News Flash

January sales tax revenue up 13% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's January 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 13%, or $462,680, compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in December 2015 from ...

Zone 1 residents invited to help map out details of improvement plan for northwest SGF Jan. 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Residents, service providers, business owners and church members from Springfield's Zone 1 are invited to Zone 1 Connect, a community meeting to map out an improvement plan for the city's northwest quadrant, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday,...

Jan. 11 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

City of Springfield Weekly News Tip Sheet

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Need City head shots? Visit the City's SmugMug page.Building Development Services

Service requests for the Building Development Services department are up 10% over this time last year. BDS implements and monitors a variety of city, st...

Zone 2 Councilman Justin Burnett resigns

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Zone 2 Councilman Justin Burnett distributed a letter today to City Council tendering his resignation, effective Jan. 15. Burnett was elected in April 2015. Essentially citing reasons of health and time commitment, he indicated that ...

Zone 2 Councilman Justin Burnett rescinds resignation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield Zone 2 City Councilman Justin Burnett has decided to rescind his resignation, after reconsideration. “I have decided to rescind my resignation and will be taking a break from college instead in order to focus on my health...

Tonight's Council-CACCD public hearing meeting canceled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Due to weather, the joint City Council-Citizen Advisory Committee for Community Development Public Hearing scheduled for tonight has been rescheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26 in City Council Chambers inside Historic City Hall.

Tree City USA meeting postponed, P&Z canceled

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Due to weather, today's Tree City USA meeting has been rescheduled to 1:30-2:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28 at the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, and tonight's Planning & Zoning Commission meeting has been canceled.

Springfield-Greene County 911 telecommunicators field record call numbers in last 4 weeks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield-Greene County 911 telecommunicators have experienced a record number of calls and phone interactions in the four weeks since the flooding event on Dec. 26, 2015. "The flooding that occurred mainly on the day after Ch...

Jan. 25 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Join City, community leaders and neighbors for Zone 1 Connect event on Saturday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Residents, service providers, business owners and church members from Springfield's Zone 1 are invited to Zone 1 Connect, a community meeting to map out an improvement plan for the city's northwest quadrant, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday,...

Join City, community leaders and neighbors for Zone 1 Connect event on Saturday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Residents, service providers, business owners and church members from Springfield's Zone 1 are invited to Zone 1 Connect, a community meeting to map out an improvement plan for the city's northwest quadrant, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Saturday,...

Mayor to issue proclamation recognizing bravery of neighbors who pulled boy from burning home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Bob Stephens will issue a proclamation at a fundraiser tonight recognizing the bravery of Springfieldians Theron Teeter, also known as Too Much, and Mike Wallace, for pulling 4-year-old Ben Garrison from his burning home on Wes...

Police, partner agencies continue to assist individuals notified to vacate properties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield Police Department and Community Partnership of the Ozarks’ One Door program, which works to prevent and end homelessness in Greene, Christian and Webster Counties, continue to work together to assist an estimated 20 indiv...

February sales tax revenue down 7% compared to budget; YTD revenues still up 3% over budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's February 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 7%, or $223,927, compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in January from tran...

Feb. 8 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

City solicits bids for properties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield is soliciting sealed bids for the sale of various parcels of City-owned property at the following locations:

• 1410 E. Pacific - Zoned R-SF (Residential Single-Family)
• 1102 N. Rogers - Zoned R-SF (Residential Sing...

Help 9-1-1 help you by filling out functional needs form for household

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE In an emergency, it can be vitally important for first responders (police officers, firefighters or emergency medical services personnel) to know that a resident of the household where help is needed is visually impaired, hearing imp...

City employee dies in accident at landfill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE John Wesley Choate died after an accident at the City’s landfill. Choate worked at the City in various capacities since 2008, most recently as a maintenance worker. “We are all saddened by the loss of one of our own” said City Manage...

REMINDER: Zone 2 City Councilman Justin Burnett to host community meeting tonight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Zone 2 City Councilman Justin Burnett cordially invites Springfield residents to a community meeting 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25 at Alice Pittman Elementary, 2934 E. Bennett. Join Burnett and Zone 2 neighbors to discuss what's hap...

Zone 3 City Councilman Mike Schilling to host community meeting March 15

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Zone 3 City Councilman Mike Schilling cordially invites Springfield residents to a community meeting 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 15 at Horace Mann Elementary, 3745 S. Broadway. Join Schilling and Zone 3 neighbors to discuss what's ha...

