Two pedestrians killed in accident on East Chestnut Expressway

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 30, 2020, at 04:12 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the 200 block of East Chestnut Expressway regarding a motor vehicle crash between a passenger car and a pedestrian.

The initial investigation indicated a 2014 Hyundai Sonata; driven by 49-year-old Jeremy Behrends of Springfield; was traveling eastbound on Chestnut Expressway when it struck 48-year-old Richard D. Gardner and 52-year-old Scarlet R. Turner in the outside lane of eastbound Chestnut Expressway.

The male and female were pronounced dead at the scene. Next of kin have been notified. There is no evidence of impairment regarding this crash.

Through evidence at the scene and witness statements, officers determined Gardner was struck by a white, full-sized Ford pickup truck. When Turner attempted to assist Gardner, they were then both struck by the Hyundai. The pickup in question is missing an outside passenger side mirror and possibly has over-sized tires. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or Greater Springfield Area Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This is the 11th fatality crash and 13th traffic fatality in Springfield during 2020.

Springfield man killed in car-motorcycle collision at intersection of Kearney and Airport Plaza

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 28, 2020, at 12:00 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the intersection of Kearney and Airport Plaza regarding a motor vehicle crash between a motorcycle and passenger car.

A 2010 Honda motorcycle operated by 37-year-old Scott McCullough of Springfield, was southbound on Airport Plaza turning onto Kearney. 

The motorcycle entered Kearney and was struck by a 2017 Chevy Volt driven by 22-year-old Aerica Presley of Rogersville, which had been westbound on Kearney. McCollough was pronounced dead on-scene and his next of kin have been notified. There is no evidence of impairment at this time and the investigation is ongoing.

This is the 10th fatality crash and 11th traffic fatality in Springfield during 2020.

Forsyth, Chadwick residents killed in head-on crash on 125

Two people were killed and two seriously injured in a two-vehicle collision 9:50 p.m. Sunday on MO 125 in Chadwick.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1996 Ford Aerostar Van driven by Casey M. Hull, 36, Forsyth, was attempting to overtake the vehicle in front of it and traveled into the northbound lane and struck a 2019 Honda UTV driven by Hunter Daugherty, 24, Chadwick, head on.

Both drivers were pronounced dead on the scene by Christian County Coroner Amanda Armitage.

A passenger in the Hull vehicle, Nina A. Decker, 30, Stockton, and a passenger in the Daugherty vehicle,   Nathan Sanders, 34, Sparta, were taken to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.

The fatalities were the 50th and 51st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Merriam Woods couple seriously injured after slamming into tree near Bull Creek

Two Merriam Woods residents were injured in a one-vehicle crash 1:50 a.m. Sunday on Route F, just east of Bull Creek.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1999 Dodge truck driven by Brandon C. Doehring, 32, Merriam Woods, left the roadway and struck a tree.

Doehring and a passenger, Jessica S. Doehring, 30, Merriam Woods, were treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Investigation continues after Springfield man shot to death, teen wounded at 2457 N. Fremont

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 26, 2020, at 10:29 p.m., Springfield Police Officers were dispatched to 2457 N. Fremont regarding a shooting. Officers arrived and contacted David R. Jones, an 18-year-old male from Springfield, who had a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his foot. 

Jones reported that an armed male intruder had entered his residence and shot him in the foot. Jones reported shooting the male with his own firearm.

Officers located a deceased male inside the residence with obvious gunshot wounds. The deceased male was identified as Kenneth L. Clay, a 36-year-old male from Springfield. Next-of-kin notifications have been made for Clay. No arrests have been made at this time.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869- TIPS (8477).

Springfield Police investigating shooting on North Elizabeth as homicide

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 21, 2020, at 11:13 p.m., two male victims with serious gunshot wounds arrived at Cox North Hospital. 

Investigating officers determined the shooting had taken place outside of 2121 N. Elizabeth. Officers responded to that address and located evidence of a shooting.

One victim was identified as David W. Saunders, a 17-year-old male from Springfield. Saunders died from his injures on Thursday, June 25, at a local hospital. Next-of-kin notifications have been made for Saunders. The second victim has serious injuries but they are not believed to be life-threatening.

A suspect has not been identified at this time. Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869- TIPS (8477).

Branson man charged with DWI after crash on 65 injures three, including 8-year-old

A Branson man was cited for felony driving while intoxicated following a two-vehicle collision 6:10 p.m. Thursday on U. S. 65, three miles south of Saddlebrooke.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2009 Honda CRV driven by Gary J. Eakin, Jr., 34, Branson, pulled into the path of a 2016 Toyota Camry driven by Lorri M. Parker, 63, Mountain Grove.

