Sara Shevchuk named principal at Truman Elementary in Springfield

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Dr. Sara Shevchuk, the current principal of McGregor Elementary, has been named the next principal of Truman Elementary, effective July 1. Dr. Shevchuk will transition to this new role as Dr. Joellyn Travis retires from SPS after 26 years in education.

“Sara is an exceptional leader and I am confident that her emphasis on building strong relationships with students, parents, teachers and support staff will lead to a seamless transition at Truman,” said Dr. J. Anderson, executive director of elementary learning for SPS. 

“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Travis who will leave an important, lasting legacy when she retires in June.”

Prior to serving as principal of McGregor for ten years, Dr. Shevchuk was the assistant to the principal at Jeffries Elementary and taught math at Jarrett Middle School for five years. She completed her undergraduate and graduate work at Missouri State University and a doctorate in educational leadership at Southwest Baptist University.

“I look forward to engaging with the Truman community and to building on Truman’s long tradition of excellence and north side pride,” said Dr. Shevchuk.

Springfield Police searching for missing, endangered man

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing, endangered person.

The missing person is 22-year-old Zachariah L. Moore. Moore was reported missing at 5:19 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021. He was last seen on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 5:00 p.m., in the 800 block of N Farmer Ave.

Moore is a white male, he is 6’0, 145 lbs., has blue eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a tan jacket and jeans. He may be barefoot or wearing white tennis shoes.

On March 31, 2021, Officers were made aware that Moore suffers from a mental disability rendering him unable to care for himself. He may be under the influence of an unknown controlled substance and not on his prescribed medication.

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

Springfield Police investigate traffic fatality at Kearney and Bates

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 29, 2021, at 8:22 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department’s Traffic Section responded to the intersection of Kearney and Barnes regarding a motor vehicle crash.

A 2009 Hyundai Sonata, driven by 54-year-old Thenia Evans from Brighton, MO, was driving westbound in the inside lane of Kearney approaching Barnes. 

The Hyundai then struck the rear of a 2016 Ford F-150 pickup, driven by 41-year-old Richard Bransberger of Strafford, MO, which was stopped at a red traffic signal. Evans was transported to an area hospital following the crash where she was pronounced deceased. Bransberger was not injured. Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation is on-going as to the circumstances involved in the crash. Impairment does not appear to be a factor. This is the fifth fatal motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2021. 

Springfield Police arrest suspect in East Evergreen homicide

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 25, 2021, at 12:45 a.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to the Welcome Inn located at 3550 E. Evergreen after a 911 caller reported that a male subject had been shot. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male inside of a motel room who had suffered a gunshot wound.

The victim was identified as Dylan A. Hill, a 26-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Next of kin notifications have been made.

Through the investigation, SPD identified a suspect in the case as Matthew Borg, a 32-year old male from Springfield, MO. 

The case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office and Borg was charged with 2nd Degree Murder, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

The Greene County Prosecutor cautions that the charges announced herein are merely allegations, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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 fifth homicide investigated by SPD in 2021.

Springfield woman sentenced to 16 years for role in heroin conspiracy

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

A Springfield, Missouri, woman has been sentenced in federal court for her role in leading a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of heroin in Greene County, Mo.

Jasmine D. Steed, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough on Thursday, March 25, to 16 years and eight months in federal prison without parole.

On Jan. 20, 2020, Steed pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Greene County from Nov. 15, 2016, to Nov. 3, 2018.

 

According to court documents, the conspiracy was responsible for distributing more than three kilograms of heroin. 

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers utilized confidential sources to make controlled buys of heroin from Steed and others, and conducted surveillance of drug transactions with various individuals, including co-defendants Richard J. Smith, 46, of Springfield, and Rashad J. Moore, 28, of Branson, Mo. 

On several occasions, Steed had children in her car with her during the drug transactions.

On Oct. 17, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Steed’s residence and seized 24 grams of heroin from her. 

The owner of the residence told investigators that Steed paid $1,300 in cash each month for rent. Officers also searched a Waynesville, Mo., home that Steed was renting and seized a loaded Sig Sauer .380-caliber pistol and two bundles of cash that totaled $5,435. According to court documents, Steed continued to distribute heroin after those warrants were executed.

During the conspiracy, Steed used the proceeds of drug trafficking with her boyfriend to purchase an engagement ring for $14,000 and $20,000 to close on the purchase of a home. As a result, she must forfeit $34,000 to the government as the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.

Smith and Moore have pleaded guilty. Moore was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison without parole and Smith awaits sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Springfield man shot to death in motel room

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 25, 2021, at 12:45 a.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to the Welcome Inn located at 3550 E. Evergreen, after a 911 caller reported that a male subject had been shot. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male inside of a motel room who had suffered a gunshot wound.

