Reward offered for information leading to arrest of woman wanted on drug charge

(From Springfield Crimestoppers)

Featured Fugitive: Melissa A. Wright

Melissa A. Wright has an active felony warrant for Failure to Appear- Possession of a Controlled Substance out of Stone County Sheriff’s Office.

Wright is a 37-year-old white female, approximately 5’5”, 230 lbs, with brown hair, and blue eyes. She may dye her hair a different color and appears to have lost weight over the last several years. 

It is believed Wright frequents the Greene County area and may be continuing to commit crime locally.

Law enforcement is asking the public for assistance in locating Wright. 

If you have any information about her whereabouts, please contact Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com.

New Springfielc city manager selects two assistants

(From the City of Springfield)

City Manager Jason Gage has named two deputy city managers: current assistant city manager Collin Quigley, and a newcomer to Springfield, Maurice Scott Jones. Quigley will be promoted and transition into the new role, effective Dec. 9 and Jones will join the City Jan. 28, 2019.

Gage plans to reorganize the 1800-employee City of Springfield organization slightly, asking Quigley to take on additional responsibilities for finance and the budget process, and more evenly dividing the departmental reports between two deputies. Gage will not fill an assistant city manager position, so no new positions are being added.

Gage, who became the City’s chief executive in August, will continue to directly oversee the departments of law, human resources and public information & civic engagement, with the remaining departments reporting to Quigley and Jones. “Solid organizational leadership means getting the best persons on the bus and in the right seats. I think we have done that,” Gage said. “Collin is a proven professional who can guide his departments into the future. Maurice is new to Springfield and brings with him a track record of success. Together, these two individuals will help me fulfill the goals of the City Council, lead this organization to best in class status, and continue to allow the City to be a positive force for community betterment!”

Collin Quigley joined the City of Springfield as assistant city manager in 2007 after serving as chief executive in both Ozark and Kimberling City. Recent accomplishments include leading efforts to develop a detailed plan for the Level Property Tax funds and leading the creation of the City’s continuity of operations plan. He will continue leading the public safety departments, as well as departments providing a variety of administrative functions. Direct reports will include the Airport, 911 - Emergency Communications, Finance, Fire, Health, Information Systems, Municipal Court, Police and Risk Management. Quigley has a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration & Government from Evangel University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas. He is a credentialed manager with the International City Managers’ Association.

“I am honored to move into the Deputy City Manager role, where I will continue to work with the City Manager to implement the goals and vision of City Council with efficient operations of municipal services,” Quigley said. “I am proud to work alongside so many dedicated and talented city employees that strive every day to deliver the highest level of service to our citizens and visitors.”

Maurice Scott Jones will fill the position vacated by former deputy city manager Tim Smith. Jones comes to Springfield from Dubuque, Iowa, where he currently serves as the economic development director for the City of Dubuque. He has 20 years of experience working to revitalize diverse urban cities, addressing growth obstacles facing rural communities and a track record of leveraging private and public partnerships to support vital projects. While in Dubuque he led a $20 million economic development budget and provided significant coordination and interaction with community groups, private not-for-profit organizations, other City departments, businesses and citizens.

Prior to joining the City of Dubuque, he was a managing partner leading the economic development functions of a private sector Chicago firm, Paratus Scientia, LLC from 2010 to 2013 and served as Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Community Development Director and Director of Planning & Development for Cook County Government, Chicago, Illinois. In his tenure there, he grew the department’s federal funding from $17 million to over $200 million dollars and acted as a liaison to more than 129 separate municipalities and government bodies.



Jones has also done extensive equity and inclusion work, including being a member of Inclusive Dubuque, a peer-learning network of partners committed to creating an informed, equitable and inclusive community where are people are respected, valued and engaged.

Jones will oversee seven departments, including the Art Museum, Building Development Services, Environmental Services, Parks, Planning & Development, Public Works and Workforce Development. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and coursework toward a Masters of Public Administration degree at University of Louisville.

“I am very excited about the opportunity of joining such a dynamic leadership team in such a vibrant city,” Jones said. “As our community evolves and grows, I want to be an integral part of creating an environment where the citizens of Springfield can thrive. I’m looking forward to engaging with the community and contributing to a synergy that propels us forward.