Parker and a passenger in her vehicle, an eight-year-old girl from Amberly, Ohio, were treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Eakin, who was also charged with felony driving while suspended, failing to yield and had a felony DWI warrant out of Taney County, was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Sewer rate increase for Springfield residents to take effect July 1

(From the City of Springfield)

Customers on City sewer service will see a planned rate increase beginning July 1, in order to continue improving the City’s aging sewer system and to remain in compliance with federal Clean Water Act regulations. 

The City of Springfield contracts with City Utilities for sanitary sewer services billing, so customers will notice this change on their August CU bills.

Sewer rates are based on water consumption calculated by averaging water usage for January, February and March, to avoid summer irrigation, car washing, filling up pools, etc. This is because the majority of residents’ water goes down drains and toilets and ends up in the wastewater system. 

Springfield Environmental Services charges a base customer charge and an additional charge for each 100 cubic feet (CCF) of water used. One CCF equals 748 gallons.

An average residential customer uses 6 CCF and currently receives a bill for $34.20 per month. Following the July 1, 2020 effective date, a residential user with 6 CCF use will receive a bill for $35.89

The 2020 increase is the first in a series of increases approved by City Council in January 2020. This rate structure will last through 2023 and is consistent with the recommendations of a community stakeholder group appointed to consider changes to Springfield’s wastewater system, including rates.

For more information about City Wastewater improvements, visit springfieldmo.gov/wastewater or call Sewer Revenue Technician Kristy Haynes at 417-864-1924.

Monett man sentenced to 27 years for meth trafficking

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

A Monett, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for trafficking methamphetamine at a home with children present.

Victor M. De Santiago, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 27 years and four months in federal prison without parole.

On Nov. 21, 2019, De Santiago pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute on premises in which children reside. 

State troopers and DEA agents executed a search warrant at the residence of De Santiago, who was identified as a major distributor of methamphetamine, on Feb. 28, 2019. In addition to De Santiago and another adult, there were three children present in the residence.

Law enforcement officers found a safe in a bedroom closet that contained approximately two pounds (907 grams) of methamphetamine. De Santiago told officers he recently acquired approximately six pounds of methamphetamine from California and transported it to Monett with the intent to distribute it. The approximately two pounds of methamphetamine found in the bedroom was the remainder of what he had acquired from California.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josephine L. Stockard and Byron Black. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Combined Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team (COMET), the Monett, Missouri, Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administrati

Springfield man arrested on weapons charge following gunshot death at 4120 W. Kearney, homicide investigation continues

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 23, 2020, at 2:03 p.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to 4120 W. Kearney after a 911 caller stated a person had been shot at that location. When officers arrived, they found a male subject deceased outside the home with an apparent gunshot wound.

The deceased was identified as Alexander S. Goeman, a 29-year-old male from Springfield. Next of kin notifications have been made. Daniel L. Smith, a 40-year-old male from Springfield, was arrested at the scene for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm however, no charges have been filed at this time. 

The investigation is ongoing, and the case will be submitted to the Greene County Prosecutor for consideration.

Detectives are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869- TIPS (8477).

Springfield man sentenced to 25 years on meth trafficking, weapons charges

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for methamphetamine trafficking and illegally possessing numerous firearms.

Timothy Brian Schutten, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 25 years in federal prison without parole.

On Aug. 8, 2019, Schutten pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. 

Springfield police officers located Schutten, who had an active parole violation warrant, on Aug. 15, 2017. Schutten had a stolen Ruger .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol and a loaded magazine in one pocket and a cigarette package that contained 4.81 grams of methamphetamine in another pocket. 

Officers searched the backpack Schutten was wearing and found a Springfield Armory .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, four bags that contained a total of 693.5 grams of methamphetamine, a bag that contained 1.09 grams of marijuana, a bag that contains .67 grams of heroin, a pill bottle that contained several unidentified pills, $6,430, drug paraphernalia, a box that contained 40 rounds of .38-caliber ammunition, and three cell phones.

On April 25, 2019, police officers located Schutten, who was again wanted in connection with an active parole violation warrant, as he was walking away from his truck at a local hotel. 

When officers ordered him to stop, Schutten ran back to his truck, started it, and backed into one of the officer’s patrol vehicles. 

Schutten then put his truck in drive and accelerated toward the hotel. The truck’s tires began spinning in the grass, causing his vehicle to strike the side of the hotel. 

Schutten continued accelerating until he struck a tree about 10 feet from the hotel. He got out of his truck and began walking toward the hotel entrance. He refused to stop, despite several verbal commands to do so. 