Mayor’s Task Force on Crisis Sheltering to present recommendations to Council on Monday

MEDIA ALERT The 17-member Mayor’s Task Force on Crisis Sheltering will present its recommendations to Mayor Bob Stephens and members of City Council at a special Council lunch meeting at noon, Monday, Feb. 29 in the Busch Municipal Building’s fourth-floor...

Citizens’ Sales Tax Oversight Committee issues clean report to City Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield doesn’t expect citizens to take its word for it that tax dollars are spent appropriately. At tonight’s City Council meeting, the Citizens’ Sales Tax Oversight Committee (CSTOC) gave another "clean" r...

Feb. 22 City Council meeting summary

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Mayor’s Task Force on Crisis Sheltering presents recommendations to Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The 17-member Mayor’s Task Force on Crisis Sheltering presented its recommendations to Mayor Bob Stephens and members of City Council at today’s Council Lunch. Mayor Stephens announced the formation of the task force last fall. He de...

Jefferson Avenue Footbridge to close beginning March 1 for inspection

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE During a recent weekly inspection of the Jefferson Avenue Footbridge, Public Works noticed corrosion and steel loss in the north support column of the 114-year-old bridge. Public Works brought in experts from Great River Engineering ...

Mayor Bob Stephens to host news conference at 10 a.m.

MEDIA ALERT Mayor Bob Stephens will host a news conference at 10 a.m. today at the Springfield Regional Police-Fire Training Center, 2620 W. Battlefield Road. Immediately following the news conference, the mayor will be available for one-on-one interviews...

City Attorney Dan Wichmer accepts new position

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Attorney Dan Wichmer has accepted the position of Executive Director of Legal Services of Southern Missouri. His last day at the City of Springfield will be March 11. Wichmer became Springfield City Attorney in May 2005 after se...

March sales tax revenue up 24% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's March 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 24%, or $942,338, compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in February from transac...

1 Million Cups Springfield moves to the Springfield Art Museum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 Million Cups Springfield announced Wednesday its move to the Springfield Art Museum effective April 6. The program launched Feb. 26, 2014 with the mission to build a start up and entrepreneurial community in southwest Missouri. Thi...

Media invited to March 14 luncheon to discuss upcoming Convoy of Hope: Springfield event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Please join Convoy of Hope Signature Events Director Steve Pulis and City Manager Greg Burris for a media luncheon noon-1 p.m., Monday, March 14 at the Public Safety Center, 330 W. Scott, to learn about media opportunities and resour...

March 7 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

Marianne Banks named Interim City Attorney

City Manager Greg Burris named Marianne Banks to serve as Interim City Attorney, effective March 14, 2016. Banks temporarily replaces Dan Wichmer, who recently took a new position with Legal Services of Southern Missouri. Banks has extensive experience, p...

City details efforts to address poverty and homelessness

According to Springfield’s 2013 point in time homeless count data, on any given night, 711 people in Springfield are homeless. That includes 350 single adults, 50 veterans, 425 families and 163 children. Together with the rising poverty rate, homelessness...

Today's media lunch about Convoy of Hope Springfield event postponed

Today's media lunch scheduled for noon at the Springfield-Greene County Public Safety center is being postponed to a later date. Information on the rescheduled date will be sent out as soon as details are confirmed. Sorry for any inconvenience. Media inte...

Sculpture takes springtime tumble Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.

It’s tumble time. Public Works Superintendent of Streets Ron Bailey encourages interested citizens to come down to Park Central Square at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 15 for the springtime rotation of the Tumbler, Springfield’s first piece of modern art. Gra...

City continues to respond to March 13-14 flash flooding event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Missouri Severe Weather Preparedness Week kicked off early in Springfield with Sunday night’s signature flash flooding event due to a convective thunderstorm. The National Weather Service issued a flash flooding warning for Springfie...

Please join us at 10 a.m. at the Gillioz to hear about 2016 Route 66 Festival event lineup

MEDIA ALERT Please join us for a press conference at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 22 at the historic Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, as we announce the featured attractions of the 2016 Birthplace of Route 66 Festival. Last year’s festival drew approxim...

City to pay to house inmates in Miller, Taney counties

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield City Council voted on March 21 to allocate up to $500,000 to house inmates in Miller and Taney County detention facilities, as a temporary solution to a long-standing disagreement with the Greene County Sheriff over the h...

