New leaders named at Springfield Public Schools

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools announced on Wednesday the following leadership appointments for the 2021-2022 school year, effective July 1.

Dr. Natalie Cauldwell has been named interim principal of Parkview High School. In 2019, Dr. Cauldwell retired from SPS with 31 years in public education, including six years as principal at Glendale High School. 

Prior to joining Glendale, she served as principal at Pershing, Sequiota and York; assistant principal at Weaver and Doling; and as an alternative school teacher and a K-12 assessment coordinator and curriculum specialist. 

Most recently, Dr. Cauldwell has served as the secondary administrator for Launch, the district’s virtual learning program. 

She completed her undergraduate and graduate work in education at the University of Texas at San Antonio, an education specialist degree from Missouri State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri. 

The search for Parkview’s long-term principal will resume during the 2021-2022 school year, with an announcement anticipated in the spring of 2022.

Mrs. Cara Stassel has been promoted to executive director of business services and will now serve on the district’s Executive Leadership Team. Mrs. Stassel has 12 years of experience with SPS, most recently as the district’s director of business services. Past SPS experience also includes work as an accounting and budget analyst, as well as the department’s assistant director. 

Prior to joining SPS, Mrs. Stassel worked as a fiscal and budgetary analyst with the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Jefferson City. She holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from Missouri State University.

“Dr. Cauldwell and Mrs. Stassel have both made significant impacts on our district and community,” said incoming SPS superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan. “Both Natalie and Cara are widely respected and we appreciate their willingness to serve in these important capacities as we look ahead to a new school year.”

Springfield teen charged with assault after allegedly shooting girlfriend

 

(From the U. S. Marshals Service)

U.S. Marshals-Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force and Springfield Police Detectives arrested a Springfield man on Tuesday for charges stemming from a domestic shooting on June 11th. 

On June 23rd, prosecutors charged Isaac M. Shadden, age 19 of Springfield, with 1st Degree Domestic Assault and Armed Criminal Action. Shadden is accused of shooting his then girlfriend, in a case investigated by the Springfield Police Department. The U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force joined the hunt for Shadden the same day.

Investigative clues soon led Deputy Marshals to Shadden’s suspected hiding spot. On Tuesday afternoon, Marshals along with Springfield Police-Special Investigations Unit detectives surrounded a house in the 800 block of West Webster Street in Springfield after spotting Shadden inside. 

After a brief standoff, Shadden surrendered to authorities who took him into custody. 

“Stopping the spread violence in our communities is a priority for the Department of Justice and the U.S. Marshals Service,” said Mark James, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Missouri. 

“The U.S. Marshals have specialized in hunting down violent fugitives like Shadden for over 230 years.” The U.S. Marshals Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force—Springfield Division, partners with members of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, the Springfield Police Department, and the Billings Police Department.

State audit of Lawrence County underway

(From State Auditor Nicole Galloway)

State Auditor Nicole Galloway said today her office has begun a regularly scheduled audit of Lawrence County, located in southwest Missouri. 

The most recent audit of Lawrence County was completed in December 2016, with the county receiving an overall rating of "poor." 

A follow-up report, released in 2017, showed county officials had made some progress addressing the issues reported in the audit, but that some concerns remained.

"This audit will provide an independent review of Lawrence County government operations to ensure taxpayer resources have been used appropriately and to recommend improvements that will better serve citizens," Auditor Galloway said. "If anyone in the community has feedback that may be helpful, I encourage them to reach out through my Whistleblower Hotline."­­

Individuals who would like to provide information for consideration in these audits or any audit may contact the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by calling 800-347-8597. Concerns may also be submitted anonymously online at auditor.mo.gov/hotline.

U. S. Marshals arrest Springfield-area fugitive in rural Iowa

(From the U. S. Marshals Service)

U.S. Marshals arrested a fugitive in Zwingle, Iowa wanted on federal charges out of Springfield, Missouri. U.S. Marshals sought Untavious Davenport, (39, from Chicago, Illinois) on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin and Fentanyl. 

A federal grand jury in Springfield indicted Davenport in June 2020 after an extensive investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  (U. S. Marshals Service Photo)

Following his indictment, the U.S. Marshals Service joined the hunt for Davenport. Deputy Marshals quickly learned Davenport fled Missouri for Chicago where he successfully eluded capture for several months. 

The Chicago Strike Force, a multi-agency organization under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcment Task Forces (OCDETF), joined the hunt for Davenport along with U.S. Marshals Service investigators in Chicago and Iowa. 

In June 2021, Marshals tracked Davenport to a rural location near Zwingle, Iowa. On June 23rd, about 4:00 p.m. a combined team of Deputy U.S. Marshals from Missouri, Iowa and Illionois, along with the Dubuque Drug Task Force located and arrested Davenport without incident. Davenport remains in federal custody pending extraditon to Missouri. 

“Davenport’s arrest resulted from the combined efforts of talented investigators across three states,” said Mark James, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Missouri, “Davenport will now face the justice he’s fled for so long.” 

