Alcohol believed to be factor as 20-year-old driver crashes into Springfield home, two killed

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Jan. 31, 2020, at 1:06 a. m., Springfield Police Officers responded to the area of National and Seminole regarding a motor vehicle crash.

While on-scene officers discovered a 2004 Ford Mustang, traveling westbound, crashed into a home at 2207 S. Florence. There were people inside the home, but no one inside was injured.

The vehicle was driven by 20-year-old Caleb Brown and 21-year-old Mason Ivey was in the passenger seat.

Mason was pronounced deceased on-scene and Caleb was transported to the hospital where he died from injuries sustained in the crash. Both victims are from Lebanon, Mo. and next of kin has been notified.

The investigation is on-going but preliminary tests revealed intoxication is believed to have been a factor in the crash. This is the first fatal motor vehicle crash in Springfield for 2020.

Utility work along Jefferson Avenue to affect on-street parking stalls

(From the City of Springfield)

A utility company is underway installing fiber optic cables downtown along Jefferson Avenue between Walnut Street and Kansas Expressway through the end of February.

Downtown visitors and business owners can expect on-street parking stalls along the east side of Jefferson Avenue to be closed. The roadway is expected to be reduced to a single lane periodically throughout the month to facilitate the installation.

Motorists are advised to use caution when driving through the work area.

Springfield auditor releases annual compliance audit

(From the City of Springfield)

The City’s auditor, RSM LLP, has released its annual compliance audit of the City’s federal expenditures.

RSM gave an unmodified opinion on the City’s federal programs, with the exception of the U.S. Department of Labor’s America’s Promise grant program, administered by the Department of Workforce Development. The program is designed to accelerate the development and expansion of regional workforce partnerships committed to providing a pipeline of skilled workers in specific sectors.

The $3 million grant was awarded to the City of Springfield by the DOL’s Employment and Training Administration in December 2016, with the period of performance of Jan. 1, 2017 through Dec. 31, 2020.

Participants choose one of six allied health care tracks to study tuition-free at Ozarks Technical Community College: certified nurse assistant, pharmacy technician, certified medical assistant, phlebotomist, LPN to RN bridge and emergency medical technician.

RSM’s qualified opinion is based on a material weakness in an internal control and an instance of noncompliance regarding verification of eligibility of participants.

BackgroundIn late 2019, upon discovering a potential issue with eligibility, Workforce Development staff contacted City management and the U.S. Department of Labor. A special audit of the program was performed in December 2019 at the request of City management.


Corrective action

Corrective action taken included changing the authorized representative for the grant to the interim director of the Department of Workforce Development and developing a new participant eligibility policy and checklist for the enrollment process, which includes definitions for “local education agency,” “unemployed,” “underemployed” and “incumbent worker.”

The online application process now includes address information to confirm residence in the service area and questions to ensure compliance with the age, local education agency and current employment status requirements. Program staff attended training for the grant’s revised eligibility determination and enrollment policy and procedure.

Financial impact

According to the audit, costs in question are approximately $465,000 in grant funds, as estimated by funds provided to 106 participants initially determined to be ineligible. Of the 106 participants, 47 were the result of not satisfying the fourth eligibility requirement – an employment status of unemployed, underemployed or an incumbent worker.

The City is reviewing the interpretation of the incumbent worker status with the DOL to determine if these participants may be eligible. If the DOL issues a determination that the City’s definition of “incumbent worker” was too restrictive and those 47 participants are actually eligible, the remaining questioned costs would be $246,000 provided to 59 participants.

The City hopes to learn DOL’s final determination within a few weeks.

Highway Patrol Arrests January 30-31

Jackson W. Brown, 20, Lebanon, driving while intoxicated, wrong way driver, failed to yield to an emergency vehicle, minor intoxicated, minor in possession

Matthew R. Beld, 49, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failed to signal

Trace A. Ratliff, 28, Kirbyville, Probation/Parole felony warrant for probation violation for possession of methamphetamine, driving while revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia, no valid plates, speeding, no seat belt








Joe D. Bennefield, 58, Noel, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt

Robert E. Preddy, 17, Cassville, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway

***

FREE PREVIEW

Get a free 12-chapter PDF e-book preview of Randy Turner's book, The Buck Starts Here: Harry S Truman and the City of Lamar by sending an e-mail to rturner229@hotmail.com

Cassville man pleads guilty to federal child pornography charge

A Cassville man pleaded guilty in U. S. District Court in Springfield to child pornography charges.

A pre-sentence investigation was ordered for Brian Nicholas Ash, 33. No date has been set for the sentencing.

According to the grand jury indictment, Ash received and distributed child pornography in January and February 2019.

