Springfield woman sought on car theft charge

(From Greater Springfield Area Crimestoppers)

Crime Stoppers is asking for your help in locating Sabrina Dawn Winchel, Springfield.

Winchel has an active, felony warrant for Tampering with a Motor Vehicle. Winchel is a 24-year-old. white female, and is approximately 5'02" tall, 110 lbs., with blonde hair and green eyes. 

Winchel is believed to frequent the Springfield and Greene County areas.

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

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

Greene County suspect captured after owners interrupt burglary

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

On August 28, 2019, at approximately 6:26a.m., deputies were dispatched to the area of State Highway HH and Farm Road 60 in reference to a rolling disturbance. The reporting party told 911 they caught someone stealing items out of their garage and the suspect fled in a truck. The victims began following the suspect and eventually lost them in the area of Farm Road 105 and Farm Road 54.

Around 6:47a.m., dispatch received a call in the 8000 block of N. FR 105 in reference to a white male walking north through the property. Deputies responded and located the suspect truck from the earlier theft.

K9 Athos tracked the suspect into a field where the suspect was taken into custody.

This investigation is still ongoing and deputies are following up on additional leads involving this individual.

Billy Long: Conservation programs can help farmers and ranchers

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

So far, the only thing that the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands has reserved is the money authorized to go to farmers and ranchers.

The refrain in the 1960s was, “What if they gave a war and nobody came?” The refrain today is “What if they gave a program for farmers and ranchers and nobody came? 

Right now, that's exactly what's happening because farmers and ranchers don't seem to know this program exists or understand what it has to offer. Farmers are famously independent and don’t want bureaucrats in Washington telling them what they can or can’t do with their land. 

This is a “grasslands” program but guess what, you can do whatever you want with your grass, mow it, hay it or pasture it. The only thing you can’t do is till. Hopefully, by the end of my column, more will understand the benefits and take advantage of this positive financial opportunity.

The CRP Grasslands, previously known as the Grasslands Reserve Program, is one of many conservation programs that fall under CRP. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA), this program is a land retirement program that allows farmers and ranchers to voluntarily offer their land to agricultural producers for conservation. The goal of this program is to conserve land while supporting grazing operations.

The USDA and FSA compensate farmers and ranchers who take part in this program. Under the CRP Grasslands, participants receive annual payments as well as cost-share assistance during their contract, which can last between 14 and 15 years. Rental payments are given to farmers and ranchers who abide by an approved CRP conservation plan and cost-share assistance for those who take part in approved practices such as grazing, producing hay, mowing and harvesting for seed production.

As beneficial as this program is, many farmers nationwide are unaware of it. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) joined me for my annual agricultural tour on August 23 and explained the program to attendees. Chairman Peterson, along with Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), worked hard to get this in the latest Farm Bill that is now law.

After the agriculture tour, it became a top priority of mine to ensure farmers and ranchers in Missouri's 7th Congressional District are aware of the programs available to them and how to apply for these programs. If you're a farmer or rancher and want to learn more about the CRP Grasslands, visit https://bit.ly/2syYR5N, or to contact your local FSA or USDA center, visit https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.

Groundbreaking held at Sunshine Elementary School

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Every Sunshine Elementary School student watched history in the making on Aug. 29.

Next to the playground, the school hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony. The 155-year-old school will receive a major renovation, as well as an addition, throughout the 2019-2020 school year.

Sunshine principal Dr. Tracy Daniels shared the school's history with more than 100 groundbreaking attendees. Sunshine was born to the Springfield community in 1864, beginning as a one-room schoolhouse down the street from its current location. Over the decades, the school was annexed into Springfield School district, as well as an expansion in the 1950s, 90s, with air conditioning arriving to the facility in 2012, she said.

"Fast forward to today, the community of Springfield has voted to help bring Sunshine up to speed structurally in the hope that our school can last another 155 years," said Dr. Daniels.

