Bolivar teen killed in dirt bike accident

A Bolivar teen was killed in a one-vehicle accident 6 p.m. Monday on East 540th Road two miles west of Pleasant Hope.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2022 Honda CRF125F driven by a 15-year-old Bolivar boy went out of control on a rutted roadway and overturned with the boy falling off.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:47 p.m.

The fatality was the 27th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Springfield CPA pleads guilty to stealing $400,000 from trust fund

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

A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to embezzling more than $400,000 from a trust fund under his control.

Ray Leonard Marple, 61, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges him with one count of wire fraud and one count of making a false federal tax return.

Marple, a certified public accountant, has been operating his own accounting firm since 1999. By pleading guilty today, Marple admitted that he embezzled approximately $432,981 from a revocable trust account from July 7, 2017, through May 3, 2023, following the death of the grantor.

According to the plea agreement, Marple would have been entitled to trustee fees less than $2,500 annually, or $17,500 total for the seven years, significantly less than he withdrew from the trust account for personal purposes. Marple therefore stole at least $415,481 from the trust account. Marple admitted he used proceeds from the fraud scheme to purchase his residential property in Springfield.

Marple also admitted that he under-reported his income on federal tax returns from 2018 to 2020. Marple earned nearly $177,000 in taxable income that was not reported over those three years, for which he owes $59,622 in federal income taxes.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Marple must pay up to $415,481 in restitution to the trust and at least $59,622 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, as ordered by the court. Marple also must forfeit to the government a money judgment of $415,481 and his Springfield residential property.

Under federal statutes, Marple is subject to a sentence of up to 23 years 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 Patrick Carney. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI.

Stockton man killed in head-on car-tractor collision

A Stockton man was killed in a two-vehicle accident 5:45 p.m. Saturday on County Road 1801 seven miles south of Stockton.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2011 GMC Sierra driven by Edward T. Hargrave, 41, Stockton, and a John Deere tractor driven by Joey E. Gray, 50, Stockton, collided head on.

Dr. David Darmsteadter pronounced Gray dead at 7:49 p.m. at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar.

The fatality was the 26th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Eight Cassville residents, including 6 children, injured in collision on 76

Eight Cassville residents were injured in a two-vehicle collision 3:20 p.m. Friday on MO 76 one mile east of Exeter.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 Ford Flex driven by Samantha J. Slavens Mason, 30, Cassville, failed to yield to a 2010 Infiniti QX56 driven by Ashley M. Easter, 35, Cassville. Both vehicles traveled off the right side of the roadway.

Slavens Mason was treated for serious injuries and two passengers in her vehicle, William V. Mason and an 11-year-old boy, both of Cassville, for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Rogers, Arkansas.

Easter was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Springfield.

Four passengers in the Easter vehicle, a 5-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, all of Cassville, were treated for minor injuries at Cox Monett.  

West Plains man sentenced for harvesting trees in national forest

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

A West Plains, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally harvesting and stealing trees from Mark Twain National Forest.

Justin Lee Massey, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to two years and six months in federal prison without parole. 

The court ordered the federal sentence to be served consecutively to the unrelated state criminal convictions for which Massey is currently incarcerated. The court also ordered Massey to pay $30,000 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service and to forfeit to the government $30,000, which represents the proceeds of his theft.

On July 19, 2023, Massey pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property. Massey admitted that he illegally cut down trees in Mark Twain National Forest, in the area of HC Road 5120 in Howell County, Mo., between Dec. 15, 2020, and Jan. 20, 2021.

According to his plea agreement, Massey cut down at least 10 trees. The trees were removed from the area and taken to a local sawmill, where they were sold. Based on the value of the trees illegally harvested and stolen from Mark Twain National Forest and those trees damaged due to the illegal harvesting, the total restitution is $30,000.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service.

Republic man pleads guilty to fentanyl trafficking, illegal firearm

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

A Republic, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing fentanyl to distribute and several firearms following two instances in which he fled from law enforcement officers.

Tonikko Fewell, 34, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to two counts of possessing fentanyl 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.

