Jerico Springs teen killed in crash near Stockton

 

A Jerico Springs woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident 9:42 a.m. Tuesday on Route B, west of 975th Road, seven miles southwest of Stockton.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2004 Ford F-250 pickup driven by Callee L. Henson, 18, Jerico Springs, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a tree and overturned.

Cedar County Coroner Nora Powell pronounced Henson dead at the scene.

The fatality was the 113th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield Police investigating officer-involved shooting on West Chestnut Expressway

 (From the Springfield Police Department)

On December 29, 2020, at approximately 5:08 a.m., Springfield Police Officers located a suspected stolen vehicle at the Fast n’ Friendly (501 W. Chestnut Expressway). 

Officers approached the vehicle, a 2012 maroon Chrysler four-door sedan, and attempted to contact the female driver who was the only occupant of the car. 

The driver fled in the vehicle and struck an officer as she drove through the parking lot. Three separate officers fired shots at the driver. The vehicle then fled northbound on Main and was not located. The officer suffered a minor injury that did not require immediate medical attention.

At approximately 6:45 a.m., the Springfield Police Department received a 911 call stating a female with gunshot wounds was at 1033 E. Commercial. 

Springfield Police Officers responded to that address and contacted Maggie Thrift, a 27-year-old female from Springfield, MO who was identified as the driver of the stolen vehicle. Thrift had suffered injuries from gunshot wounds that were not life-threatening. 

Thrift was transported to a local hospital where she was admitted. Thrift was arrested for outstanding warrants not related to this case. This case will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor for review and filing of appropriate charges.

At approximately 1:30 p.m., a Springfield Police Officer located the vehicle that Thrift had been driving during this incident near the intersection of Atlantic and Park. The vehicle was towed and secured for processing.

The Springfield Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is currently investigating this incident. 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 killed in Taco Bell shooting

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Dec. 21, 2020, at about 11:30 p.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to the Taco Bell located at 2933 S. National after a 911 caller stated someone had been shot. Officers arrived and located a male in the parking lot of 2949 S. National who had suffered a gunshot wound. The male was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The deceased person was identified as Malcolm J. James, a 28-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Next of kin notifications have been made. 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).

This marks the 27th violent death in Springfield in 2020. Eighteen of those, including this case, have been determined to be Murder under the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) rules, one was classified as Negligent Manslaughter, and two others were ruled justified after review by the Greene County Prosecutor. Six other cases remain under investigation to determine the appropriate classification.

Springfield Police make six DWI arrests, two drug arrests during crackdown

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Friday, Dec.18, 2020, between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. officers with the Springfield Police Department’s Traffic Section conducted a holiday DWI saturation enforcement. During the enforcement, officers targeted hazardous moving violations through increased patrol efforts.

During the enforcement officers made six arrests for DWI violations and two arrests for drug violations. 

Officers also issued 15 citations for moving violations, three citations for non-moving violations, identified one suspended driver, and issued 16 warnings.

The operation was funded by a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Smoke alarm installed by Springfield Fire Department saves two lives

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

A woman and her elderly mother who live in the Mark Twain neighborhood were alerted to a fire Dec. 20 by a smoke alarm installed by the Springfield Fire Department last year, providing them time to escape safely.

Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms play a vital role in reducing injuries and deaths from a house fire. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, in each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.

While Project RED Zone canvasses are currently paused due to the pandemic, Springfield firefighters have installed 3,620 smoke alarms in area neighborhoods as a component of Project RED Zone, an initiative that began in 2017. They have visited 24,634 homes in the Rountree, Delaware, West Central, Grant Beach, Westside, Heart of the Westside, Robberson, Woodland Heights, Tom Watkins, Doling, Midtown, Bissett, Weller, and Oak Grove neighborhoods as well as areas without organized neighborhood associations.

In addition to the 3,600-plus installed alarms, firefighters have tested more than 6,800 alarms to ensure they are functioning properly and have replaced over 970 batteries in existing alarms as a part of the project.

Project RED Zone – a reference to the red areas on the Springfield Fire Department’s map of fire incidents – stands for Reduce, Educate, Deliver. It is part of SFD’s Community Risk Reduction (CRR) program. The multifaceted campaign aims to ensure all homes in high-risk areas of the city have working smoke alarms.