Springfield Police searching for missing 81-year-old man suffering from dementia

Gerald Abbott was located safely this morning (Jan. 31, 2020) at about 9:30 a.m. He is home with his family and is healthy. Thank you to everyone who spread the word and helped in the search.
(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance to locate 81-year-old Gerald A. Abbott.

Abbott is a white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 190 pounds, has white hair and blue eyes.

Abbott was last seen on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020 at his home in the 3800 block of S. Tolliver.

Abbott has dementia and may be confused about his location. His cell phone was last pinged in Farmington, MO, but he could not be located. 

He is believed to be driving a 2014 Dodge Ram extended cab with license 5SAG11.

Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts should call 911 or Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

Department of Conservation schedules clinic on predator hunting

(From the Missouri Department of Conservation)

Winter is a time when the predatory instincts of coyotes can become particularly troublesome for livestock operators and other rural landowners.

People needing hunting solutions to these problems should plan to attend the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) clinic “Learning to Hunt: Predator Hunting for Beginners” Feb. 8 at MDC’s Andy Dalton Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center.

This facility is located at 4897 N. Greene County Farm Road 61 near Ash Grove. This free clinic will be 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Participants can learn the calls, techniques, firearms and strategies used in predator hunting. Registration is required for this program. People can register for this event at

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/171113

People can learn about other events at the Dalton Range by calling 417-742-4361 or by going to www.mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents.

Highway Patrol Arrests January 29-30

Harvey Mabry, 61, Washburn, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Timothy W. Bough, 55, Mindenmines, felony failure to register as a sex offender

Sara A. Shane, 28, Ozark, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Branson man shot by child

(From the Branson Police Department)

At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2020, the Branson Police Department responded to a shooting incident in the 100 block of Champagne Drive. Arriving officers identified a 25-year old male with a gunshot wound to his arm and administered immediate first aid.

The male was treated and transported to a Springfield hospital by the Taney County Ambulance District with non-life threatening injuries.

The preliminary investigation leads investigators to believe a weapon was left unsecured and accessible to a young child who accidentally fired the weapon.

This is an active investigation and Branson detectives are in contact with the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney regarding the child’s access to the unsecured weapon.

Branson Police Chief, Jeff Matthews reminds everyone that weapons must remain secured and inaccessible to children at all times. There are numerous gun locks and security devices available on the open market.

Cassville man who downloaded video of adult man raping four-year-old waives reading of indictment, pleads not guilty

A Cassville man facing child pornography charges waived the reading of his indictment and pleaded not guilty today in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Judge David P. Rush took the government's detention motion under advisement, leaving Mitchell Vincent, 32, in the Greene County Jail until his ruling.

The grand jury indictment, which was unsealed earlier this month, alleges Mitchell received and distributed child pornography, including a video of an adult male raping a four-year-old girl, between January 1, 2017 and March 13, 2019.

Deputy makes 500th arrest with Greene County Sheriff DWI Unit

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

We'd like to recognize Deputy Ryan Devost for his commitment to public safety.

Deputy Devost made his 500th DWI arrest since being assigned to the Sheriff's Office DWI Unit and his 897th career DWI arrest last week. 

Deputy Devost started with the Greene County Sheriff's Office in 2014 and has been a vital part of the DWI unit. 

Deputy Devost is heavily involved in training other agencies and speaking on public awareness regarding DWI's.

Thank you Deputy Devost for your commitment to the citizens of Greene County.

As of today, Greene County Jail holding 1,000 prisoners

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

Today, a record high 1,000 inmates are now in the custody of the Greene County Sheriff.

The Greene County Jail was opened in 2001 with capacity for 488 inmates.

It was later modified for 601 inmates and then in 2017 temporary housing units expanded the capacity to 709.

Since 2011, to prevent jail overcrowding, inmates have been housed in other Missouri jails up to 200 miles away.

Detention motion: Cassville man downloaded, distributed video of adult male raping four-year-old girl

A Cassville man should be kept behind bars while awaiting trial on child pornography charges, according to a detention motion filed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

A grand jury indictment of Mitchell Vincent, 32, was unsealed earlier this month, charging that he received and distributed child pornography between January 1, 2017 and March 13, 2019 in Barry County.







The allegations are described in the detention motion.

On December 10, 2018, law enforcement officers downloaded a 17-minute video file from a device located at the defendant’s home via the Internet using peer-to-peer software. 

The video depicted a four-year-old female being anally raped by an adult male. 

A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s home on March 13, 2019, resulting in the seizure of the defendant’s computer. Child pornography was later located on the device during a forensic examination. 

The defendant was questioned by the investigators after being advised of his Miranda rights. The defendant readily admitted that he used his computer to download and view images and videos depicting child pornography. 

