(From Springfield Public Schools)
Joshua Kennedy is a fifth-grade teacher at Wilson’s Creek Intermediate School, where he has taught for 10 years. He also happens to be a rapper.
And this spring, he wrote an original song: “Back to SPS.”
“My goal for the song is just to show that we can have fun at school,” said Kennedy. “School is exciting, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously. School should be a fun place where everyone can have a good time.”
The original rap song “Back to SPS” features two lines with Superintendent John Jungmann, recorded in Central High School’s podcast room. Central High School media students were recorded providing back-up vocals at the end of the track.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Unveiling planned for artist's rendering of first marker of Springfield's African American Heritage Trail
(From the City of Springfield)
The organizers of Springfield’s African American Heritage Trail project will unveil an artist’s rendering of the trail’s first marker at the annual Park Day Reunion, Saturday, Aug. 3 at Silver Springs Park, which is celebrating its 100thanniversary. The ceremony will take place around 12:30 p.m. at Silver Springs Park, on the greenway near the basketball courts.
The organizers, which include business owner Lyle Foster, Missouri State University Chief Diversity Officer Wes Pratt, MSU faculty member Tim Knapp, NAACP Springfield President Cheryl Clay and City of Springfield Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement Cora Scott, plan to designate as many as 20 sites on the trail with distinctive, historical markers and have partnered with the City of Springfield, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Ozark Greenways, Missouri State and Drury universities to make the project a reality. Due to the expense of the markers, both public and private funding will likely be used for the project.
The trail will follow an existing greenway that runs near several of the important sites, such as the Sherman Avenue Corridor, the former Lincoln High School, (Springfield’s black high school before integration, now known as Ozarks Technical Community College’s Lincoln Hall) Jones Alley Business District and the Historic Church Quadrangle (Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Benton Avenue AME Church, Gibson Chapel Presbyterian Church and Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church.)
There will also be signs directing people to other significant markers from the greenway.
Silver Springs, Springfield’s only public park open to black residents during segregation, was established in 1918 on land owned by Springfield school superintendent Jonathan Fairbanks, who had died the previous year. The night before Easter 1906, Fairbanks opened his home to black residents frightened by the lynching of three black men – Will Allen, Fred Coker and Horace Duncan – on Park Central Square. A memorial honoring the three men will be incorporated into the heritage trail.
The Park Day Reunion dates back to 1952 when Gerald Brooks, a parks supervisor and a teacher at Springfield’s former Lincoln School, and Robert Wendell Duncan, also a park supervisor, started a day of games and sports events for young African-American residents at Silver Springs.
Park Days includes a parade, beauty pageant, concerts and a picnic, and provided the backdrop for the 1998 film “Park Day,” by director Sterling Macer, Jr., who grew up here.
"One of the goals of the whole project is to promote healing and appreciation for the African American community's past and present," said Mayor McClure, in his 2018 State of the City address. "... We are making great strides forward in diversity and inclusion but we have a long ways to go."
The organizers of Springfield’s African American Heritage Trail project will unveil an artist’s rendering of the trail’s first marker at the annual Park Day Reunion, Saturday, Aug. 3 at Silver Springs Park, which is celebrating its 100thanniversary. The ceremony will take place around 12:30 p.m. at Silver Springs Park, on the greenway near the basketball courts.
The organizers, which include business owner Lyle Foster, Missouri State University Chief Diversity Officer Wes Pratt, MSU faculty member Tim Knapp, NAACP Springfield President Cheryl Clay and City of Springfield Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement Cora Scott, plan to designate as many as 20 sites on the trail with distinctive, historical markers and have partnered with the City of Springfield, Springfield-Greene County Park Board, Ozark Greenways, Missouri State and Drury universities to make the project a reality. Due to the expense of the markers, both public and private funding will likely be used for the project.