The U.S. Marshals Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force—Springfield Division, partners with members of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Christian County Sheriff’s Office, the Springfield Police Department, and the Billings Police Department. 

Suspect on the loose following shooting death of Springfield man

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 10, 2021, at 4:26 p.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to 1403 N. Broadway after a 911 caller reported that a male subject was shot. When officers arrived, they found a male who had suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound. The male was transported to a local hospital where he began receiving treatment. On June 19, 2021, the male victim died.

The victim is Travis D. Rogers, a 44-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Officers have notified Mr. Rogers’ next of kin.

 

A suspect has been identified but has not yet been located or arrested.

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 twelfth homicide investigated by SPD in 2021.

Walnut Grove man killed in head-on collision

A Walnut Grove man was killed in a two-vehicle collision 8:05 p.m. Tuesday on MO 215 in Morrisville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2001 Yamaha YZ250 driven by Austin T. Heglund, 25, Walnut Grove, failed to negotiate a curve.

The Yamaha and a 2012 Jeep Liberty driven by a 16-year-old Willard girl traveled off the roadway and collided head on.

The fatality was the 60th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Shell Knob woman killed in UTV accident

A Shell Knob woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident 6 p.m. Tuesday at Fox Woods Circle three miles south of Shell Knob.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 Polaris Ranger driven by Kenneth D. Hayzlett, 62, Shell Knob, was backing and overturned ejecting a passenger, Shari L. Rains, 59, Shell Knob.

Barry County Deputy Coroner Todd Hughes pronounced Rains dead at 6:34 p.m.

The fatality was the 61st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Mount Vernon man drowns in James River

 A Mount Vernon man drowned in a boating accident 4:07 p.m. Tuesday on the James River, a half mile downstream of Hootentown Access.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1977 Greenbank Boatworks canoe overturned while fighting the current going upstream.

Willis B. Hull, 87, Mount Vernon, was thrown from the canoe and drowned.

Stone County Coroner John Cunnyngham pronounced Hull dead at the scene at 8:42 p.m.

The death was the third boating fatality this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

I-44 to be reduced to one lane in each direction near Mt. Vernon, Halltown

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: I-44 Reduced to One Lane in Each Direction in Lawrence Co. June 21-25

Drivers can expect traffic reduced to one lane and delays on I-44 for pavement repair work at mile marker 47.4 near Mt. Vernon and mile marker 58.0 near Halltown June 21-24, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Contractor crews will be making repairs to smooth the ride over Lawrence County Road 1147 and over Missouri Route 96.

Traffic Impacts

Eastbound and westbound I-44 lane closures where crews are working

Expect delays during high traffic volume times

Contractor will start work at mile marker 47.4 beginning at 7 a.m., Monday, June 21 and work ‘round the clock

When that work is complete, contractor will move to mile marker 58.0 and work during nighttime hours

All work will be complete by 6 a.m., Friday, June 25

Only one lane open in each direction where crews are working

Speed limit reduced to 60 mph through the work zone

Drivers are urged to consider alternate routes

Weather and/or construction delays could alter the work schedule.

Golden woman killed, Cassville man flown to Mercy following head-on crash on 86

A Golden woman was killed and a Cassville man injured in a two-vehicle collision 10:23 a.m. Sunday on MO 86, two miles east of Eagle Rock.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2012 Chevrolet 2500, driven by an unidentified man, crossed the center line and struck a 2016 Ford Escape driven by Dorthy R. Hickey, 87, Golden, head on.

Hickey was pronounced dead at Mercy Hospital.

A passenger in the Chevrolet 2500, Benjamin Tinnen, 46, Cassville, was airlifted to Mercy Hospital, Rogers, Arkansas, with serious injuries.

The fatality was the 58th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Springfield man killed in crash at intersection of Orchard Crest and Junction

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 5, 2021, at 5:33 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the intersection of Orchard Crest and Junction regarding a motor vehicle crash.

A 1995 Dodge Ram 1500, driven by 70-year-old James R. Lane from Springfield, MO, was traveling southbound on Orchard Crest towards Junction. 

 The Dodge left the east side of the roadway striking several trees and coming to rest in a culvert. Life-saving efforts were attempted on scene and Lane was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries. Next of kin has been notified.

Officers are investigating the circumstances involved in the crash. This is the seventh fatal motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2021.

Springfield man arrested following shooting death on E. Atlantic St.

(From the Springfield Police Department0

On June 9, 2021, at 2:10 a.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to the 1400 block of E. Atlantic St. after a 911 caller reported that a male subject had been shot. 

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

The victim was identified as Christopher L. Kuder, a 42-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Mr. Kuder’s next of kin has been notified.

 

The Springfield Police Department identified a suspect in the case as Mickal O. Johnson, a 22-year old male from Springfield, MO. Johnson was arrested, and 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 eleventh homicide investigated by SPD in 2021.