The defendant confessed that he had been viewing child pornography for several years. The defendant also advised the investigators that he had engaged in a sexual act with a five-year-old child when he was a juvenile. This case involves a minor victim

Forward SGF Issues and Opportunities Report presented to Springfield City Council

(From the City of Springfield)

At a joint City Council Lunch meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission and Forward SGF Advisory Team Tuesday, planning consultant Houseal Lavigne Associates and Planning and Development staff presented an overview of the Forward SGF Issues and Opportunities Report, which identifies critical issues and opportunities that should be addressed by the City’s next Comprehensive Plan.

The analysis for the report was informed by past planning efforts, demographic trends, community outreach, and extensive research to establish a complete understanding of Springfield today. The report serves as the foundation of Forward SGF by highlighting community priorities, potentials and key issues that need to be improved.

Community Outreach and Engagement

Over the course of three months, the initial phase of the Forward SGF outreach program yielded a large amount of information regarding the issues and opportunities facing the Springfield community, according to the report. 

During the fall of 2019, a total of 57 workshops were conducted, engaging nearly 1,500 participants in face-to-face community engagement exercises. 

In addition, over 5,500 people participated online through a series of surveys and use of Map.Social, an online mapping tool. The Forward SGF Community Outreach Summary report is publicly available through the Forward SGF project website (forwardsgf.com), which provides an in-depth summary of major talking points and online survey responses. Key themes from community outreach have been integrated throughout the report in corresponding sections.
Community Assets

Key assets and strengths represent the positive aspects of the Springfield community that should be preserved as the Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan provides recommendations for the future. The City’s outdoor and natural areas were identified as top assets, followed closely by higher education institutions. 

In addition, residents’ ability to collaborate on issues facing the community were highlighted as a top strength of the community. While Springfield has numerous assets, a selection of assets have been profiled throughout the report to ensure that issues are discussed alongside positive elements of the community. 

Land Use and Development

Existing land use and development in Springfield has been inventoried to identify issues and opportunities related to the City’s built form, character, and sense of place. 

The analysis contained in the report included field reconnaissance and review of the City’s Land and Development Code and municipal land use data. 

This inventory will be used to inform recommendations of Forward SGF regarding where to direct future development and investment in Springfield. This section also includes an overview of market potential for retail, office, and industrial uses, and a review of the existing housing stock.

Placetypes approach

The Forward SGF planning process will utilize a place-based approach to land use planning that characterizes specific areas based on their character, scale, form and function. This place-based approach is not focused on the use of a specific parcel, but rather is concerned with the collective mix of uses that establish a place.

Existing land use and development has been characterized by using a place-based approach that defines 12 “placetypes” within Springfield.

Taken together, the placetypes provide a land use and development palette that defines all existing areas of the City. By thinking of Springfield as a collection of unique places, Forward SGF will promote the development of places at a neighborhood or district scale, providing for a greater deal of flexibility and potential for innovation. The place-based approach promotes development and reinvestment that enables vacant and underutilized parcels and blocks by focusing no just on land use, but also on design, functionality and access to infrastructure.

The intent of the Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan is to preserve Springfield’s established neighborhoods and commercial districts, while encouraging reinvestment and new development that provides for a sustainable future. The place-based approach will allow the City and its partners to effectively plan and manage existing unique areas and define desired growth and development across the City and in adjacent areas of Greene County.
Issues & Actions

The report summarizes a wide variety of issues and opportunities within Springfield that were identified by the community. The Comprehensive Plan, however, is geared towards spatial issues related to future development and growth and will not address all themes presented in the document, according to Mary Lilly Smith, Director of Planning & Development.

“Several of the outreach themes highlighted in this report can be dealt with directly in the Comprehensive Plan, while others will require an indirect approach. For example, the plan will be able to directly address housing issues using established mechanisms such as the zoning ordinance and code enforcement,” said Planning and Development Director Mary Lilly Smith. “However, issues such as education and crime are less impacted by land use and development policy and infrastructure projects. For these issues, the Comprehensive Plan can play an indirect role by addressing environmental contributors to the issue and raising awareness of community priorities that need to be dealt with outside of the Forward SGF planning process.”

Poverty, crime, homelessness, lack of public transportation and low wages were the most frequently mentioned issues within Springfield. Similarly, addressing homelessness, improving public transportation, beautifying the City, improving sidewalk and trail connectivity and reducing crime were the top five actions community members would like to see undertaken.

The lack of inclusion and lack of diversity regarding racial and ethnic groups, the LGBTQ community, and people of varied socioeconomic backgrounds were highlighted as the top two concerns by the business community. Participants expressed that the community is not welcoming to different types of people and beliefs and that there is a need for stronger inclusion.

