Horse Creek Bridge north of Jerico Springs to be closed for repairs

(From MODOT)

Missouri Route 97 Horse Creek Bridge CLOSED April 1 & 2
North of Jerico Springs For Bridge Repairs

What: Missouri Route 97 CLOSED at Horse Creek Bridge north of Jerico Springs in Cedar County

When: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, April 1 & 2. Road open at night.

Details: MoDOT crews making repairs to the bridge joints (connection between the bridge and the approach pavement) and the bridge deck (driving surface)

Traffic Impacts:

-Route 97 CLOSED only where crews are set up working

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

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

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

Lawrence County Route H to be closed at night underneath I-44 in Mount Vernon

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Lawrence County Route H CLOSED at Night Underneath I-44 in Mount Vernon April 7 & 8

Where: Lawrence County Route H underneath I-44 (Mile Marker 44.3) in Mount Vernon

When: 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, April 7-8. Route H open during daytime hours

What: Contractor crews removing westbound I-44 bridge over Route H to replace it with a new bridge

Traffic Impacts:

-Route H CLOSED at night to all traffic. Roadway OPEN during daytime hours

-No detour route is planned

-Drivers can get to entrances and roadways on either side of the closing, but will not be able to travel on Route H underneath I-44

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

Project Details: This work is part of the larger I-44 Project Bridge Rebuild that will improve 19 bridges along an approximately 30-mile stretch of I-44 between Sarcoxie and Halltown. Thirteen (13) bridges will be replaced and six (6) bridges will receive major rehabilitation work as part the project.

Completion date for the $36 million project is December 15, 2021, however, the contractor has set a goal to have all major bridge work completed by the end of 2020.

Anyone interested in the project, or who would like to receive regular e-updates during construction, can visit the project website – I-44 Project Bridge Rebuild.

Highway Patrol Arrests March 30-31

Colten W. Jackson, 26, Joplin, felony Jasper County warrant for burglary

Anjaya M. Short, 26, Billings, felony driving while intoxicated, felony leaving the scene of an accident, careless and imprudent driving, no insurance, bad passing, driving while suspended, failure to register motor vehicle

Highway Patrol Arrests March 29-30

Jose R. Kennedy, 37, Mountain Grove, felony Christian County warrants for failure to appear on possession of amphetamine and unlawful use of a weapon, felony identity theft, no seat belt, window tint, no insurance

Brittany M. Williams, 29, Neosho, felony possession of a controlled substance, driving while intoxicated

Bryson J. Cannon, 23, St. Charles, felony possession of a controlled substance- eight ounces of marijuana, possession of drug pararphernalia

Highway Patrol Arrests March 28-29

Douglas R. Wilbur, 67, Hollister, tampering with a motor vehicle

Maria J. Sanchez-Rosales, 17, Anderson, felony driving while intoxicated involving physical injury, failure to drive on right half of roadway, minor in possession of alcohol

Cheyenne R. Hicks, 20, Springfield, felony tampering, felony leaving the scene of a crash

Thomas E. Dooley, 17, Marshfield, felony Webster County warrant for assault, no seat belt

Highway Patrol Arrests March 27-28

Matthew A. Henson, 37, Monett, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, leaving the scene of an accident

Christin A. Cook, 39, Norwood, felony tampering with a motor vehicle, felony resisting arrest, Greene County felony warrant for failure to appear on stealing, Greene County misdemeanor warrant for tampering with a motor vehicle, Wright County felony warrant for failure to appear on possession of amphetamine, felony Lake County, Florida probation violation warrant, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia

Jaiden W. Ware, 19, Branson, felony Taney County warrant for probation violation

Highway Patrol Arrests March 26-27

David L. Ray, 29, Pierce City, felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no insurance

Veston J. Martin, 24, Rocky Comfort, felony driving while intoxicated (involving serious injury)

Linsey T. Hicklin, 20, Republic, felony possession of marijuana

Travis C. Brown, 40, Fayetteville, Arkansas, felony driving while intoxicated, speeding, no driver's license, no valid plates, failed to drive in the right lane

MODOT provides update on widening of 160 from Willard to Springfield

(From MODOT)

