Inside Springfield features news about Springfield, Greene County, and the surrounding area in Southwest Missouri. If you have any information you would like to see published on this website, please contact Randy Turner at rturner229@hotmail.com
Saturday, March 30, 2024
Taney County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Stone County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Cedar County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Monett Police investigating dog bite incident; 7-year-old Aurora boy taken to KC for treatment
(From the Monett Police Department)The Monett Police Department is investigating a dog bite incident that occurred on private property within the city limits at approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 that resulted in severe injuries to a seven-year-old male from Aurora, Mo.
The animal involved in the incident is described as a mixed-breed dog and is currently being held by Monett Animal Control. There is no danger to the public.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the child who suffered injuries in the incident was a guest at the residence where the dog resides when the incident occurred.
The victim was transported to Kansas City, Mo. for treatment of his injuries.
The animal involved in this case was also the subject of a bite incident in October of 2023. The dog’s owner was cited for Vicious Animal as a result of the October 2023 investigation. That case is pending in May of 2024 in Monett Municipal Court.
The investigation into the March 27 incident is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Monett Police at (417) 235-4241.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Springfield Public Schools announces seven new principals
(From Springfield Public Schools)Springfield Public Schools has announced new principals for seven schools and an executive director for middle and K-8 schools.
Dr. Jennifer Allie has been named the next principal of Bissett Elementary School. Allie currently serves as assistant principal at Aurora R-8 School District in a school that serves students in pre-kindergarten through grade 2.
She follows Erica Rosenbaum who has accepted the position of principal at McBride Elementary School.
Prior to becoming an assistant principal in 2021, Allie served as a literacy coach and elementary classroom teacher in Aurora, Ozark, Clever and Wheatland.
Allie earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from Missouri State University. She obtained her master’s in educational administration, specialist in educational leadership and doctorate in educational leadership from Southwest Baptist University. Allie also earned her literacy coach certification from University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Bissett community. I am eager to partner with students, staff, and families as we work together to foster continued growth and success for all learners,” Allie said. “It's an honor and privilege to join the SPS team at Bissett!”
Dr. Kenneth Davis has been named executive director for middle schools and K-8 schools. He follows Dr. Michael Methvin, who has accepted the position of superintendent for Bolivar School District.
Davis has 31 years of experience in public education, working primarily with school districts in Texas. He currently works as a consultant to build the capacity of school leaders and teachers to improve student achievement and success.
Previously, he was employed by Houston Independent School District as executive director of equity and outreach, area superintendent of schools, executive director/assistant superintendent of equity and outreach, school support officer/assistant superintendent, and principal at the elementary, middle and high school levels. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Houston Community College and the University of Houston.
Davis earned a bachelor’s in child development from Rockford College and a master’s in elementary education from University of St. Thomas. He obtained his doctorate in education from Lamar University.
“As a life-long learner, we must continue to walk in the footsteps of our students so that we, as professionals, can build a road, with a high quality education, that can lead our students into a successful future that they deserve,” Davis said.
Maggie Dickerson has been named the next principal of Rountree Elementary School. She is currently the school community liaison at Pittman Elementary School. She follows Misty Ramsey, who has accepted the position of director of special services for grades K-5.
Dickerson started her career with SPS in 2018 as a kindergarten teacher at Pittman Elementary School. She also taught at Disney Elementary School for two years and has served as an Explore principal. Prior to that, she worked as a preschool teacher in Iowa.
She earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from Fort Hays State University in Kansas and a master’s in educational leadership from Missouri State University. She also has a master’s in business administration from University of Missouri – Kansas City. Dickerson is currently working toward a doctorate in educational leadership and curriculum at Evangel University.
“I am honored to be joining the Rountree community. Rountree has a rich tradition of excellence, service and community and I am eager to work with our Rountree staff, students and community to build upon and continue this mission to support and grow life-long learners,” Dickerson said.
Amy Fleming has been named the next principal of Harrison Elementary School. She is currently assistant principal at McGregor Elementary School, where she has served since 2022. She follows Shawn DeWitt who is retiring at the end of the school year.
Prior to serving at McGregor, Fleming was a seventh-grade English teacher at Pershing K-8 School and a teacher at Williams Elementary for grades 3 and 5.
Fleming holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Drury University. She earned a master’s degree in educational leadership from Evangel University and is currently working toward a doctorate in educational leadership and curriculum & instruction from Evangel.
