Bell ringing marks 150th anniversary of Drury University
John Beuerlein’s pursuit of authenticity required a borrowed bell. Beuerlein, the president of Drury University, said the handbell he held was borrowed from Ruth Sorenson, who was given the bell upon her retirement from Nixa Public Schools. Before shaking the bell above his head, projecting its clear, shrill, tuned tone through the air, Beuerlein shared…
Crime and courts
For now, judge declines to push back trial for babysitter charged with manslaughter
The medical examiner believes the baby died of asphyxiation and that it’s possible the car seat chest clip inhibited the baby’s breathing. He was eight months old.
MO GOP, Democrats prepare to run their own caucus, primary in 2024
Missouri’s political parties are left with the responsibility of running the candidate selection process, however they may choose.
Harmony House launching its iCare campaign to raise awareness about domestic violence
Harmony House will host the iCare Kick Off Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Oasis Convention Center.
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BUSINESS
What’s next for road work in Springfield? Council reviews progress and previews next projects
City Council received a virtual tour Sept. 19 looking at projects recently completed and what’s ahead, not just roads, but sidewalks, bridges, parking lots and other components of the transportation network.
Gathering Tree’s suit challenging ban on camping on state land to be heard by Missouri Supreme Court next week
The Gathering Tree filed the lawsuit last August against the State of Missouri and Eric S. Schmitt (in his official capacity as Missouri Attorney General) alleging that House Bill 1606, as it relates to homelessness and our organization, is in direct violation of the Missouri State Constitution.
All westbound James River Freeway lanes open following ‘costly’ sinkhole repairs
James River Freeway has reopened following repairs due to a sinkhole.
Longtime director of Springfield-Greene County Library to retire
Regina Greer Cooper will wrap up her 15 year career as the head of the library at the end of 2023.
SCHOOLS & CHILDREN
Members of MSU presidential search committee named
Local banker and MSU alum Rob Fulp will head a committee of 20 alumni, faculty, students and community members to help choose the next leader of Missouri State University.
Meet Derby, the Duo dog doing it all for the Greene County Juvenile Office
Duo Dog Derby certainly puts in the work as the facility dog of the Greene County Juvenile Office to earn a dream job.
Read our 2022 Child Care Crisis series produced in collaboration with KY3 News.
GOVERNMENT
Springfield attorney Lori Rook announces campaign for Missouri State Treasurer
Lori Rook, an attorney and managing partner for Ozarks Elder Law and Joplin Elder Law, is vying for her first political office, having entered the race for Missouri State Treasurer.
Man with violent gang connection sentenced to four years for breaking gun law
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.
‘I’m ashamed of what I’ve done:’ Owner of Affordable Towing sentenced to prison
The owner of Affordable Towing was sentenced to two years in federal prison for leading a conspiracy to illegally tamper with the emissions controls of the company’s diesel towing vehicles.
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
Pokin Around: History buff holds on to story of aviator who died in 1919 air race
He is movie-star handsome, self-assured, a Rock of Gibraltar jaw. His mouth is closed, yet you know he’s smiling. The photo is of Virgil Thomas.
Pokin Around: Remember when that whipper-snapper named Reagan ran for president?
It’s hard to believe we worried about Reagan’s age in 1980, because here we are with a presidential race shaping up between two men older than the nation of Israel.
Pokin Around: Fun Acre, a place stuck in time where 18 holes of mini golf cost you $3
Fun Acre is stuck in time. The clock might be stopped, but the windmill blades still turn, just as they’ve turned for 51 years.
Pokin Around: I have presbycusis; it’s irreversible; do you hear what I’m saying?
I had my hearing checked in July, because I suspected it was diminished. I had difficulty hearing when I could not see the speaker’s face and whenever there was background noise.
SPRINGFIELD CULTURE
Springfield Regional Arts Council honors ambassadors who promote and sustain the arts
The annual Ozzie Awards honor the remarkable individuals and organizations who have shaped the artistic landscape of the Ozarks.
Giving back and getting recognized: Springfield Regional Arts Council honors volunteers
The arts and culture events that our community is known for — big and small — rely upon volunteers to keep them running.
OTHER SPRINGFIELD NEWS
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VOICES
Opinion: Clif Smart is a poster child for servant leadership
Retiring Missouri State University President Clif Smart demonstrates how servant leadership can work; yet he would give all the credit to others.
Letter: Oh, Christmas tree? Calling it a ‘Holiday tree’ would be more inclusive
Describing it as a “Christmas tree” divides our community rather than being inclusive.
Letter: Gen Z’er loves to work, says employers need to give them a chance, and pay fairly
The issue is not that Gen Z does not want to work; it’s time for Springfield businesses to re-evaluate pay and benefits — and to give people a chance to gain experience.
Opinion: With apologies to ‘Redneck’ Jeff Foxworthy, maybe you’re something else
Contributor Paul Kincaid found himself slipping into a Jeff Foxworthy routine as he ponders a world with too many hypocrites.
SPEcial report: living in fear
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.
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.
Living in Fear: Batterers often sent to class, but no one knows if it reduces domestic violence
People found guilty of domestic assault in Greene County often are placed on probation with one of the conditions being they attend a batterers intervention class instead of going to jail or prison. Yet, no one in Greene County has compiled hard data that could determine if these programs actually reduce domestic violence.
9 ways to help those who are Living in Fear
Several changes in state law, better use of existing laws and stronger efforts to enforce potential federal penalties against abusers are among the top nine solutions offered in the course of interviews with 55 sources contacted by the Springfield Daily Citizen in its six-month investigation into domestic violence.
