Republic Police searching for missing teen

(From the Republic Police Department)

The Republic Police Department is seeking assistance in locating Makenzie White, a juvenile white female, sixteen years old, 5’6” tall, weighing approximately 130 pounds, with brown hair (pink on top and in front) and blue eyes. White was last seen on 01/27/2023 at roughly 10:00pm in Republic. White frequents the Republic, Springfield, and Nixa areas. White has been entered as a missing juvenile.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 and ask to speak to a Republic Police Officer.

Springfield Public Schools extends superintendent's contract through 25-26

(From Springfield Public Schools)

The Springfield Public Schools Board of Education has completed its annual evaluation of the superintendent. The Board of Education unanimously approved a one-year contract extension for Dr. Grenita Lathan, the second of her SPS tenure, through the end of the 2025-2026 school year.

“The Board of Education is confident that Dr. Lathan is the best leader for this district, at the right time in our journey, and we are extremely fortunate to benefit from her leadership,” said Dr. Denise Fredrick, president. 

“During her tenure, Dr. Lathan has worked with SPS staff, the board and our community to guide our district through challenging times. This includes efforts to emerge from a pandemic, keep students and staff as safe and healthy as possible, while remaining continually focused on outstanding academic opportunities for every child.”

The Board of Education noted the following strengths and achievements during the evaluation period:

Updating the district’s Strategic Plan.

Exhibiting knowledge and an ability to ensure the success of all students by acting with integrity and in an ethical manner.

Providing effective, consistent communication structures / protocols for internal and external stakeholders.

Restructuring district leadership and departments to improve personnel and human resource allocation, including assignments to support school leaders and their teams.

“Dr. Lathan maintains an open door policy, listens to many voices, and draws upon her vast educational background and experience before bringing forward recommendations,” continued Dr. Frederick. 

“The Board of Education will work with Dr. Lathan over the coming weeks to develop new goals aligned with our district’s strategic plan. We look forward to our continued partnership, which is key to the success of our district.”

Springfield rappers indicted for illegal weapons

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

Two Springfield, Mo., men who are part of a local rap group were indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing several firearms that have been linked to recent shootings.
Ezekiel Josiah King, 19, and Jardell Carlin Williams, 19, were charged in a four-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo.








Today’s indictment charges King and Williams each with two counts of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of firearms. The indictment replaces separate criminal complaints that were filed against King and Williams on Dec. 21, 2021.

King allegedly was in possession of a Glock .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol and an Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic rifle on Feb. 15, 2022. He allegedly was in possession of an Anderson AM-15 multi-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Oct. 23, 2022.

Williams allegedly was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Feb. 15, 2022, and a C3 Defense 5.56-caliber semi-automatic pistol on Oct. 23, 2022.

According to affidavits filed in support of the federal criminal complaints, this case resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives into numerous shooting incidents in the Springfield area. Many of the shooting suspects identified themselves as gang members and/or rappers. A review of their social media accounts showed them in rap music videos and photographs possessing what appeared to be handguns, AR-style pistols, and rifles. Most of the identified subjects were under the age of 21 and were prohibited from purchasing handguns. In many of the rap videos, targets of this investigation appear to be smoking marijuana and have been documented as users of controlled substances.

Springfield police detectives stopped a gold Nissan Altima for multiple traffic violations on Feb. 15, 2022. King was driving the vehicle, with Williams in the front passenger seat. The Anderson AM-15, loaded with 31 rounds of .223-caliber ammunition, was in the back seat with another passenger. Detectives found the Glock pistol, loaded with an extended magazine that contained 29 rounds, as well as another extended magazine and two factory Glock magazines, under the driver’s seat. Detectives also found a loaded Glock pistol under the front passenger’s seat, and two more boxes of ammunition on the front floorboard. Officers also found marijuana in a backpack inside the vehicle, and in Williams’s possession.

On Oct. 22, 2022, deputies with the Greene County Sheriff’s Department and agents with the ATF were conducting surveillance in downtown Springfield because King was performing at a rap concert in that area. They saw King in the front passenger seat of a white Jeep Compass near South Avenue and Walnut Street. There were also two men and three women in the back seat, including Williams. Following a traffic stop, deputies found the Anderson AM-15 pistol on the front passenger floorboard. The pistol was loaded with 36 rounds in the 40-round capacity magazine. The C3 Defense pistol was found where Williams had been seated. A third firearm was found close to where another passenger had been sitting.

According to the affidavit, the Glock pistol seized from Williams was used in a shooting that occurred on Jan. 30, 2022. In that incident, several shots were fired into an occupied residence in the 700 block of S. Nettleton in Springfield. The C3 Defense AR-style pistol was tentatively identified as being used in three shooting incidents in the Kansas City, Mo., and Kansas City, Kansas, areas.

According to the affidavit, the Anderson AM-15 pistol seized from King was tentatively identified as one used in a shooting that occurred on Oct. 8, 2022. In that incident, a vehicle was shot during a drive-by shooting at or near the 1700 block of N. Washington.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Springfield man sentenced to 20 years for meth conspiracy, illegal firearms

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy that distributed at least 11 kilograms of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri and for illegally possessing firearms.

