or business through infrequently used floor, shower and sink drains. Pour 24 ounces of water into all drains a few days prior to the test. If smoke does enter, residents should contact the smoke testing crew working in the area.

• If you notice smoke coming out of your property, contact the smoke testing crew. This could mean that you have improper connections or broken pipes on your property.

Highway Patrol Arrests July 28-29

Allen W. Gilliland, 53, Seligman, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway

Gina L. Hopper, 36, Springfield, boating while intoxicated

Tyler C. Fields, 22, Carl Junction, Carl Junction Police Department misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on possession of drug paraphernalia


Agenda posted for Springfield City Council lunch meeting

Springfield City Council Lunch 
Tuesday, July 30, 2019, 12 Noon 
Transportation Management Center (TMC) 
1107 W. Chestnut Expressway Springfield, MO 

TENTATIVE AGENDA 

1. Follow-Up from the City Council Meeting of July 29, 2019.

2. Traffic Advisory Board Update.

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

Nighttime resurfacing to cause lane closings on Mount Vernon Boulevard

(From MODOT)

Drivers can expect nighttime lane closings on Business Loop 44 (Mount Vernon Boulevard) in Mount Vernon starting the week of August 5, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The roadway will be resurfaced between the I-44/Lawrence County Route H interchange on the west and I-44/Route 39/Route 265 interchange on the east through the city of Mount Vernon.

Drivers can expect lane closings with crews and equipment on the roadway during the work. Crews will work 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday and possibly Friday, if needed to keep the project on schedule.

There will be bright lights illuminating work areas and there could be increased noise where crews are set up working.






 

Here’s a look at the project:

-Grind off the top layer of asphalt on Business Loop 44

-Lay a new top layer of new asphalt on the road

Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule.

Blevins Asphalt Construction Company of Mount Vernon is doing the work for a low bid amount of $820,000.

The project must be completed by early November 1, 2019. However, the contractor expects the project to be completed sooner than that, barring any weather or construction delays.

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Mount Vernon woman killed in one-vehicle crash

A Mount Vernon was killed in a one-vehicle crash 11:10 p.m. Saturday on MO 174, seven miles east of Mount Vernon.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2009 Toyota Yaris driven by Pamela K. Wendler, 57, Mount Vernon, failed to negotiate a curve, skidded off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.








Lawrence County Coroner Scott Lakin pronounced Wendler dead at the scene at 11:25 p.m.

The fatality was the 62nd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield man seriously injured crashing into tree

A Springfield man was injured in a one-vehicle crash 7:59 p.m. Saturday on Route AF, two miles northwest of Fair Grove.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by Michael L. Shakley, 31, Springfield, failed to negotiate a curve and struck a tree.

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

Highway Patrol Arrests July 27-28

Deundrea L. Woods, 26, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, failed to stop at red light, failed to maintain a single lane of traffic, no insurance, failed to display valid plates, no seat belt

Madison B. Greenlee, 22, Springfield, felony possession of controlled substance, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, no lights, no valid operator's license

Nathan M. Prodell, 41, Ozark, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Mikael L. Werner, 19, Marshfield, driving while intoxicated, misdemeanor Marshfield Police Department warrant for failure to appear on shoplifting








Mary Marbut, 59, Springfield, boating while intoxicated, no navigation lights

John J. Gundy, 46, Carl Junction, felony driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Conner T. Grossoehme, 20, Hoyt, Kansas, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Jessica B. Rose, 17, Hoyt, Kansas, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Jason K. Stotts, 45, Hoyt, Kansas, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Shyanne B. Thornburg, 19, Webb City, driving while intoxicated

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Murder, assault charges filed against hit-and-run driver of stolen truck who killed Missouri State campus security manager

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On July 26, 2019, SPD detectives located a Ford Escape at 3248 W. Madison, believed to be involved in the theft of a Budget Rental truck that was subsequently involved in a fatality crash at Campbell Avenue and Republic Road on July 18, 2019.