The report also noted that there is concern within the community that Springfield is experiencing trouble attracting and retaining the next generation of talented workers. Several workshop participants identified “brain drain,” where the well-educated graduates from local universities move elsewhere for better employment opportunities, as a top priority.

Other issues noted in the report include a lack of pedestrian connectivity, bicycle infrastructure, beautification, community identity, the need for more diversity in housing choices, traffic and congestion, and access to health care. 

Next Steps

The completion of the Issues and Opportunities Report signifies the end of the first phase of the comprehensive planning process, providing a snapshot of the “here and now.” Community engagement will continue throughout the planning process. As the City has now established a strong understanding of what Springfield is like today, the next step is to work with the community to form a unified vision as follows

Visioning

The Forward SGF team will conduct public visioning workshops featuring a mapping exercise where participants will put pen to paper in small groups and work together to define their vision for Springfield and illustrate the future the community desires to achieve. Input from this workshop series will be used to refine the preliminary list of community issues and identify Comprehensive Plan priorities.

The workshops will be held:

Tuesday, Jan. 28
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Oasis Convention Center, 2546 N. Glenstone

Wednesday, Jan. 29
2-4 p.m.
University Plaza Hotel, 333 S. Hammons Parkway

Billings man killed in crash on 160

A Billings man was killed in a one-vehicle crash 6:20 a.m. today on U. S. 160, a mile and a half north of Highlandville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2018 Chevrolet 1500 driven by Kendal W. Begley, 52, Billings, ran off the roadway and struck a tree.







Dr. Jacob Baltz pronounced Begley dead at the scene at 6:46 a.m.

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

Marshfield receives $6 million+ in financial assistance for water system upgrades

(From the Missouri Department of Natural Resources)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $6,164,000 in financial assistance to the City of Marshfield for upgrades to the city’s water system. The project is expected to be completed by March 2021.

The project includes well house repair and replacement, new standby generators, new chemical feed equipment, a new 300,000-gallon elevated storage tank and associated equipment, security fence, rehabilitation of two existing tanks, installation and replacement of more than 6,000 feet of water main and nearly 3,000 water meters.

Project funding includes a $6,164,000 low-interest, subsidized loan through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, along with $17,900 from local sources and refinancing a previous loan. This funding package is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers approximately $1.5 million in interest over the loan’s 20-year term.

“Effective water treatment systems are essential to our communities’ health and economic vitality,” said Ed Galbraith, director of the department’s Division of Environmental Quality. “With assistance from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and other sources, Marshfield can now make the improvements necessary to continue providing its citizens clean drinking water from a modern, well-functioning system.”

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to water treatment plants, distribution systems, water storage and supply facilities, and for interconnection or consolidation projects. Each community who borrows from the fund benefits from the below-market interest rate and from expert guidance provided by a department project manager throughout the project.

Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department is committed to working with communities to assist with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. These projects will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information about drinking water and wastewater funding opportunities, visit https://dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/srf/index.html.

MODOT offers update on Marshfield I-44 Interchange Project

Marshfield I-44 Interchange Project at MM 103
Update for Week of February 3

Work Scheduled: 

Grading and hauling rock/dirt to build up areas on north side of I-44
Relocating utility lines in areas
Building bridge footings in I-44 median for interchange bridge

Traffic Impacts: 

ROAD CLOSED: Brinkley Road (I-44 north outer road) CLOSED east of Webster County Route W
Signed detour: Webster County Route W, Vinyard Road and Rusty Road
Brinkley Road closed until fall 2020

Nighttime lane closings on I-44 at Mile Marker 103 at times. Work hours: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
I-44 speed limit reduced to 60 mph at times
Crews and equipment close to traffic in areas

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

Project Summary:

Build a new bridge to take Webster County Route CC over I-44 at Mile Marker 103
Relocate Webster County Route CC at Rifle Range Road to intersect with I-44
Build interchange ramps so drivers safely exit and enter I-44 at Webster County Route CC
Build roundabouts at either end of interchange to connect with Brinkley Road/I-44 outer road on the west and Marshall Road/Route CC on the east
Route CC between Rifle Range Road and Route 38 in Marshfield turned over to the city of Marshfield after completion of interchange project
Prime Contractor: H.R. Quadri Contractors, LLC of Van Buren
Completion Date: June 2021. However, the interchange will be open to traffic by December 31, 2020.
Total Project Cost: $16.4 million

Complete video- Springfield City Council meeting

Highway Patrol Arrests January 26-27

James R. Hinson, 48, Cassville, driving while intoxicated

Christopher M. Day, 42, Springfield, misdemeanor Branson Police Department warrants for no seat belt and no insurance, misdemeanor Taney County warrants for failure to appear on no belt, no registration, speeding