March 21 City Council meeting summary

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2016 Route 66 Festival to offer three days of cars, motorcycles, concerts and family fun

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield and Birthplace of Route 66 Festival partners KY3, Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. and Ozarks On Two Wheels announced the 2016 festival event lineup at a press conference at the historic Gillioz Theatre Marc...

City Council hears first reading for West Wye connection project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A long-discussed project to divert coal trains from the center of Springfield is back on track. City Council will meet at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, March 24 in Council Chambers at Historic City Hall to hear the first reading of a bill to t...

City, Community Partnership of the Ozarks to host landlord training seminar April 9

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield and Community Partnership of the Ozarks will host an annual landlord training seminar 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at Christ Episcopal Church, 610 E. Walnut. This training is designed for landlords and prop...

Author and professor Robert D. Putnam to speak at MSU Public Affairs Conference April 8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield, along with the 12 partner organizations listed below, are bringing author and Harvard professor Robert D. Putnam to speak noon-1 p.m. Friday, April 8 at Missouri State University’s annual Public Affairs Confe...

Gift of Time volunteer appreciation program to host 25th annual banquet June 30

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Volunteers are a vital part of delivering services to our community every day – from hunger to education; homelessness to advocacy; volunteers are there to give the most important gift – the gift of time. To celebrate the dedication ...

April 4 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

April sales tax revenues down 3% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's April 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 3%, or $112,213, compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in March from transacti...

City of Springfield, Greene County observe National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The week of April 10-16 is set aside to honor those that provide the voice of our emergency services across our country. The City of Springfield recognizes the outstanding service of 9-1-1 telecommunicators during observance of Natio...

9-1-1 Director Zim Schwartze named Missouri 9-1-1 Director of the Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield-Greene County 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Director Zim Schwartze was named Missouri 9-1-1 Director of the Year at the Missouri Public Safety Communications Conference (MPSCC) March 22 in Columbia. The Springfield-Green...

April 18 City Council meeting summary

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MEDIA ALERT: Second Sculpture Walk installation Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at Springfield Brewing Co.

MEDIA ALERT The second of 12 sculptures that will comprise the 2016 Sculpture Walk in downtown Springfield will arrive via truck from Brooklyn, New York and will be installed at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday on Springfield Brewing Company's balcony, according to Sc...

MEDIA ALERT: Hearing continues at 1:30 p.m., Friday

A hearing carried over from April 20, will continue in Historic City Hall’s 3rd floor City Council Chambers at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 29. The hearing was requested by a majority of City Council members, to look into the facts surrounding Councilwoman Kri...

Saturday marks 90th anniversary of telegram sent from Springfield naming Route 66

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Route 66, also known as the “Mother Road” and the “Main Street of America,” was conceived 90 years ago Saturday in downtown Springfield. On April 30, 1926, a group of businessmen led by Cy Avery of Tulsa and Springfield’s John T. Woo...

City participating in CFO's Give Ozarks to raise funds for Route 66 Plaza Clock Tower

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nearly 150 nonprofit agencies will participate in Give Ozarks, Community Foundation of the Ozarks' 24-hour online giving day Tuesday, May 3. The City of Springfield is participating in Give Ozarks to fundraise for the planned Route 6...

May 2 City Council meeting summary

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Hotel/Motel Tax Reallocation Committee announces 2016 application process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Hotel/Motel Tax Reallocation Committee, a committee appointed by City Council to manage the grant award process for the returned tax proceeds from Wonders of Wildlife (WOW), will host a mandatory question and answer session for i...

City Manager presents Proposed 2017 Budget to City Council

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPublic safety, investments in technology and facilities among priorities

The City Manager’s proposed fiscal year 2017 (FY2017) budget was provided to City Council today in the first of four scheduled workshops. Revenue projections and ...

Last piece in 2016 Sculpture Walk installed in downtown SGF today

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The last of 12 sculptures that comprise the 2016 Sculpture Walk in downtown Springfield was installed today, according to Sculpture Walk coordinator Nicole Brown. Sculpture Walk 2016 will officially open May 6 during Artsfest. Artist...

Mayor releases statement on Holstein findings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Former Chief Justice John Holstein issued his findings today regarding the alleged misconduct by Councilmember Kristi Fulnecky during a Nov. 24 closed meeting. I speak for those members of City Council who signed the letter to the Ma...

May sales tax revenues down 12% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's May 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 12%, or $334,570, compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in April from transactio...

Holstein releases findings on Fulnecky issue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMayor releases statement on Holstein findings

May 16 City Council meeting summary

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EPA awards $200,000 to Springfield for job training program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A $200,000 grant to The Missouri Job Center will provide job opportunities in the city’s northwest quadrant. The grant funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be used to recruit, train and place local unemployed and ...

9-1-1 Director Zim Schwartze named Director of the Year by international association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International announced the winners of the 2016 Public Safety Communications Awards and Technology in Leadership Awards on Friday, May 20. Springfield-Greene County 9-1...

City Finance Director announces retirement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mary Mannix Decker, City of Springfield Finance director, announces her retirement effective July 22. Mannix Decker joined the City of Springfield Finance Department in 1999 as the Budget Administrator, responsible for the developmen...

Mayor's State of the City address 7:30 a.m. Thursday, June 2 at The Arc of the Ozarks

MEDIA ALERT Mayor Bob Stephens will share his views about the state of Springfield during the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Springfield! at The Arc of the Ozarks, 1501 E. Pythian, Thursday, June 2 at 7:30 a.m. Those who can't be ther...

May 31 City Council meeting summary

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Mayor in State of City address: Springfield in especially strong position

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE More than 300 attendees gathered to hear Mayor Bob Stephens share his views this morning about the state of Springfield during his last State of the City address during the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Springfi...

MEDIA ALERT: EPA to Recognize Springfield, Mo., for Effective Use of Brownfields Assistance

(Lenexa, Kan., June 9, 2016) – EPA Region 7 Administrator Mark Hague will officially recognize the City of Springfield, Mo., on Monday, June 13, for its effective use of more than $7 million in funding and technical assistance from EPA’s Brownfields progr...

June sales tax revenues up 11% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield’s June 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 11%, or $444,782, compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in March from transaction...

June 13 City Council meeting summary

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Frank Romines selected as Springfield City Attorney

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Frank Romines has been selected as the City of Springfield’s City Attorney, effective July 13. He currently serves as senior corporate counsel for Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. Romines began his career as an associate attorney in...

Square sculpture to be tumbled Tuesday, June 21 in honor of Tom Billionis

This tumble’s for you, Tom. Public works will dedicate the summertime rotation of the Park Central Square sculpture, the Tumbler, to late Coffee Ethic owner, Tom Billionis, at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 21. Billionis, a passionate supporter of downtown Sprin...

June 27 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

25th annual Gift of Time awards luncheon Thursday at Ramada Oasis Convention Center

MEDIA ALERT The City of Springfield and Council of Churches of the Ozarks will host the annual Gift of Time Awards luncheon noon-1 p.m. Thursday at the Ramada Inn Oasis Convention Center, 2456 N. Glenstone. The Gift of Time Awards has the distinction of b...

25th annual Gift of Time Awards luncheon honors 41, awards 5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Five local citizens were honored by the Council of Churches of the Ozarks and City of Springfield as the Volunteers of the Year at the annual Gift of Time Awards Luncheon today at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center. Nominated by vari...

July sales tax revenues down 12% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's July 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 12%, or $528,385, compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in June from transactio...

REMINDER: City, community partners and neighbors to launch Zone Blitz at 9 a.m. at Nichols Park

MEDIA ALERT The City of Springfield, along with community partners and Zone 1 neighbors, will officially launch the Zone Blitz, an initiative to improve quality of life in northwest Springfield, at 9 a.m. at Nichols Park, 1800 W. Nichols. For more informa...

Zone Blitz initiative promotes community unity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE What began 18 months ago as a look at crime statistics, has turned into a multi-pronged initiative that City leaders believe has the ability to unite Springfieldians in a common crusade to improve quality of life through the simple a...

July 11 City Council meeting summary

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David Holtmann named interim Finance director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Manager Greg Burris has named David Holtmann to serve as interim Finance director effective July 25. Holtmann temporarily replaces Mary Mannix Decker, who announced her retirement in May. Her last day with the City will be July ...

No building inspections Aug. 2; inspectors to attend training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Commercial and residential building inspections will not be available from the City’s Building Development Services Tuesday, Aug. 2 because the department’s inspectors will be participating in training on fire resistance-rated constr...