On Aug. 16, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Fewell’s residence. Fewell drove by his residence while officers were executing the search warrant. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Fewell dropped off a female passenger and quickly sped away at speeds over 100 miles per hour. Officers discontinued the pursuit over public safety concerns.

Officers searched Fewell’s residence and found approximately 588 grams of fentanyl, $3,420 in cash, and an Anderson .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle, which had been reported stolen, with a fully loaded 40-round magazine. Officers also found a Jimenez Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen and a Walther 9mm semi-automatic pistol in a vehicle parked at the residence.

On Dec. 8, 2021, a Springfield, Mo., police detective attempted to conduct a traffic stop of an orange Cadillac Fewell was driving. The detective did not pursue the vehicle, but shortly afterward saw the vehicle had been involved in a three-car accident at the intersection of Commercial Street and National Avenue. The detective searched the vehicle and found 54 grams of fentanyl and $4,232 in cash. Fewell, a passenger, and their 2-year-old daughter were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Fewell has a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon.

Under federal statutes, Fewell 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Republic, Mo., Police Department, and the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Branson Police mourn passing of former officer

(From the Branson Police Department)

BPD is hurting. Many in the community already know but we wanted to acknowledge the passing of retired Officer Frank Hirahara.

 
Frank served the citizens of Branson honorably for 12 years, from 2008 until he retired in 2020. During that time, Frank served in Patrol, SWAT, K9, and finished his BPD career as a Detective. Frank was K9 Tygo's first handler and ultimately left BPD to pursue his passion in training canines for others.

 
Frank grew up in this community and we know he touched many lives throughout his time here. We have been in contact with Frank's family as they process their loss and they have relayed his love of his police career.

 
We are praying for Frank and his family and are thankful for our time with him!

Betsy Cannella named Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Betsy Cannella was named 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year for Springfield Public Schools Friday, April 19, during Celebrate SPS, an event hosted by Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.

Cannella is currently an engineering teacher at Kickapoo High School. She started her career with SPS in August 2008 as a gifted education teacher and taught at Glendale High School before joining the KHS staff. During her tenure at SPS, Cannella has taught gifted education, art, physical education and science. She has also coached tennis, robotics and softball.

Cannella shared, “I strive to establish an interactive, hands-on, and engaging classroom space where students can utilize multiple senses to enhance their learning experience. Students of all types can find success in my classroom and hone their skills across various disciplines. There is limitless potential for innovation and rigor, benefiting both students and teachers alike.”

Three additional finalists were also celebrated during the event: Julie Buerke, Fremont Elementary, vocal music teacher; Alicia Johnson, Twain Elementary, first grade teacher; and Laurie Macy, Pipkin Middle School, special education teacher.

Cannella will continue on to compete in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s regional competition. Winners at the regional level will advance to the Missouri State Teacher of the Year competition.

Springfield man killed in collision at Sunshine and Scenic

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On April 16, at 7:38 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at Sunshine St. and Scenic Ave.

Jordan Oswalt, 29, from Springfield, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on Scenic at Sunshine. Mischelle Moore, 55, from Rocky Comfort, was driving a white Honda Odyssey van westbound on Sunshine. The two vehicles collided in the intersection and Oswalt was ejected from the vehicle.

Oswalt was transported to the hospital where he later died. Oswalt’s family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation.

This was Springfield’s seventh fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

 

Springfield Police make arrest following assault at 128 Park Central

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Saturday evening, officers responded to the report of an assault at 128 Park Central.

 
The two victims were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect, Michael Wallace, 34, was identified and located a short distance from the scene.

 
Wallace was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for assault. Rocio Orozco, 39, was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Springfield woman killed in car-bicycle collision

A Springfield woman was killed in a two-vehicle collision 2:35 p.m. Monday on Highway YY a half mile east of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a Cannondale One bicycle ridden by Renee B. Griffith Grantham, 34, Springfield, failed to yield to a 2004 GMC Yukon driven by Jeremy L. Compton, 50, Strafford.

Grantham was pronounced dead by Dr. Funk at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, at 3:10 p.m.