Further investigation has led to the arrest of a 27-year-old male from Springfield, Shannon J. Shaffer.









 

The Greene County Prosecutor's Office filed charges of 2nd Degree Murder, 2nd Degree Assault, Leaving the Scene of a Crash, 1st Degree Tampering and Driving While License Revoked with no bond. 

 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 417-869-8477.

Original news release

On July 18, 2019, at 6:54 p.m., Springfield Police Officers responded to the area of S. Campbell and W. Republic regarding a motor vehicle crash.

A gray Kia SUV, traveling northbound, struck the passenger side of an orange Mitsubishi Hatchback, traveling southbound. Officers received information that the southbound vehicle was struck by another vehicle which caused it to lose control, cross the center of the road and collide with the northbound vehicle.








The third vehicle is believed to be a stolen Budget Rental box truck. The driver of that vehicle did not remain on the scene of the crash and officers are asking for the public's assistance to identify that driver.

The driver of the Mitsubishi was identified as 43-year-old Matthew T. Brown. Brown was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

This incident is still under investigation by SPD's Traffic section. Anyone who has information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This is the ninth fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield during 2019.

(Note: Matthew Brown was campus security manager at Missouri State University

Springfield woman life-flighted to Mercy following crash on 265

A Springfield woman was injured in a two-vehicle collision 10:30 a.m. today on MO 265 in Lawrence County.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Saturn Aura driven by Vivian A. Chilcutt, 79, Springfield, failed to yield to a 2010 Ford F-250 driven by Nathan S. Gooch, 24, Webb City, and was struck broadside.

Chilcutt was flown to Mercy Hospital, Springfield, to be treated for serious injuries.


O'Fallon woman killed in one-vehicle crash on 76

An O'Fallon woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident 2:55 p.m. today on MO 76, eight miles east of Bradleyville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Mark W. Blakey, 20, Ava, ran off the right side of the road, overcorrected, returned to the road, ran off the right side of the road and struck a fence.

A passenger, Haley E. Allison, 20, O'Fallon, was partially ejected.







Allison was pronounced dead at the scene by Taney County Coroner Tony Mullen.

The fatality was the 61st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Highway Patrol Arrests July 26-27

Brandon M. Herzberg, 47, Wichita, Kansas, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Donald D. Oakley, 56, Forsyth, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, speeding, driving while suspended, no insurance

Dustin K. O'Neal, 38, Cassville, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Micnael J. Burnett, 52, Springfield, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failed to stop for red light, speeding, failed to drive in single lane

Jessica L. Slover, 40, Overland Park, Kansas, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Jadeyn L. Rhienecker, 17, Springfield, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, minor visibly intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash, expired plates, no valid driver's license

Darrell E. Withnell, 67, Crane, felony driving while intoxicated








Shawn J. Wells, 24, Chestnut Ridge, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving an accident, failed to maintain financial responsibility

Jason L. Parsons, 46, Bolivar, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, felony tampering with evidence in felony prosecution, possession of drug paraphernalia, littering, no seat belt

Andrea J. Savala, 28, Bolivar, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, felony tampering evidence in felony prosecution, possession of drug paraphernalia, littering, no insurance, failure to display valid plates, no seat belt

Twyla N Sumner, 48, Springfield, misdemeanor Christian County warrant for failure to appear on driving while revoked, no valid operator's license

Jessica L. Kennedy, 49, Nevada, felony driving while intoxicated, no insurance, following too closely

Friday, July 26, 2019

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Camden County

Vickey Lee Clark

Christian County

Linda Lee Wilson

Dade County

Kenneth Wayne Johnson

Douglas County

Kevin James Lister
Barbara Lynn Notar

Greene County

Angelo Alan Robles III
Ann Wood
Lori Kay McKenzie
Angela Roach Taylor
Stephanie May Rushing
Christina Marie LeGault
Jamie Leon Cockrum
Camron James Workman
Robert James Crager and Diana Lynn Crager
Vanessa Maria Gonzales