Monett woman killed, second Monett woman injured in three-vehicle accident near Butterfield

A Monett woman was killed and another Monett woman injured in a three-vehicle accident 11:47 a.m. today on MO 37, one mile south of Butterfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a  2009 Freightliner UPS van driven by John Maddux, 47, Springfield, failed to yield and turned in front of a 2015 Ford Taurus driven by Linda Gunter, 74, Monett, with the Gunter vehicle hitting the van in the rear and pushing it into a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Geoffery Timper, 59, Crane.

Dr. Kenneth Larson pronounced Gunter dead at 2:11 p.m. at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

A passenger in the Gunter vehicle, Sammie Gunter, 42, Monett, was treated for serious injuries at Cox Hospital, Monett.

The fatality was the fourth this month and 50th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Crane man run over by farm tractor, killed

A Crane man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 1:38 p.m. today on Farm Road 2012, five miles south of Aurora.

According to the Highway Patrol report, an Allis Chalmers tractor driven by Burl Baum, 69, Crane, started to roll backwards. Baum fell off the tractor and was run over.

The Barry County Coroner pronounced Baum dead at the scene.

The fatality was the fifth this month and the 51st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield man pleads guilty to meth conspiracy charges

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man who illegally possessed nine firearms has pleaded guilty in federal court to his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Cass counties.

Christopher M. Iavolo, 42, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Tuesday, June 1, to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

By pleading guilty, Iavolo admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from May 10 to Nov. 8, 2018. During the conspiracy, Iavolo received methamphetamine from a co-defendant who made multiple trips to Texas to acquire kilogram-level quantities. Iavolo then distributed methamphetamine to others.

On Nov. 6, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Iavolo’s residence. Iavolo had a loaded Beretta .32-caliber semi-automatic pistol tucked inside the back of his pants. When officers searched a bedroom, they found a Masterpiece Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended high capacity magazine in between the bed’s box spring and mattress. Underneath the bed, they found a loaded HK .22-caliber semi-automatic rifle, a loaded Romarm 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, and a rifle case that contained two loaded Glock 9mm semi-automatic handguns, a loaded Cobra .380-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a loaded Star .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, a loaded Jennings 9mm semi-automatic pistol, numerous handgun magazines, ammunition, a large knife, a rifle scope, and handgun holsters.

Officers also found a safe inside the bedroom closet that contained 33.37 grams of methamphetamine. The bag appeared as if there was once much more methamphetamine inside of it based upon the amount of residue. There was also a metal scoop inside the bag.

Iavolo told officers he traded methamphetamine for most of the firearms. Iavolo admitted to selling three to five ounces of methamphetamine each week for the past several months.

Co-defendants CMichael D. Johnson, 53, and Xlyona M. Sharp, 37, have also pleaded guilty.

Under federal statutes, Iavolo 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 Jessica R. Sarff. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Pleasant Hill, Mo., Police Department.

Republic teen killed in motorcycle crash at Kansas Expressway and Broadmoor

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On May 30, 2021, at 1:03 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the intersection of Kansas Expressway and Broadmoor St. regarding a motor vehicle crash.

A 2008 Kawasaki Ninja, driven by 19-year-old Nathaniel Likins from Republic, MO, was traveling southbound on Kansas Expressway towards Broadmoor. 

The Kawasaki struck the curb along the median and left the roadway before striking a tree. Likins was pronounced deceased on scene and next of kin was notified.

The investigation is ongoing as to the circumstances involved in the crash. This is the sixth fatal motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2021.

Police seek video of double homicide in Branson restaurant parking lot

(From the Branson Police Department)

The Branson Police department is asking for the public's help with the investigation into the double homicide that occurred in the late evening on Saturday, May 29th.

 
We are asking for residents and businesses in the area of Dr. Good Dr and 76 Country Hwy to check their recording systems for video and or audio between the hours of 11:00 pm and 12:00 am on 05-29-21. This includes the "Murphy Addition" neighborhood and businesses along 76 Country Hwy.

Anyone who locates a recording or has other pertinent information can contact us by calling the Citizen Alert to Crime Hotline (CATCH) at 417-334-1085 or online at https://bransonmo.gov/.../Police.../Crime-Tip-Submission-46.

Earlier news release

The second person shot last night (Saturday) has also passed away. 

The Branson Police Department continues to investigate this double homicide and encourages anyone with information to contact us. Please use this link for further information and ways to provide information: https://www.bransonmo.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1374

Original news release

In the late evening hours of May 29th, 2021, the Branson Police Department responded to the rear parking lot of a restaurant (Famous Dave's) in the 1800 block of W 76 Country Blvd on a report of two people suffering from gunshot wounds. 

Officers found the victims, quickly secured the scene and requested medical aid. One victim was pronounced deceased at the scene while the other was taken to a hospital in Springfield.

Investigators spent the evening processing the crime scene and are in the initial stages of this case. While the identities of the victims are known, this information will not be released until notifications are made and more information is gathered. 

Robbery does not appear to be the motive at this time and police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public.

The Branson Police Department encourages anyone who may have information about this case to contact us as soon as possible. This may be done by calling the Citizen Alert to Crime Hotline (CATCH) at 417-334-1085 or online at https://bransonmo.gov/FormCenter/Police-Forms-6/Crime-Tip-Submission-46.