The fatality was the 23rd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Springfield man killed in fiery crash

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On April 12, 2024, at 12:36 p.m., the Springfield Police Department responded to a vehicle crash at Crenshaw and Ridgecrest.

Andrew Hendrix, 35, from Springfield, was driving a black Chevrolet Corvette northbound on Crenshaw, approaching Ridgecrest, when it went off the east side of the road, hit a tree and caught fire. A piece of debris hit a southbound 2001 Gray Buick.

 

Hendrix died at the scene. Hendrix’s family was notified.

The circumstances of the crash are under ongoing investigation.

This was Springfield’s sixth fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Lampe teen killed in car-mini-bike collision

A Lampe man was killed in a two-vehicle collision 3:35 p.m. Saturday on MO 13 three miles south of Lampe.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2017 Coleman mini-bike driven by Taylor A. Phillips, 18, Lampe, pulled into the path of a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by David I. Shuppert, 66, Blue Eye.

Mercy EMS supervisor Blake Fox pronounced Phillips dead at the scene at 3:44 p.m.

The fatality was the 22nd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Miller man flown to Mercy Springfield following motorcycle crash

A Miller man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:25 p.m. today on MO 39 four miles south of Greenfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Kawasaki EX400 driven by Matthew B. Maas, 21, Miller, lost control on a curve went off the right side of the road, hit a fence pole and overturned.

Maas was airlifted to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

 

Taney County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Brian Stafford vs. Celeste Stafford

Jose D. Guilarte vs. Fabiana V. Romero Bravo

John Germann vs. Samantha Germann

Harald Hesseltine vs. Kelly F. Hesseltine

Riley S. Bradley vs. Jayamikah B. Osborn

 

Stone County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Heather D. Logan vs. Mary D. Logan

Amy B. Wilson vs. Jason M. Wilson

 

Polk County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Kathryn L. Skinner vs. Ross Skinner

Brittaney Carr vs. George Carr

 

Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Jason L. Bland vs. Leighann N. Bland

Dawn H. Tyler vs. Richard C. Tyler

 

Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Rebecca Dawn Pashia vs. Robert Bruce Pashia

Christina Lindsey Dowdle vs. Ashton Nicholas Dowdle

Melissa Eddings vs. Theodore Eddings

Sally Ussery vs. Jamie Ussery

Amanda D. Thompson vs. Charlie B. Thompson

Scott Schmid vs. Jennifer Schmid

Jeffrey L. Mindock vs. Paige K. Mindock

Christopher N. Perkin vs. Vanessa A. Perkin

Landon S. Callahan vs. Katherine M. Callahan

Laura Washington vs. Adrian W. Washington

Stephanie Lynn McKinnis vs. Chad Douglas Blevins

Daniel S. Emerson vs. Shivonne L. Emerson

Maranda R. Velazquez vs. Jose A. Velazquez

Sara Ann Buckner vs. Ryan Lee Buckner

Jennifer L. Whitehead vs. Edward J. Whitehead

Matthew J. Venaas vs. Alden J. Venaas

Stephen P. Collison vs. Marianne L. Hibler

Shatara K. Wright vs. Andre Mendoza III

Erica A. Sepulveda vs. Gonzalo Sepulveda

Barry County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Jana S. Joeckel vs. Benjamin F. Joeckel

 

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Christian County

James Allen Gilcrease and Robin Amber Gilcrease

Karen Kay Bell

Greene County

Richard Frederick Cook, Jr.

Erica Dawn Clark

Michele Dawn Gordon

Sharene Diane Longoria

Anna Marie Blakesley and Shawna Nicole Blakesley

Jonna Rayleen Doshier

Chuck Dean Williams and Tami Renee Williams

Paul Mitchell Winder and Cheryl Lynn Winder

Laclede County

John Alan Graves and Sabrina Marie Graves

Sean Spencer Brotherton and Crystal Rose Brotherton

Natashia Lynn Mackey

Wright County

John Lawren Shorts and McKenna Elizabeth Haner 

Walnut Shade man drowns trying to rescue dog

 

A Walnut Shade man died trying to rescue a dog in Bull Creek,one mile west of Walnut Shade Thursday.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Paul M. Moriuchi, 76, was pronounced dead on the scene by Taney County Coroner Elijah Goodwin at 12:10 p.m.