Schutten entered the hotel and began running toward the lobby, where an officer deployed his Taser. Schutten fell forward onto the floor and immediately began reaching toward his waistband, where officers would later find a loaded 9mm pistol. 

After ignoring multiple commands to put his arms behind his back, a second officer deployed his Taser. Officers were ultimately able to subdue Schutten and he was placed under arrest.

Officers searched Schutten and found 19 Xanax pills, 34 oxycodone pills, 2.46 grams of methamphetamine, $2,353, and a loaded firearm. Officers searched his vehicle and found six additional firearms, two of which had high-capacity magazines. (Five of the seven firearms seized from Schutten had previously been reported stolen.) Officers also found assorted gun magazines and ammunition, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and two cell phones.

This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Keller. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Marshfield man killed after rear-ending tractor-trailer, infant in back seat unharmed

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 19, 2020, at 6:22 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the westbound lanes of I-44, just east of Glenstone, regarding a motor vehicle crash between an SUV and tractor-trailer. 

The driver of the Hyundai SUV, 26-year-old Dakota Burgess of Marshfield, was westbound on I 44 behind a 2018 Kenworth tractor-trailer, driven by 38-year-old Darrick Ward of Gravette Arkansas.

Ward had slowed for traffic congestion ahead and Burgess failed to slow and struck the trailer from behind. Burgess’ vehicle was lodged under the trailer as a result of the impact and Burgess was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

An infant was in a car seat in the back seat of the SUV and was unharmed. Next of kin has been notified. 

Chemical impairment is not suspected at this time, and the investigation is ongoing. 

This is the 9th fatality crash and 10th traffic fatality in Springfield during 2020.

Springfield man killed in motorcycle-semi collision at Division Street and Hayes Avenue

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 19, 2020, at 12:17 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department’s Traffic Section responded to the area of Division St. and Hayes Ave. regarding a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and a semi-truck and trailer. 

A 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, driven by 49-year-old David Brown, of Springfield, was traveling westbound on Division approaching its intersection with Hayes Ave. 

A blue Freightliner semi, pulling a trailer, was eastbound on Division when its passenger-side tires dropped off the edge of the roadway. The driver of the semi, 32-year-old Perron Sellers of Appaloosa, LA, corrected his vehicle to travel back onto the roadway. The Freightliner semi then swerved and crossed into the westbound lane of Division, striking Brown and the Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Brown died at the scene as a result of the crash and his next of kin has been notified. Sellers was not injured. The investigation is on-going but Impairment does not appear to be a factor. This is the 8th fatality crash and 9th traffic fatality in Springfield during 2020

One eastbound I-44 lane east of Mount Vernon to be closed

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: One Eastbound I-44 Lane Closed 'Round the Clock East of Mt. Vernon (MM 47) June 22-23

Where: Eastbound I-44 driving lane east of Mt. Vernon (Mile Marker 47)

When: ‘Round the clock from 7 p.m. Monday, June 22, to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 23

What: Contractor crews repairing pavement in eastbound I-44 driving lane

Traffic Impacts

-Eastbound driving lane closed ‘round the clock

-Speed limit reduced to 60 mph in work zone

-Delays can be expected during high traffic volume times

-Drives urged to find alternate routes

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

Highway Patrol Arrests June 18-19

Jamie L. Wheeler, 44, Neosho, Neosho Police Department misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on following too closely and driving while revoked or suspended, driving while suspended, no insurance, no seat belt

Jerry D. Sarver, 29, Forsyth, felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor Forsyth Police Department warrants for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor Christian County warrant for failure to appear on careless and imprudent driving

Douglas S. Carter, 41, Neosho, driving while intoxicated

Donald R. Collins, Mulberry, misdemeanor Cass County warrants for failure to appear on driving under the influence, careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt and speeding

Highway Patrol Arrests June 17-18

Dustin P. Henson, 27, Joplin, driving while intoxicated

Wesley L. King, 49, Baxter Springs, Kansas, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, no seat belt

Ernest J. Knight, 46, Kissee Mills, felony Taney County warrant for possession of amphetamine, leaving the scene of an accident, careless and imprudent driving involving an accident

Bayron L. Bejarano, 19, Southwest City, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no driver's license

Lester D. Lopez, Cifuentes, 20, Carthage, driving while intoxicated, no driver's license

Kimberly M. Szumowski, 60, Golden, driving while intoxicated

Benjamin J. Carroll, 20, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, minor visibly intoxicated, not wearing corrective lenses, failure to drive on right half of roadway

Springfield Police investigating shooting death of Nixa man

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 17, 2020, at approximately 1:48 a.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to the area of Hillcrest and Republic Road regarding an injured male near the roadway. 