Tyler H. Cristoffer, 30, Springfield, felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, no seat belt, no insurance

Kelly J. Doolan, 59, Collins, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt








Miguel Cruz-Garcia, 41, Aurora, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Aaron P. Merritt, 34, Marshfield, Polk County misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear for driving while intoxicated, lane violation, no license, no insurance and no seat belt

Cody E. Blount, 27, Rockaway Beach, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no insurance, driving while revoked

Matthew J. Hale, 30, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway resulting in a crash

Highway Patrol Arrests January 25-26

Zachary R. Page, 17, Nixa, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no insurance

Benjamin J. Gott, 25, Springfield, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

David B. McQueary, 59, Springfield, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failure to drive in a single lane, speeding

Jared W. Tunnell, 41, Joplin, driving while intoxicated

Nicholas T. King, 32, Rogersville, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, careless and imprudent driving resulting in an accident

Hector M. Maren-Avin, 19, Ozark, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated (drugs), speeding








Alyssa V. Walters, 17, Springfield, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Jake M. Deshazo, 28, Exeter, Granby Police Department warrant for failure to appear on giving false information, Monett Police Department warrant for failure to appear on obstructing police

James D. Riley, 36, Exeter, Barry County felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia

Travis R. Chambers, 25, Forsyth, felony unlawful possession of a weapon, false impersonation, no valid license, fugitive out-of-state warrant

Merriam Woods man seriously injured in rollover crash on 76

A Merriam Woods man was injured in a one-vehicle crash 10:02 a.m. today on MO 76 one mile west of Branson.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Ford Taurus driven by Travis L. Grier, 31 Merriam Woods, began skidding while attempting to negotiate a curve, crossed the center of the road and slid off the left side of the road, struck an embankment and began overturning.







The vehicle struck a sign and came to rest on its top in the ditch on the left side of the roadway.

Grier was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield,

Springfield Police, area agencies working to get backlog of sexual assault kits tested

(From the Springfield Police Department)

I’m proud to share that this morning the Springfield Police Department was host to area agencies from around the region in the latest effort of Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s SAFE Kit Initiative, which aims to eliminate the state’s backlog of untested sexual assault kits.

Representatives from more than two dozen local agencies dropped off a total of 100 kits at SPD Headquarters. The kits collected will be sent to BODE Laboratory for testing as part of a federal SAKI grant.

This effort comes as a result of a project created by the Attorney General’s SAFE Kit Initiative working group. 

Last year Attorney General Eric Schmitt visited law enforcement agencies and hospitals around the state and observed the policies and practices in place for the collection and storage of sexual assault kits. After follow-up visits and observation by the chair of the working group, Judge M. Keithley Williams, SPD was selected as the agency to pilot the process.

During the pilot project, and after a review of the backlogged kits held by SPD, 30 of the 232 backlogged kits dating from 1989 - 2015 were selected and sent to BODE for testing in Dec. 2019. We are anxiously awaiting the test results for the kits submitted during the pilot process, to determine the next steps in the related investigations.

We are hopeful the project will continue and expand in order to allow the remaining backlogged kits held by SPD to be submitted for testing. These efforts mark the most recent positive steps undertaken by SPD as we continue to work diligently to identify perpetrators of sexual assaults and hopefully bring long-awaited closure to their victims.

- Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams

Cherry Street between Fremont and Pickwick avenues to close

(From the City of Springfield)

City Utilities will close Cherry Street between Fremont Avenue and Pickwick Avenue beginning 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28 for utility work. The roadway is expected to reopen by 5 p.m.

Motorists are advised to follow the marked detour using Kickapoo Avenue, Elm Street, and Pickwick Avenue.

Springfield Early Childhood Center to carry name of long time educator Adah Fulbright

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education unanimously voted to recognize a long-time educator for her commitment and dedication to educating black students during a time in history when segregation existed. An early childhood center, currently under construction, will have the distinction of being known as the Adah Fulbright Early Childhood Center.

The daughter of a former slave, Adah Fulbright was born Dec. 1 1873. As a descendant of a pioneer Springfield family, Adah Fulbright’s legacy includes teaching elementary grades at both Lincoln schools as she educated generations of Springfield’s black children during her more than four decades of teaching for Springfield Public Schools.

Remembered for being dedicated to her students’ education, Fulbright founded the Literary Calm Chat Club in 1928 to promote fellowship among young female teachers interested in discussing the works of black authors. This club also provided books for black students who were not allowed to use the city public library.

Fulbright graduated from the fourth class of Lincoln High School in Springfield in 1891 and attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City. Fulbright retired from Springfield Public Schools at the end of the 1947-1948 school year at the age of 75. Adah Fulbright died Aug. 26, 1959 at the age of 85.