“Now approaching year 3 of Project RED Zone, we are starting the see the positive effects of these canvasses, and our efforts to make Springfield a fire safe community” said Fire Chief David Pennington, earlier this year. “We have responded to several house fires now in which the occupants of the home have safely escaped because of a working smoke alarm that we installed for them.”

Project RED Zone is funded with the help of donations from the American Red Cross of Southern Missouri, Safe Kids Springfield, FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety grants and general revenue SFD funds designated for community risk reduction.

The Fire Department offers free smoke alarms and batteries to anyone in need. If you have questions or need smoke alarms or batteries, call the Fire Department at 417-874-2300 for assistance or to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm check or installation.

Springfield Police investigate shooting death of teen at 2330 N. Pierce

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Dec. 18, 2020, at about 2:40 p.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to 2330 N. Pierce due to a 911 caller stating a subject had been shot. 

Officers entered the residence and located a male inside who had suffered a gunshot wound. The male was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

The deceased person has been identified as Richard Tyler Corbin, a 17-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Next of kin notifications have been made. Officers contacted a juvenile female at the scene who stated she was the person who shot Corbin. Based on the initial investigation, it appears that the shooting was accidental. No arrests have been made. 

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).

This marks the 26th violent death in Springfield in 2020. Seventeen of those have been determined to be Murder under the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) rules, one was classified as Negligent Manslaughter, and two others were ruled justified after review by the Greene County Prosecutor. This case and five other cases remain under investigation to determine the appropriate classification.

Springfield Police Department to conduct weekend holiday DWI enforcement

 

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Officers with the Springfield Police Department’s Traffic Section will be conducting a holiday DWI saturation enforcement this Friday night (December 18, 2020) between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. 

This enforcement is an effort to proactively target hazardous moving violations that pose a threat to safety for motorists in Springfield. Violations will be identified through increased patrol efforts.

The operation is funded by a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation. The Springfield Police Department wants to remind drivers to be vigilant and to watch for suspected impaired drivers operating on our roadways. Remember, “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose."

Springfield Police reveal identity of Marionville man killed in November traffic accident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On November 19, 2020, at about 5:00 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the intersection of Kansas Exp. and Catalpa regarding a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck.

The rider of the motorcycle was traveling northbound on Kansas Exp and struck the rear of a pickup truck that was slowing in traffic. 

Medical personnel responded, but the rider succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The motorcycle rider was identified as James A. Gailey, a 39-year-old male from Marionville, MO. After several attempts, investigators were eventually able to locate and notify next of kin.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Unit are investigating the circumstances involved in the crash. Impairment was not suspected to be a factor. This was the 21st fatality motor vehicle crash and the 23rd total crash-related death of 2020 for Springfield.

Autopsy scheduled today after student commits suicide at Nixa Junior High School

 

(From the Christian County Sheriff's Office)

On 12/15/2020 at approximately 0935 hours Christian County School Resource Deputies were requested for assistance in reference to a medical emergency at the Nixa Junior High School. 

A School Resource Deputy was already on campus at the time assistance was requested and immediately began rendering medical aid to an individual identified as a Nixa Junior High student until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene. The student was transported to the hospital by ambulance where he was later pronounced deceased.

The scene was immediately secured by other responding School Resource Deputies until Detectives arrived and processed the scene. 

At this time Christian County Detectives, School Resource Deputies and the Christian County Coroner continue to investigate the incident. Preliminary indications from the investigation indicate the incident to be a suicide and at no time were any other students or school personnel in any danger.

An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow and next of kin have been notified.

Cox Health opens Nixa facility

(From Cox Health)

Patients are now being seen at CoxHealth Nixa, which opened its doors on Dec. 14.

Located at 501 N. Wilderness Rd. in Nixa, the new 30,000 square-foot facility represents CoxHealth’s most recent effort to give health care with convenience. It offers primary care, urgent care, and physical therapy in one place. All services are now available with the exception of physical therapy, which will open in January.