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

Springfield man sentenced to 15 years for illegal weapon

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm.

Walter Tyndal, 59, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Tyndal was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions. The court ordered this federal sentence to be served consecutively to any sentence for the revocation of his parole in an unrelated state case.

On Dec. 14, 2023, Tyndal pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Tyndal was arrested on an active warrant for a parole violation on Nov. 23, 2021. At the time of his arrest, Tyndal had a Bearman 9mm Derringer pistol in the back left pocket of his pants and a bag of marijuana in his front pocket.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Tyndal has three prior felony convictions for armed criminal action, three prior felony convictions for robbery, two prior felony convictions for stealing, two prior felony convictions for burglary, and a prior felony conviction for possessing marijuana in a correctional facility.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Springfield Police searching for missing child

UPDATE: She has been located.

(From the Springfield Police Department)

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

Arukia Ganis, 2, is approximately 30-40 pounds and 2.5-3 feet tall with dark brown hair, bangs and pig tails. She was wearing removable leg braces.

Arukia Ganis is in the custody of the State of Missouri. She was last seen at 11:15 a.m., at Wonders of Wildlife with her parents, Frank Ganis, 36, and Arisha Caldwell, 33. Caldwell and Frank Ganis were seen on camera at 11:22 a.m., leaving Bass Pro with Arukia Ganis through an exit facing Campbell Ave.

The parents may have left in a silver Mercedes SUV with Vermont license plate, HFL245.

Frank Ganis is 190 pounds and 6 feet tall with brown hair and hazel eyes. Caldwell is 120 pounds and 5-foot-1 with blonde hair and greene eyes.

Anyone with information relating to the child’s whereabouts or the whereabouts of Caldwell or Frank Ganis should call 911 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

(The pictures below are of the child and her parents.)

Reeds Spring woman dies from injuries suffered in April 3 collision

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On April 8, 2024, the Springfield Police Department received information about a two-vehicle crash that happened on April 3 at about 1:20 p.m. A vehicle passenger, 55-year-old Frankie Wren, from Reeds Spring, later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

The Springfield Police Department did not initially investigate the crash nor was the department called to the scene. At the time of the crash, both drivers agreed to exchange information as there were no evident injuries.

 

A preliminary investigation has been conducted by the Springfield Police Department’s Traffic Unit. Justin Harris, 40, from Republic, was southbound on Campbell Ave., just south of Battlefield Rd., in a 2011 Dodge Caravan. 

Harris rear ended a 2007 Chevrolet HHR, driven by 69-year-old Robert Wren, from Reeds Spring. Frankie Wren was a passenger in the HHR. Harris and Robert Wren exchanged information at the time of the crash.

 

Robert Wren drove Frankie Wren home on April 3. On April 4, Frankie Wren sought medical care at a local urgent care clinic and, soon after, was life flighted to a Springfield-area hospital where she died on April 7.

The circumstances of the crash are now part of an ongoing investigation.

This was Springfield’s fifth fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Resurfacing scheduled on U. S. 60 between Republic and Marionville

(From MoDOT)

MoDOT TRAFFIC ALERT: Resurfacing U.S. Route 60 Between Republic and Marionville at Night
Beginning Monday, April 22

Where: U.S. Route 60 between Illinois Street in Republic and Western Avenue in Marionville

When: 7 p.m. - 6 a.m. Monday, April 22 – Friday, May 17

What: Contractor crews resurface Route 60 during nighttime hours. Work is part of the Resurfacing Project on U.S. Route 60 and Railroad Crossing Improvements along U.S. Route 60 in Christian, Greene & Lawrence Counties.

Traffic Impacts

Lane Closures on U.S. Route 60 between Illinois Street in Republic and Western Avenue in Marionville during nighttime hours

Route 60 OPEN

Drivers on Route 60 will encounter flaggers and pilot cars directing them through the work zone.