Update for Week of March 30: Route 160 Widening Willard to Springfield

TRAFFIC STOPS of up to 15 minutes on Route 160 for blasting one time per day between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday-Friday

TRAFFIC SHIFT on Route 160 at Hunt Road for construction of pedestrian underpass

Work Scheduled: 

 
-Blasting and moving rock in areas between Farm Road 115 and Farm Road 123

-Grading and laying rock for new highway lanes on south end of project near I-44

-Installing drain pipes in various locations

All the work is highly dependent on the weather

Traffic Impacts: 

TRAFFIC SHIFT on Route 160 at Hunt Road:

-Traffic shifted to the west

-Northbound-to-westbound turn lane shortened

-Crews and equipment close to traffic on east side of Route 160

TRAFFIC STOPS for rock blasting: 

 
-Route 160 traffic stopped for up to 15 minutes once a day at some point between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday-Friday

-Traffic also may be stopped on nearby county farm roads

-Flaggers will stop traffic

-Rock blasting could take several months to complete

-Equipment crossing county farm roads at times. Short-term traffic stops by flaggers to allow equipment to cross the road.

-Route 160 shoulder closed in areas at times

-Crews and equipment close to traffic

-Equipment entering and leaving work areas

-Crews may work Saturdays and Sundays to make up work missed due to weather/construction delays

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

Project Summary:

Widen Route 160 to four lanes between I-44 in Springfield and Jackson Street in Willard
Resurface the existing lanes of Route 160 between I-44 in Springfield and Route AB in Willard
Install concrete traffic barrier between lanes in areas
Add a pedestrian underpass underneath Route 160 at Hunt Road
Add a new box culvert to carry Frisco Highline Trail underneath Route 160 at Trail Mile 3
Add street lighting at intersections

Intersection improvements:

J-turn at Farm Road 123/Westgate Avenue
Right-in/Right-out at Haseltine Road (Farm Road 115)
Roundabout at Farm Road 94 near quarry
Add left-turn lane at Hughes Road
Roundabout at Farm Road 103/Melville Road/Hunt Road
Roundabout at Jackson Street
Add turn lanes at Greene County Route AB
Prime Contractor: APAC-Central, Springfield
Completion Date: December 1, 2020
Total Project Cost: $18.6 million

Springfield, 23 area school districts closing through April 24

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools and 23 other area districts have announced the extended closure of schools through April 24 due to COVID-19. The announcement follows a stay-at-home order issued by Greene County and the City of Springfield, which takes effect Thursday.

While the impact of COVID-19 temporarily closes school buildings, SPS is focused on ensuring that learning continues from home.

In support of that goal, the state's largest district has launched SPS At Home, a learning platform featuring resources to support students and parents during this unprecedented time. The at-home learning platform is found at www.SPS.org/SPSatHome. 

"Our talented teachers will remain the foundation of a student's educational experience. SPS At Home will help ensure that our students and teachers remain connected and engaged in learning together," said Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent of SPS. "We hope this tool will help our students and their parents in the days to come. We're learning together - wherever we are. We're just doing it differently for a while."

SPS At Home includes resources for elementary, middle and high school students. Guidance for both students and parents is provided. Content includes sample daily schedules, online and printed curriculum, activities, and links to other important tools. Families are encouraged to share photos of their learning together on social media using the hashtag #SPSAtHome.

As teachers work to deliver quality instruction through SPS At Home, families can expect the following:

Communication through SPS email.

Canvas announcements, messages and virtual conferences.

Support for student assignments.

SPS At Home for Elementary Students: Grades K-5

A workbook of learning opportunities for elementary students is provided online and a packet of materials has been mailed to each student's home. The packets are expected to arrive by the end of this week. The workbook contains 10 days of offline and online reading, writing, math, science, art and physical education activities. It also includes a sample daily schedule, directions to access online resources, a daily checklist for each activity by content area, parent guides, student activities for each subject area, and QR codes that open web links and other tools when scanned.

Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5

SPS At Home for Secondary Students: Grades 6-8 & Grades 9-12

For secondary students, teachers will be contacting students and parents with information on how to access their lessons and activities using Canvas, the district's course management system that supports online learning and teaching. Packets containing offline activities will be mailed to middle school students without internet access.
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Grades 9-12

Special Education

Students receiving special education services and who have an IEP will be contacted by their case manager for specialized learning opportunities. In addition, SPS At Home provides the following special education resources:
Cross Categorical Student Resources
District Program Student Resources

Other Resources

Materials for PreK students are in development and will be provided soon, as will translated curriculum for English Language Learners. Other resources available through SPS At Home include the following:
Grab-and-Go Meals
Counseling Services
Tech Support
Digital Resource Access
Health Update

During the first week of COVID-19 closure, teachers have been conducting wellness checks with every SPS student by phone. As part of those checks, SPS is determining any unmet needs to be addressed by the district or its community partners. Unmet needs include internet access during this closure. The Board of Education has authorized SPS to order an additional 2,000 hotspots to provide internet access for previously identified students without this service. Those supports will be delivered to students soon.

Student and Parent Support

For support with learning at home, parents and students are encouraged to call their school to connect with the principal or classroom teacher. More information will be provided to parents and students in the coming days.

Springfield man seriously injured in Taney County motorcycle crash

A Springfield man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:10 p.m. today on MO 125, five miles north of Protem.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by David L. Anderson, 63, Springfield, traveled off the right side of the roadway, returned to the roadway, overturned, then slid to a rest.

Anderson was taken to Cox Hospital, Branson, with serious injuries.

Highway Patrol Arrests March 26-27

Jeremi N. Schuler, 35, Olathe, Kansas, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway, no seat belt

Romans Veips, 47, St. Charles, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failure to drive in a single lane

Steven R. Love-Archibeque, 33, Springfield, felony driving while intoxicated, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Springfield Municipal Court modifies operations

(From the City of Springfield)

In compliance with the Office of State Courts Administrator’s “Statement on The Courts and the Coronavirus” and Governor Mike Parson’s March 13, 2020 Executive Order 20-02 declaring a state of emergency in Missouri, the Springfield Municipal Division of the 31st Judicial Circuit is modifying court operations in the interest of public health.

As stated by the State Court Administrator, “The two main goals of judicial pandemic planning are: 1. Operating in a way that protects the health and safety of everyone at court facilities; and 2. Keeping Courts open to ensure justice for the people we serve.”

The plan outlined below will not impact any defendant’s liberty interests or due process rights. Simultaneously, it will eliminate the inevitable close social contact found in high-volume courts such as Springfield’s.

In support of the world-wide effort to aggressively prevent the spread of COVID-19 by limiting social contact, the court is taking the following actions:

ALL cases starting March 16 through April 10 will be postponed to a later date. As the April 10 date approaches, the court will evaluate whether the current policy should be continued.

New court dates for continued cases will be mailed to defendants or their attorneys at the address on file. If unrepresented defendants have a pending case, those defendants must keep their addresses updated with the court.

To update your address, email municourt@springfieldmo.gov or call 417-864-1890. Persons appearing at the courthouse at 625 N. Benton will be provided a handout at the front door with contact information.







All walk-in dockets from March 16 through April 10 are cancelled.

Probationers may contact the probation office for possible alternatives to in-person reporting. You may contact your probation officer directly or by email at jdeppe@springfieldmo.gov or by phone at 417-864-1895.

Victims and city witnesses should contact the prosecutor’s office for information. You may contact the City Prosecutor’s office by phone at 417-864-1899.

Municipal Court will remain open for business. Court employees should report to work as scheduled unless sick or taking scheduled time off.

Payments are encouraged to be made by phone at 417-864-1890, by mail at 625 N. Benton, Springfield, MO 65806, or at the court’s outside drop located at 625 N. Benton.

96 to Eastbound I-44 ramp at Halltown to close

(From MODOT)

Route 96-to-Eastbound-I-44 Ramp CLOSED (MM 58) Beginning Week of April 13 at Halltown

The Missouri Route 96-to-eastbound-I-44 ramp (Mile Marker 58) at Halltown will CLOSE beginning the week of April 13 and lasting until fall 2020, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The closure will allow contractor crews to build an arch under I-44 replacing the eastbound and westbound bridges over Route 96.