Superintendent John Jungmann began the groundbreaking ceremony with welcoming the Portland Elementary School community. Portland students will join the Sunshine family upon the completion of the addition in the 2020-2021 school year. The current Portland site will serve as the new home of Jarrett Middle School, scheduled to open in 2022.

"A project like this can't happen without the cooperation and flexibility of everyone," said Dr. Jungmann. "We thank you in advance for your patience and adaptability as we continue normal school operations while this construction project evolves over the next 12 months."

School board president Tim Rosenbury shared his thanks to the Springfield community for approving Proposition S, which provided funds for the $13.89 million expansion and renovation.

Also recognized at the groundbreaking were distinguished professionals on the Sunshine Elementary School project team:

Architects are H Design, represented by Brent Stevens, K.J. Romine, Brandon Smith and Brad Samuels; and Hollis & Miller, represented by Philip Korthanke and Michelle Landvick.

General Contractor is Carson Mitchell, represented by Jason Carson, Chris Carson, Brian Watson and Daniel Essary.

Mechanical and Electrical Engineering is provided by CJD Engineering, represented by Chris Bozarth

Civil Engineering is provided by Olsson, represented by Jared Rasmussen, Jane Airnheart and Will Hooee.

Testing and materials services are provided by Palmerton & Parrish, represented by Mike Foley.

Highway Patrol Arrests August 30-31

Kade J. Brown, 21, Aurora, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive in single lane, driving while revoked

Angel L. Hatley, 34, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, drove wrong direction on divided highway, failed to display valid plates, no seat belt

Christopher L. Smith, 43, Monett, felony driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Kyle P. Bennett, 25, Nevada, driving while intoxicated, speeding








Justin K. Burns, 29, Arcola, Cedar County felony warrant for resisting arrest

Stephen R Box, 52, Pierce City, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Ryan T. Kraichely, 19, Kirkwood, speeding, possession of marijuana

Bryan L Ennes, 38, Seligman, driving while intoxicated

Tennessee man injured in boating accident on Table Rock Lake

A Tennessee man was injured during a boating accident 4:20 p.m. Friday on Table Rock Lake near Point 1.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2018 Yamaha Waverunner driven by Eva L. Looke, 21, Nashville, Tennessee, was struck by a large wave ejecting a passenger, Rasmus Tipp, 23, Nashville.

Tipp was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Highway Commission to meet September 6 in Bolivar

(From MODOT)

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will hold its monthlymeeting at 9 a.m., Friday, September 6, at the McClelland Dining Facilty on the campus of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar.

Many items will be on this month’s agenda, including a report and recommendations on the I-70 Rocheport Bridge Project. Public presentations include one from the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments concerning transportation partnerships.

“We are pleased to welcome the Commission back to southwest Missouri,” said District Engineer Steve Campbell.

“We are interested in sharing more about the area’s strong partnerships and its future transportation needs. We invite anyone who is interested to attend this meeting.”

The Commission holds meetings in Jefferson City for five months of the year, while the legislature is in session; the other seven months Commission meetings are held throughout the state.

More information about the commission can be found at www.modot.org/about/commission.

Portion of Jefferson Avenue to be closed next week

(From the City of Springfield)

Public Works street maintenance crews will close the west lane of Jefferson Avenue immediately north of the intersection of Grand Street beginning 7 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3 through 7 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 for street repairs.

Grand Street to be reduced to two lanes east of Grant Avenue next week

(From the City of Springfield)

Grand Street will be reduced to two lanes immediately east of the Grant Avenue intersection beginning 7 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4 for sewer maintenance.

Two-way traffic will be maintained.

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Cedar County

Michael Shawn Snyder and Jennifer Louise Snyder
Joseph Ray Pitts, Jr.