Gregory D. Robinson, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 20 years in federal prison without parole.

On Feb. 8, 2022, Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Robinson admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties from April 10, 2019, to March 30, 2020. According to court documents, Robinson conspired with family members to distribute at least 11 kilograms of methamphetamine in the southwest Missouri area. Law enforcement officers seized more than 500 grams of methamphetamine from members of the conspiracy.

During a traffic stop on Feb. 9, 2020, a Greene County sheriff’s deputy found a Ziploc bag that contained 55.97 grams of methamphetamine in Robinson’s jacket. Robinson also had $2,500 in cash.

Springfield police officers conducted another traffic stop of Robinson on March 30, 2020, when a woman reported that he had threatened her with a firearm. Robinson resisted arrest and threatened to kill the officers. An officer removed two pistols from Robinson’s waistband – an FNH .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with five rounds of hollow-point ammunition, and a Sturm Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Officers also found a bag that contained 54.32 grams of methamphetamine in Robinson’s pants pocket. Robinson has been in federal custody since his arrest.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Robinson has three prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and a prior felony conviction for tampering. In addition to felony convictions, Robinson has multiple misdemeanor convictions for assaultive conduct and at least 57 felony arrests.

Robinson is among 11 defendants who have been charged in this case. Three co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Springfield Police Department makes seven DWI arrests during saturation patrol

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Jan. 21, 2023, officers with the Springfield Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office conducted a DWI saturation patrol. 

Officers utilized marked patrol vehicles to enforce hazardous moving violations commonly associated with intoxicated driving.

As a result of this operation, there were 88 traffic stops, 57 citations, 64 Warnings, 7 DWI arrests, and 4 misdemeanor warrant arrests.

The Springfield Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office plan to periodically conduct joint operations to ensure the motoring public’s safety.

Branson woman killed in rollover crash on 65

A Branson woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident 6 a.m. Friday on U. S. 65 one mile south of Ozark.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a southbound 2012 Hyundai Sonata traveled off the left side of the roadway, overcorrected, then traveled off the left side of the roadway again.

The vehicle crossed the median onto the northbound side then traveled off the roadway overturning several times and ejecting both occupants.

It was unclear which of the two was driving.

Allison Barboza, 20, Branson, was pronounced dead at 4 p.m. at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Monica Miranda Lopez was treated for serious injuries at Cox.

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

Springfield Public Schools submitting $220 million bond issue to voters

(From Springfield Public Schools)

On April 4, Springfield Public Schools will ask voters to consider a request to issue general obligation bonds in the amount of $220 million for the purpose of completing projects that will impact all schools in the district.

If voters approve the request, there will be no increase to the district’s debt service property tax levy, which is currently 73 cents per $100 of assessed valuation of real estate and personal property.








The critical projects to be funded by Proposition S were recommended by a citizen task force. The task force studied the needs of all district facilities and prioritized these projects to provide quality learning environments for all students and to enhance the safety and security of schools.

Projects to be funded are:

Safety and security upgrades at all schools: Protective film will be installed on ground-floor windows at all schools. Security cameras and door and roof sensors/alarms will be installed based on identified needs.

New Pipkin Middle School: A new school will be built at a new, larger location. Pipkin opened in 1925 and has significant plumbing, electrical and other infrastructure issues that cannot be easily resolved by renovation.

New Reed Academy: A new school will be built on the school's current site. Reed opened in 1923 and its design and condition are similar to that of Pipkin. A new school will address these issues and will be designed to support the school's expansion of fine and performing arts opportunities.

Renovated Pershing School: A major renovation to the current building will address the outdated HVAC system, accessibility barriers, safety concerns and traffic flow.

Storm shelter gymnasiums: Structures built to withstand high winds and tornados will be added to Cowden, Holland, Mann, Pittman, Watkins and Wilder elementary schools.

Learn more about Proposition S

Three people killed in crash caused by wrong way driver at West Bypass and James River Freeway

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Jan. 20, 2023, at 1 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the area of West Bypass and James River Freeway regarding a motor vehicle crash.

A white 1991 Dodge Ram, driven by Steven Jordan (65 of Republic, MO), was westbound on James River Freeway in the eastbound lanes. The Dodge Ram struck a white 2021 Ford Expedition, driven by Antonio Williamson (54 of De Soto, TX) head on. 

Three occupants in the Ford Expedition: Sharon Farmer (69 of Pittsburg, TX), Ukena Farmer (45 of Dallas, TX), and Stephen Figgins (61 of Missouri City, TX) were pronounced dead on scene. Meosha Stafford (58 of Houston,TX), Angela Groden (59 of Dallas, TX), and Janet Figgins (68 of Missouri City, TX) were transported to the hospital. They are in critical but stable condition. 

The driver of the Expedition, Williamson, and passenger, Pamela Taylor (61 of Lancaster, TX) had minor injuries. The driver of the Dodge Ram, Jordan, was admitted to a local hospital due to his injuries.








The families of the deceased have been notified of their deaths.