 Drivers should wait for the pilot vehicle before proceeding through the work zones or before entering the work zones from a side road.

No signed detour

Drivers should find alternate routes

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Crews and equipment close to traffic in areas

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

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

Springfield Police Department collars four drunk drivers during saturation patrol

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department arrested four impaired drivers during Saturday’s five-hour saturation patrol. Officers used marked patrol vehicles to enforce hazardous moving violations commonly associated with intoxicated driving.

There were 22 vehicles stopped during this patrol. In addition to the four drivers arrested for driving while intoxicated, 10 citations were issued.

As a reminder, consequences of impaired driving include jail time, loss of driving privileges, sentencing to use ignition interlocks and increased insurance rates. Financial losses include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of a job.

Always have a plan for how to get home. Drunk driving is not worth the consequences. If you drink and drive, you lose.

Saturation patrols are funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation Traffic and Highway Safety Division.

Reeds Spring man flown to Cox South after ATV accident

A Reeds Spring man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 4:18 p.m. Saturday on Highway JJ 10 miles south of Hollister.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Tracy L. Wright, 61, Reeds Spring, attempted to travel up a steep embankment. The vehicle overturned, ejecting Wright.

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

 

Taney County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Olena McGowan vs. Timothy A. McGowan

Ashley R. Davis vs. Jake A. Davis

Bruce E. Townsend vs. Kacy J. Townsend

 

Polk County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Amanda A. Oliva-Whitman vs. Jon Whitman

Dawna R. Jackson vs. James O. Jackson

David A. Conner vs. Tina Conner

Stephanie West vs. Timothy West

 

Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Matthew T. Henson vs. April Cantrell

Cassie Tully vs. Andrew Davis

Jeremiah A. Brown vs. Melissa A. Venable

Melissa A. Wellin vs. Christopher L. Wellin

Luis Felipe A. Alvarez vs. Polet Rodriguez

 

Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Kristin Ashley Cribbs vs. John Tyler Cribbs

Janice W. Fouhce vs. Roger A. Fouhce

Tammi M. Harrington vs. John M. Harrington

Charles M. Sonu vs. Anne E. Roberts

Janice G. Ventrice vs. Roger V. Ventrice

Peter Onyango vs. Jana Onyango

Le H. Bui vs. Ha T. Hoang

Alexandria C. Black vs. Joshua A. Black

Amanda D. Fleming vs. Franklin J. Fleming

Krysta Thompson vs. Kendall Thompson

Timothy Kruger vs. Elisa Kruger

Chelsea N. Bresee vs. Brice J. Bresee

John Henry Cheek vs. Tabitha Rena Cheek

Amy L. Mefford vs. Zachary K. Mefford

Ashley M. Moore vs. Matthew A. Moore

Shelby Keeler vs. Anthony Keeler

Ernest C. Teal vs. Katie L. Teal

Menglin Cao vs. Dongsheng Guo

Lindsey N. Mingucci vs. Machaela M. Mingucci

Michelle Schmitt vs. Jason Schmitt

Barry County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Bobby L. Tate vs. Raven D. Tate

 

U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Springfield

Cedar County

Joshua Michael Wilson

Christian County

Robert Owen Schaffer

Wayne Arlyn Bays and Fillene Beth Bays

Greene County

Carla JoAnn Sanders 

Kimberly Paige Crawford

Lonita Louann Brim

Polk County

Jason Parrish Eidson

Pulaski County

Terry Lyle Legan and Joye Mae Belle Legan

Taney County

Yolanda Michelle Huffstelter

Joshua Stephen Silvy

I-44 lanes to be closed at Lawrence County Road 110 Bridge

(From MoDOT)

I-44 Lanes CLOSED at Night at Lawrence Co. Road 1100 Bridge (MM 42.6) April 8 to Set Girders

-44 lanes will be CLOSED at night near Mile Marker 42.6 as part of a project to rehabilitate the Lawrence County Road 1100 bridge over I-44 west of Mt. Vernon Monday, April 8, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Contractor crews will be setting the final girders for the bridge. The bridge will remain CLOSED until mid-summer to complete the project.