Christian County

Steven Benjamin Farmer and Carrie Jane Farmer
Christine Renee Mazza
Sheree Lynn Muggenburg
Kevin Loren Bates and Amy Elizabeth Bates

Dallas County

Daniel J. Robinson
Robert Wilson Schneider, Jr. and Judy Darlene Schneider
John Tyler Brigance
Daniel J. Robinson







Greene County

Geoffery Nyauma Manani
Rebecca Sue Hopley-Jackson and Kat Loiskathaleen Hopley-Jackson
Juanita Bostick
Laurie Ann Stracke
Dina Michelle Wyas
Jan Michael Reyes
Curtis Ray Morrison and Rhonda Renee Harrison
Anna Renee Robinson
Kimberly Kay Paige
Penelope Ann Inlow
Bonny Lou Sutton
Sabrina Louise Phelps
Alex Michael Baldwin and Kayla Nicole Baldwin
Rebecca L. Hull
Micheal Allen Watson and Jessica Lee Watson
Michael L. Geren
Steven Edward Sharkey
Johnathan Lee Dockery and Janell Fay Dockery
Mark Allen Bradshaw, Jr
Carl Bryan Elkins
Sharon Rose Epps
Debra Renay Foose
Trevor Burton Brennfoerder and Mary Elizabeth Brennfoerder
Steven Alexander Wimer
Cody James Edgar
Joel Allan Rupert
Cynthia A. Thompson
Sandra L. Baily
Lauren Elizabeth Hancock
Jamie Elizabeth Arnold and Carly Ann Arnold







Howell County

Rachel M. Evins
Jacob Lee Stiner


Ozark County

Nancy Jean Thomas

Pulaski County

Cheryl Ann Nygaard
Kimberly R. Jones

Texas County

Terry Glen Duncan
Michael Ryan Dunn

Webster County

Ronald J. Eagar and Myrl Jean Eagar
Shannon Marie Richison
John Buckley Langwell and Lacey Faye Langwell
Jaosn Richard Buckallew and Lindsee Rin Buckallew

Rogersville teen injured in rollover accident near Ozark

A Rogersville teen was injured in a one-vehicle crash 10 a.m. today on Route NN, one mile north of Ozark.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2009 Nissan Maxima driven by Tristen McMahon, 17, Rogersville, ran off the foadway and overturned.

McMahon was taken to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.

Highway Patrol Arrests August 29-30

Joel A. Percora, 46, Urbana, felony Clay County warrant for child non-support, misdemeanor Henry County warrants for no insurance and traffic offense, misdemeanor Jackson County warrant for obstruction, no seat belt, driving while suspended, failure to register motor vehicle, using the plates of another, no insurance

Cody A. Franklin, 30, Springfield, misdemeanor Greene County warrant for failure to appear on failure to register motor vehicle, driving while suspended or revoked, no seat belt

Wesley R. Cantrell, 38, Springfield, felony Greene County warrant for probation violation, no driver's license, no seat belt

Michael E. Corhan, 19, Kansas City, misdemenaor posssession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Andrew D. Beal, 45, Pineville, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Matthew D. Flynn, 24, Reeds Spring, driving while intoxicated, failed to stop for steady red signal








Sherry L. Chapman, 53, Springfield, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

Lisa J. Mauer, 43, Branson, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Jameson R. Black, 34, Chillicothe, driving while intoxicated, failed to maintain right half of roadway, no insurance

Tanner Shankles, 21, Carthage, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Storyteller coming to Roaring River State Park

(From Missouri State Parks)

Come to Roaring River State Park amphitheater to enjoy live music and stories with professional storyteller Fran Stallings. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 7.

Stallings travels the world sharing her original songs and stories about animals and ecosystems. Her work is inspired by multicultural folk tales and encourages stewardship for our planet. She uses scientific concepts to create colorful “fact-tales.”

For more information about the event, contact a park naturalist at the Ozark Chinquapin Nature Center in Roaring River State Park at 417-847-3742.

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

Groundbreaking ceremony held at Delaware Elementary

(From Springfield Public Schools)

A group of current Delaware Elementary School teachers wore bright yellow T-shirts to their new school’s Groundbreaking Ceremony Monday, Aug. 26.