Part of the Proposition S 2019 bond projects, the Adah Fulbright Early Childhood Center will serve up to 250 preschool students when completed. The school will begin serving students Aug. 2020.

For more information on progress as promised related to the Proposition S bond projects, visit www.sps.org/progress.

Mayor's Commission on Human Rights asking for feedback about inclusion in Springfield

(From the City of Springfield)

Springfield’s Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations is asking the community to complete a short survey about inclusion in Springfield.

The survey is available at https://tinyurl.com/SGFinclusion through March 20. Paper surveys can be picked up at Springfield-Greene County Library district branches.

“We need responses from as many people as possible so we can understand what Springfield needs to be a welcoming and inclusive community,” said commission chair Heather Hardinger. “Once we collect and analyze this data, we can begin to craft recommendations.”

Mayor Ken McClure addressed inclusion in his 2019 State of the City Address, commenting that it goes hand-in-hand with employers’ ability to attract and retain quality employees.

“In order to recruit and retain the best and the brightest, we must also commit to ensuring Springfield is inclusive and welcoming. This can only be achieved in an environment that fosters mutual respect of all people. It is the right thing to do,” he said.
About the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations

Appointed by the mayor for three-year terms, the seven-member commission’s purpose is to foster mutual understanding and respect among all racial, religious and ethnic groups of the City and provide community recourse for discriminatory acts. The commission meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in the first-floor conference room of the Busch Municipal Building, 840 N. Boonville.

Six Galena residents injured in one-vehicle crash

Six Galena residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident 7 p.m. today on Camp Clark Hill one mile north of Galena

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Lincoln Aviator driven by Jessica C. Johnson, 39, Galena, ran off the roadway and struck a fence and two trees.







Johnson was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital.

Five passengers, Jonathan Johnson, 17, Glenville W. Rohrbaugh, 32, 13 and 16-year-old juvenile girls and an 11-year-old juvenile male were treated for minor injuriees at Cox South.

Highway Patrol Arrests January 22-23

Travis Bosserman, 41, Springfield, felony Greene County warrants for passing a bad check, fraud

Timothy B. Watters, 24, Marshfield, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Melissa M. Deckard, 50, Tulsa, Oklahoma, felony tampering with a motor vehicle, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia








Elissa M. Griffin, 22, Cassville, receiving stolen property, speeding, no driver's license, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle

Aaron L. Miller, 39, Cassville, misdemeanor receiving stolen property

Jason R. Marlin, 39, Marshfield, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failure to signal, speeding

Ryan D. Johnson, 45, Reeds Spring, felony Greene County warrant for non-support.

Construction of apartment building at 505 E. St. Louis to affect traffic for next two years

(From the City of Springfield)

Construction of an apartment building at 505 E. St. Louis will require the following traffic and parking impacts in downtown Springfield beginning Monday, Jan. 27 and lasting for the duration of the project, expected to last two years:

• Along St. Louis Street, directly south of the development site, parallel parking stalls on both sides of the roadway will be eliminated. Two-way driving lanes will be narrowed and shifted south. Sidewalks on the north side of the roadway will be closed and pedestrians directed to use sidewalks on the south side.

• Directly north of the development site, bike lanes along Trafficway Street will be closed and two-way traffic lanes narrowed and shifted north. Sidewalks on the south side of Trafficway will be closed and pedestrian traffic directed to use sidewalks on the north side of the roadway.

• The short stretch of Benton Avenue, located directly west of the project site between Trafficway Street and St. Louis Street, will be reduced to one-way, southbound traffic only. Sidewalks on both sides of the roadway will be closed and pedestrians advised to seek an alternate route. U.S. Bank will remain accessible from the north via Trafficway Street only.

• Three bus stops located along St. Louis and Trafficway will be relocated and bus routes will be rerouted for the duration of the project. Visit cutransit.net/alerts for updates on impacts to bus service.

All businesses in the area will remain open and accessible. Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to use caution when traveling near the work site.

Further traffic impacts may be required throughout the duration of construction. Notice will be provided to the public as early as possible.

