Springfield Public Schools releases results from Missouri School Improvement Plan

(From Springfield Public Schools)

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released the first reports from the latest version of its Missouri School Improvement Plan, known as MSIP 6, on Tuesday. MSIP 6 includes a three-year implementation period. For the 2021-2022 school year, Springfield Public Schools earned 132.7 points out of a possible 180: 73.7%.

Annual Performance Reports (APRs) are provided for districts statewide and reflect data collected as a new baseline during the 2021-2022 school year. 

Results focus on a district’s academic performance and continuous improvement efforts. This includes MAP testing (Missouri Assessment Program) conducted during the spring of 2022, graduation rates, detailed improvement plans, climate and culture surveys, and other required documentation.

“SPS is committed to the well-being of each student by providing high-quality academic opportunities,” said Dr. Grenita Lathan, superintendent. “Our APR results prove that Team SPS is focused on continuous improvement, where we earned 92.3% of the points possible. I am especially proud that our district received full credit in recognition of our four-year graduation rate.”

Recent decisions made by SPS, and the significant steps already underway, are affirmed by the 2021-2022 APR results. Dr. Lathan’s superintendent entry plan report, issued last year, identified key themes and actions following extensive engagement with staff, students and the community. 

Examples of the district’s progress aligned to APR results include the following:Implementation of Galileo, a K-12 universal screener: Galileo is administered at the beginning, middle and end of the school year. Educators are using insights gained from the assessments to tailor instruction for each student to ensure mastery of grade-level standards.

Districtwide focus on Tier 1 instructional practices: SPS is focused on ensuring that instruction is rooted in an evidence-based, scientifically researched core program that aligns with Missouri learning standards.

Realignment of preK-12 school supervision: Instead of one supervisor for up to 30 schools, additional executive directors now provide increased support and accountability, ensuring principals and teachers have the necessary coaching and resources.

 
Expansion of choice programming: The opening of AgAcademy, focused STEAM education at the new Jarrett Middle School, fine and performing arts experiences at Reed Academy, and expanded access to the Academy of Exploration are all examples of an increase in choice options for SPS students.

Increased support for college & career access: Implementation of Naviance, a college and career prep tool for students in grades 6-12, and the addition of college and career specialists for each high school are key to ensuring SPS graduates are success-ready. 

Expansion of career and technical education (CTE), including the creation of Fly SPS in partnership with OTC and Premier Flight Center, is also key to this important work.

Unanimous approval of a new five-year strategic plan: In December 2022, the Board of Education unanimously adopted a new plan that focuses on success-ready students, organizational efficiency, collaborative culture, and quality learning environments.

“It is important to note that this year’s APR establishes a new baseline and it is not possible to make direct comparisons to prior reports due to new criteria and methods for measuring progress,” continued Dr. Lathan. 

“This is one tool, administered at a specific point in time - nearly a year ago. Our internal assessments allow us to measure student achievement and progress in real-time, throughout the year. We are optimistic that the results monitored during the 2022-2023 school year indicate that our students are growing academically with support from extraordinary educators and support staff.”

To learn more about the 2021-2022 APR results, visit the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s website here.

Springfield Police investigate human skeletal remains

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Feb. 13, 2023, at 1:36 p.m., Springfield Police Officers were sent to the wooded area north of the Rivendale Institute of Learning at 1721 W. Elfindale St. in reference to a maintenance worker finding possible human skeletal remains. 

 When officers arrived, they discovered skeletal remains and it was confirmed by the Greene County Medical Examiners’ Office they were human.

The Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit investigated the incident and determined the identity of the person through forensics. They also determined there was nothing suspicious regarding the death of the person.

The deceased female was identified as Susan N. McInturff, 40, from Harrison, AR. McInturff’s family has been notified.

Aurora man killed in head-on collision, Marionville man injured

(From the Aurora and Marionville Police Department)

On 03-04-2023, AMPD was dispatched to the area of Business 60 and Highland Drive in Aurora in reference to an injury accident.

 
The investigation suggests that Timothy Rhodes (62) of Aurora was traveling west on Business 60 entering Aurora and entered the oncoming lane of traffic, striking a pickup head-on being driven by Tyler Eden (44) of Marionville.

 
Tragically, Timothy Rhodes succumbed to his injuries at the scene and his remains were turned over to Lawrence County Coroner Scott Lakin.

 
Eden sustained moderate injuries and was released from the scene.

 
Both vehicles were totaled by the crash.

As always, we appreciate the patience the motorists had while we worked this incident with our colleagues of the Aurora Fire Department and Mercy EMS. Our condolences and prayers go out to the friends and family of Mr. Rhodes as they begin the grieving process.

Springfield Police searching for missing, endangered man who has handgun

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Missing Endangered Person
Jason Edward Pasko W/M
Springfield

 
On 03/03/2023, Pasko has contacted family members and they are concerned for his well-being. Pasko is believed to be armed with a handgun. His vehicle is a gold in color 2002 Pontiac Grand Am with license plate RH6 D8M.

Anyone with information relating to Pasko’s 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).

Taney County suspect killed in officer-involved shooting

(From the Branson Police Department)

On February 28, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Branson officers located a known wanted subject at a gas station in the 1100 block of W. 76 Country Blvd. and made contact with the driver, who was alone in the vehicle with a dog.

After an initial investigation into the driver’s identity, it was determined that he was Randall Wesolek Jr., of Taney County. 