The T-shirt matched the mood and theme for the year ahead at Delaware: Building a Brighter Future.

Delaware principal Stephanie Young thanked Springfield voters for passing Proposition S in April, which approved funds for their new school's construction. The school, partially designed with Young's feedback, will be welcoming to all, she said.

"Every kind of student deserves an education full of exciting learning opportunities that will cause them to be better today than they were yesterday," said Young. "Every kind of student deserves teachers that love them, and care about them, and never give up on them. And every kind of student deserves to learn in a building that inspires them to dream big today, and then dream bigger even tomorrow."

Four Crane residents including three children, Granby woman injured in Newton County crash

Four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash 10:55 a.m. Friday on Route V, two miles west of Diamond.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Amanda S. Todd, 36, Granby, was attempting to make a left turn and was struck in the rear by a 2016 Ford Transit van driven by Lisa J. Williams, 46, Crane.








Todd was treated for minor injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

Williams and three passengers in her vehicle, Anna Williams, 7, Elizabeth Williams, 5, and Jesse Williams, 11, all of Crane, were treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Joplin.

Walnut Grove residents injured after boat swamped on Stockton Lake

Two Walnut Grove residents were injured in a boating accident 6:45 p.m. Wednesday on Stockton Lake near point 1.5

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1978 aluminum boat driven by Larry A. Richey, 57, Wanut Grove, was swamped due to large wakes. Richey and a passenger, Cora L. Richey, 60, Walnut Grove, were ejected and the boat sank.

The Richeys suffered minor injuries.

Highway Patrol Arrests August 28-29

James W. Kelley, 63, Springfield, driving while intoxicated

Angel A. Harper, 22, Springfield, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failure to stop for steady red light

Roger L. Pendergrass, 30, Shell Knob, felony resisting arrest by fleeing, felony driving while intoxicated- persons under 17 in vehicle, speeding, failure to drive on right half of roadway, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, careless and imprudent driving, driving while revoked

Halfway man flown to Cox South following one-vehicle crash in Polk County

A Halfway man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:12 p.m. today on 385th Road, one mile east of Cliquot in Polk County.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2014 Honda Fury driven by Michael T. Seybold, 56, Halfway, skidded off a 90-degree turn and overturned, ejecting Seybold.

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

Highway Patrol Arrests August 27-28

Andrew J. Merrill, 25, Springfield, misdemeanor domestic assault

Amy L. Swanson, 37, Merriam Woods, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated (drugs), no insurance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while revoked

Lisa A. Green, 48, Mountain Grove, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash, no seat belt








Nicholas A. Schonert, 34, Seymour, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no insurance, no seat belt

Kevin W. McCallum, 38, Cape Girardeau, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Springfield Police Department promotion ceremony held

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Wednesday, Aug. 28th the Springfield Police Department held a promotion ceremony at the Springfield Regional Police and Fire Training Center.

During the ceremony, SPD recognized the promotions of three civilians employees. 

Congratulations to: 

McKensie Phillips, Office Administrator
Michael Costello, Senior Computer Forensic Analyst
Amanda Livingston, Financial Analyst

MODOT provides update on Route 65 Rebuild Project

(From MODOT)

Route 65: THE REBUILD The Final Phase - Springfield

Update for Week of August 28-September 4

• EARLY HEADS UP: Northbound Route 65 CLOSED between Route 60 and Sunshine Street starting at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 6
• Nighttime lane closings on southbound and northbound Route 65 between Sunshine Street and Route 60
• NO WORK OVER THE LABOR DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND
• All new concrete pavement smoothed at the end of the project in late September                                            

Work Scheduled:  