"Returning to the community that nurtured me throughout my educational journey is an honor. Having been a product of Springfield Public Schools, I am profoundly grateful for the foundation it provided me,” Fleming said. “I firmly believe that education should be a joyous and transformative experience, one that leaves a lasting imprint on our students' lives. It is a blessing to join the talented team at Harrison Elementary. I look forward to working with them to make learning fun and memorable, empowering our students to thrive and succeed in their futures."
Andrea Hangen has been named the next principal of Wilder Elementary School. She currently serves as assistant principal at Westport K-8 School. She follows Adam Bax, who will be the new principal at Field Elementary School.
Before joining Westport, Hangen was an elementary teacher in Republic. She had previously worked at SPS as a third-grade teacher and instructional technologist at Twain Elementary School.
She holds a bachelor’s in elementary education, a master’s in educational administration and a specialist in educational administration from Missouri State University.
“I am excited to serve the Wilder community by joining the team of staff doing amazing work daily with students! I am looking forward to getting to know the staff, students, and families of Wilder Elementary,” Hangen said.
Dr. JoAnn Hite has been named the next principal of Westport K-8 School. She currently serves as assistant principal at Central High School. She follows Stephanie Wasko who is leaving at the end of the school year.
Hite has worked at Central High School since 2014 when she started as coordinator of site interventions. For the past nine years, she has served as assistant principal. Prior experience includes teaching middle school and high school science, health and physical education for 14 years.
She obtained a bachelor’s in physical education and health, a master’s in education and a master’s in educational administration from Missouri State University. She earned a doctorate in educational leadership & policy analysis from University of Missouri – Columbia.
"I am grateful for this incredible opportunity to serve as the leader within the Westport Wildcat community,” Hite said. “I am passionate about education, and I am eager to build upon the shared commitment and dedication of the Wildcat family to work together, as a team, toward student growth and success."
Shannon Jenkins has been named principal for Mallory Early Childhood Center. She currently serves as director of early childhood for Grain Valley Early Childhood Center.
For the past 29 years, she has worked for Grain Valley R-5 and Smithville school districts in a variety of leadership and educational positions, including special education process coordinator, special education teacher and paraprofessional.
Jenkins has a bachelor’s in early childhood from Park College and a master’s in special education from University of Missouri – Kansas City. She earned a specialist degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from University of Missouri – Columbia.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work alongside the Mallory team next year and continue to pour into the district’s youngest learners,” Jenkins said. “I look forward to growing as a professional and working in partnership with parents, paraprofessionals, teachers, and district leadership to reach the ultimate goal of student success and growth!”
Stephanie Young has been named the next principal of Hickory Hills K-8 School. She currently serves as principal at Delaware Elementary School. She follows Becky Ash, who has accepted a principal position with the Branson School District.
Young has 18 years of experience as an elementary principal. For the past 11 years, she has been the leader at Delaware, during which time she guided students and staff through the construction of a new school.
Before joining Delaware, she was principal at Truman Elementary School for seven years. She has also worked as an elementary assistant principal, an elementary classroom teacher and middle school special education teacher.
She obtained her bachelor’s in 1999 from Drury University and earned a master’s in 2004 and specialist in 2017 from Missouri State University.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Hickory Hills school community,” Young said. “Hickory Hills has an outstanding reputation of academic excellence and a high level of support from the community. I look forward to many years of growing & visioning together!”
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Mount Vernon man killed in collision on I-44 exit ramp at Halltown
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Taney County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield
Wheaton man cited for DWI following injury accident on 76
Three drown after two kayaks capsize on Stockton Lake
Three people drowned after two kayaks capsized at Crabtree Cove on Stockton Lake Tuesday.
Friday, March 22, 2024
20-year-old woman killed in Branson crash
(From the Branson Police Department)At approximately 11:15am on March 22, Branson Police Department, Branson Fire Department and Taney County Ambulance District responded to a motor vehicle accident on US Hwy. 65 between MO Hwy. 248 and Bee Creek Road.
At the 2-vehicle crash site, officers discovered a deceased 20-year-old female. The other driver sustained no injuries.
The preliminary investigation does not show reckless actions or intoxication. The final investigation is expected to take approximately one month, and any victim information must come through the Taney County Coroner.
City of Branson police officers are on site of a fatal accident on HWY. 65 between HWY. 248 and Bee Creek Rd.