“As we have evaluated the needs of our region, something we have consistently heard from our patients is that they desire convenience when it comes to their health care,” says Max Buetow, vice president of Cox Medical Group. 

“This facility, the first of several we have slated to open in the coming months, is part of our effort to fulfill that need. Our patients have high expectations for their care, and we strive to meet them in every way that we can.”

Urgent care is available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Primary care is available Monday to Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Save My Spot is available at the facility, which allows patients to hold their place in line from home.

Other similar facilities are set to open in Ozark, Monett and Republic in the coming months. Next in line is Ozark, which will open later in December.

This facility replaces the former CoxHealth Center Nixa location. For more information, click here.

Reeds Spring man killed in crash on 65

A Reeds Spring man was killed in a one-vehicle crash 12:45 a.m. today on U. S. 65 in Saddlebrooke.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Slade E. Russell, 38, Reeds Spring, traveled off the roadway, struck a rock bluff and overturned.

Christian County Coroner Mandi Armitage pronounced Russell dead at the scene at 1:48 a.m.

The fatality was the 110th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Video- Complete Springfield City Council meeting

 

City of Springfield mourns death of former councilman Tommy Bieker

(From the City of Springfield)

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure expresses sincere condolences to the family and friends of a former City Councilman who died Sunday after a battle with leukemia. 

"It was a heavy heart that we share our sadness over the passing of former City Councilman Tommy Bieker. He was a bright light in our community, serving in many capacities to help make Springfield better. His work in environmental science will be remembered, as will his passion for bringing people together who have different backgrounds and perspectives," McClure said. 

Despite being ill, former Councilman Bieker contacted Cora Scott, Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement in July, wanting to help with public education about COVID-19. He shared video ideas and started shooting a public service announcement. 

“Tommy was a force of nature. He had a lot of great ideas and was always willing to jump in to help,” Scott said. “He texted me this past Wednesday again and asked that I share with people his comments to: 1) #maskup417 and 2) love each other and 3) he feels that we are literally the best community ever. Those are his words verbatim. He will be missed greatly.

Bieker was elected as an at-large City Council member (Seat D) in April 2011 and served until November 12 when he moved outside the city limits. While on City Council, he was a member of the Plans & Policies Committee and Community Involvement.

Springfield man killed in crash north of Halfway

A Springfield man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 9:10 p.m. Friday on Route HH, 12 miles north of Halfway.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Victor T. McCarty, 60, Springfield, went off the right side of the road and struck a tree.

Dr. Funk pronounced McCarty dead at the scene.

The fatality was the 108th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Fleeing suspect in vehicle runs over Greene County deputy

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

Greene County Deputies responded to a residence in the 1200 block of State Highway WW in Springfield, for a domestic disturbance.

Deputies remained in the area to try and locate the suspect. The suspect drove back by the victim's house and a car stop was attempted.

The suspect failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. Information was provided that the suspect was also possibly wanted for a probation violation. 

The suspect fled northbound on State Highway 13 into Polk County. Deputies received assistance in the pursuit from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Pleasant Hope Police and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

The pursuit continued north to just south of Bolivar. The suspect turned around and proceeded back south bound on SH 13.

The suspect continued south to E 565th and SH 13 in Polk County.

At that intersection a Greene County Deputy was stopped, and parked off of the roadway in an attempt to deploy stop sticks.

In what appears to be a deliberate act the suspect veered off of the road and struck our Deputy.

Deputies immediately took the suspects into custody and began to render aide to our injured Deputy.
The injured Deputy was transported by Air with very serious injuries to a local hospital.

Greene County Detectives, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office remain on scene investigating this event. The Missouri Department of Transportation is aiding with traffic direction and detouring.

Significant impacts to traffic are being experienced at this time.

Sheriff Arnott and Sheriff Morrison want to thank all agencies involved for their assistance. Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement and MODOT all worked seamlessly together in this event. Sheriff Arnott states "I would ask the community to please keep our Deputy and his family in your thoughts and prayers. We are working closely with Polk County Sheriff Morrison, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Springfield Police Department to investigate this incident. I want to also thank my Deputies for their professionalism and dedication as we investigate this horrible assault.”