• Rebuild shoulders in areas along southbound Route 65 between Sunshine Street and Route 60
• Install new guardrail in areas along southbound Route 65 between Sunshine Street and Route 60
• Install erosion control devices along northbound Route 65 between Route 60 and Sunshine Street
• Grind off old asphalt along northbound Route 65 shoulders
• Cut old northbound Route 65 concrete pavement in preparation for removal starting Sept. 6
• ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: All new concrete pavement will be smoothed using a diamond-grinding process at the end of the project in mid-to-late September 

Traffic Impacts:  

• EARLY HEADS UP: Northbound Route 65 CLOSED between Route 60 and Sunshine Street starting at 12:01 a.m. Friday, September 6, following the Labor Day holiday. (By closing northbound Route 65 between Route 60 and Sunshine Street, contractor accelerates the project! No access to northbound Route 65 from Battlefield Road or from Route 60.)
• Night Work: Southbound lanes and northbound lanes closed in areas between Sunshine Street and Route 60. At least one lane open in both directions. Work hours: 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Wednesday-Wednesday, August 28-September 4.
• Temporary traffic signals in operation at Blackman Road/Battlefield Road and Greene County Route D/Route 125 intersections
• Signed detours:
  • West detour: I-44 to eastbound Missouri Route 360 to eastbound U.S. Route 60 to southbound Route 65
  • East detour: I-44 to Missouri Route 125 to westbound U.S. 60 to southbound Route 65 

(Weather or construction delays could alter the work schedule.) 

Project Summary: 

• Sunday-Thursday, August 4-8 -- COMPLETE
  • All southbound lanes of Route 65 CLOSED between Sunshine Street and Battlefield Road
  • Southbound on ramp from Sunshine Street to Route 65 CLOSED
  • Southbound off ramp from Route 65 to Battlefield Road CLOSED 

• Thursday-Friday, August 8-16 -- COMPLETE
  • All southbound lanes of Route 65 CLOSED between Battlefield Road and Route 60
  • Southbound Route 65 OPEN between Sunshine Street and Battlefield Road, but reduced to one lane
  • Southbound on ramp from Battlefield Road to Route 65 CLOSED
  • Southbound Route 65-to-westbound Route 60 ramp CLOSED 

All lanes of Route 65 open during the Labor Day holiday (Friday-Friday, August 16-September 6) 

• Friday-Friday, September 6-20 (All northbound Route 65 lanes could be open as early as Saturday or Sunday, Sept. 14 or 15)
  • All northbound lanes of Route 65 CLOSED between Route 60 and Sunshine Street
  • Eastbound Route 60-to-northbound Route 65 ramp CLOSED
  • Westbound Route 60-to-northbound Route 65 ramp CLOSED
  • Northbound off ramp from Route 65 to Battlefield Road CLOSED
  • Northbound on ramp from Battlefield Road to northbound Route 65 CLOSED
  • Northbound off ramp from Route 65 to Sunshine Street CLOSED
  • Route 60 crossovers CLOSED between Route 65 and Greene County Routes NN/J 

• September 15-November 1
  • Nighttime lane closings for shoulder construction/guardrail/striping/pavement smoothing 

• Prime Contractor: Emery Sapp and Sons, Inc. of Columbia
• Completion Date: November 2019 (However, contractor plans to complete project by late September.)
• Total Project Cost: $8.1 million 

Left, eastbound lane of Sunset Street to close west of Sunset and Fort

(From the City of Springfield)

The left, eastbound lane of Sunset Street will close adjacent to the median located west of the intersection of Sunset Street and Fort Avenue beginning 5 a.m. through 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 for median maintenance work.

Annual fall festival scheduled at Nathan Boone Historic Site near Ash Grove

(From Missouri State Parks)

Join Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site staff from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, for the annual fall festival and lighting of the luminaries.

Site staff at the Boone home will lead guided tours of the homestead that will focus on the many mysteries and lesser-known history of the site. 

Period interpreters will be stationed throughout the site sharing stories of the Boone family and the site's 182-year history. 

As darkness falls over the homestead, storytellers will take to the porch of the Boone home to share stories of years gone by. This program will run in conjunction with the annual Ash Grove Fall Rendezvous. 