Highway Patrol Arrests January 21-22

Traci D. Aronis, 50, Springfield, felony Greene County warrant for possession with intent to distribute, misdemeanor Greene County warrant for speeding, no seat belt

Gary A. Starks, 49, Springfield, felony Greene County warrant for domestic assault, no valid driver's license, failure to register motor vehicle, no seat belt, no insurance

Micheal G. Bulk, 48, Sabetha, Kansas, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Teresa A. Keeling, 50, Niangua, felony Webster County warrant for possession of drugs, driving while intoxicated








Joshua G. Knapton, 29, Rogersville, two felony counts of failure to register as a sex offender (offense involving child under 14), no insurance, failure to display valid plates

Jacob A. Hair, 22, Verona, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, driving while revoked, registration violation, no insurance, no seat belt

Brandon A. Tanksley, 22, Branson West, misdemeanor Branson Police Department warrant for no valid license, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Michael A. Maringola, 42, Rogersville, misdemeanor Christian County warrant for failure to appear on registration violation

Springfield Public Schools to partner with Springfield Little Theatre, foundation to open fine arts magnet school

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Beginning in August 2020, SPS will partner with Springfield Little Theatre and the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools to open the Academy of Fine and Performing Arts magnet school, a unique learning opportunity for 50 fifth-grade students. During its regular meeting on Tuesday, the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to further expand choice programming for SPS students. A lottery application process will be announced soon.

"Each year, we hear from parents and students regarding the popularity of our SPS choice programs," said Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools. "We appreciate our Board of Education and our community partners, including Springfield Little Theatre and the Foundation for SPS, for making it possible to offer more options to our parents and students. This continued expansion of choice programming is a big win for this community."

"Springfield Little Theatre is thrilled to be able to provide a home for this exciting new opportunity for district fifth-graders. We are honored to partner with Springfield Public Schools and so grateful to the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools for its support," said Lorianne Dunn, education director for Springfield Little Theatre.

"It is the goal of the Foundation for SPS to provide educational opportunities through financial support of programs like this one, which not only bring together students, but also our community partners who share a common belief in the power of public education. The Foundation for SPS is proud to support our schools in this way and looks forward to seeing students thrive through exploration of the arts," said Natalie Murdock, executive director of the Foundation.

The Academy of Fine and Performing Arts will be housed inside the Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts at 237 S. Florence Ave. It will include two classrooms, a faculty workroom and use of shared space for the theatre/auditorium, dance rehearsal and fine arts, as well as studios for performance and media production. As part of the agreement, SLT will provide the classroom and performance space, as well as maintenance, custodial, utilities, security and access to staff experts, with the lease funded by the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools. SPS will provide the instructional and support staff, furniture, fixtures and equipment, as well as curriculum and other instructional materials.

The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts currently houses nearly 80 classes a week, 10 youth performance troupes, and two performance venues, a 60-seat black box theatre and 140-seat auditorium, providing invaluable opportunities in the arts to hundreds of young people annually.

"Partnering with SPS to offer a fully integrated arts and academic experience is a dream come true for our organization," Dunn said.

The latest magnet school expansion builds upon an ongoing partnership between SPS and SLT. Currently, kindergarten and first-grade students from Wilder Elementary partner with SLT staff to integrate the fine arts in a unit of study. First-grade students experience the Landers Theatre during the "Stories on Stage" Explore course in the summer. All SPS fourth-grade students witness one of their literary studies come to life in a theatrical experience. Finally, all elementary schools are offered the opportunity to experience a traveling series performed for their entire school.

Other new fine arts experiences for SPS students include the Experience SPS partnership with SLT. Third-grade students at Jeffries, Bingham and Twain will participate in a six-week unit of study that culminates in a performance. This collaboration is sponsored, in part, by the Foundation for SPS and began in January 2020.

Springfield sex offender indicted on child pornography charge

A Springfield sex offender is being held in the Greene County Jail following a federal grand jury indictment for receiving child pornography.

According to the indictment, which was unsealed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Victor F. Martin, 35, allegedly received child pornography between April 5, 2019 and September 17, 2019 in Greene County.

Martin was convicted of receiving child pornography in 2006.

Watch the Springfield Board of Education meeting live at 6 p.m.

Monett Police seeking information on tire theft

(From the Monett Police Department)

The Monett Police Department is asking for any information regarding the theft of four rims and tires for a 2015 Dodge Charger Ralley Edition.

The tires are 245/45R20 99V. Taken during the overnight hours Sunday 1/19 to early Monday morning from a vehicle parked in the north part of Monett. 

If you have any information please call the Monett Police Dept. 417-235-4241 or Crime Stoppers 1-888-635-8477. The attached photo is of one of the tires.

Springfield woman sought for probation violation on felony tampering charge

(From Greater Springfield Area Crime Stoppers)

This week’s featured fugitive is Breannea Dawn Endsley.

Endsley has an active, felony warrant for Probation Violation for 1st Degree Tampering with Motor Vehicle. 

Endsley is a 25 year old white female, and is approximately 5’02” tall, 141 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. 

Endsley is believed to frequent the Springfield - Greene County area, as well as the Branson area. She also uses the alias of Breanna Dawn Guthmiller.

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

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

If anyone sees or locates Endsley, they are also asked to contact 911 immediately and DO NOT ATTEMPT to apprehend her.