The Greene County Deputy who was injured in today's incident at State Highway 13 and E. 565th Rd. is Lieutenant Steven Westbrook. Steven has served GCSO for 24 years. Lt. Westbrook remains in serious but stable condition.

Springfield mayor extends civil emergency through January 11

(From the City of Springfield)

As a housekeeping item in order to ensure the city has needed flexibility in the coming weeks, Mayor Ken McClure issued the Fifth Renewal of the Sixth Proclamation of Civil Emergency, effective Dec. 12, 2020-Jan. 11, 2021.

“There continues to reasonably appear to exist a state of civil emergency, and I, therefore, am renewing the Sixth Proclamation of Civil Emergency for an additional 30 days; however, due to the passage by City Council of an ordinance setting out regulations to protect public health and safety from the spread of COVID-19, I do not believe it necessary to exercise the additional powers granted to me under City Code at the present time,” McClure said.

Springfield Public Schools deputy superintendent retiring

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Ms. Carol Embree, deputy superintendent of operations for Springfield Public Schools, has announced her pending retirement from public education, effective June 30, 2021. 

Ms. Embree’s decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year will conclude 29 years of dedicated service to Missouri public schools.

“Our district and community have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from Carol’s steadfast leadership,” said Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent. 

“Carol’s professionalism, work ethic and sincere commitment to serving our students, staff, taxpayers and community-at-large is extraordinary. With a financier’s mind and a teacher’s heart, Carol has maintained a perfect balance of effectively using taxpayer resources and meeting student needs by achieving efficiencies in procedures and processes. We congratulate her and know that she will be missed.”

As deputy superintendent of operations, Ms. Embree is responsible for oversight of all operations, including financial and business services, transportation, facilities and construction, custodial and food services, as well as human resources. During her tenure, Ms. Embree was instrumental in the development of a facility master plan and engaged with the Community Task Force on Facilities in its critically important work. This ultimately led to the passage of Proposition S, a $168 million bond proposal, in April 2019. Prior to her seven years of service to SPS, Ms. Embree held similar business administrative positions in the Liberty, Blue Springs and Clinton school districts.

“SPS and the Springfield community will forever be close to my heart,” said Ms. Embree. “While retirement has been an option for several years, my deep connection to SPS and a strong commitment to serving the students and staff of this district have extended my tenure. It has been my honor and privilege to engage in this important work and I am so thankful for the opportunity.”

The Board of Education has accepted Ms. Embree’s letter of retirement and a search for her replacement will begin soon.

Springfield pedestrian struck, killed by truck at Oxford and Sunshine

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On December 5, 2020, at 11:30 p.m., Springfield police were dispatched to the intersection of Sunshine and Oxford for a motor vehicle crash involving a 2019 Navistar box truck and a pedestrian.

The initial investigation indicated the box truck was westbound on Sunshine at Oxford, in the outside lane. The pedestrian appeared to be crossing Sunshine southbound. The box truck struck the pedestrian and then continued westbound. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

The pedestrian was identified as 39-year-old Marcie L. Brown, a female from Springfield. Next of kin has been notified.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This is the 24th fatality motor vehicle crash and the 26th total crash-related death of 2020 in Springfield.

Springfield woman killed in one-car accident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On December 8, 2020, at 12:00 p.m., Springfield police were dispatched to the intersection of Blaine St. and Marlan Ave. for a single-vehicle crash involving a Ford Focus.

The initial investigation indicated the Ford Focus was traveling southbound on Marlan Ave. The vehicle left the right side of the roadway, struck a stop sign, and then crossed Blaine St. The vehicle then entered the back yard of 2311 East Pacific Street and struck the rear of the residence.

The driver was identified as 87-year-old Bonnie J. Davis, a female from Springfield. Davis was transported to Mercy hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Next of kin has been notified.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This is the 25th fatality motor vehicle crash and the 27th total crash-related death of 2020 in Springfield.