This work was scheduled to be completed Thursday, April 4, but supply chain issues delayed the work.

Traffic impacts

All lanes of I-44 will be CLOSED between Missouri Route 97 and Lawrence County Route H between 9 p.m.-6 a.m., Monday, April 8

Traffic will be directed along this signed detour:Eastbound traffic will be diverted south on Missouri Route 97 (Exit 38), east on Outer Road 44 to Lawrence County Route H, back to eastbound I-44 (Exit 44)

Westbound traffic will be diverted on to Lawrence County Route H (Exit 44), west to Missouri Route 97, back to westbound I-44 (Exit 38)

No signed detours for Lawrence County Road 1100 closure, drivers are urged to find alternate routes
Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

The current structure was built in 1964 and is experiencing increasing deterioration. Approximately 215 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

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

This work is part of a three-year project to improve 25 bridges within 15 miles of I-44 across the Southwest District. Of the 25 bridges in the project, known as the I-44 Corridor Bridge Bundle, seven (7) are mainline I-44 bridges, five (5) are I-44 overpass bridges and the remaining bridges are on adjacent routes over various features. Sixteen (16) bridges will be replaced and nine (9) bridges will receive major rehabilitation work. So far, 17 bridges in the project have been completed.

More information about this project can be found on the project website – I-44 Corridor Bridge Bundle.

Project Details:Prime Contractor – The ESS TeamEmery Sapp & Sons, Inc. – Columbia
Parsons Transportation Group, Inc. – St. Louis
Total Project Cost: $43.2 million
Contract Completion Date: September 30, 2024

The ESS Team is a partnership of engineering and construction firms that will design and construct the project with oversight by MoDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.

Adam Wainwright to headline concert at Springfield's Hammons Field

(From the City of Springfield)

The Springfield Cardinals, in conjuntion with Hatch Foundation and the City of Springfield, are excited to announce the first-ever standalone concert at Hammons Field on Friday, May 31, with St. Louis Cardinals Legend Adam Wainwright tabbed as the headlining musical act. 

This banner event for the southwest Missouri community will be the largest non-baseball event in Hammons Field history.

"This is another important milestone in the history of baseball in Springfield," said Mayor Ken McClure. "We look forward to seeing another side of Adam Wainwright at this sure-to-be-fun concert and are thrilled that he is the first performer in what we hope will be a long history of exciting concerts at your Hammons Field."

After wrapping up his iconic career on the mound last year, Wainwright has launched a new career as a country music artist, which inclues a recent appearance at the legendary Grand Ole Opry and his first full-length album release today. Wainwright’s Hammons Field performance will mark the first time he will headline a show in his musical career.

The St. Louis superstar will perform on a stage set up near second base with on-field seating available, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Wainwright’s performance up close. The concert will begin at 7:05 pm with an opening act that will be announced at a later date. Gates will open at 6:05 pm.

"Hatch is so excited to be partnering with the Springfield Cardinals to bring outdoor concerts to our community," said exective director Erin Danastasio. "We believe that this is a great, innovative way to use this asset, and we can’t wait to see the field filled with Wainwright’s fans!"

Pre-sale tickets for RED Access Members for the May 31 show will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Members will be able to book their seats during the pre-sale through their My Cardinals Tickets online account.

To gain access to the pre-sale, sign up for a RED Access Membership at SpringfieldCardinals.com/Memberships or by calling (417) 863-0395 today.

You can also sign up for a RED Access Membership in person on Saturday April 6, starting at 10 am at Hammons Field. Members will pick their seats for the upcoming 2024 Cardinals Baseball season and play catch on the field.

Multiple ticket types will be available: with seats and standing-room-only tickets available on the award-winning infield, options in the seating bowl, all-inclusive on-field VIP tables as well as all-inclusive tickets in the Coca-Cola Redbird Roost.

General public ticket sales will begin on Friday, April 12 starting at 11:00 AM. Tickets will start at $25.50.