Gwendolynne Kaye Gilpin]
Samantha Lynn Branstetter
Ronald Dale Fedel
Jason Frank Niewinski and Nicole Dawn Niewinski
Jason Matthew Caccamisi and Alesia Diane Caccamisi
Seth Allen Hoerman and Erin Marie Hoerman
Angela Marie Duer
Harry E. Hogan, Jr., and Deborah J. Hogan
Timmy Miller
Robert Lewis Wilson

Howell County

Joshua Dean Redfield
Leighann Dides

Lawrence County

Jeremy Scott Lehman and Sherry McNeil Lehman

Pulaski County

John Francis Scott

Taney County

Brian Wayne Bailey and Bryana Nicole Bailey
Jeremy Lee Johnson and Hannah Rae Johnson
Ray Danley and Trina Danley
David Errington Goodsell and LeAnn  Michelle Martin

Webster County

Jason William Tieden and Sandra Mae Tieden
Chance MIcheal Newingham and Christina Danielle Newingham
Mary Ann Underhill
Kirby Lynn Norman

Wright County

Donald Ray Furgason and Jill Ann Furgason
Paul E. Hicks and Melinda S. Hicks

Springfield Board of Education awards $9.3 million contract for construction of early childhood center

(From Springfield Public Schools)

During a special meeting July 24, the Springfield Board of Education awarded a contract to Dewitt & Associates in the amount of $9.3 million for construction of the new southwest early childhood center which will be located near Carver Middle School.

Construction is expected to begin in August. The center is scheduled to open in August 2020 and will serve up to 250 preschool students.








In other action, the school board:

-Awarded Sunbelt Environmental Services a contract to perform lead abatement services at six schools prior to construction of the secure entrance. The schools are Cowden, Field and Twain elementary schools; Reed Academy and Jarrett and Pipkin middle. The cost is $22,340.

-Awarded Fellers Food Service Equipment a contract for kitchen design services for the new Boyd Elementary School.

These projects are funded by Proposition S, which was approved by Springfield voters on April 2, Visit www.sps.org/progress to find out more.

Supply drive planned to support Springfield Public Schools students, teachers

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Last year more than 50 community partners collaborated with Springfield Public School to equip over 6,800 under-resourced students with specific, high quality school supplies. As Aug. 13 approaches, the Ready, Set, Supply! initiative is kicking off to collect supplies for the 2019-2020 school year.

This coordinated approach helps address some key challenges that teachers identified:
Gaps exist for families who cannot afford to buy the supplies their children need.

Many teachers continue to purchase school supplies with their own funds (research shows they spend $600 annually!)

Sometimes supplies don't make it to school or get lost when a child moves and begins attending a different school









In an effort to be helpful, the wrong supplies are purchased.

With Ready, Set, Supply!, community and faith-based partners are supporting students to ensure they have the kid-tested, teacher-approved supplies they need to start school.

Individuals and organizations can help by donating supplies, making a financial contribution or volunteering to pack and deliver supplies.

Find out more by calling 523-0315 or email lrsearles@spsmail.org. View the list of requested supplies here.

Community members may also drop off supplies through a Stuff the Bus event organized by James River Church beginning July 29. View dates and locations.

Portion of Fremont Street to close Tuesday

(From the City of Springfield)

The outside, southbound lane of Fremont Avenue will close between Deerfield Street and Erie Street beginning 8:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30 for the replacement of a utility structure in the area.

Ozark woman killed in collision on 96 near Miller

An Ozark woman was killed in a two-vehicle collision 4:20 p.m. Thursday on MO 96, four miles southwest of Miller.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2009 Jeep Liberty driven by Brittany M. Barker, 27, Ozark was overtaking another eastbound vehicle when it traveled onto the westbound shoulder. When it returned to the roadway, it was struck broadside by a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 driven by Willis E. Vanderford, 57, Prescott, Kansas.