Intoxication is believed to be a factor in this crash. The investigation is ongoing as to the circumstances involved in the crash. Anyone with any information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department.

This was the 3rd fatal motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2023, which have resulted in 5 deaths.

Springfield man killed in motorcycle accident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Jan. 17, 2023, at 01:32 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the area of Maryland and Walnut Lawn regarding a single motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle.

A blue 2004 Harley Davidson, driven by James O’Keefe, 43, of Springfield, was eastbound on Walnut Lawn and struck a curb of the roundabout at Maryland. The collision caused O’Keefe to be ejected from the motorcycle. O’Keefe was pronounced deceased on scene.

O’Keefe’s next of kin has been notified.

Speed and intoxication are believed to be a factor in this crash. Anyone with any information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing as to the circumstances involved in the crash. This was the second fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2023.

Springfield man killed in fiery crash on 13

A Springfield man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 10:40 a.m. today on MO 13 in Branson West.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Ford Explorer driven by Brent M. Sexton, 36, Springfield, ran off the right side of the roadway at a high rate of speed, overturned down an embankment then caught on fire. Sexton was ejected.

Stone County Deputy Coroner Jerry Jenkins pronounced Sexton dead at the scene at 11:35 a.m.

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

 

Greene County Sheriff investigating attempted kidnapping of Ash Grove child

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

Yesterday evening at approximately 7:15 pm, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by Ash Grove Police Department to assist with a reported attempted abduction of a 11-year-old child. 

The 11-year-old stated she was playing in her backyard on Maple Street, when a white male grabbed her and began taking her to a nearby truck. The 11-year-old stated she was able to get free from the suspect and get away.

 
The child described the male as a white male, 5’11”, 200 lbs wearing black clothing and black and white shoes. She described the suspect truck as a newer, unknown brand, black truck with stock wheels with scratches around the wheels. She also stated there were two other individuals in the truck, a male and female. 

The second unknown male in the truck was in the driver’s seat and described him as having black hair, no facial hair and wearing a black coat. The female in the truck was described as an unknown female seated in the back seat with hair past her shoulders.

 
Greene County Deputies and Ash Grove Police Department followed up and checked for evidence in the area utilizing a K9 and checked for surveillance video at nearby residences, businesses, etc, with no additional information or sightings of the vehicle or suspects.

If you have any information regarding this incident, observed anything or have further information, please contact the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip Hotline at 417-829-6230.

This is an ongoing investigation and more will be released as it becomes available.

Two people killed, Aurora man flown to Mercy in critical condition following fiery head-on collision

Two people were killed and one injured in a two-vehicle collision 6:42 p.m. Friday on Route TT two miles east of Reavisville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2018 Ford F-150 driven by Craig M. Laney, 33, Aurora, attempted to pass another vehicle and struck a 1999 Ford Taurus driven by Rachal J. Reavis, 43, Crane, head on.

Both vehicles traveled off the roadway with the Laney vehicle burning. Reavis and a passenger in her vehicle, Garrett L. Chambers, 46, Pleasant Hill, were pronounced dead at the scene at 8:44 p.m. by Stone County Coroner John Cunningham.

Laney was airlifted to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

The fatalities were the fourth and fifth this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Republic man killed, six people injured in three-vehicle accident on 60

 A Republic man was killed and six people injured in a three-vehicle accident 8:45 a.m. today on U. S. 60 at South Farm Road 35 one mile west of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2011 GMC Canyon driven by David A. Cantrell, 38, Springfield, traveled off the roadway, crossed the median and struck a concrete bridge.

It entered the eastbound lanes and struck a 2002 GMC Sonoma driven by Donald R. Underwood, 72, Republic. The Underwood vehicle spun and struck a 2021 Ford F150 driven by Jose A. Martinez, 59, Billings.

Dr. Calindo at Cox South Hospital pronounced Underwood dead at 9:23 a.m.

Cantrell and four passengers in his vehicle, Shawna N. Cantrell, 37, a 7-year-old boy and 10 and 14-year-old girls were treated for serious injuries at Mercy Springfield.

Martinez was treated for minor injuries at Mercy.

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

Springfield man killed crashing into house

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Jan. 6, 2023, at 10:26 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the area of Norton and National regarding a motor vehicle crash involving an SUV into a house.

A black 2002 Chevrolet S10 Blazer, driven by James Duncan (50 of Springfield), was eastbound on Norton and attempted to make a left turn (northbound) onto National. 

The vehicle failed to navigate the turn and struck the house on the northeast corner of the intersection, 3010 N National. Duncan was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. There were no injuries reported inside the residence.

Duncan’s next of kin has been notified.

Speed is believed to be a factor in this crash. Anyone with any information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Springfield Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing as to the circumstances involved in the crash. This was the 1st fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2023.

Monett Police Department December Statistics

 

Branson man killed in crash on 14

A Branson man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 10:15 a.m. today on MO 14 two and a half miles east of Bruner.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2002 Ford Focus driven by Bryan D. Baker, 59, Branson, traveled off the roadway and struck a tree.

Baker was pronounced dead at the scene by Christian County Coroner Mandi Armitage.

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