At about the same time, another 911 call was received from Golden Pond Apartments, 4120 S. Hillcrest. A resident at that address reported at least two males had attempted to force entry into his apartment and one of them had a firearm. 

Police arrived and determined the injured male had probable gunshot wounds and was likely one of the alleged intruders from the incident at the nearby apartment complex.

The injured individual was identified as Joshua L. Woods, a 25-year-old male from Nixa, Missouri. He was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced deceased a short time later. 

Next of kin notifications have been made. Detectives continue to investigate and are working to identify any other possible suspects.

We ask anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

Springfield police investigating murder-suicide at 1532 N. Golden

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 16, 2020, at 9:12 p.m., Springfield Police received a call for a check the well being. The caller wanted officers to check the well being of a female at 1532 N. Golden. 

When officers entered the home they discovered two deceased individuals inside. Both individuals appeared to have injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

The deceased individuals were identified as Krista N. McKinnon, a 24-year-old female from Springfield, and Andre D. McKinnon, a 27-year-old male also from Springfield. 

Next-of-kin notifications have been made for both subjects. At this time, investigators do not believe there is a suspect at large and feel there is no danger to the community.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477)

Highway Patrol Arrests June 16-17

Hannah M. Fox, 25, Sulphur Springs, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash, no valid license

Megan A. Kammerer, 20, Forsyth, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Christopher L. Hertzberg, 24, Diamond, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated








Judith C. Stanley, 22, Joplin, misdemeanor Joplin Police Department warrant for possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana

Chad J. Weckerly, 48, Fordland, felony driving while revoked, no insurance, no seat belt

Springfield Mayor's Commission on Human Rights to meet Wednesday

(From the City of Springfield)

The Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights will meet for its regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, June 17 at 5:30 p.m. electronically via videoconferencing technology due to City offices being closed to the public at this time.

Citizens wishing to attend or speak at the meeting are required to contact the Department of Planning & Development by noon today. This can be done by calling 417-864-1037. The agenda is located here.

Citizens who have signed up with the Planning and Development office will be required to view and participate in the meeting electronically via videoconferencing in Room 111 of the first floor of Historic City Hall. Physical distancing will be maintained.

Citizens who have experienced any of the following, will not be allowed inside Historic City Hall:

Flu-like symptoms
Respiratory illness (cough, difficulty breathing)
Fever
Traveled in the past 14 days to a COVID-19 affected area
Been exposed to someone who has traveled to an affected area
Been exposed to someone who has been evaluated for the illness or has confirmed illness.

Two-year-old Reeds Spring girl nearly drowns in Table Rock Lake

A two-year-old Reeds Springs girl nearly drowned in an incident that occurred 3:40 p.m. Sunday on Table Rock Lake at Joe Bald Park near Kimberling City.

According to the Highway Patrol report, the girl was found floating face down and unconscious, was given CPR and began breathing again.

The girl was treated for moderate injuries, the report said.

Billings man airlifted to Mercy Springfield following car-motorcycle collision on 60

A Billings man was injured in a two-vehicle collision 11:59 a.m. Sunday on U. S. 60 at MO 14 in Billings.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Toyota driven by Sharon M. Kelley, 72, Billings, failed to yield and drove into the path of a 2011 Harley Davidson driven by Stacey B. Sifferman, 50, Billings.

Sifferman was airlifted to Mercy Hospital, Springfield, to be treated for serious injuries.

Cassville woman charged with DWI after head-on collision injures Kansas residents

A Cassville woman was cited for felony driving while intoxicated following a two-vehicle collision 3:30 p.m. Sunday on MO 112, just south of Cassville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2014 Chevrolet Impala driven by Rachel E. Poe, 38, Cassville, made a southbound turn out of a private drive directly into the path of a 2016 Ford Taurus driven by Abigail L. Steiner, 22, Winfield, Kansas, resulting in a head-on collision.







Steiner and a passenger, Rebecca L. Steiner, 63, Winfield, were treated for minor and serious injuries, respectively, at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

In addition to DWI, Poe was arrested for felony driving while revoked, failure to drive on the right half of the roadway and for not wearing a seat belt, according to the Highway Patrol.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 14-15

Rachel E. Poe, 38, Cassville, felony driving while intoxicated, felony driving while revoked, failure to drive on the right half of the roadway resulting in a crash, no seat belt

Kevin L. Whitworth, 49, Liberal, felony driving while intoxicated, felony endangering the welfare of a child, speeding, lane violation, no insurance

Rebecca L. McClellan, 38, Rogers, Arkansas, misdemeanor possession of marijuana








Michael J. Dentino, 57, Rogers, Arkansas, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