Barker was pronounced dead at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, at 5:27 p.m. by Dr. Boss.

The fatality was the 60th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Texas woman killed, husband seriously injured in crash on I-44 near Halltown

A Texas woman was killed in a one-vehicle crash 12:45 p.m. Thursday on westbound I-44, one mile west of Halltown.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2004 Toyota Sequia driven by Gerard A. Janak, 66, Shiner, Texas, began to skid, traveled off the left side of the roadway, overcorrected, returned to the roadway, then traveled off the right side and overturned ejecting a passenger, Karen M. Janak, 66, Shiner, who was not wearing a seat belt.

Lawrence County Deputy Coroner Shelby Berry pronounced K. Janak dead at the scene at 2:20 p.m.








G. Janak was taken to Mercy  Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.

The fatality was the 59th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Springfield Police need help locating vehicle involved in fatality crash

(From the Springfield Police Department)

SPD is requesting assistance with locating a vehicle related to the fatality crash that occurred near South Campbell and West Republic on July 18, 2019, at 6:54 p.m.

The attached photographs show the vehicle involved with the theft of the stolen Budget Truck Rental box truck. The pictured vehicle is likely a maroon or red 2005-2007 Ford Escape. If anyone recognizes the vehicle, please contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).








SPD is also requesting anyone who may have video that could have captured this vehicle or the stolen Budget Truck Rental box truck from the date of the incident to contact police with that information.

The stolen Budget Truck Rental box truck is also responsible for an injury accident at National and Sunshine on July 18, 2019, at 7:02 p.m. The stolen Budget Truck Rental box truck was recovered on July 18, 2019. The incident is still under investigation.


Highway Patrol Arrests July 24-25

Shane R. Hicks, 26, Carthage, felony probation and parole warrant for theft/stealing, misdemeanor Jasper County warrant for moving traffic violation, misdemeanor Carterville Police Department warrant for driving while revoked, misdemeanor Carthage Police Department warrants for assault (2), dog at large (2) and driving while revoked

Marissa N. Cramer, 25, Anderson, two misdemeanor McDonald County warrants for moving traffic violations, misdemeanor Anderson Police Department warrant for non-moving traffic violation, no insurance, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash








Brandon W. Stark, 35, Norwood, felony driving while intoxicated, felony driving while revoked, misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child

Kaijuanda V. Sutton, 37, Bolivar, misdemeanor Polk County warrants for no insurance and no license, misdemeanor St. Clair County warrant for bad brakes.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Traffic delays expected as I-44 reduced to two-lene traffic in Lawrence County next week

(From MODOT)

Drivers can expect traffic delays when I-44 is reduced to one lane in each direction and drivers are shifted head-to-head in the westbound lanes between Mile Markers 42 and 45 in Lawrence County beginning the week of July 29, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Traffic will be in this configuration for up to three months.

Contractor crews will begin work to replace the eastbound bridge over Lawrence County Route H as part of I-44 Project Bridge Rebuild.










Traffic Impacts:


-Major delays expected during high traffic volume times

-Only one lane open in each direction
-Speed limit reduced to 60 mph through the work zone
-Westbound on ramp at Route H will be CLOSED
-During major backups, I-44 traffic may be diverted using a signed detour

Drivers are urged to consider alternate routes during the project



Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.

A separate one lane work zone for both eastbound and westbound drivers began today, July 24, between Mile Markers 48 and 49 to rehabilitate the bridges over Williams Creek east of Mount Vernon.

I-44 Project Bridge Rebuild will replace a total of 13 bridges and rehabilitate six more on I-44 between Sarcoxie and Halltown. The $36 million project is scheduled to be completed by December 15, 2021.

Agenda posted for Monday Springfield City Council meeting

Upcoming Springfield City Council Meeting Agenda
July 29, 2019  6:30 p.m.
1.

ROLL CALL.