The trail will follow an existing greenway that runs near several of the important sites, such as the Sherman Avenue Corridor, the former Lincoln High School, (Springfield’s black high school before integration, now known as Ozarks Technical Community College’s Lincoln Hall) Jones Alley Business District and the Historic Church Quadrangle (Washington Avenue Baptist Church, Benton Avenue AME Church, Gibson Chapel Presbyterian Church and Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church.)
There will also be signs directing people to other significant markers from the greenway.
Silver Springs, Springfield’s only public park open to black residents during segregation, was established in 1918 on land owned by Springfield school superintendent Jonathan Fairbanks, who had died the previous year. The night before Easter 1906, Fairbanks opened his home to black residents frightened by the lynching of three black men – Will Allen, Fred Coker and Horace Duncan – on Park Central Square. A memorial honoring the three men will be incorporated into the heritage trail.
The Park Day Reunion dates back to 1952 when Gerald Brooks, a parks supervisor and a teacher at Springfield’s former Lincoln School, and Robert Wendell Duncan, also a park supervisor, started a day of games and sports events for young African-American residents at Silver Springs.
Park Days includes a parade, beauty pageant, concerts and a picnic, and provided the backdrop for the 1998 film “Park Day,” by director Sterling Macer, Jr., who grew up here.
"One of the goals of the whole project is to promote healing and appreciation for the African American community's past and present," said Mayor McClure, in his 2018 State of the City address. "... We are making great strides forward in diversity and inclusion but we have a long ways to go."
City of Springfield emergency teams to hold mass casualty/active threat drill Friday
(From the City of Springfield)
Law enforcement, the fire department, emergency medical services and two local educational institutions will drill to test the components of a mass casualty/active threat plan 9-11 a.m., Friday Aug. 3 at Missouri State University’s Plaster Sports Complex.
The agencies involved are:
Springfield Fire Department
Springfield Police Department
Greene County Sheriff’s Office
Springfield Greene County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications
CoxHealth Emergency Medical Services
Mercy Emergency Medical Services
Missouri State University
Ozarks Technical Community College’s Allied Health Simulation Center.
“We want to assure students, faculty and residents that this is an exercise and they should not be alarmed by the presence of multiple law enforcement, fire and EMS vehicles in and around MSU, as well as any other activities they see as part of the simulation,” said Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington.
He added that the agencies have been collaborating in the development and testing of a unified interagency plan for response to mass casualty incidents for nearly two years.
Law enforcement, the fire department, emergency medical services and two local educational institutions will drill to test the components of a mass casualty/active threat plan 9-11 a.m., Friday Aug. 3 at Missouri State University’s Plaster Sports Complex.
The agencies involved are:
Springfield Fire Department
Springfield Police Department
Greene County Sheriff’s Office
Springfield Greene County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications
CoxHealth Emergency Medical Services
Mercy Emergency Medical Services
Missouri State University
Ozarks Technical Community College’s Allied Health Simulation Center.
“We want to assure students, faculty and residents that this is an exercise and they should not be alarmed by the presence of multiple law enforcement, fire and EMS vehicles in and around MSU, as well as any other activities they see as part of the simulation,” said Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington.
He added that the agencies have been collaborating in the development and testing of a unified interagency plan for response to mass casualty incidents for nearly two years.
Strafford woman killed in crash on 65
A Strafford woman was killed in a two vehicle accident 3:19 p.m. on Highway 65 at Route A, a half mile south of Fair Grove.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a Buick LaCross driven by Deloris J. Kiser, 62, Strafford, attempted to make a left turn onto Route KK and failed to yield to a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Ronnie B. Gallion, 18, Aurora.
Kiser was pronounced dead at the scene. Gallion was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
The fatality was the third this month and the 69th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a Buick LaCross driven by Deloris J. Kiser, 62, Strafford, attempted to make a left turn onto Route KK and failed to yield to a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Ronnie B. Gallion, 18, Aurora.
Kiser was pronounced dead at the scene. Gallion was treated for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.
The fatality was the third this month and the 69th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Springfield Police Department to participate in National Night Out
(From the Springfield Police Department)
Each August, Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams and Springfield neighborhoods send a message to criminals: Springfield neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime.
