Springfield Public Schools deputy superintendent retiring

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Ms. Carol Embree, deputy superintendent of operations for Springfield Public Schools, has announced her pending retirement from public education, effective June 30, 2021. 

Ms. Embree’s decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year will conclude 29 years of dedicated service to Missouri public schools.

“Our district and community have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from Carol’s steadfast leadership,” said Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent. 

“Carol’s professionalism, work ethic and sincere commitment to serving our students, staff, taxpayers and community-at-large is extraordinary. With a financier’s mind and a teacher’s heart, Carol has maintained a perfect balance of effectively using taxpayer resources and meeting student needs by achieving efficiencies in procedures and processes. We congratulate her and know that she will be missed.”

As deputy superintendent of operations, Ms. Embree is responsible for oversight of all operations, including financial and business services, transportation, facilities and construction, custodial and food services, as well as human resources. During her tenure, Ms. Embree was instrumental in the development of a facility master plan and engaged with the Community Task Force on Facilities in its critically important work. This ultimately led to the passage of Proposition S, a $168 million bond proposal, in April 2019. Prior to her seven years of service to SPS, Ms. Embree held similar business administrative positions in the Liberty, Blue Springs and Clinton school districts.

“SPS and the Springfield community will forever be close to my heart,” said Ms. Embree. “While retirement has been an option for several years, my deep connection to SPS and a strong commitment to serving the students and staff of this district have extended my tenure. It has been my honor and privilege to engage in this important work and I am so thankful for the opportunity.”

The Board of Education has accepted Ms. Embree’s letter of retirement and a search for her replacement will begin soon.

Springfield pedestrian struck, killed by truck at Oxford and Sunshine

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On December 5, 2020, at 11:30 p.m., Springfield police were dispatched to the intersection of Sunshine and Oxford for a motor vehicle crash involving a 2019 Navistar box truck and a pedestrian.

The initial investigation indicated the box truck was westbound on Sunshine at Oxford, in the outside lane. The pedestrian appeared to be crossing Sunshine southbound. The box truck struck the pedestrian and then continued westbound. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

The pedestrian was identified as 39-year-old Marcie L. Brown, a female from Springfield. Next of kin has been notified.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This is the 24th fatality motor vehicle crash and the 26th total crash-related death of 2020 in Springfield.

Springfield woman killed in one-car accident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On December 8, 2020, at 12:00 p.m., Springfield police were dispatched to the intersection of Blaine St. and Marlan Ave. for a single-vehicle crash involving a Ford Focus.

The initial investigation indicated the Ford Focus was traveling southbound on Marlan Ave. The vehicle left the right side of the roadway, struck a stop sign, and then crossed Blaine St. The vehicle then entered the back yard of 2311 East Pacific Street and struck the rear of the residence.

The driver was identified as 87-year-old Bonnie J. Davis, a female from Springfield. Davis was transported to Mercy hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Next of kin has been notified.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This is the 25th fatality motor vehicle crash and the 27th total crash-related death of 2020 in Springfield.

I-44 to be reduced to one westbound lane near Mount Vernon

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: I-44 Reduced to One Westbound Lane Near Route H (MM 44) at Mt. Vernon Dec. 8-10

What: I-44 traffic reduced to one westbound lane near Lawrence County Route H near Mile Marker 44 at Mt. Vernon for pavement repair

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 8, until 6 a.m. Thursday, December 10

Traffic Impacts

-I-44 reduced to one westbound lane near Mile Marker 44

-All ramps at Exit 44 will remain OPEN

-Speed limit reduced to 60 mph through work zone

-No signed detour

-Drivers should look for alternate route

Details: Contractor crews will be repairing pavement beginning in the driving (right) lane and then switching to the passing (left) lane.

(Weather and/or construction delays will alter the schedule)

Two Verona residents killed in crash

Two people were killed in a one-vehicle accident 8 p.m. Wednesday on Business 60, one mile north of U. S. 60 in Verona.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by James V. Costanza, 54, Verona, ran off the roadway and struck a tree.

Lawrence County Coroner Scott Lakin pronounced Costanza and a passenger, Kimberly L. Pauls, 38, Verona, dead at the scene at 8:50 p.m.

The fatalities were the 106th and 107th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield Public Schools, Missouri State break ground on agriculture education magnet school

 

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Springfield Public Schools and Missouri State University broke ground on a new agriculture education magnet school for Springfield students on Dec. 3 at the William H. Darr Agricultural Center. The project is a collaboration of Missouri State and Springfield Public Schools and is made possible by a generous donation from William H. and Virginia Darr and the Darr Family Foundation.

When completed in spring of 2022, the new agricultural academy will offer a hands-on learning experience for students interested in agricultural careers. The $6.7 million project will include classroom space, greenhouse, garden and demonstration kitchen. The academy will be able to serve up to 150 students in grades 4-6.

“The generous gift of the Darr Family Foundation and the partnership of Missouri State University enable SPS to give more students access to unique programs which they find to be engaging, relevant and personal,” said Dr. John Jungmann, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools. 

“We believe this academy will help students better understand the important role agriculture plays in Missouri and challenge them to explore ways they can be active participants in that heritage.”

The agricultural academy will be the newest choice magnet program to be offered by SPS. Other programs currently available include the Health Sciences Academy, Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, Academy of Exploration and Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility. These are housed on the premises of community partners and enable students to become immersed in studying a specific area of interest.

Student representatives from several of the academies were present and assisted with the groundbreaking event.

“We’re excited this collaborative project is taking off,” said MSU President Clif Smart. “Soon, many Springfield students will have access to a modern, fully equipped facility where they can dive deep into learning all about agriculture.”
The Darr Family Foundation’s investment in the agricultural academy represents the largest known gift in Springfield Public Schools’ history.

According to Brent Dunn, executive director of MSU Foundation, the Darr Family Foundation’s gift funds more than the school building.

“The gift also funds a new education building at the Darr Agricultural Center for MSU students, which is a goal of the university’s Onward, Upward campaign,” Dunn said.

Missouri State will own the school building and Springfield Public Schools will provide teachers, curriculum and other educational supplies. Students will be randomly selected to attend the agricultural academy through an application and lottery drawing process.

Springfield Police investigate homicide at 1809 E. Seminole

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Dec. 1, 2020, at about 8:00 a.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to 1809 E. Seminole due to a 911 caller locating a suspected deceased person. Officers entered the vacant business and located a deceased male inside who appeared to have been assaulted.

The deceased person has been identified as 48-year-old Johnny A. Pendergrast, a male from Kansas City, MO. Next of kin notifications have been made.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This marks the 25th violent death in Springfield in 2020. Seventeen of those, including this case, have been determined to be Murder under the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) rules, one was classified as Negligent Manslaughter, and two others were ruled justified after review by the Greene County Prosecutor. Five other cases remain under investigation to determine the appropriate classification.

Watch live- Springfield City Council lunch meeting at 12 noon

 

Complete video- Springfield City Council Monday night meeting

 

Willard teen killed, another seriously injured in crash north of Springfield

One person was killed and another injured in a one-vehicle crash 4:36 p.m. Monday on Farm Road 60, five miles north of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1997 Saturn SL2 driven by Aleiyah D. Smith, 17, Willard, traveled off the right side of the road, struck a utility pole, traveled through a field and overturned.

Josh Moore of the Greene County Medical Examiner's office pronounced Smith dead at the scene.

A passenger, Alexis L. Greene, 17, Willard, was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

The fatality was the 104th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.