The victim was identified as Dylan A. Hill, a 26-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Next of kin notifications have been made.

 

The Springfield Police Department identified a person of interest in the case and detectives are currently interviewing that person. 

The case will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for review and potential filing of criminal charges.

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 incident marks the fifth homicide investigated by SPD in 2021.

Marshfield woman killed in two-vehicle collision

A Marshfield woman was killed in a two-vehicle accident 12:24 p.m. Tuesday on Cologna Road, four miles west of Marshfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Dodge Avenger driven by Jennifer M. Ramos, 43, Marshfield, crossed the center line and struck a 2012 Ford F350 Super Duty driven by Brenda R. Klein, 55, Stoughton, Wisconsin.

Webster County Coroner Robbie Journegen pronounced Ramos dead at the scene at 1:25 p.m.

Klein was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield. 

Marionville man cited for felony DWI after three injured, including two children, in ATV accident

A Marionville man was cited for felony driving while intoxicated following a one-vehicle accident 7:33 p.m. Wednesday on Charity School Road, a half mile southeast of Marionville in which three people injured.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Yamaha 250 ATV driven by Apollo L. Ayers, 33, Marionville, experienced equipment failure causing a crash.

An eight-year-old boy was treated for serious injuries and Ayers and a three-year-old boy for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

 

Jeremy Brown named Central High School principal

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Mr. Jeremy Brown has been named the new principal of Central High School in Springfield, effective July 1. Mr. Brown is currently the principal and athletic director for Scott Charter School in Scott, Arkansas, and will follow the interim leadership of Mrs. Judy Brunner and Mr. Stephen Seal.

“Springfield Public Schools looks forward to welcoming Mr. Brown,” said Dr. Ron Woodard, executive director of secondary learning for SPS. “His passion for inspiring students and connecting with the community makes him an exceptional choice for Central High School. I am eager for our team to welcome him to Springfield.”

Prior to leading Scott Charter School, Mr. Brown served as the assistant principal of Jacksonville High School in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, where he also led the school’s freshman academy and history department. 

Other leadership experience includes service as the K-8 dean of students for eStem Public Charter Elementary/Middle School in Little Rock. Mr. Brown’s 11-year career in education includes service in a variety of roles with the Pulaski County Special School District, Little Rock School District and North Little Rock School District in Arkansas, including as a physical science, physical education and health teacher; as well as a baseball and basketball coach.

“I am excited and honored by the opportunity to serve as the principal of Central High School,” said Mr. Jeremy Brown. “As an instructional leader, my priority is to provide students a welcoming learning environment and meaningful educational experience to ensure we create positive global leaders. I am excited to meet our staff members, students, and families. I look forward to collaborating and building rapport with all stakeholders to ensure a successful transition.”

Mr. Brown completed his undergraduate work at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State University, and an Education Specialist in Superintendency from Arkansas State University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in school leadership from Arkansas Tech University.


Before his career in education, Mr. Brown spent three years as a professional baseball player with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Springfield man sentenced to 20 years for role in Greene County meth trafficking

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine.

Richard G. Wacker, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole.

On Jan. 10, 2020, Wacker pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Missouri, from March 30 to Aug. 30, 2017.

 

Wacker admitted that he traveled to Kansas City on several occasions to purchase a half-pound of methamphetamine. After making two trips with co-defendant Ronald A. Stone, 53, of Springfield, Wacker directed Stone to make the trips alone every two to three days. Stone purchased two pounds on each trip, one pound for himself and one pound for Wacker.

Wacker also admitted that he drove to Oklahoma City on at least three occasions, each time to purchase five kilograms of methamphetamine for $45,000.

Springfield police officers executed search warrants at Stone’s residence twice in 2017. On each occasion, officers seized firearms and methamphetamine. On Aug. 29, 2017, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers stopped Stone’s vehicle and seized three large bags that contained a total of approximately 6.8 pounds of methamphetamine.

Wacker is the third and final defendant to be sentenced in this case. Stone was sentenced on Sept. 25, 2020, to 20 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, to possessing methamphetamine to distribute, and to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

Carol A. Hardy, also known as Carol A. Johnson, 51, of Mountain Grove, Mo., also pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2018, to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hardy’s residence and found 1.766 kilograms of methamphetamine in a safe on the floor of a bedroom closet.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nhan D. Nguyen and Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Purdy woman flown to Cox South after collision on 37

A Purdy woman was injured in a two-vehicle collision 12:17 p.m. Monday on MO 37, a half mile south of Butterfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Mitsubishi Raider driven by Phillip A. Richardson, 60, Cape Fair, turned into the path of a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Kaylee M. Tichenor, 20, Purdy.