2.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES. July 1, 2019 And July 15, 2019 City Council Meetings And July 16, 2019, July 18, 2019 And July 23, 2019 Special City Council Meetings.

3.

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

4.

CEREMONIAL MATTERS.

5.

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

6.

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

7.

Council Bill 2019-161. (Ferguson)

A general ordinance amending Springfield City Code Chapter 106 – ‘Traffic and Vehicles,’ Article I. – ‘In General,’ Section 106-35. – ‘Wrecked, discarded or inoperable vehicles,’ to re-define “Inoperable vehicle” in order to simplify enforcement.
Documents:
  1. 2019-161.PDF
8.

Council Bill 2019-162. (McGull)

A special ordinance approving the plans and specifications for the Sanitary Sewer Overflow Control Program, Group 4 Public Sewer Rehabilitation – Open Cut Repairs Part 2 project; accepting the bid of Rosetta Construction, LLC, for the project; authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract for said project; and approving a budget adjustment to amend the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget of the Department of Environmental Services Clean Water Enterprise Fund in the amount of $4,275,300.
Documents:
  1. 2019-162.PDF
9.

Council Bill 2019-163. (Schilling)

A special ordinance approving the sale of real property at 4177 South Broadway Avenue to David Styles for $800.00; and authorizing the issuance of a deed for same.
Documents:
  1. 2019-163.PDF
10.

Council Bill 2019-164. (Schilling)

A special ordinance amending the Park Board's Fiscal Year 2018-2019 operating budget by increasing both revenue and expenses in the amount of $450,000 to allocate $300,000 of revenue and associated offsetting expense items from Parks 2001 and 2006 Sales Tax Funds and $150,000 of transfers from other funds, respectively.
Documents:
  1. 2019-164.PDF
11.

Council Bill 2019-165. (Hosmer)

A special ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 operating budget by increasing both revenue and expenses in the amount of $132,904 in various Special Revenue and Capital Project Funds, for the purpose of accounting for certain reimbursements and associated offsetting expenses.
Documents:
  1. 2019-165.PDF
12.

Council Bill 2019-166. (Hosmer)

A special ordinance amending the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 operating budget in the General Fund by increasing both revenue and expenses in the amount of $80,876 for the purpose of adjusting for certain reimbursements and associated offsetting expenses as well as adjusting the salary budget for retirement payouts.
Documents:
  1. 2019-166.PDF
13.

Council Bill 2019-167. (Fisk)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Board of Governors of Missouri State University, for the purpose of continuing to provide enhanced law enforcement services within and around the Missouri State University campus.
Documents:
  1. 2019-167.PDF
14.

Council Bill 2019-168. (Ollis)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement between the City, CU, Greene County and the Missouri Department of Public Safety to integrate the Trunked Radio System (“TRS”) into the Missouri Statewide Interoperability Network.
Documents:
  1. 2019-168.PDF
15.

Council Bill 2019-169. (Ollis)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager to enter into a revised agreement between the City of Springfield, City Utilities of Springfield, and Greene County for the purpose of updating the 800 megahertz Trunked Radio System (“TRS”) to provide improved law enforcement and public safety communications among the various agencies and departments.
Documents:
  1. 2019-169.PDF
16.

RESOLUTIONS. Citizens May Speak. May Be Voted On.

17.

Council Bill 2019-171. (Ferguson)

A resolution authorizing the City Manager to recommend changes to the City of Springfield’s Census Tract and Census Block Group boundaries for the purpose of better aligning said boundaries with the Neighborhood Service Areas and to implement any changes to the Census Tract and Census Block Group boundaries which may occur as a result of the City’s recommendations.
Documents:
  1. 2019-171.PDF
18.

Council Bill 2019-172. (McClure)

A resolution adopting the City of Springfield’s City Council Priorities.
Documents:
  1. 2019-172.PDF
19.

EMERGENCY BILLS.

20.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS.

21.

GRANTS.

22.

AMENDED BILLS.