Traffic Impacts

-Route 96-to-eastbound-I-44 ramp CLOSED to traffic (Mile Marker 58)

-Traffic will be detoured to Missouri Route 39 to reach eastbound I-44

-Missouri Route 266 through Halltown is NOT an option for big trucks due to bridge with load limit of 25 tons

-Drivers will have access to all driveways and entrances along Route 96 but will not be able to access the ramp to eastbound I-44

-Ramp will be CLOSED to traffic until the arch is completed in fall 2020

-Drivers are urged to find alternate routes to avoid the work zone

-Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Weather and/or construction delays could alter the schedule.

The work is part of the I-44 Project Bridge Rebuild project to 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, but the contractor has set a goal to have all major bridge work completed by the end of 2020.

For more information on I-44 Project Bridge Rebuild and to sign up to receive project updates, click on this link.

Video- Complete Springfield Board of Education meeting

Marionville man seriously injured crashing into fence, tree near Pierce City

A Marionville man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 5:45 a.m today on U. S. 60, one mile south of Pierce City.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon driven by Christopher J. Bieberitz, 26, Marionville, slid off the roadway and struck a fence and a tree.

Bieberitz was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Aurora.

Marshfield residents killed in head-on collision

Two Marshfield residents were killed in a two-vehicle collision 8:18 a.m. Monday on Route A, four miles south of Marshfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by Brian L. Hicks, 52, Marshfield, crossed the center line and struck a 2006 Toyota Corolla driven by Diane V. Shaver, 56, Marshfield head on.







Webster County Coroner Robbie Journagen pronounced Hicks dead at the scene at 8:45 a.m. and Shaver dead at the scene at 8:49 a.m.

The fatalities were the 22nd and 23rd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

First COVID-19 case in Taney County confirmed

(From the Taney County Health Department)

Taney County Health Department confirms first case of COVID-19
March 23, 2020 10:00 am

The Taney County Health Department is currently investigating the first presumptive case of COVID-19.

“The individual who tested positive has been notified and is currently following isolation guidelines,” said Tiffany Bullock Public Health Nurse Specializing in Communicable Disease Investigation for the Taney County Health Department.

To protect the patient’s right to privacy, identifying information will not be provided. As part of the regular practice of disease investigation, the health department will notify people who have had contact with the patient.

Taney County Health Department staff are working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to determine any close contacts of that individual who were possibly exposed. If so, health officials will provide guidance to these individuals and monitor them closely for the development of symptoms.

Prevention messages for individuals continue to be important to combat this illness in our community: wash your hands, avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, stay home if you’re sick, and practice social distancing.

“We know that this is a travel related case,” States Lisa Marshall Director of the Taney County Health Department, “Disease investigation indicates no known exposure in the community.” The individual and household have self-quarantined since arriving back in the community

Silver Dollar City delays opening

(From Silver Dollar City Attractions)

Based on daily changes in the status of the coronavirus pandemic and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, we are delaying the opening of Silver Dollar City theme park, and have suspended the operations of the Showboat Branson Belle. The Silver Dollar City Campground remains open at this time.

The coronavirus crisis is unprecedented and based on ever-changing developments, we are constantly reevaluating our options and hoping to open in May.

We are looking daily at all of our options to present an exciting and entertaining 2020 season that is a great experience for our guests, but our first priority is the safety of our employees and guests. 

We will continue to monitor this developing situation, consult with medical experts and follow official recommendations from public health officials to determine a reopening date and will communicate additional updates as they occur.

For our loyal 2020 season pass holders, we will be adding additional benefits and operating days to be announced as we get closer to a firm opening date. Our pass holders are very important to Silver Dollar City Attractions and to our employees. As a 2020 season pass holder, please rest assured we will take care of you and your family.

We thank our extended Silver Dollar City Attractions family for understanding and their compassion for one another as we work together to navigate this crisis.

BRAD THOMAS, President
Silver Dollar City Attractions

Springfield Public Schools begins distributing meals to students, families

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Since announcing that all schools will be closed from through April 3 due to COVID-19, Springfield Public Schools educators and support staff have been planning and organizing alternative programs to support students and their families during the closure.