 

Activities include:

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Living History Displays and Demonstrations
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Mystery Tours, register at the site office as space is limited, tours begin on the hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
6 to 6:30 p.m. - The story of the 1937 Ash Grove Tornado
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Storyteller Jim “Two Crows” Wallen presents the story of Lewis and Clark
8 to 8:45 p.m. - Lanterns and Luminaries Tour

Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear insect repellent.

Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site is located 2 miles north of Ash Grove at 7850 N. State Highway V. For more information about the event, or for weather related cancellation information, call the historic site at 417-751-3266.

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.

Tunas man killed in crash near Marshfield

A Tunas man was killed in a one-vehicle crash 5:40 p.m. Tuesday on Emerald Loop, two miles west of Marshfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Chevrolet truck driven by Nathan B. Duff, 31, Tunas, ran off the roadway and struck a fence.







Assistant Webster County Coroner Robby Jernigan pronounced Duff dead at the scene at 6:12 p.m.

The fatality was the 11th for the month of August and the 75th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Intersection of Lone Pine Avenue and Kirkwood Street to close

(From the City of Springfield)

The intersection of Lone Pine Avenue and Kirkwood Street will close to through traffic overnight beginning 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 through 12 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 for utility work.

Partial closures will be placed at Cherokee Street and at Seminole Street to limit traffic near the work zone, but access will be maintained to all driveways.

Through traffic is advised to use the posted detour via Cherokee Street, Oak Grove Avenue and Seminole Street.

Missouri State to provide dual credit scholarships to Springfield students who qualify for free, reduced price lunches

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Missouri State University is piloting a program to provide dual credit scholarships to students who qualify for free and reduced lunches.

Dual credit courses allow high school students to earn high school and college credits at the same time.

The pilot program is available to students who take dual credit courses with Missouri State through Springfield Public Schools, as well as students in districts that provide dual credit through Missouri State-West Plains.

Making college accessible

Research shows that students who complete college dual credit courses in high school are more likely to pursue and complete two-year and four-year degrees following high school.

The goal of this program is to make college more accessible, improve workforce readiness and support a statewide goal of increasing the number of Missouri citizens with a college degree. 

 
"Dual credit courses provide opportunities for students to get a head start on a college education," said Missouri State President Clif Smart. "We want to make dual credit accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation."

More than 50% of students in Springfield Public Schools qualify for free or reduced lunch and would be eligible for the scholarship.

"The opportunity to partner with Missouri State University to expand access to higher education for under-resourced students is a big step forward in the pursuit of equity," said Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools.

"Beyond the impact to SPS, this agreement opens doors for students participating in Launch virtual learning, as well as for our regional GO CAPS partners. We greatly appreciate Missouri State University's commitment to exploring new ways to reach and welcome students in order to help prepare them for successful futures."

Qualifications

To qualify, a student must:

-Be enrolled in one of the qualifying schools or programs.
-Qualify for free or reduced lunches.
-Have at least a 3.0 high school Grade Point Average.
-Meet course prerequisites, if applicable, to enroll in a class.

Primrose Widening Project Update- Kickapoo driveway access restricted

(From the City of Springfield)

Construction of widening improvements along Primrose Street between South Avenue and Kimbrough Avenue continues this week with the closure and reconstruction of three Kickapoo High School parking lot driveways.

Parking lot closures off of Primrose Street are scheduled as follows:
Beginning 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 28, the west “entrance” driveway will close and is expected to reopen by 7 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 29

For traffic entering the parking lot off Primrose on Wednesday afternoon, please use the driveway east of the sports fields. This will be a designated entrance on Wednesday afternoon. The entrance off Jefferson will be accessible from the north as well.

Beginning 8:00 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 29, the east “exit” driveway will close and is expected to reopen by 7 a.m., Friday, Aug. 30.

For traffic exiting the parking lot off Primrose on Thursday afternoon, please use the driveway east of the sports fields. This will be a designated exit as usual. The entrance off Jefferson will be accessible to the north as well.