Quigley’s salary will be $160,000. Jones’ salary will be $155,000.

Springfield man killed in motorcycle crash at Kansas Expressway and Mt. Vernon Street

From the Springfield Police Department)

At approximately 7:24 P.M. on November 30, 2018, the Springfield Police Department responded to a fatality crash at Kansas Expressway and Mt. Vernon Street.

A 2015 Yamaha motorcycle, driven by 23-year-old Dakota Randolph of Springfield, was traveling southbound on Kansas Expressway near Mt. Vernon Street. A gray 2003 Ford Explorer, driven by 44-year-old Melissa Storie of Springfield, was traveling northbound on Kansas Expressway and turned westbound onto Mt. Vernon in front of the motorcycle. 

The Yamaha motorcycle struck the passenger’s side of the Ford Explorer. Randolph succumbed to his injuries at the scene. One passenger from the Ford Explorer was transported to a local hospital with serious physical injuries. Next of kin was notified.

It is currently unknown if impairment was a factor in this crash. The investigation is on-going.

This marks the 17th fatality crash in Springfield for 2018.

Springfield Police search for bank robbery suspect

(From the Springfield Police Department)

At 2:30 P.M. on November 29, 2018, Springfield Police responded to a reported robbery at Guaranty Bank, located at 2109 N. Glenstone.

The suspect approached the teller and displayed a threatening note demanding money.

The suspect is described as a white male wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, striped athletic pants and a stocking cap. 

SPD obtained surveillance video from the incident and the images of the suspect are below.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or 417-869-TIPS (8477).

Grand Street Bridge. roadway between Kansas Expressway, Park Avenue reopening temporarily

(From the City of Springfield)

The Grand Street Bridge and roadway between Kansas Expressway and Park Avenue will temporarily reopen to traffic beginning 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3. Currently, the road portion of the project is complete and the bridge portion awaiting minor finishes.

Grand Street from Kansas Expressway to Park Avenue will temporarily be marked as two lanes while the project awaits the completion of the new railroad crossing by Missouri & Northern Arkansas Railroad (M&NA). Until the railroad crossing is installed, Grand Street will remain two lanes. Final striping for three lanes will occur in Spring 2019 when temperatures warm up. Grand Street will remain closed to pedestrians until the crossing is finished.

The City has made every attempt to coordinate the new crossing installation with M&NA in a timely manner. Unfortunately, due to looming winter weather and other circumstances, the timeline for the installation of the new crossing is still undetermined.

At this time, the City felt it was important to reopen the roadway to traffic so it can continue serving the community that has patiently awaited the completion of this project.

When M&NA is prepared to install the crossing, Grand Street will need to be closed to traffic once again. Advance notice will be provided to the public.



About the Grand Street Bridge Project

The Grand Street Bridge over Jordan Creek improvement project, was identified by citizens as their No. 1 priority in need of improvement in the 2015 city-wide transportation survey.

The project involves the widening of Grand Street to three lanes from Kansas Expressway to Park Avenue, improving both traffic and pedestrian safety. It includes the addition of a center turn lane, upgraded stormwater infrastructure, stream restoration, an improved railroad crossing and the construction of a new bridge over Jordan Creek.

The area, widely used by pedestrians, will also include a new sidewalk on the south side of Grand Street and a multi-use path on the north side that will tie into the existing Ozark Greenways trail system.

The project is funded through the voter-approved 1/8-cent Transportation Sales Tax.

City of Springfield mourns passing of former mayor Paul Redfearn

(From the City of Springfield)

A statement from Mayor Ken McClure:

“The City mourns the passing of former Mayor Paul Redfearn. We are grateful for his exemplary service to our community. Our community relies upon, and functions best, when we have dedicated individuals, such as Mr. Redfearn to provide volunteer leadership. His contributions to our community will live on.”

Paul Redfearn served as a Zone 4 Springfield City Councilmember from 1973 to 1977. He was sworn in as Mayor in 1979 and served until 1981. Redfearn served a total of eight years on City Council and was chosen by his peers on City Council to serve as Mayor during his final two years.