One way SPS will support families in the midst of these challenging circumstances is to offer free breakfast and lunch for students.

Beginning today (Monday), students may pick up grab-and-go meals at any SPS school. This service is offered Monday through Friday between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The meals will be distributed outside the school so individuals may drive or walk up to receive them. 

This week, SPS teachers will also begin calling students' homes to conduct wellness checks. This will help connect families with available resources and identify other needed support.

Ensuring learning continues for all students is a priority. On Monday, March 30, and continuing through April 3, learning for all SPS students in grades K-12 will resume with resources provided for use at home while school facilities are closed. More details will be provided to families later this week.

Four cases of COVID-19 confirmed at Springfield residential care center

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

As of 10 a.m. Monday, there were 17 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Greene County.

The 10th case, originally reported on Saturday, is believed to be a contact of a suspected positive case, with test results pending on that contact.

Two cases are a couple who had previous contact with a positive case.

One case is travel-related to an impacted area.

Four cases are patients from an assisted living center system here-Morningside of Springfield East.

(Note: One of those cases, it was announced Monday evening, is Springfield's first COVID-19 fatality)

It is the belief of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department that this represents community spread of COVID-19 within our community. Community spread represents cases that cannot be directly tied back to a previous case or travel.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is assisting the Springfield-Greene County Health Department with the epidemiological investigation of this residential care facility.

Citizens who make their home in residential care facilities, assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, as well as those who receive their daily care in adult day care centers are particularly vulnerable to this virus.

DHSS officials communicated earlier this month with administrators of long-term care facilities in Missouri to recommend restrictions on communal dining and group activities and emphasize the high-risk nature of this group. These recommendations include but are not limited to the following:
Facilities should restrict visitation of all visitors and non-essential health care personnel, except for certain compassionate care situations, such as an end-of-life situation. In those cases, visitors will be limited to a specific room only. Facilities are expected to notify potential visitors to defer visitation until further notice.
For individuals that enter in compassionate situations (e.g., end-of-life care), facilities should require visitors to perform hand hygiene and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as face masks. Decisions about visitation during an end-of-life situation should be made on a case by case basis, which should include careful screening of the visitor (including clergy, bereavement counselors, etc.) for fever or respiratory symptoms. Those with symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat) should not be permitted to enter the facility at any time (even in end-of-life situations). Those visitors that are permitted, must wear a face mask while in the building and restrict their visit to the resident’s room or other location designated by the facility. They should also be reminded to frequently perform hand hygiene.

"Since our initial preparations began in January, we have highlighted the risk for certain groups such as the elderly and those in long-term care facilities and subsequently instructed facilities to impose restrictions on visitation," said Dr. Randall Williams, director of DHSS. "We have been emphasizing the importance of infection control plans for these facilities, and we are actively working on this particular situation with our colleagues in Springfield."

DHSS and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department together have instituted an action plan to mitigate any progression of the virus. Personal protective equipment is being delivered to the facility to protect workers involved in this situation. Over the weekend, testing was performed by the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory in order to detect these positive cases.

"This is not a surprising development, but one we are sad to see nonetheless," said SGCHD Director of Health Clay Goddard. "We take each new person falling ill personally. Our department, and our broader community, are resolved in fighting this illness."

To protect the patients’ right to privacy, identifying information will not be provided. As part of the regular practice of disease investigation, the Health Department will notify people who have had contact with these patients.

For more information about COVID-19, visit our website at health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus, email coronavirus@springfieldmo.gov, or call 417-874-1211.

Springfield mayor to family of first COVID-19 victim: Our hearts are with you

(From the City of Springfield)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is heartbroken to announce the first death of a Greene County resident from COVID-19.

The patient, a woman in her 80s, was among the four cases confirmed over the weekend from the Morningside of Springfield East assisted living facility.

The staff at Morningside have been actively working with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. All four patients who have tested positive have been hospitalized.