Aug. 7 will mark Springfield’s 7th annual National Night Out event to coincide with the national public safety event, and its second year at Nichols Park, 1900 W. Nichols, in the Heart of the Westside neighborhood. The event kicks off at 5 p.m.
National Night Out offers residents a chance to get to know their local law enforcement representative, fire personnel, first responders and other agencies and organizations that promote health and safety. The event gives families a chance to tour police, fire and safety vehicles, browse safety info booths and enjoy free hot dogs, ice cream and music. There will also be games and inflatables and a Police vs. Fire softball game starting at 7 p.m.
This free event is a result of collaboration between Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Springfield-Greene County Park Board and the City of Springfield.
National Night Out celebrates the culmination of crime prevention activity in all Springfield neighborhoods: people working together in associations and other groups to prevent and address crime and other neighborhood problems. It also promotes healthy neighborhoods and encourages people to get out and get to know one another.
“It is an occasion to celebrate past successes, discuss current challenges or issues, and re-dedicate collaborative efforts with neighbors, police, businesses and others to improve the quality of life in our city,” said Chief Williams.
Past National Night Out campaigns involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from thousands of communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.
Crime prevention
The Springfield Police Department uses a variety of crime prevention and community engagement strategies to increase ways that citizens can protect themselves and their property.
Community policing is a collaborative effort between the police department and the community they serve that identifies problems of crime and disorder, and involves all elements of the community, in the search for solutions to these problems. It is founded on close, mutually beneficial ties between police and community members.
Police Area Representative (PAR) officers use problem-oriented policing to produce long-term solutions to the problems of crime or decay in communities. Police, residents, and other agencies or organizations work together to identify and find the causes for neighborhood crime problems, then develop responses to those problems. In most cases, the responses developed through problem-oriented policing are joint police-community actions, which also involve participation by a variety of other departments within the City of Springfield. By doing this, the PAR officers are able to resolve long-standing neighborhood issues, thereby avoiding an escalation of those specific incidents. Citizens can locate their PAR Officers at the City’s website.
Neighborhood Watch, Block Watch, Apartment Watch and Business Watch are voluntary programs organized by concerned citizens to reduce crime. Working with local law enforcement agencies, citizens can learn when and how to report suspicious activities, assist in property identification, conduct security surveys and implement security measures and precautions.
Crime Prevention Officers coordinate and help organize watch groups and perform commercial and residential security surveys using established Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.
Crime prevention officers are available to present on varied topics, including robbery prevention, drugs, residential security, commercial vandalisms and burglaries and personal safety and can be reached at can be contacted at 417-874-2113. Crime prevention tips are available at springfieldmo.gov/spd.
Neighborhood Night Out
National Night Out doesn’t replace the annual Neighborhood Night Out. Individual neighborhood and homeowner associations are encouraged to hold their own events following National Night Out to encourage neighbors to get to know each other.
Several registered neighborhoods in Springfield have already planned their Neighborhood Night Out:
- Midtown: 6-8 p.m., Aug. 24 at Washington Park, 1600 N. Summit
- Grant Beach: 6-8 p.m., Aug. 24 at Grant Beach Park, 1300 N. Grant
- Woodland Heights: Noon-3 p.m., Aug. 25 at Lafayette Park, 202 E. Atlantic
- Robberson: 4-7 p.m., Aug. 25 at Robberson Community School, 1100 E. Kearney
- Bissett: 4-7 p.m., Aug. 30 at Bissett School/Park, 3014 W. Calhoun
- West Central: 5:30-7 p.m., Sept. 7 at McGregor School/Park, 1200 W. State
- Westside: 2-4 p.m., Sept. 8, Westport School/Park, 415 S. Golden
- Tom Watkins: 4-8 p.m., Sept. 22, Tom Watkins Park, 2100 W. High
- Doling: In lieu of a Neighborhood Night Out, Doling will host a Halloween Bash. Details TBA.
Springfield Police Department to hold promotion ceremony
(From the Springfield Police Department)
The Springfield Police Department will host a promotion ceremony at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Springfield Regional Police and Fire Training Center, 2620 W. Battlefield.
Capt. Vance Holland will be promoted to Major.
Lt. Stacey Parton will be promoted to Captain.
Sgt. Mark Schindler will be promoted to Lieutenant.
Sgt. Curt Ringgold will be promoted to Lieutenant.
Cpl. Annesha Umbarger will be promoted to Sergeant.
Cpl. Kathy Dunnegan will be promoted to Sergeant.
Officer Eric Schroeder will be promoted to Sergeant.
Media and the public are welcome to attend.
The Springfield Police Department will host a promotion ceremony at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Springfield Regional Police and Fire Training Center, 2620 W. Battlefield.
Capt. Vance Holland will be promoted to Major.
Lt. Stacey Parton will be promoted to Captain.
Sgt. Mark Schindler will be promoted to Lieutenant.
Sgt. Curt Ringgold will be promoted to Lieutenant.
Cpl. Annesha Umbarger will be promoted to Sergeant.
Cpl. Kathy Dunnegan will be promoted to Sergeant.
Officer Eric Schroeder will be promoted to Sergeant.
Media and the public are welcome to attend.
Mount Vernon Street to close for a week
(From the City of Springfield)
Mount Vernon Street will close for one week between Miller Avenue and Casa Grande Avenue beginning 7 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 for construction related to the Mount Vernon Street and Miller Avenue improvement project.
Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route.
The Mount Vernon Street and Miller Avenue improvement project involves the construction of a westbound left turn lane and a northbound right lane at the intersection of Mount Vernon Street and Miller Avenue. It also includes the construction of two southbound left turn lanes and a northbound right turn lane at the school entrances on Miller Avenue.
The project is being funded through a cost-share agreement with the Willard R-2 School District. The City's portion of the project total is funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax cost share program.
Mount Vernon Street will close for one week between Miller Avenue and Casa Grande Avenue beginning 7 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 2 for construction related to the Mount Vernon Street and Miller Avenue improvement project.
Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route.
The Mount Vernon Street and Miller Avenue improvement project involves the construction of a westbound left turn lane and a northbound right lane at the intersection of Mount Vernon Street and Miller Avenue. It also includes the construction of two southbound left turn lanes and a northbound right turn lane at the school entrances on Miller Avenue.
The project is being funded through a cost-share agreement with the Willard R-2 School District. The City's portion of the project total is funded through the 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax cost share program.
El Dorado Springs man killed crashing into tree near Collins
An El Dorado Springs man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 5:53 a.m. today on U. S. 54, three miles west of Collins.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2006 Ford F250 driven by George D. Heisten, 76, El Dorado Springs, traveled off the left side of the roadway, traveled down an embankment and crashed into a tree.
St. Clair County Coroner Randy Sheldon pronounced Heisten dead at the scene at 7:08 a.m.
The fatality was the first of August and the 66th of the year for Highway Patrol Troop D.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2006 Ford F250 driven by George D. Heisten, 76, El Dorado Springs, traveled off the left side of the roadway, traveled down an embankment and crashed into a tree.
St. Clair County Coroner Randy Sheldon pronounced Heisten dead at the scene at 7:08 a.m.
The fatality was the first of August and the 66th of the year for Highway Patrol Troop D.
Stockton man killed in one-vehicle accident
A Stockton man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 12 p.m. today on Route N, seven miles north of Stockton.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Dodge 3500 pickup driven by Gary L. Cooper, 56, Stockton, traveled off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned.
Cedar County Coroner Nora Powell pronounced Cooper dead at the scene at 12:44 p.m.
The fatality was the 67th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.
According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Dodge 3500 pickup driven by Gary L. Cooper, 56, Stockton, traveled off the right side of the roadway, overcorrected, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned.
Cedar County Coroner Nora Powell pronounced Cooper dead at the scene at 12:44 p.m.
The fatality was the 67th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.
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