Police searching for endangered woman following report of vicious broad daylight assault

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Update: Springfield Police Officers have located 28-year-old Alexis Perkins.
At 10:52 A.M. on December 3, 2018, witnesses reported an assault at the intersection of Battlefield and Scenic. A female believed, to be 28-year-old Alexis Perkins, fell out of a 2018 silver Ford F150 extended cab with Kansas plate 807GWH. Witnesses say she had severe facial injuries.

A black male, believed to be 29-year-old Melvin Townes, was seen dragging the female back into the truck. Citizens attempted to detain Townes, but he fled the scene after ramming a vehicle. Citizens followed the silver Ford F150 but lost it in the area of Cox and Walnut Lawn.

Alexis Perkins is described as a white female, 5 feet 2 inches tall and one-hundred-forty-four pounds. She has blond hair and hazel eyes.

Melvin Townes is described as a black male, 6 feet tall and one-hundred-seventy-five pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about this incident contact 911.

CNN report details how Springfield officers, Greene County prosecutors failed four-year-old sexual assault victim

The Springfield Police Department offered a response to this CNN report earlier this week, taking responsibility for past mistakes that have been made and saying that is committed to testing all rape kits and to treating victims respectfully.

The department changed its response to sexual assault cases in 2014.


The CNN report, which accompanies this post, details the case of a four-year-old girl whose sexual assault investigation was botched by the police department and by the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney's office.

Commercial Club of Springfield holding fundraiser to restore Jefferson Avenue Footbridge

(From Commercial Club of Springfield)

Commercial Club is taking orders for personalized pavers to support restoration of the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge.

The pavers will be installed in honor of those who purchase them in the Plaza area under the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge by Springfield Public Works.

These Red Granite pavers are now available for purchase in two sizes:

• The 4” x 8” paver is $100 for 3 lines of type or $375 with a logo or design element

• The 8” x 8” paver is $300 for 6 lines of type or $500 with a logo or design element

The form for these options is very easy to understand and can be downloaded (https://bit.ly/2TJ9z7G,) printed, filled out and sent to Commercial Club of Springfield with a check by mail or filled out and paid for via Paypal online at historicCstreet.com.


The Club will also will be happy to send a form if contacted via historicCstreet.com or at 417.839.0119.

Commercial Club is extremely thankful for Springfield City Council’s recent approval of funding to restore, light and make our Jefferson Avenue Footbridge accessible to all. The funds approved include a Commercial Club commitment to raise $50,000 for replacement of decking on our 562-foot long treasure.

The Club has raised nearly $40,000 which includes a $15,000 grant from Hotel Motel Sales Tax funds which the city already has possession of. This leaves about $10,000 left to raise.

The Club hopes these beautiful Red Granite pavers, personalized by community members who wish to permanently show their support for this unique and important northside landmark, will fulfill Commercial Club’s promise.

Phyllis Ferguson, City Councilwoman for Zone 1, the district where the footbridge stands, reflects “This 116-year old structure is important for its connection to early steel manufacturing by Andrew Carnegie and design by the American Bridge Company. Culturally, it informs us on the history of the railroad to Springfield and its impact on local economy. There is a story to be told here and this structure stands as a statement of American progress and the growth of its cities.”

Funds raised from paver sales will be deposited in the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge Fund, set up by the Club at Community Foundation of the Ozarks. This fund will be turned over to the City when it reaches the $50,000 promised by the Club.

Hopefully, this fund can continue to grow to help offset the cost of ongoing maintenance for the footbridge. As Mary Collette, president of Commercial Club says, “This amazing structure belongs to all of us. We owe it to the community to preserve and protect it as a pedestrian walkway across active rail lines, a tourism destination and for future generations as the ‘Eiffel Tower of Springfield’ the only structure of its kind anywhere.”

Willard man seriously injured in one-vehicle accident

A Willard man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 6:10 p.m. Friday on Farm Road 105, eight miles north of Willard.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1993 Toyota Tacoma driven by Racey G. Hayes, 61, Willard, ran off the roadway and struck a ditch.

Hayes was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.