William S. Pilkington, 31, Pomona, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, felony possession of a controlled substance-THC wax, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no valid license, no seat belt

 Branden M. Slavens, Jr., 18, Springfield, felony theft of a firearm, felony unlawful use of a weapon, felony possession of a controlled substance-suboxone, felony possession of a controlled substance- THC wax, felony possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Highway Patrol Arrests June 13-14

Dallas M. McBaine, 23, Lockwood, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, no valid plates

Trista A. Filtingberger, 36, Nixa, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, stopping when unsafe

Brittany D. Bolin, 30, Harrison, Arkansas, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failed to dim headlights

Amanda M. Dobbs, 29, Ava, felony St. Clair County warrant for dangerous drugs

Demetrius L. Gordon, 45, Spring, Greene County warrant for driving while intoxicated, felony driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked, speeding








David D. Werner, 35, Kansas City, Kansas, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, failure to drive in a single lane

Benjamin T. Schaefer, 35, Neosho, felony McDonald County warrant for tampering, possession of drug paraphernalia

Koleby L. Coker, 19, Ozark, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, minor in possession of alcohol, failure to maintain a single lane

Gary G. Walker, 66, Omaha, Nebraska, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving resulting in a crash









Kathern M. Woods, 44, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Makayla N. Woods, 24, Stillwater, Oklahoma, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Michael S. Woods, 25, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Zachary A. Woods, 20, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, misdemeanor possession of marijuana

Marissa M. Craven, 19, Blue Springs, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Highway Patrol Arrests June 12-13

Emma A. Lester, 31, Springfield, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, speeding, window tint violation, no insurance

Barton L. Sheffield, 48, Springfield, felony driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway, driving while revoked









Lonnie F. Lawson, 28, Bolivar, Greene County felony warrant for failure to appear on possession of a controlled substance

Tanner C. Downs, 29, Bois D'Arc, driving while intoxicated (drugs), careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Roaring River State Park schedules summer bluegrass concert series

(From Missouri State Parks)

Roaring River State Park invites the public to come out to the park this summer for evening concerts as the Summer Bluegrass Music Concert Series continues. The free shows, featuring local bluegrass bands, take place 7 to 9 p.m. every Friday evening throughout the summer in the park amphitheater.

The schedule includes:
June 12 - Flyin’ Buzzards
June 19 - Sugar Mountain Band
June 26 - Flyin’ Buzzards
July 3 - Ripplin’ Creek Band
July 4 - Roaring River Bluegrass Jam Night
July 10 - Flyin’ Buzzards






July 17 - Spillwater Drive Band
July 24 - Flyin’ Buzzards
July 31 - Sugar Mountain Band
Aug. 7 - Flyin’ Buzzards
Aug. 14 - Ozark Mountain Revival
Aug. 15 - Sugar Mountain Band, Flyin’ Buzzards, The Bakers
Aug. 21 - Flyin’ Buzzards
Aug. 28 - Shuyler Valley Band
Sept. 4 - Possum Trot Band
Sept, 5 - Flyin’ Buzzards
Sept. 11 - Sugar Mountain
Sept. 18 - Flyin’ Buzzards
Sept. 25 - Ripplin’ Creek Band

Bench seating is available at the amphitheater, but attendees are welcome bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines, come prepared with hand sanitizer and bottled water, and please stay home if you are sick.

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

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

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

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Lawrence Co. Rt. H CLOSED Underneath I-44 in Mt. Vernon at Night June 16

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

When: 8 p.m.-6 a.m. Tuesday, June 16. Route H open during daytime hours.

What: Contractor crews placing girders for the new westbound I-44 bridge over Route H

Traffic Impacts

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

-Westbound Route H/I-44 on- and off ramps CLOSED. Both eastbound ramps will remain open.
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.

Springfield felon who pointed loaded pistol at police officers sentenced to nine years

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man who pointed a loaded pistol at police officers during a car and foot chase was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.

Matthew D. Billingslea, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to nine years in federal prison without parole.

On Sept. 11, 2019, Billingslea pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.







A Springfield police officer attempted to stop Billingslea, who was driving a Ford Taurus, for having an inoperable headlight and rear-license-plate lamp at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and Battlefield Road near midnight on Dec. 7, 2018. When the officer activated his patrol vehicle’s lights, Billingslea refused to stop and accelerated away. Another officer located the vehicle and attempted to stop Billingslea, but he fled again. The officer soon found the Taurus, abandoned by Billingslea, in the front yard of a residence on South Roanoke Avenue.

A few minutes later, another officer located Billingslea walking north on Jefferson Avenue. When the officer asked Billingslea to take his hand out of his pocket, Billingslea was holding a loaded Kel-Tec .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol.