Beginning 4:00 p.m., Thursday, August 29, the access road east of the sports fields will close and is expected to reopen by 7 a.m., Friday, August 30.

“The timing of the driveway reconstructions will revolve around school traffic,” explains project manager Andrew Flippin. “As soon as we see parking lot traffic die down, we’ll close a driveway and get to work.”

Two weeks after the start of the school year and the roadway widening project is progressing and remains on schedule for completion in November.

“We’re still on track to reopen Jefferson Avenue, north of Primrose, within the estimated 30-day timeframe,” says Public Works Project Manager Andrew Flippin. “Road grading work has progressed and the public can expect to see paving along the north side of the project in the first weeks of September.”

Two-way traffic along Primrose Street has been maintained but continues to be reduced to two lanes in certain sections with no center turn lane. As paving and driveway access on the north side of the project is completed, traffic will be shifted north, so crews can complete improvements on the south portion of the roadway and Jefferson Avenue intersection.

Various nighttime and weekend closures of Primrose are expected, including a possible closure of Jefferson, south of the Primrose intersection. Any further traffic impacts will be announced with as much notice as possible.

Students and faculty are advised to continue to access school parking lots on Primrose from the east or on Jefferson from the north. Slow down, use caution and try to avoid making left turns within the work zone.

“Even without the construction, this area can be pretty chaotic during school opening and release times,” Flippin said. “We are continually working to keep the area safe and to make sure traffic doesn’t backup and affect other roadways. Our ultimate goal is to relieve some of the traffic congestion with the completion of this project.”

About the Project

The Primrose Street Widening Project involves the widening of Primrose Street to five lanes between South Avenue and Kimbrough Avenue, including the construction of bike lanes on both sides of the roadway and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks. New traffic signals will be added at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Primrose. Also included is the construction of new City Utilities gas and water facilities and the installation of a sewer main to provide service to Kickapoo High School’s athletic facilities.

Utilities improvements involved in the project will be reimbursed by City Utilities, with sanitary sewer improvements being funded by Springfield Public Schools. The remaining costs for the project will be funded through the City’s voter-approved ¼-cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax.

The project began in April and is expected to be complete in November. The contractor completing the improvements is Hartman & Company.

For more information and project updates, visit the project webpage at springfieldmo.gov/primrose.

Information sought on case of nine-year-old murdered in 1975

(From Greater Springfield Area Crimestoppers)

If you have any information about this case, please contact Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

Greene County deputies make six DWI arrests on Saturation Saturday

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

On August 24th, 2019, Deputies participated in the state wide “Saturation Saturday”. Our agency had 5 deputies participate in this project which began at 9:00 pm and ended at 4:00 am. Below are the numbers from our agency alone.

Total Stops: 37
DWI: 5 alcohol
DWI: 1 - drug impairment
Drug Violation: 3
Leaving Scene of Accident: 1

CITATIONS:

Lane Violation: 1
Ignition Interlock: 1
Exceed Posted Speed: 2
Fail to Obey Traffic Control Device: 1
Carless and Imprudent: 1
Fail to yield to emergency vehicle with red/blue lights flashing: 1
No Insurance: 1

Furthermore, we conducted a Standard Field Sobriety Test refresher training for deputies, Prosecuting Attorneys, and Judges. Upon completion of the training Greene County prosecutors accompanied our deputies during the saturation patrol.

“Proactive enforcement and continuing education keeps our deputies on the forefront of public safety”, states Sheriff Jim C Arnott.

Agenda posted for Springfield Art Museum Board of Directors lunch meeting

Springfield Art Museum 
1111 East Brookside Drive Springfield, Community Room
Board of Directors Lunch 
Monday, September 9, 2019 Community Room,12 p.m. 