City Human Resources director announces retirement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sheila Maerz, City of Springfield Human Resources director, announces her retirement effective Oct. 20. Maerz joined the City of Springfield as the Human Resources director in October 1998 and is responsible for employment, classific...

National Night Out promotes safe, healthy neighborhoods

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6 p.m.-Sundown, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016 Meador Park, 2500 S. Fremont Ave.

• $1 pool admission or donate a canned good for FREE pool admission (5:30-8 p.m.)
• Crime and safety informational booths
• Tour police, fire and EMS vehicles
• Prescription...

July 25 City Council meeting summary

View a video recording of the meeting.

City to host public input meeting Aug. 11 to discuss C-Street TIF projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Staff from the City of Springfield’s Economic Development office and Zone 1 Councilwoman Phyllis Ferguson will host the first in a series of public input meetings about how to spend more than half a million dollars captured from the ...

August sales tax revenues down 2% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's August 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 2%, or $41,007, compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in July from transactio...

City, West Central Neighborhood to ceremoniously break ground for Route 66 Plaza Streetscape Aug. 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield and the West Central Neighborhood Alliance will ceremoniously break ground for the Route 66 Plaza Streetscape at College Street and Broadway Avenue at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 10. The groundbreaking is the prel...

Aug. 8 City Council meeting summary

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Festival founders hope to pass preservation of Historic Route 66 to future generations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETommy and Glenda Pike

Lifelong Springfieldians Tommy and Glenda Pike are a walking, talking encyclopedia of Mother Road lore and history. In 1989, while antiquing in Halltown, the Pikes came across a sign-up sheet to form a Missouri Ro...

Festival organizers release parade details, instructions for participants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The second annual Birthplace of Route 66 Parade has an exciting lineup this year that includes more than 350 cars and motorcycles to date, several floats, special guest appearances and fun entertainment for the whole family. This yea...

MEDIA ALERT: City, West Central Neighborhood to break ground for Route 66 Streetscape Aug. 10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHAT: The City of Springfield and the West Central Neighborhood Alliance will ceremoniously break ground for the Route 66 Plaza Streetscape at College Street and Broadway Avenue WHEN: 9 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016 WHERE: Northwest...

West Central Neighborhood to host pre-party Friday before the Route 66 Festival Parade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The West Central Neighborhood Alliance will host a pre-party for the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival Parade 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park at College Street and Fort Avenue. Join them for p...

City GIS staff create 80-stop virtual tour down Springfield’s stretch of Historic Route 66

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield’s Geographic Information Systems division has created an intensive 80-stop “story map” of Historic Route 66 through Springfield utilizing mapping software Esri. Esri Story Maps let users combine authoritative ...

Expect road closures, traffic delays downtown Friday-Sunday during Route 66 Festival

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Motorists in downtown Springfield should expect road closures and traffic delays all weekend in downtown Springfield due to the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, starting the morning of Friday, Aug. 12 and lasting until evening Sunday...

Gypsy tour tradition comes to the Mother Road during Route 66 Festival this weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Along with Aaron Sachs and Associates, Ozarks on Two Wheels joined forces with the 4-3 Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) chapter to create the second annual Route 66 Gypsy Tour Poker Run, a 66-mile poker run along parts o...

Love to chat about Route 66? Visit The Old Glass Place Aug. 13-14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A gathering of authors, artists, collectors, associations, and preservation and tourism enthusiasts affiliated with Route 66 will take place at The Old Glass Place, 501 E. St. Louis (east end of the car show), 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturda...

Festival’s John T. Woodruff Award to be presented Saturday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE On behalf of the 2016 Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, David Eslick will present two John T. Woodruff Awards at noon, Saturday Aug. 13 at Park Central Square to St. Louis Street Steak ‘n Shake owner Gary Leonard and West Central Neig...

Route 66 Festival draws record attendance

About 38,000 people participated in Springfield Missouri’s 6th annual Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, presented by KY3/KSPR; City of Springfield and Aaron Sachs & Associates. Despite a soggy start, 250 classic cars and a couple dozen motorcycles para...

OEM Director Chet Hunter announces resignation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Chet Hunter, Director of the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, announces his resignation effective Aug. 26. He and his family will be moving to St. Louis, where he has accepted a position as the assistant dire...

MEDIA ALERT: National Resource Network to update City Council on findings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHAT: The National Resource Network, a consortium of private and public sector experts, will present findings from their engagement with Springfield to City Council. NRN's strategies focus on the areas of housing, jobs and engaging a...