Billingslea pointed the firearm at the officer and yelled, “Don’t do it!” The officer took cover behind his patrol vehicle, and Billingslea hid behind a vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence on South Jefferson Avenue. Billingslea then rose from behind the vehicle and again, pointed the firearm at the officer and yelled, “Don’t do it!” Billingslea then fled through a fence on the north side of the residence and south through a back yard.







Officers used a police service canine to track Billingslea to the back yard of a residence located on South Jefferson Avenue. The service canine bit Billingslea’s right arm; he was holding the firearm in his left hand. An officer ordered Billingslea to drop the firearm and he refused. During the confrontation, Billingslea dropped the firearm, which was seized by an officer.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Billingslea has 23 prior misdemeanors and four prior felony convictions (including two firearms offenses). At the time of his arrest in this case, Billingslea was on probation for pointing a stolen firearm at the mother of one of his children.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 8-9

Damion L. Smallwood, 27, West Plains, Howell County felony warrant for assault, no insurance, failure to display valid plates, no seat belt

Gregory D. Rawlins, 43, Ozark, felony driving while intoxicated, felony unlawful possession of a firearm, speeding, no insurance

Springfield man pleads guilty to meth conspiracy

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a large-scale methamphetamine conspiracy that involved multi-pound shipments of methamphetamine transported from Arizona to Missouri.

Gregory L. Hopper, 35, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

By pleading guilty today, Hopper admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute at least 7.2 kilograms of methamphetamine in Greene, Christian, and Taney counties from June 2017 to March 18, 2019. Hopper also admitted that he possessed 15 firearms – including four assault rifles, 10 handguns and a shotgun – in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

On Feb. 21, 2019, Springfield police officers executed a search warrant at Hopper’s residence. Officers seized 220 grams of black tar heroin, a Bulldog handgun, a Dan Wesson handgun, a Jimenez handgun, a Ruger handgun, a Romak-Romarm/Cugir 10/63 assault rifle, a Smith and Wesson assault rifle, an Anderson assault rifle, and a Strum assault rifle, a drug ledger, and a plastic bag that contained methamphetamine from one bedroom. Also found in the residence were additional firearms, including a Cobray .45/410 handgun, a Walther PPS handgun, a Rock Island handgun (reported stolen), a Ruger LCP handgun, a Stevens 12-gauge shotgun, a Glock 42 handgun, and a Glock 26 handgun. Officers found a total of 63 grams of methamphetamine in the residence. Officers seized $2,257 from a safe, $1,103 from a glass jar inside a bedroom closet, and $3,423 from Hopper’s wallet.

Hopper is the seventh defendant to plead guilty in this case.

Under federal statutes, Hopper is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abram McGull II. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HIS); the Branson, Mo., Police Department; the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department; the Ozark, Mo., Police Department; the Springfield, Mo., Police Department; the Missouri State Highway Patrol; the Silver City, N.M., Police Department; and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Springfield sex offender sentenced to 10 years on child pornography charge

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man with a prior conviction for transporting child pornography was sentenced in federal court today for another child pornography offense.

David Todd Beresky, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Beresky to a lifetime of supervised release following incarceration, and ordered him to pay a total of $24,000 in restitution to seven child victims.

On Dec. 2, 2019, Beresky pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography.

At the time of the offense, Beresky was on supervised release following his incarceration for a 2005 federal conviction of transporting child pornography. His probation officer learned he was working as a pizza delivery driver, which was not permitted. Beresky’s probation officer confronted him at work and inspected his cell phone. Beresky’s cell phone contained multiple images of child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 6-8

Christopher A. Teague, 44, Springfield, felony failure to register as a sex offender, driving while revoked

James L. Frazier, 59, Oronogo, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway

Carter M. Crews, 21, Fair Grove, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway








Lauren H. Conger, 23, Elkins, Arkansas, driving while intoxicated, no valid operator's license, following too closely resulting in an accident, leaving the scene of an accident, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Joshua L. Ryan, 23, Higginsville, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Mitchell J. Spencer, 28, Nixa, driving while intoxicated, failure to display valid plates, no insurance

Mark P. Alves, 31, Seymour, possession of marijuana, no valid operator's license, no insurance, no seat belt

Highway Patrol Arrests June 4-6

Taylor J. Ellebrecht, 26, Reeds Spring, misdemeanor driving while intoxicated

Michael W. Gault, 52, Branson, boating while intoxicated, not displaying navigation lights

Justin L. Schuchmann, 38, Louisburg, driving while intoxicated, no valid driver's license, no insurance








Nathan Z. Easley, 20, Eagle Rock, driving while intoxicated, no valid license

Tony Miller, 35, Dallas, Texas, felony Lake County, Indiana warrant for failure to appear on fraud

Clayton L. Daniels, 26, Springfield, driving while revoked, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no seat belt

Springfield man killed in motorcycle crash at intersection of College and Broadway

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 4, 2020, at 10:50 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the intersection of College and Broadway regarding a motor vehicle crash between a motorcycle and sedan.