Tentative Agenda

I. Call to Order

II. Review Agenda Items for September Board Meeting

III. Discussion

IV. Adjournment

Complete video- tonight's Springfield City Council meeting

Rogersville businessman indicted for $4 million fraud scheme, failure to pay taxes

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

A Rogersville, Missouri business owner has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a $4 million scheme to defraud his customers and his failure to pay federal income and employment taxes.

Michael David Dismer, 51, was charged in a 28-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Missouri, on Thursday, Aug. 22. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Dismer’s arrest and initial court appearance.

Dismer has operated at least eight different businesses (most recently, Worldwide Construction, Inc., and Lakeland Marine Builders, LLC, at Stockton, Missouri) that built large boats, barges, and tugboats for customers around the world since 1993. The federal indictment alleges that Dismer engaged in a $4 million scheme to defraud 22 customers of his boat-building businesses from 2013 to 2018.

According to the indictment, Dismer signed contracts with customers and solicited deposits from them. Although Dismer told customers he would use their deposits and payments to build the boats for which they contracted, the indictment says, Dismer instead used a substantial portion of the funds for purposes unrelated to the construction of the customers’ boats. Dismer allegedly spent those funds to purchase of jewelry, lingerie and other clothing, salon services, flowers, firearms, airline and event tickets, a Hawaiian vacation for himself and six young women, private school and university tuition, furniture, improvements to his personal residence, and the purchase of real property.

Dismer also falsely represented the construction status of their projects to customers, the indictment says, in order to receive additional milestone payments and to lull customers into not attempting to obtain the return of their funds.

Dismer allegedly induced 22 customers to pay him more than $4 million for the construction of specific vessels. Among those customers, the indictment says, 14 customers paid Dismer more than $2.5 million and he provided them with inoperable and unseaworthy vessels. Seven of those customers paid Dismer more than $1 million and received nothing in return.

The indictments cite six companies that were allegedly defrauded by Dismer. Among the victims of Dismer’s alleged fraud scheme is Igiugig Village (an unincorporated Native American village in Alaska), which received a $200,000 federal grant to purchase a boat for the economic benefit of its community. On Dec. 22, 2015, the Igiugig Tribal Council contracted with Dismer (doing business as Lakeland Marine Builders) to build a push-style truckable tugboat for $275,000. The council paid Dismer an initial deposit of $96,250. On the same day, Dismer withdrew $70,000 of those funds and used the money to purchase a Stockton boat construction facility, which he had previously lost in foreclosure proceedings. The council paid Dismer an additional $77,375 in April 2016, most of which Dismer allegedly used to pay the outstanding real estate taxes on the Stockton property. The council made two additional payments to Dismer in May 2016. According to the indictment, the council has received nothing in return for the total $242,375 it paid to Dismer.

From 2013 to 2016, the indictment alleges, Dismer filed no federal income tax returns. According to the indictment, Dismer’s gross income exceeded $1 million in 2013 and 2016. Dismer’s gross income was $865,910 in 2014 and $688,770 in 2015.

Dismer also allegedly attempted to evade paying employment taxes for his companies’ employees from 1993 through 2002, and from 2004 through 2007. The indictment alleges that Dismer engaged in a practice known as “pyramiding” – he ceased operating under business names that accumulated unpaid tax assessment, and continued to earn income through new business entities.

According to the indictment, Dismer established at least 32 different accounts at seven different banks; he routinely intermingled business and personal withdrawals and made frequent inter-account transfers.

The federal indictment charges Dismer with 18 counts of wire fraud, five counts of tax evasion, four counts of failure to file a tax return, and one count of making false statements to federal law enforcement agents.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Mohlhenrich. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI.

Highway Patrol Arrests August 25-26

Justin D. Harvill, 35, Aurora, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine

Robin L. Brennan, 57, Seneca, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway involving a crash

Eric D. Hall, 41, Butterfield, felony assault second degree, felony stealing, driving while suspended








Isaac Z. McLaughlin, 19, Webb City, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

Raequan R. Stallings, 23, Columbia, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia