Sara Shevchuk named principal at Truman Elementary in Springfield

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Dr. Sara Shevchuk, the current principal of McGregor Elementary, has been named the next principal of Truman Elementary, effective July 1. Dr. Shevchuk will transition to this new role as Dr. Joellyn Travis retires from SPS after 26 years in education.

“Sara is an exceptional leader and I am confident that her emphasis on building strong relationships with students, parents, teachers and support staff will lead to a seamless transition at Truman,” said Dr. J. Anderson, executive director of elementary learning for SPS. 

“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Travis who will leave an important, lasting legacy when she retires in June.”

Prior to serving as principal of McGregor for ten years, Dr. Shevchuk was the assistant to the principal at Jeffries Elementary and taught math at Jarrett Middle School for five years. She completed her undergraduate and graduate work at Missouri State University and a doctorate in educational leadership at Southwest Baptist University.

“I look forward to engaging with the Truman community and to building on Truman’s long tradition of excellence and north side pride,” said Dr. Shevchuk.

Springfield Police searching for missing, endangered man

(From the Springfield Police Department)

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

The missing person is 22-year-old Zachariah L. Moore. Moore was reported missing at 5:19 a.m. on Thursday, March 25, 2021. He was last seen on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 5:00 p.m., in the 800 block of N Farmer Ave.

Moore is a white male, he is 6’0, 145 lbs., has blue eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a tan jacket and jeans. He may be barefoot or wearing white tennis shoes.

On March 31, 2021, Officers were made aware that Moore suffers from a mental disability rendering him unable to care for himself. He may be under the influence of an unknown controlled substance and not on his prescribed medication.

 
Police are seeking to confirm his well-being. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts should call 911 or the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

Springfield Police investigate traffic fatality at Kearney and Bates

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 29, 2021, at 8:22 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department’s Traffic Section responded to the intersection of Kearney and Barnes regarding a motor vehicle crash.

A 2009 Hyundai Sonata, driven by 54-year-old Thenia Evans from Brighton, MO, was driving westbound in the inside lane of Kearney approaching Barnes. 

The Hyundai then struck the rear of a 2016 Ford F-150 pickup, driven by 41-year-old Richard Bransberger of Strafford, MO, which was stopped at a red traffic signal. Evans was transported to an area hospital following the crash where she was pronounced deceased. Bransberger was not injured. Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation is on-going as to the circumstances involved in the crash. Impairment does not appear to be a factor. This is the fifth fatal motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2021. 

Springfield Police arrest suspect in East Evergreen homicide

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 25, 2021, at 12:45 a.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to the Welcome Inn located at 3550 E. Evergreen after a 911 caller reported that a male subject had been shot. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male inside of a motel room who had suffered a gunshot wound.

The victim was identified as Dylan A. Hill, a 26-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Next of kin notifications have been made.

Through the investigation, SPD identified a suspect in the case as Matthew Borg, a 32-year old male from Springfield, MO. 

The case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office and Borg was charged with 2nd Degree Murder, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

The Greene County Prosecutor cautions that the charges announced herein are merely allegations, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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 fifth homicide investigated by SPD in 2021.

Springfield woman sentenced to 16 years for role in heroin conspiracy

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

A Springfield, Missouri, woman has been sentenced in federal court for her role in leading a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of heroin in Greene County, Mo.

Jasmine D. Steed, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough on Thursday, March 25, to 16 years and eight months in federal prison without parole.

On Jan. 20, 2020, Steed pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin in Greene County from Nov. 15, 2016, to Nov. 3, 2018.

 

According to court documents, the conspiracy was responsible for distributing more than three kilograms of heroin. 

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers utilized confidential sources to make controlled buys of heroin from Steed and others, and conducted surveillance of drug transactions with various individuals, including co-defendants Richard J. Smith, 46, of Springfield, and Rashad J. Moore, 28, of Branson, Mo. 

On several occasions, Steed had children in her car with her during the drug transactions.

On Oct. 17, 2018, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Steed’s residence and seized 24 grams of heroin from her. 

The owner of the residence told investigators that Steed paid $1,300 in cash each month for rent. Officers also searched a Waynesville, Mo., home that Steed was renting and seized a loaded Sig Sauer .380-caliber pistol and two bundles of cash that totaled $5,435. According to court documents, Steed continued to distribute heroin after those warrants were executed.

During the conspiracy, Steed used the proceeds of drug trafficking with her boyfriend to purchase an engagement ring for $14,000 and $20,000 to close on the purchase of a home. As a result, she must forfeit $34,000 to the government as the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking.