23.

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

24.

Council Bill 2019-173. (Simpson)

A special ordinance approving a Petition to Establish the Galloway Community Improvement District; authorizing the City Manager to execute a Cooperative Agreement between the City and the Galloway Community Improvement District; and authorizing City officials to take certain actions to comply with the intent of this Ordinance.
Documents:
  1. 2019-173.PDF
25.

FIRST READING BILLS.

26.

PETITIONS, REMONSTRANCES, AND COMMUNICATIONS.

Mr. Mike Hopkins wishes to address City Council.

Ms. Julie Bloodworth wishes to address City Council.
27.

NEW BUSINESS.

The Mayor recommends the following appointments to the Ozarks Transportation Organization: Councilman Mike Schilling to fill a City Council position; Councilman Andrew Lear to fill a City Council position; Councilman Matthew Simpson to fill in as an alternate position; and Mayor Ken McClure to fill in as an alternate position.

The City Manager recommends the following reappointment to the Springfield-Greene County Parks Board: Sid Needem with term to expire June 1, 2022.

The City Manager recommends the following appointments to the Art Museum Board: Tara Benson, Calie Holden, and Linda Passeri with terms to expire June 1, 2022.

Refer to the Community Involvement Committee consideration of the Springfield City Flag.
28.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

29.

MISCELLANEOUS.

30.

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

31.

Council Bill 2019-174. (Hosmer)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Encroachment License Agreement with Hiland Dairy Foods Company, LLC, to allow for the construction, installation and maintenance of a fiber optic cable underneath the public right-of-way in the 2400 block of North National Avenue.
Documents:
  1. 2019-174.PDF
32.

Council Bill 2019-175. (McClure)

A special ordinance adopting and authorizing the Mayor to execute the First Amendment to an Employment Agreement by and between the City of Springfield, Missouri, and Anita J. Cotter, setting out the terms and conditions of her employment as City Clerk; and authorizing payment of salary and benefits to Anita J. Cotter in accordance with the provisions set forth therein.
Documents:
  1. 2019-175.PDF
33.

Council Bill 2019-176. (McClure)

A special ordinance adopting and authorizing the Mayor to execute the First Amendment to an Employment Agreement by and between the City of Springfield, Missouri, and Jason A. Gage, setting out the terms and conditions of his employment as City Manager; and authorizing payment of salary and benefits to Jason A. Gage in accordance with the provisions set forth therein.
Documents:
  1. 2019-176.PDF
34.

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

35.

Council Bill 2019-177. (Lear)

A special ordinance authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to accept grant funds and enter into a Financial Assistance Agreement with the District O - Ozarks Headwaters Recycling and Materials Management District, for the purpose of purchasing home composting materials for use as part of the Dish to Dirt Home Composting Program; and amending the budget of the Department of Environmental Services, Solid Waste Management Enterprise Fund, for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 in the amount of $3,424.40, to appropriate grant funds from the District. (Environmental Services staff recommends approval.)
Documents:
  1. 2019-177.PDF
36.

Council Bill 2019-178. (Fisk)

A special ordinance to establish and define the boundaries and adopt the plat, plans, specifications, and sealed estimate of construction costs, and authorize acquisition of necessary right(s)-of-way, by purchase or condemnation thereof, for Sanitary Sewer District No. 217 of Section No. 15 of the main sewers of the City, located in the general vicinity of Bagnell Street and Biloxi Avenue; further providing that all labor shall be paid any applicable prevailing wage; and directing the City Manager, or his designee, to advertise for bids for the construction of said sewers.
Documents:
  1. 2019-178.PDF
37.

Council Bill 2019-179. (Ollis)

A resolution accepting the appointment of Bob Dixon to serve as a member of the Springfield Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board.
Documents:
  1. 2019-179.PDF
38.

CONSENT AGENDA – SECOND READING BILLS.

39.

END OF CONSENT AGENDA.

40.

ADJOURN.