City Utilities loans economic development executive to Chamber amid staff departures
In an effort to help fill a gap amid a recent string of departures at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, City Utilities is loaning the chamber its own chief economic development officer.
LATEST IN-DEPTH
Hold the onions: Springfield expands compost efforts as food waste piles up in landfill
Springfield residents don’t have many options right now to avoid sending food waste to the landfill.
Ozarks Public Television to premiere African American history documentary
The documentary will shine a light on the “unique experiences, challenges, tragedies and successes of Black Americans” in Springfield and the Ozarks.
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SPEcial report: living in fear
PART I: Black eye for greene county
Living in Fear: Breadth and terror of domestic violence is everyday occurrence in Greene County
Domestic violence is a black eye for Springfield and Greene County. It affects thousands of lives here every year — yet a major obstacle to addressing it is that many people still don’t believe it’s widespread or much of an issue.
Part II: Obstacles to leaving
Living in Fear: Laws protecting rights for both parents put domestic violence victims in a bind
When Missouri legislators changed family law in 2016 to prioritize co-parenting and focus on “frequent, continuing and meaningful contact” by both parents, critics say they opened a door that gives hardcore abusers the opportunity to continue the cycle of domestic violence.
Springfield No. 1 in state for rate of reported domestic violence: Is that a good thing?
Data gathered by the Springfield Daily Citizen confirm the persistent belief by some that the city is the state’s hotbed of domestic violence — while others say the numbers don’t necessarily prove domestic violence is more common here than in other major cities in Missouri.
Deadly force: Strangulation is among most dangerous and lethal forms of domestic violence
Strangulation is one of the most abusive and lethal ways to demonstrate power and control in domestic violence situations. It is also among the most common. In local cases from 2022 reviewed by the Springfield Daily Citizen, about one-third of defendants were accused of strangling the victim.
Domestic violence calls pose uncertainty and danger for officers and victims
Springfield Daily Citizen reporters Steve Pokin and Jackie Rehwald rode with separate Springfield police officers on Easter — Sunday, April 9 — to observe officers Jeff Hook and Landon Hugo respond to emergency calls of domestic violence.
Living in Fear: Resources for where to get help, or how to provide help
A collection of local resources related to domestic violence in Springfield and Greene County.
Fear, and pressure not to snitch, often lead domestic violence victims to clam up — and charges to be dropped
Prosecutors say charges are often dropped in domestic violence cases because the victim declines to testify. Victims decide not to cooperate as often as 80 percent of the time after charges are filed.
Reporter’s notebook: Courtroom staredown shows why victims don’t always want to cooperate
After a recent courtroom experience, Reporter Jackie Rehwald says she better understands that victims of domestic abuse are reluctant to cooperate with prosecutors — they are genuinely afraid for their lives, and for their children’s lives.
Domestic violence takes many forms, but key is ‘the abuser wants to control the victim’
Domestic violence does not always just manifest itself in physical abuse. Victims often fail to realize all of the ways their abuser is exercising power and control over them.
Caught in the domestic violence crossfire: children at risk even when not the target of abuse
Experts say growing up in a home with domestic violence can lead to a cycle of abuse in which that child becomes a victim, or a perpetrator, later in life. This is just one of the many negative impacts domestic violence can have on children.
READ THE FULL SERIES HERE
SPRINGFIELD LIFE
Trip to Red Oak II triggers question about memories
A trip to Red Oak II triggered a question about the past: Why do our minds carry seemingly small memories years into the future?
Creative Escape Glass offers unique opportunity to create masterpieces
People come from far and wide to make their own works of art at Creative Escape Glass LLC, the only glass fusion studio in the region.
Steve Pokin — Columnist
Steve Pokin writes the Pokin Around and The Answer Man columns for the Springfield Daily Citizen. He also writes about criminal justice issues.
latest columns
Answer Man: Reader asks if Mike Moon really lives in the district he represents
Sen. Mike Moon tells me he lives in his district — on his farm, which has an Ash Grove address. The farm is in Lawrence County, in his district.
Pokin Around: From parking lot to blankets on grass, fans greet opening game for Springfield Cardinals
Fans at the home opener for the Springfield Cardinals are happy baseball is back and here to stay for awhile.
Pokin Around: Subscription to assessor’s info could be handy when I’m drowning in deadline
Readers often ask me, in my role as the Answer Man, about what’s going in here? (Kum & Go) Or there? (Dollar General) They also often ask about the history of an old house or church. My first step…
Pokin Around: James River’s Lindell speaks of coming Great Awakening and miracles, starting in the Ozarks
OPINION | The only way I know how to be a columnist is to write with authenticity. My writing “voice” reflects who I am. I tell you this because this column is about miracles — and what Pastor John…
SCHOOLS & CHILDREN
Example for the nation: Greene County’s juvenile justice reform
Greene County in showing off the positive outcomes collecting and analyzing data can have on the juvenile justice system.
The ‘boss,’ boss’ boss,’ of Springfield Public Schools spreads the love of reading
Upon her arrival at Gray Elementary, the office staff told Grenita Lathan what the children like to call her, “the bosses, bosses, boss.”
economy & growth
Hells Angels clubhouse for sale, baseball history included
Sellers of a property in western Springfield are emphasizing decades of history, instead of its connection to a notorious motorcycle club — the Hells Angels.
Whataburger to open new location Monday; Chick-fil-A not far behind
Whataburger will open a new Springfield location at 11 a.m. on Monday. The new store, at 2355 N. Glenstone Ave., will open with only drive-thru service on a 24/7 basis.
OTHER SPRINGFIELD NEWS
public safety
sports
OZARKS ALIVE | CULTURAL PRESERVATION PROJECT
After health challenges, friends help Pa’s Posey Patch stay on schedule
Pa’s Posey Patch received some help this year after its owner experienced some unexpected health challenges.
VOICES
Opinion: Broach the tough subject of domestic violence and ask ‘Are you good?’
After reading the first part of the Springfield Daily Citizen’s four-part “Living in Fear” series on domestic violence, I am shocked to know this rampantly continues in our community. We need to be willing to raise the issue with close family and friends to be sure they are OK.
Letter: Retiring Judge Powell served court with integrity and gave freely to community
While Judge Powell has had a tremendous impact on the growth, stability and integrity of the judicial system in Greene County, I have been privileged to witness an equally important contribution — his volunteerism.
Opinion: Someone you know is Living in Fear
I’m not someone who fits the idea you might have of a person who’s experienced any kind of intimate partner violence. But looks can be deceiving. It can happen to anyone.
Opinion: Next Generation should get engaged on key priorities
Members of the Next Generation — youth and young adults ages 18-30 — should organize around their shared interests and flex their collective voting muscle to make their voices heard.