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Lineup announced for this year's Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
(From the City of Springfield)
Ozarkers will again have the chance to share their talent by competing in the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival’s second annual “Great Route 66 Talent Search.”KY3/KSPR/CW and the City of Springfield are on the lookout for singer/songwriters, dancers and others age 18 and older who have what it takes to bring people to their feet at the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be discovered by industry professionals who scour local and regional festivals and the internet for America’s next great talent.
Kicking off the festival this year is the Rockin’ the Route 66 Kickoff Concert and street party at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 featuring the one-and-only Emerald City Band.
Registration links for Friday and Saturday’s car show, the Charity Bike Show and the Gypsy Tour Poker Run to benefit the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will be live Thursday at route66festivalsgf.com.
A full lineup of free entertainment is planned, including the Friday parade starting at 6 p.m. at Grant Avenue and College Street traveling east through Park Central Square to St. Louis Street and dispersing at National Avenue. Join us for a pre-parade party at the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park at 4:30 p.m.
The Women’s World Expo at the Shrine will be back this year, along with the Authors, Artists, Collectors & Associations expo at The Old Glass Place. Make sure to stop by History Museum on the Square and tour the Birthplace of Route 66 Gallery.
Concerts begin Friday afternoon at the Aaron Sachs Motorcycle Village Stage at 1 p.m. with Skyler Weimer and continuing with Springtown 66 at 3 p.m., the Mixtapes at 6:30 p.m. and Machine Gun Symphony taking the stage at 9 p.m.
Saturday’s concerts kick off at noon at the Aaron Sachs Stage in Motorcycle Village with Harper Atkins and guitarist Matt Brown and continue through the day with Dan Conklin Band, Midwest Thick, Jake Stringer, Dirty Saints and closing with Sixwire taking the stage at 9 p.m.
A full lineup for performers will also take the Chevy Dealers of the Ozarks Stage at Park Central Square Friday and Saturday.
Food and merchandise vendors interested in having a presence at the festival should email masterfuleventsmo@gmail.com.
Nineteen-year-old drowns on Stockton Lake
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Forsyth police officer shot during road rage incident
(From the Forsyth Police Department)As most of you heard last evening, one of our officers was injured in the line of duty while assisting the Taney County Sheriff's Office. The officer had been dispatched to a road rage incident near the intersection of MO 76 and US 160.
Upon contact with the subject, he opened fire on our officer, striking him twice before fleeing into the nearby brush.
We want to thank all the involved agencies that assisted last night in this absolutely senseless act of violence. We are thankful for all of the supportive messages, calls, and actions.
City of Springfield taking steps to remove white nationalist hate speech from vandalized public property
(From the City of Springfield)The City of Springfield is aware of recent vandalism by a white nationalist hate group and is taking steps to remove disturbing messages from public property around Springfield. Messages have been spotted at local parks, on lamp and signposts and bus stops.
Hate groups promote violence, discrimination and oppression based on race and must be equivocally denounced. We stand united with all marginalized communities and remain dedicated to fight against hate in all of its forms.
Together, we will create and promote a community where differences are valued and celebrated and where everyone has the opportunity to prosper and contribute.
DNR issues construction, operating permit for Greene County solid waste processing facility
The Department of Natural Resources reviews all applications submitted by cities, counties and private owners to ensure solid waste facilities are properly designed and constructed. Other technical factors that protect Missouri’s environment are also examined.
Questions and comments regarding the transfer station or the department's role in regulating solid waste processing facilities may be sent to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176 or by phone call to David Drilling, P.E., Chief, Permits Unit, at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-9545.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Route 97 in Pierce City to be closed at railroad for crossing repairs
(From MoDOT)
TRAFFIC ALERT: Missouri Route 97 CLOSED at BNSF RR in Pierce City for Crossing Repairs March 26-31
Where: Missouri Route 97 (Locust Street) at BNSF Railroad crossing just south of Missouri Route 37 (Commercial Street) in Pierce City
When: 7 a.m., Tuesday, March 26 through midnight, Sunday, March 31
Traffic Impacts
All lanes of Route 97 CLOSED at railroad crossing
Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either side of the work zone, but will not be able to travel across the railroad
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching work zone
Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts
Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Stone County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions
U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield
Monett man killed in two-vehicle collision
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 300 driven by James W. King, 46, Monett, struck the side of a 2020 Jeep Wrangler driven by Kelsey J. Marler, 31, Springfield.
Marler received minor injuries.