When officers instructed Wesolek to exit the car, a struggle ensued, a gun was produced and officers fired their weapons. The officers secured the scene and began performing life saving measures for Wesolek who died of his injuries on scene. His family has been notified. No officers were injured. 

Wesolek’s dog, a grey and white Pit Bull type breed, appeared to have been injured in the incident and ran off while the officers were securing the scene. Officers have not been able to locate the dog.

“This is a tragic situation and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the involved persons and their families,” said Chief Schmitt. “We understand this incident will have long lasting impacts for all involved, as well as our community. Please remember that regardless of the circumstances of this incident, this community values human life. We should remember to give respect as we move forward. It is crucial that a thorough, fair and impartial investigation of this incident be completed. We will provide you information on how this process will proceed,” Chief Schmitt said.

One Sergeant and two patrol officers fired their weapons and all have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. 

Police Chief Schmitt has formally requested the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) to conduct a full investigation into this incident which is also standard operating procedure. MSHP immediately responded to the scene and assumed control of the investigation. After their investigation is complete, BPD will conduct its own internal investigation then provide the information to the community in a critical incident briefing about this incident and the results of the investigations.

The Branson Police Department would ask the community to be patient as the investigation unfolds as it will take some time. It would also like to thank all neighboring agencies that assisted including the Branson Fire Rescue and the Taney County Ambulance District (TCAD), and the Taney County Sheriff’s Office.

You can find the news conference on this incident at www.bransonmo.gov/livestream.

Lane reductions planned on I-44 near Mount Vernon

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: I-44 Lane Reductions at Freistatt Branch Beginning Week of March 6 in Lawrence County

Where: I-44 over Freistatt Branch at Mile Marker 41 near Mt. Vernon in Lawrence County

When: 7 p.m.-6 a.m., Monday-Friday, March 6-14

What: Contractor crews installing scaffolding on the bridges ahead of work to rehabilitate the bridge decks/driving surfaces of the bridges

Traffic Impacts

I-44 will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction near Mile Marker 41

All lanes OPEN during daytime hours and weekends

Drivers should expect slowed traffic, traffic delays

Crews and large equipment near traffic

Speed limit will be reduced to 60 mph through work zone

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project

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

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.

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

K-9 collars Springfield man who allegedly stole car, crashed into a house

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

Today, Shelby S. Shaffer, 28 years old of Springfield, was charged with Tampering with a Motor Vehicle 1st Degree, Resisting Arrest, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident with a $50,000.00 Open Court Bond.

 
*A charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Previous news release

On February 27th, 2023 at 10:38am a deputy attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle for equipment violations in the Kay Pointe subdivision. The suspect failed to yield to the deputy and a 50 second pursuit occurred at which time the deputy terminated his attempt to stop the suspect due to his dangerous driving.

 
The deputy encountered the suspect a second time in the neighborhood and again, although the deputy did not attempt to stop him a second time, the suspect drove away at a high rate of speed, disregarding a stop sign before he lost control and crashed into a house in the 700 block of South Hemlock. The driver fled on foot but was apprehended quickly by the pursuing deputy’s canine partner, Rocky.

The driver was taken in to custody and transported to a local hospital for treatment of the apprehension bite he received. He will then be booked into the Greene County Jail for several outstanding arrest warrants and charges stemming from his actions today.

Troopers from the Missouri State Highway Patrol assisted in this investigation. Occupants of the residence were uninjured.

Bridge over Turnback Creek northeast of Mount Vernon to be closed

(From MODOT)

Contractor crews are set to CLOSE the Lawrence County Route M bridge over Turnback Creek northeast of Mt. Vernon beginning the week of March 6 to replace the bridge, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Crews will CLOSE the bridge until the end of June, as they demolish the existing single-lane bridge and replace it with a new two-lane bridge. 

In addition, the contractor will add new barrier walls, object markers at the ends of the bridge and new permanent striping. The current bridge is 14-feet wide and will be widened to 24 feet to accommodate two (2) 10 foot lanes and two foot shoulders on either side of the new bridge.

This bridge was built in 1951 and is in a deteriorating condition. Approximately 325 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

Traffic Impacts

All lanes of Route M will be CLOSED over Turnback Creek for the duration of the project.

Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either end of the bridge, but will not be able to drive through the work zone.

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone.

Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project.

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

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.

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.

 

Stockton man killed when vehicle rolls backward into Stockton Lake

A Stockton man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 4:30 p.m. on Highpoint boat ramp access on Stockton Lake three miles northwest of Aldrich.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2000 Ford F150 driven by Caleb L. Montoya, 40, Stockton, rolled backward into Stockton Lake and immersed in the water.

Montoya was pronounced dead by Dr. Butuila at Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar.

The fatality was the 12th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Branson man arrested in connection with shooting

(From the Branson Police Department)

On February 21, 2023, following an investigation into a shooting incident, the suspect, identified as Eric Boehme of Branson, was arrested and booked into Taney County Sheriff's Office Jail. Taney County Prosecuting Attorney has filed charges for the incident.

Original news release

Branson Police were dispatched to the area of Aaron Way at about 3:00 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, on a report that a person had been shot. 

Arriving officers identified an adult male with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Branson MO Fire-Rescue and Taney County Ambulance District were also on scene. The victim was transported for medical treatment.

All parties have been identified, were known to each other, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.