I-44 to be reduced to one westbound lane near Mount Vernon

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: I-44 Reduced to One Westbound Lane Near Route H (MM 44) at Mt. Vernon Dec. 8-10

What: I-44 traffic reduced to one westbound lane near Lawrence County Route H near Mile Marker 44 at Mt. Vernon for pavement repair

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, until 6 a.m. Thursday, December 10

Traffic Impacts

-I-44 reduced to one westbound lane near Mile Marker 44

-All ramps at Exit 44 will remain OPEN

-Speed limit reduced to 60 mph through work zone

-No signed detour

-Drivers should look for alternate route

Details: Contractor crews will be repairing pavement beginning in the driving (right) lane and then switching to the passing (left) lane.

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

Two Verona residents killed in crash

Two people were killed in a one-vehicle accident 8 p.m. Wednesday on Business 60, one mile north of U. S. 60 in Verona.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by James V. Costanza, 54, Verona, ran off the roadway and struck a tree.

Lawrence County Coroner Scott Lakin pronounced Costanza and a passenger, Kimberly L. Pauls, 38, Verona, dead at the scene at 8:50 p.m.

The fatalities were the 106th and 107th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield Public Schools, Missouri State break ground on agriculture education magnet school

 

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools and Missouri State University broke ground on a new agriculture education magnet school for Springfield students on Dec. 3 at the William H. Darr Agricultural Center. The project is a collaboration of Missouri State and Springfield Public Schools and is made possible by a generous donation from William H. and Virginia Darr and the Darr Family Foundation.

When completed in spring of 2022, the new agricultural academy will offer a hands-on learning experience for students interested in agricultural careers. The $6.7 million project will include classroom space, greenhouse, garden and demonstration kitchen. The academy will be able to serve up to 150 students in grades 4-6.

“The generous gift of the Darr Family Foundation and the partnership of Missouri State University enable SPS to give more students access to unique programs which they find to be engaging, relevant and personal,” said Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools. 

“We believe this academy will help students better understand the important role agriculture plays in Missouri and challenge them to explore ways they can be active participants in that heritage.”

The agricultural academy will be the newest choice magnet program to be offered by SPS. Other programs currently available include the Health Sciences Academy, Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, Academy of Exploration and Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility. These are housed on the premises of community partners and enable students to become immersed in studying a specific area of interest.

Student representatives from several of the academies were present and assisted with the groundbreaking event.

“We’re excited this collaborative project is taking off,” said MSU President Clif Smart. “Soon, many Springfield students will have access to a modern, fully equipped facility where they can dive deep into learning all about agriculture.”
The Darr Family Foundation’s investment in the agricultural academy represents the largest known gift in Springfield Public Schools’ history.

According to Brent Dunn, executive director of MSU Foundation, the Darr Family Foundation’s gift funds more than the school building.

“The gift also funds a new education building at the Darr Agricultural Center for MSU students, which is a goal of the university’s Onward, Upward campaign,” Dunn said.

Missouri State will own the school building and Springfield Public Schools will provide teachers, curriculum and other educational supplies. Students will be randomly selected to attend the agricultural academy through an application and lottery drawing process.

Springfield Police investigate homicide at 1809 E. Seminole

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Dec. 1, 2020, at about 8:00 a.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to 1809 E. Seminole due to a 911 caller locating a suspected deceased person. Officers entered the vacant business and located a deceased male inside who appeared to have been assaulted.

The deceased person has been identified as 48-year-old Johnny A. Pendergrast, a male from Kansas City, MO. Next of kin notifications have been made.

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).

This marks the 25th violent death in Springfield in 2020. Seventeen of those, including this case, have been determined to be Murder under the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) rules, one was classified as Negligent Manslaughter, and two others were ruled justified after review by the Greene County Prosecutor. Five other cases remain under investigation to determine the appropriate classification.

Watch live- Springfield City Council lunch meeting at 12 noon

 

Complete video- Springfield City Council Monday night meeting

 

Willard teen killed, another seriously injured in crash north of Springfield

One person was killed and another injured in a one-vehicle crash 4:36 p.m. Monday on Farm Road 60, five miles north of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1997 Saturn SL2 driven by Aleiyah D. Smith, 17, Willard, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a utility pole, traveled through a field and overturned.

Josh Moore of the Greene County Medical Examiner's office pronounced Smith dead at the scene.

A passenger, Alexis L. Greene, 17, Willard, was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

The fatality was the 104th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.