Parkview High School Alumni to Kick Off 60th Anniversary at Friday’s football game

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Pro Tem and Parkview High School alum Ken McClure will officially kick off a year-long celebration of Parkview’s 60th Anniversary at Friday night’s football game versus the Kickapoo Chiefs. The ceremony will take place at halft...

Sept. 6 City Council meeting summary

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Zone 2 Council seat open

Justin Burnett’s Zone 2 Council seat is now vacant, following his move out of Zone 2. Burnett sent an email to City Council colleagues and members of City staff Thursday evening, with the announcement of his move to south Springfield. Mayor Bob Stephens r...

September sales tax revenues up 3% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's September 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is up 3%, or $156,197, compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in August from transa...

Application process for Zone 2 Council seat opens Sept. 6

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield City Council will take applications for the Zone 2 Council seat vacated by Justin Burnett, from 8 a.m. Sept. 6 to 5 p.m. Sept. 16 (unless extended by City Council). City Council plans to review the applications and interv...

REMINDER: Results of study of SGF congregations to be revealed Sept. 9

MEDIA ALERT The results of a study of Springfield-area congregations by a group of Drury University and Missouri State University researchers will be revealed at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9 at National Avenue Christian Church, 1515 S. National Ave. The press ...

MEDIA ALERT: City to host public meeting Sept. 8 to discuss C-Street TIF, Public Works projects

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WHAT: Staff from the City of Springfield’s Economic Development office will host the second public input meeting about how to spend more than a half a million dollars captured from the Commercial Street Tax Increment Financing (TIF) ...

CreAsian restaurant to donate half of Sept. 14 gross sales to Springfield Police and Fire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CreAsian restaurant, at the northwest corner of Chestnut and Campbell in Springfield will for the fifth year, donate half of its gross sales Wednesday, Sept. 14, to the Springfield Police and Fire departments. Last year's donation ne...

City PIO staff recognized with national award for walk-through model of downtown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) announced the 2016 winners of its national Savvy Awards Competition during a ceremony at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel in San Antonio, Texas on Thursday, Sept. 8. The Cit...

Saturday's 7th annual Jazz Festival to offer 7 hours of free live music

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield, Missouri continues a great season of live music downtown with the 7th Annual Jazz Festival, coming up Saturday at Park Central Square. The festival includes seven hours of free live music at the Bear State Outdoor Stage ...

Eight citizens apply for Zone 2 City Council Seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Eight Springfield citizens have applied for the vacant City Council Zone 2 seat. Justin Burnett resigned earlier this month after moving from Zone 2. The filing deadline was Friday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. City Council plans to review the...

City’s Sustainability Officer Barbara Lucks announces resignation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE After 22 years with the City of Springfield, most notably as the City’s first sustainability officer, Barbara Lucks is announcing her resignation (effective in mid-October) to work full time as a private consultant. Lucks joined the ...

Eight citizens apply for Zone 2 City Council Seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Eight Springfield citizens have applied for the vacant City Council Zone 2 seat. Justin Burnett resigned earlier this month after moving from Zone 2. The filing deadline was Friday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. City Council plans to review the...

Square sculpture takes fall season tumble Tuesday at 7:30

Interested citizens are encouraged to gather in Park Central Square at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 20 to view the fall rotation of the Tumbler, Springfield's first piece of modern art. Grab some coffee and watch a Public Works crew put a new spin on this fa...

Sept. 19 City Council meeting summary

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Dr. Thomas Prater selected for Zone 2 City Council seat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Council has selected Thomas Prater, M.D., as the new Zone 2 council representative at a special City Council meeting Sept. 20. Dr. Prater was born in Springfield and is an eye surgeon in private practice with Mattax-Neu-Prater E...

Students to make a difference in Zone 1 during Parkview Cares Day tomorrow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Instead of spending the day in the classroom tomorrow, Parkview High School students will be volunteering at dozens of sites in Springfield as part of the third annual Parkview Cares Day. Freshman, sophomore and junior students don y...

Second- and third-graders to discover Treasures of the City Tuesday evening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Second- and third-grade students and their families will tour the City's Government Plaza while they treasure-hunt for knowledge of municipal government at the 27th annual "Treasures of the City" Partners in Education event...