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

Springfield man drowns in James River

A Springfield man drowned in an accident 5 p.m. Sunday on the James River, two miles south of Highway 14.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Brian A. Gomez, 46, Springfield, was operating a kayak, left the kayak and was last seen standing in waist deep water on a gravel bar. Gomez was later found under a root wad in the river.

The drowning was the third this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Suspect killed as Highway Patrol SWAT team responds to Kimberling City hostage situation

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

At approximately 10:00 a.m. on March 12, 2021, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Stone County Sheriff’s Office and the Kimberling City Police Department, responded to an address on Port Holiday Lane 2, in Kimberling City, Missouri, after a call regarding a possible hostage situation.

After several hours of unsuccessful negotiations, the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop D SWAT team was requested by the Stone County Sheriff’s Office. 

Upon arrival, members of the SWAT team made verbal and visual contact with a male subject who had a hostage in the apartment with him. 

While negotiating with the male suspect, he fired random shots inside the apartment. As troopers were attempting to negotiate, the suspect fired multiple shots. 

One trooper discharged his Patrol issued firearm and the suspect sustained a single gunshot wound. The Stone County Coroner responded to the scene and pronounced the suspect deceased.

Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control are investigating the incident and the officer involved shooting. Further details cannot be released at this time.

Springfield man sentenced to 15 years for child pornography

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Brian M. Turner, 38, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

On Sept. 14, 2020, Turner pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography.

The investigation began in December 2018 when law enforcement received a Cybertipline report that Facebook had identified an image of possible child pornography sent by Turner via his Facebook Messenger account to another user in Australia. On Jan. 29, 2019, a law enforcement officer located Turner at a Springfield McDonald’s restaurant. Turner admitted to viewing child pornography for the past 10 years. He explained that he received the child pornography from others utilizing Facebook Messenger. Turner also admitted that he stored images of child pornography in his Google Photos account.

Investigators conducted a forensic examination of Turner’s cell phone and found 236 images and one video of child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Wan and Nhan D. Nguyen. It was investigated by Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Grenita Lathan named Springfield Public Schools superintendent

 

(From Springfield Public Schools)

After conducting a nationwide search for its next superintendent, the Springfield Public Schools Board of Education has announced the unanimous selection of Dr. Grenita Lathan from Houston Independent School District (HISD), the seventh largest school district in the nation and largest school district in Texas. 

As the current Interim Superintendent for HISD, Dr. Lathan is responsible for oversight of 276 schools and 27,000 employees, serving 196,000 students. She will begin her tenure with SPS on July 1, following the pending retirement of Dr. John Jungmann.

“Dr. Lathan’s 30-year career in education demonstrates a proven track record of enhancing public education with an unwavering commitment to all students and educators,” said Dr. Alina Lehnert, president of the SPS Board of Education. 

“The nationwide search generated a high level of interest from many strong candidates, and the Board used the feedback from more than 6,000 SPS constituents to evaluate each applicant. We are in unanimous agreement that Dr. Lathan is the most qualified to lead our district. We look forward to welcoming her to SPS and providing our full support.”

Dr. Lathan joined HISD in 2015 as Chief School Officer for Elementary Transformation Schools, later transitioning to Chief Academic Officer before serving as the district’s Interim Superintendent. 

Dr. Lathan’s other leadership experience includes five years as Superintendent of Peoria Public Schools in Illinois, as well as two years with the San Diego Unified School District in California as Chief Elementary School Improvement Officer and Interim Deputy Superintendent. Her career in education began as a high school teacher in North Carolina, where she later served as principal.

“I am honored to join Springfield Public Schools and work with the incredible SPS team to build upon the success of Missouri’s largest school district,” said Dr. Lathan. “During my career, I have focused on improving academic outcomes for all students, and I believe great things are ahead for SPS. I will be visiting Springfield this spring to introduce myself and meet the wonderful people who call this special place home. I look forward to being an active part of this community.”

About the Nationwide Search

The nationwide search for the next SPS superintendent was conducted by GR Recruiting, an executive search firm specializing in education. 

Prior to the search, GR Recruiting hosted a series of engagement meetings last fall, both in-person and virtually, to gather feedback from SPS constituents about the next superintendent. In addition, a survey was sent to SPS staff, parents and the community. More than 6,000 individuals participated in the feedback process, which guided the development of a candidate profile.