 The rider of the motorcycle, 46-year-old Joseph Webb of Springfield, was eastbound on College and appeared to have failed to negotiate the curve and crossed into the westbound lane of travel, striking the front of a westbound Chrysler 300 driven by 31-year-old Kyle Prugger of Republic. 

 

Webb was ejected from the motorcycle, sustained critical injuries and was transported to the hospital, where he died Friday afternoon. Next of kin has been notified. Prugger was not injured.

Whether impairment was involved is unknown at this time and the investigation is ongoing. This is the 7th fatality crash and 8th traffic fatality in Springfield in 2020.

DNR issues $50,000 grant to city of Washburn to evaluate wastewater system

(From the Missouri Department of Natural Resources)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $50,000 Small Community Engineering Assistance Program grant to the city of Washburn to evaluate the city’s wastewater system. The grant offers funding to qualifying small communities to help cover engineering costs for evaluating water and wastewater system improvements.

The city will use the grant to identify wastewater system improvements needed to continue reliable service to the area, meet permit requirements and reduce stormwater infiltration into sewer collection pipes. The facility plan should be complete in May 2021.

“We are committed to helping Missouri communities find funding for water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects, which often provide an economic benefit locally,” said Carol Comer, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs.

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

Seven Springfield Police Department officers retire after 25 years of service

(From the Springfield Police Department)

After 25 years of service seven Springfield Police Department veterans retired this week. Each began their career as a Springfield Police Officer in 1995 after graduating as a member of the 39th Police Academy and they have many notable accomplishments since that time.

Upon their retirement, each was nominated and approved for the Springfield Police Department’s Lifetime Achievement Award for their work.

“I am very proud of the outstanding careers of each of these dedicated police officers and their absence will be felt at SPD. However, I know their impact within the department has been broad and they will serve as an example to our younger officers,” said Chief Paul Williams. “I thank them for their service and wish them the best of luck in retirement.” 

Congratulations to Major Greg Higdon, Captain Kevin Grizzell, Lieutenant Chris Wells, Lieutenant Mark Schindler, Sergeant Justin Gargus, Sergeant David Stone, and Corporal Chris Welsh.

Major Greg Higdon

Major Higdon began his career as a Patrol Officer. During that time, he served as a Field Training Officer, training new academy graduates. He was also a member of the full-time Special Response Team (Red Team) among other roles.

Major Higdon was promoted to Corporal in 2001 and served in the Criminal Investigations Unit as a Detective in the Persons Crimes Section, investigating cases involving Sexual Assaults, Missing Persons, Domestic Assaults, and Robbery/Homicide.

In 2006 he was promoted to Sergeant and moved back to the Uniform Operations Bureau, working as a patrol supervisor and then as the Special Response Team Supervisor. In 2009, Major Higdon was promoted to Lieutenant, working in Patrol and as the Special Response Team and Community Services Section Commander.

He was promoted to Captain in 2013 and served as the UOB-Zone 2 Division Commander. In 2017 he was promoted to Major and worked as the Bureau Commander over both the Uniform Operations Bureau and Investigations and Support Services Bureau until his retirement.

During his career, Major Higdon graduated from the FBI National Academy, PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, and Leadership Springfield, (Class 30) among many other accomplishments.

Captain Kevin Grizzell

Captain Grizzell began his police career in 1989 after graduating from the SPD Reserve Academy. He worked in Patrol as a reserve before attending the 39th SPD Police Academy where he was honored as the class valedictorian in 1995. Captain Grizzell worked as a Patrol Officer and Field Training Officer, training new academy graduates, until 2001 when he was promoted to Corporal.

As a Corporal he served as the Resource Management Officer, serving as the SPD recruiter while also responsible for maintaining SPD’s accreditation and updating the Standard Operating Guidelines system.

Captain Grizzell promoted to Sergeant in 2002 and worked as a patrol supervisor and then as the Community Oriented Policing sergeant, working out of the Commercial Street substation.

In 2008 he promoted to Lieutenant and served as a patrol shift commander before transferring to the Criminal Investigations Property Section in 2012. In 2018 he was promoted to Captain and has served as the commander over SPD Zone 1 Patrol Division and Traffic Section.