“I want to take this opportunity to extend the condolences of the City Council and the entire city to this patient’s family and loved ones. We are thinking of you and wishing you peace during this very difficult time. Please know that our hearts are with you,” Springfield Mayor Ken McClure said. “I want to assure citizens that we along with our colleagues are working around the clock to put measures into place to ensure our citizens’ safety. I promise you as your mayor and on behalf of my colleagues on City Council that we will get through this together.”

“This is certainly very sad news today, and the thoughts and prayers of the Greene County Commission are with the entire family,” Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon said. “In times of crisis and amid news like we are delivering here tonight, we are asking during these challenging times, that our entire region continue to come together. When we act together to take preventative actions in the interests of our families, our neighborhoods and our communities, there are fewer reasons for us to fear.” 

The City of Springfield and Greene County are expected to announce stricter “stay-at-home” directives on Tuesday, according to Cora Scott, City of Springfield director of Public Information & Civic Engagement.

Archived video of briefings on COVID-19, including this announcement, is available at https://livestream.com/sgfcityview/covid19.

For more information about COVID-19, visit our website at health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus, email coronavirus@springfieldmo.gov, or call 417-874-1211.

Springfield Police Department announces changes due to COVID-19

(From the Springfield Police Department)

In the best interest of the health and safety of our community, the Springfield Police Department would like to announce changes in our procedures for police services and police response.

Officers remain on patrol and will continue to respond to calls for service. However, in compliance with personal distance guidelines, people who are able, will be asked to meet officers outside of their residence/business and maintain a minimum distance of six feet from the officer during the interaction.

When you request police services, dispatchers may ask additional questions to determine the appropriate level of police response.

Each incident will be evaluated by the telecommunicators, police supervisors, and responding officers to determine the type of police response you may receive. You may be directed to call information into the police department, an officer may contact you by telephone or you may be instructed to complete an online report.

These efforts are implemented to limit contact as much as possible while still providing police service and maintaining a healthy community and department and following updated health guidelines.

Questions may be directed to our non-emergency phone line (417) 864-1810 and reports can be made online through this link.

Springfield-Greene County health official: I am heartbroken to report the first death from COVID-19 in our community

A woman in her 80s, one of four residents of the Morningside of Springfield East residential care center who contracted COVID-19, died Monday at a Springfield hospital.

The announcement was made at the beginning of a Springfield-Greene County Health Department virtual press briefing.

"I am heartbroken to report the first death from COVID-19 in our community," Springfield-Greene County Health Director Clay Goddard said at the beginning of the briefing.








"This is a sober reminder of what we're fighting here."

More information to come.

MODOT offers update on Marshfield I-44 interchange project

(From MODOT)

Project Update for Week of March 30: Marshfield I-44 Interchange


Work Scheduled: 

Grading and hauling rock/dirt to build up areas on north side of I-44
Building 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 possible 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 March 22-23

Joseph D. Holt, 56, Gravette, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Susan Z. Dawes, 61, Kansas City, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive in the right lane

Sean M. McMammie, 44, Springfield, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, felony driving while revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia, no insurance no seat belt

Yanlan Jin, 41, Kansas City, resisting arrest, failure to yield to emergency vehicle, speeding

Missouri State student tests positive for COVID-19

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

Today, Missouri State University and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department were notified that a student has tested positive for COVID-19 in Boone County, Missouri. The student was not living in university housing this semester and has not been in southwest Missouri since March 14. This student is doing well and recovering in isolation in Boone County. This will not be part of Greene County’s case count.

The Columbia-Boone County Health Department is conducting contact tracing to determine others who could have come in contact with the student and is working closely with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and Missouri State University to make the necessary notifications. This case had traveled domestically to an impacted area.

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department and Missouri State University are proactively working to identify any potential exposures during this period, and will be making notifications, as appropriate.

On Wednesday, March 11, the student had lacrosse practice.

Missouri State University held classes until Thursday, March 12. To reiterate, MSU and SGCHD are working to identify and notify any classroom contacts the patient may have had.

On Saturday, March 14— the student left town and has not returned to Greene County.

People who were at these locations on these dates are at low risk for contracting COVID-19, but should monitor for symptoms. There is no need to self-quarantine or isolate unless symptoms develop or you are otherwise notified by the Health Department.

COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic. Some spread is possible before people show symptoms, but it is not thought that this is the main way the virus is transmitted. It is also not thought that touching a surface or object that has the virus on it is the main way the virus spreads.

We encourage you to practice social distancing. Social distancing is currently one of the most important factors we can control in the COVID-19 outbreak. Social distancing includes avoiding close contact with other individuals in order to avoid catching the virus yourself and to avoid passing it on. It is also important to stay home if you are sick, wash your hands often and thoroughly and contact your health care provider if symptoms do develop.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the Health Department’s website athealth.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus, email coronavirus@springfieldmo.gov, or call 417-874-1211.

Ten cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Greene County

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department has recorded 10 cases of COVID-19 in Greene County.

To protect the patients’ right to privacy, identifying information will not be provided. As part of the regular practice of disease investigation, the Health Department will notify people who have had contact with these patients.

The 9th case traveled domestically to an impacted area. The 10th case remains under epidemiological investigation.

Note: earlier we notified the public about a positive test results with a Missouri State student. That student is considered a Boone County case and will not be included in the Greene County case count.

For more information about COVID-19, visit our website at health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus, email coronavirus@springfieldmo.gov, or call 417-874-1211.

Cox Health, Mercy Springfield expanding visitor restrictions

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

To further protect patients, the community and health care workers, CoxHealth and Mercy Springfield Communities are expanding visitor restrictions beginning Monday, March 23.

No visitors will be allowed in the health systems’ hospitals across southwest Missouri, with some exceptions for laboring mothers, pediatric and NICU patients, end-of-life situations and drivers for urgent procedures.

For specifics at CoxHealth, please visit: https://www.coxhealth.com/newsroom/coxhealth-issues-new-guidelines-visitors-due-covid-19-concerns/

For specific restrictions at Mercy, please visit: https://www.mercy.net/newsroom/2020/03/21/mercy-springfield-communities-expands-visitor-restrictions/

For more information about COVID-19, visit the Health Department website at health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus, email coronavirus@springfieldmo.gov, or call 417-874-1211.

Highway Patrol Arrests March 21-22

Tommy S. Webb, 41, Fairview, driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, leaving the scene of an accident

Bailey M. Callahan, 30, Seneca, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Travis W. Pendley, 26, Nixa, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Jeremy L. Weber, 48, Branson, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, careless and imprudent driving

Highway Patrol Arrests March 20-21

Kelsey D. Bowen, 34, Southwest City, Joplin Police Department warrants for trespassing, larceny and driving while suspended, failure to yield after stopping, failure to display valid plates

Steven M. Bertrand, 40, Bella Vista, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated

Jerry R. Goodwin, 60, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway resulting in a crash

Highway Patrol Arrests March 19-20

Aaron D. Cornelison, 35, Marshfield, felony driving while intoxicated, no insurance, no valid license

Justin M. Miller, 31, Urbana, Illinois, driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, no insurance, speeding

Bradley E. Faught, 38, Berryville, Arkansas, felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, misdemeanor Stone County warrant for theft

Eighth case of COVID-19 confirmed in Greene County

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department today announces the eighth confirmed case of COVID-19 in Greene County.

To protect the patient’s right to privacy, identifying information will not be provided. As part of the regular practice of disease investigation, the Health Department will notify people who have had contact with the patient. This individual was a close contact of a previous case.

The seventh case in Greene County had previously been reported by Christian County. After more investigation, one of the two cases reported by Christian County on Thursday was found to live just over the county line in Greene County, and is therefore now counted as a Greene County case.

For more information, visit our website at health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus, email coronavirus@springfieldmo.gov, or call 417-874-1211.

Springfield Police Department headquarters modifies public access schedule

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Beginning this Sunday, March 22, 2020, Springfield Police Department Headquarters (321 E. Chestnut Expressway) will operate on a modified schedule.

Public access will be allowed Mondays through Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The non-emergency phone lines will remain open seven days a week between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. 

Certain report types can also be filed online. For a list of crimes that can be reported online, click here.

The Springfield Police Department South District Station (2620 W. Battlefield rd) remains closed to the public.