Next Steps

SPS will host a variety of opportunities to meet Dr. Lathan. Following Spring Break, Dr. Lathan will participate in a series of virtual meetings to introduce herself and share more about her background and approach to leadership. Later in the spring, she will visit Springfield and in-person engagements will be scheduled. Details will be provided in the coming weeks.

Nixa teen killed in parking garage accident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 3, 2021, at 8:07 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department’s Traffic Section responded to the parking garage at 230 N. Campbell regarding a motor vehicle accident.

A 2004 Ford Taurus was being driven on the top level of the parking garage by an 18-year-old male from Nixa, Missouri. Colton Cline, another 18-year-old male from Nixa, MO was riding on the hood. 

Cline fell from the hood of the vehicle onto the concrete and suffered life-threatening injuries. Cline was transported to the hospital where he later died as a result of those injuries. Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation is ongoing as to the circumstances involved in the accident. Impairment does not appear to be a factor. This is the third fatality involving a motor vehicle in Springfield in 2021.

Springfield man sentenced to 20 years for child pornography, sexual activity with underage Canadian girls

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for using SnapChat to contact 12- and 13-year-old girls in Canada to induce them to engage in sexually explicit behavior.

Michael David Miller, 40, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 20 years in federal prison without parole.

On June 2, 2020, Miller pleaded guilty to the coercion and enticement of a minor.

On May 23, 2019, law enforcement in Ottawa, Canada, received multiple reports from 12-to-13-year-old girls that an older man – later identified as Miller – was communicating with them on SnapChat. Miller asked them to engage in sexually explicit activity, sent videos and images of child pornography, and masturbated while on video chat with some of the minors. SnapChat submitted to law enforcement 25 files of suspected child pornography that had been sent between Jan. 6 and May 29, 2019.

Local law enforcement began investigating after Miller was identified. Investigators also received information from an adult woman regarding Miller’s conduct via text messages and video chat through the Duo application. 

Officers executed a search warrant at Miller’s residence on July 18, 2019, and seized multiple devices. A forensic examination of those devices found videos and images of child pornography on his laptop computer.

Miller also admitted that he engaged in similar criminal conduct with children in Nebraska and Wisconsin.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Springfield pedestrian killed in accident on Fremont Avenue

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 2, 2021, at 10:40 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department’s Traffic Section responded to the area of Fremont and Woodland regarding a motor vehicle crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Investigators determined that a 2014 Ford Escape driven by a 72-year-old male from Springfield, MO, was traveling southbound on Fremont approaching the intersection of Woodland. 

The driver of the Ford Escape suffered a medical emergency and left the roadway, striking a pedestrian who was walking on the sidewalk. The pedestrian was identified as Phyllis D. Tinsley, a 73-year-old female from Springfield. Tinsley died at the scene as a result of the crash. Next of kin has been notified.

The driver and his passenger were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing as to the circumstances involved in the crash. Impairment does not appear to be a factor. This is the second fatal motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2021.

Springfield police investigating fatality accident involving bicyclist on North National

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On February 19, 2021, at 8:10 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department’s Traffic Section responded to 2225 N. National regarding a motor vehicle crash that involved a vehicle and a person on a bicycle.

A 1996 Mercury Grand Marquis, driven by a 41-year-old male from Springfield, MO, was traveling northbound on National and merged into the left turn lane to make a left turn. In doing so, the driver struck 59-year-old Kevin Shank, who was stopped in the turn lane on a bicycle. 

 

The collision caused Shank to be ejected from the bicycle and he suffered significant injuries. Shank was transported to a local hospital and succumbed to his injuries on February 26, 2021. Next of kin has been notified. The driver and his passenger were not injured in the crash.

The investigation is ongoing as to the circumstances involved in the crash. Impairment does not appear to be a factor. This was the first fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2021.

Springfield Police seeking information on homicide at 1333 N. Concord

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Feb. 26, 2021, at approximately 3:40 p.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to 1333 N. Concord Ave. after a 911 caller stated one subject had been shot. 

When officers arrived, they located a deceased male who had suffered gunshot wounds. 

 

The deceased person was identified as Stanley R. Taylor, a 43-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Next of kin notifications were made to Mr. Taylor’s family. 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).

Springfield Police investigating homicide at 926 South Avenue

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Feb. 27, 2021, at approximately 4:39 p.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to 926 South Ave. after a 911 caller stated a subject had been shot. 

When officers arrived, they located a male who had suffered a gunshot wound. The male was transported to a local hospital where he eventually succumbed to his injuries. 

 

The male has been identified as Cory D. McHaffie, a 31-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Next of kin notifications have been made to Mr. McHaffie’s family. 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 incident marks the fourth homicide investigated by SPD in 2021.