During his career, Captain Grizzell received two Command Commendations- one for achieving a high level of DWI arrests in a year and the other for action taken to help save a suicidal person. He represented Lieutenants on the SPD Leadership Council, attended the first Leadership Springfield Access class, and graduated from the Missouri Police Chief’s Command College, among other accomplishments.

Lieutenant Chris Wells

Lt. Chris Wells began his time at the Springfield Police Department as a cadet, volunteering for four years before beginning the Police Academy as a 20-year-old recruit and graduating in 1995. After graduating, he served as a Patrol Officer, as an officer in the Community Services Section and as a member of the Special Response Team.

After being promoted to Corporal, Lt. Wells continued his work in the Patrol Unit. He later served as an investigator in the Criminal Investigations Section and finally as a member of the Special Response Team.

Upon promotion to Sergeant, he worked as a patrol supervisor and in the SPD training section. In 2017 he was promoted to Lieutenant. As a Lieutenant, Lt. Wells worked as a patrol shift commander, the Special Response Team Commander, and in the Support Services Section where he served as the Department Safety Officer.

Lt. Wells is also a member of the US Naval Reserves and was deployed to the middle east during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011. He is commissioned as a Naval Intelligence Officer and is works for the US Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

Lt. Wells is a graduate of the Missouri Police Chief’s Command College, among other accomplishments.

Lieutenant Mark Schindler

Lt. Mark Schindler began his career with SPD in the Patrol Unit, where he served for four years. In 1997 he began working part-time with the Special Response Team (Blue Team) and in 2000 he was assigned to the full-time Special Response Team (Red Team).

Lt. Schindler transferred to the Training Unit as a range instructor in 2006 and in 2010 he became the department Recruiting Officer.

Lt. Schindler was promoted to Sergeant in 2014 and then to Lieutenant in 2018, serving in Patrol as a squad supervisor and shift commander.

Sergeant Justin Gargus

Sergeant Justin Gargus worked as a patrol officer for five years after graduating from the academy. During that time, he worked as a Field Training Officer, training new academy graduates, and as a Major Crime Scene Investigator.

In 2000, Sgt. Gargus was selected for a detective position with the Criminal Investigations Division Task Force. He was promoted to Corporal in early 2001 and transferred to the Property Crimes Unit. During his time in the Criminal Investigations Division, Sgt. Gargus also served on the Major Crime Scene Response Team

He was promoted to Corporal in 2006 and served in the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

After being promoted to Sergeant in 2009, he served as a patrol squad supervisor before moving back to the Special Investigations Section in 2010, where he has served for the last 10 years. For his work, Sgt. Gargus was named the 2019 Midwest Gang Investigator’s Association’s Officer of the Year. He was honored by the local Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution with the Law Enforcement Commendation medal upon his retirement

Sergeant David Stone
After graduating from the academy, Sgt. Dave Stone worked as a patrol officer until 2001. During that time, he was honored as his squad’s Outstanding Officer of the Year for two consecutive years and was awarded a PD Command Commendation Award for drug enforcement efforts.

In 2001 Sgt. Stone served as the Crime Stoppers Coordinator before being promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2002. As a Corporal he served in SPD’s Property Crimes Unit and in 2006 he became part of the Cyber Crimes Unit, being named the Acting Sergeant of the unit in 2011.

In 2013 he was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to the Uniform Operations Bureau as a patrol supervisor. Sgt. Stone was working the night Officer Aaron Pearson was shot and he received a Command Commendation Award for his performance that night.

Sgt. Stone was selected as the Inspections and Internal Affairs Unit supervisor in 2017, where he served until his retirement.

Corporal Chris Welsh

Corporal Chris Welsh has served his department, his community and his fellow officers in a number of capacities during his time at SPD. During his 25 years, Cpl. Welsh helped lead the inception of SPD’s Crisis Intervention Team, working to assist people experiencing mental health crisis. He was named the National Alliance for Mental Illness Crisis Intervention Officer of the Year in 2016.

Serving the majority of his career in patrol, Cpl. Welsh received the following Department Awards for his efforts: Meritorious Service Medal-2003, Command Commendation-2008, Meritorious Service Medal -2011, Life Saving Medal -2012.

He was promoted to Corporal in 2014 and was assigned to the Community Services Section as the Special Events Coordinator.

Cpl. Welsh has served as the president of the FOP Lodge 22/Springfield Police Officers Association (SPOA) since 2015, helping to negotiate significant increases in pay and benefits for SPD officers, corporals, and sergeants. During his time with the SPOA, he also helped create a mental wellness program that provides free anonymous professional counseling for all members and their families.

We congratulate all seven of these fine men and wish them well in their next chapter of life.