Smith and Moore have pleaded guilty. Moore was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison without parole and Smith awaits sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Springfield man shot to death in motel room

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On March 25, 2021, at 12:45 a.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to the Welcome Inn located at 3550 E. Evergreen, after a 911 caller reported that a male subject had been shot. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male inside of a motel room who had suffered a gunshot wound.

The victim was identified as Dylan A. Hill, a 26-year-old male from Springfield, MO. Next of kin notifications have been made.

 

The Springfield Police Department identified a person of interest in the case and detectives are currently interviewing that person. 

The case will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for review and potential filing of criminal charges.

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 incident marks the fifth homicide investigated by SPD in 2021.

Marshfield woman killed in two-vehicle collision

A Marshfield woman was killed in a two-vehicle accident 12:24 p.m. Tuesday on Cologna Road, four miles west of Marshfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Dodge Avenger driven by Jennifer M. Ramos, 43, Marshfield, crossed the center line and struck a 2012 Ford F350 Super Duty driven by Brenda R. Klein, 55, Stoughton, Wisconsin.

Webster County Coroner Robbie Journegen pronounced Ramos dead at the scene at 1:25 p.m.

Klein was treated for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield. 

Marionville man cited for felony DWI after three injured, including two children, in ATV accident

A Marionville man was cited for felony driving while intoxicated following a one-vehicle accident 7:33 p.m. Wednesday on Charity School Road, a half mile southeast of Marionville in which three people injured.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Yamaha 250 ATV driven by Apollo L. Ayers, 33, Marionville, experienced equipment failure causing a crash.

An eight-year-old boy was treated for serious injuries and Ayers and a three-year-old boy for minor injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

 

Jeremy Brown named Central High School principal

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Mr. Jeremy Brown has been named the new principal of Central High School in Springfield, effective July 1. Mr. Brown is currently the principal and athletic director for Scott Charter School in Scott, Arkansas, and will follow the interim leadership of Mrs. Judy Brunner and Mr. Stephen Seal.

“Springfield Public Schools looks forward to welcoming Mr. Brown,” said Dr. Ron Woodard, executive director of secondary learning for SPS. “His passion for inspiring students and connecting with the community makes him an exceptional choice for Central High School. I am eager for our team to welcome him to Springfield.”

Prior to leading Scott Charter School, Mr. Brown served as the assistant principal of Jacksonville High School in the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, where he also led the school’s freshman academy and history department. 

Other leadership experience includes service as the K-8 dean of students for eStem Public Charter Elementary/Middle School in Little Rock. Mr. Brown’s 11-year career in education includes service in a variety of roles with the Pulaski County Special School District, Little Rock School District and North Little Rock School District in Arkansas, including as a physical science, physical education and health teacher; as well as a baseball and basketball coach.

“I am excited and honored by the opportunity to serve as the principal of Central High School,” said Mr. Jeremy Brown. “As an instructional leader, my priority is to provide students a welcoming learning environment and meaningful educational experience to ensure we create positive global leaders. I am excited to meet our staff members, students, and families. I look forward to collaborating and building rapport with all stakeholders to ensure a successful transition.”

Mr. Brown completed his undergraduate work at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, a Master of Science in Education from Arkansas State University, and an Education Specialist in Superintendency from Arkansas State University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in school leadership from Arkansas Tech University.


Before his career in education, Mr. Brown spent three years as a professional baseball player with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Springfield man sentenced to 20 years for role in Greene County meth trafficking

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine.

Richard G. Wacker, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 20 years in federal prison without parole.

On Jan. 10, 2020, Wacker pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Missouri, from March 30 to Aug. 30, 2017.

 

Wacker admitted that he traveled to Kansas City on several occasions to purchase a half-pound of methamphetamine. After making two trips with co-defendant Ronald A. Stone, 53, of Springfield, Wacker directed Stone to make the trips alone every two to three days. Stone purchased two pounds on each trip, one pound for himself and one pound for Wacker.

Wacker also admitted that he drove to Oklahoma City on at least three occasions, each time to purchase five kilograms of methamphetamine for $45,000.

Springfield police officers executed search warrants at Stone’s residence twice in 2017. On each occasion, officers seized firearms and methamphetamine. On Aug. 29, 2017, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers stopped Stone’s vehicle and seized three large bags that contained a total of approximately 6.8 pounds of methamphetamine.

Wacker is the third and final defendant to be sentenced in this case. Stone was sentenced on Sept. 25, 2020, to 20 years in federal prison without parole after pleading guilty to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, to possessing methamphetamine to distribute, and to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

Carol A. Hardy, also known as Carol A. Johnson, 51, of Mountain Grove, Mo., also pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2018, to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hardy’s residence and found 1.766 kilograms of methamphetamine in a safe on the floor of a bedroom closet.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nhan D. Nguyen and Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.