Branson man killed in head-on collision on Business 13

A Branson man killed in a two-vehicle crash 3:35 p.m. Monday on Business 13 in Branson West.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Roman G. Hand, 40, Branson, attempted to pass a vehicle and struck a 2016 Jeep Cherokee driven by Mackenzie Duvall, 19, Branson, head on.

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

Greene County deputies make four arrests, recover three stolen vehicles following pursuits

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

During the overnight hours and early this morning, Greene County Deputies recovered three stolen vehicles in three separate pursuits.

The first pursuit began around 10:50pm when deputies observed a stolen Honda Accord in the area of Kearney and Fulbright. After a short pursuit, the vehicle stopped and the driver was taken into custody without incident, however a passenger fled from the vehicle. Deputy Kendrick and K9 Stark responded to the area and tracked the passenger about a block away who was then taken into custody.

The second pursuit occurred around 5:24am this morning, when deputies observed a Pontiac Vibe in the area of Farm Road 156 and State Highway FF. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, however the vehicle fled. The vehicle went east on James River, however began having engine problems and came to rest near James River Expressway and Kansas Expressway. The driver of the stolen vehicle was taken into custody without incident.

The third pursuit began around 7:05am, when deputies located a Nissan Maxima in the area of Eldon and Chestnut Expressway that had been reported stolen approximately one hour earlier. The pursuit ended at I-44 and Kearney when the suspect drove off road, stopped the vehicle and fled into a wooded area. Deputies pursued the suspect on foot and took the suspect into custody without further incident.

A total of four individuals were arrested in these three incidents and there were no accidents or injuries to anyone involved.

MODOT provides update for Marshfield I-44 Interchange Project

(From MODOT)

Marshfield I-44 Interchange Project at MM 103
Update for Week of January 27


Work Scheduled: 

Grading and hauling rock/dirt to build up areas on north side of I-44
Relocating utility lines in areas
Working in I-44 median preparing for bridge construction

Traffic Impacts: 

ROAD CLOSED: Brinkley Road (I-44 north outer road) CLOSED east of Webster County Route W
Signed detour: Webster County Route W, Vinyard Road and Rusty Road
Brinkley Road closed until fall 2020

Nighttime lane closings on I-44 at Mile Marker 103 at times. Work hours: 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.
I-44 speed limit reduced to 60 mph at times
Crews and equipment close to traffic in areas

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

Project Summary:

Build a new bridge to take Webster County Route CC over I-44 at Mile Marker 103
Relocate Webster County Route CC at Rifle Range Road to intersect with I-44
Build interchange ramps so drivers safely exit and enter I-44 at Webster County Route CC
Build roundabouts at either end of interchange to connect with Brinkley Road/I-44 outer road on the west and Marshall Road/Route CC on the east
Route CC between Rifle Range Road and Route 38 in Marshfield turned over to the city of Marshfield after completion of interchange project
Prime Contractor: H.R. Quadri Contractors, LLC of Van Buren
Completion Date: June 2021. However, the interchange will be open to traffic by December 31, 2020.
Total Project Cost: $16.4 million

Highway Patrol Arrests January 20-21

Spencer J. Daniels, 37, Pineville, felony leaving the scene of a crash, careless and imprudent driving, no insurance

Anthony N. Herbert, 30, Humansville, misdemeanor Polk County warrant for failure to appear on no insurance, no insurance








Danny L. Cantrell, 69, Garden City, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Billy W. Snapp, 64, Mildora, Iowa, misdemeanor Harrison County warrant for traffic offense

Seymour woman killed in UTV accident

A Seymour woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident that occurred sometime between 5 p.m. Sunday and 8:49 a.m. today on private property along Highway BB, one mile south of Seymour.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2012 John Deere Gator UTV driven by Rebecca S. Tavares, 65, Seymour, was westbound in a field, struck a fence post and overturned.

Tavares was ejected and trapped under the vehicle.







Webster County Deputy Coroner Robby Jernigan pronounced Tavares dead at the scene at 9:44 a.m.

The fatality was the sixth for Highway Patrol Troop D for 2020.

Highway Patrol Arrests January 19-20

Amy D. Kuhl-Roberts, 44, Marionville, driving while intoxicated, failure to register motor vehicle

Zachary B. Ruby, 25, Branson, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

William E. Wells, 28, Lebanon, Lebanon Police Department misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on probation violation (two counts), no valid license, no insurance








Teresa L. White, 37, Monett, felony driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended/revoked, endangerment of a child (two counts), failure to maintain financial responsibility, displaying plates of another, no seat belt, failure to drive in a single lane

Jeremy S. Baranauskas, 18, Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, minor visibly intoxicated