Oct. 3 City Council meeting summary

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Reminder: Second- and third-graders to discover Treasures of the City this evening

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Second- and third-grade students and their families will tour the City's Government Plaza while they treasure-hunt for knowledge of municipal government at the 27th annual "Treasures of the City" Partners in Education event...

October sales tax revenues on target

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's October 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is on target compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in September from transactions ma...

Mayor’s Commission for Children executive director announces resignation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Denise Bredfeldt, executive director of the Mayor’s Commission for Children, has announced her resignation effective in late October. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Denise for her 12 years of service as executive directo...

Oct. 17 City Council meeting summary

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Darla Morrison named interim Human Resources director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Manager Greg Burris has named Darla Morrison to serve as interim Human Resources director effective Oct. 21. Morrison temporarily replaces Sheila Maerz, who announced her retirement in July. Maerz’s last day with the City is Oct...

Interested in running for City Council? Info packets available starting Monday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Those interested in running for City Council on the April 4, 2017 municipal election ballot can begin the process at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24 by picking up information packets and petitions for signatures from the City Clerk’s office o...

City of Springfield to study the efficiency of trash and recycling services, gather public input

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield is studying the efficiency of trash and recycling collection services within the city limits. The Department of Environmental Services has selected Burns and McDonnell as a consultant firm to conduct the study...

City Council updated on Jefferson Avenue Footbridge condition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE If Springfield’s Historic Jefferson Avenue Footbridge shared human characteristics, “bridge doctor” Spencer Jones would describe its condition as critical. Jones is an engineer with Great River Engineering, a firm hired by Springfiel...

Breck Ruddick charged with leash law and cruelty to animals violations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield Chief Municipal Prosecutor Carl Yendes announces that Breck Ruddick, 20, has been charged with cruelty to animals (Section 18-9) and permitting a dog to run at large (Section 18-53) of the City Code. The charges stem from...

Safe Housing Inspection Pilot Program Proposal approved by City Council

Springfield City Council approved a resolution Monday for a 90-day pilot project studying potential action for addressing the City’s chronic nuisance properties. “The volume of service requests for dangerous and nuisance properties and the severity of the...

Oct. 31 City Council meeting summary

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Zone 2 City Councilman Dr. Tom Prater to host community meeting Nov. 16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Zone 2 City Councilman Dr. Tom Prater cordially invites Springfield residents to a community meeting 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16 at Alice Pittman Elementary, 2934 E. Bennett. Join Dr. Prater and Zone 2 neighbors to discuss what's...

November sales tax revenues down 5% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The City of Springfield's November 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 5% compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in October from transactions made ...

Breck Ruddick plea agreement on animal charges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Springfield Chief Municipal Prosecutor Carl Yendes announces that the City has reached a plea agreement with Breck Ruddick, 20, on his two outstanding municipal charges of cruelty to animals (Section 18-9) and permitting a dog to run...

City-County jail lawsuit hearing held Nov. 3

Judge John D. Beger of the 25th Judicial Court of Missouri heard arguments Nov. 3, on the City of Springfield’s motion for partial summary judgment in a lawsuit filed by the City to gain access to the City-County Consolidated Justice Center (City-County J...

Municipal Court Judge Todd Thornhill appointed to Missouri Press-Bar Commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association (MMACJA)President Andrea Niehoff has appointed Municipal Court Judge Todd Thornhill to serve as a member of the Missouri Press-Bar Commission representing the MMACJA. The Mi...

REMINDER: Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony Saturday, Nov. 19

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Bob Stephens, with help from local elementary school students, will signal the start of the holiday season by lighting a 33-foot Norway spruce, located in Jordan Valley Park, east of the Mediacom Ice Park at the annual Mayor’s ...

New regulations pave way for Transportation Network Companies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City Council voted Monday evening to amend language in the City Code to make room for transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in Springfield. The vote was 8-0 with Jan Fisk recusing herself. Language in Chapter...

Nov. 14 City Council meeting summary

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MEDIA ALERT: Park Central Square Christmas Tree to be installed 10 a.m. Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE City of Springfield Public Works will install the Park Central Square Christmas tree at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15. The 25-foot blue spruce will be decked out and ceremoniously lit at the Park Central Square Tree Lighting ceremony at ...

Mayor encourages shopping local on Saturday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a big deal for small businesses.

Mayor Stephens will issue a proclamation at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 at Chabom Tea + Spices, 209 E. Commercial, declaring the Saturday af...

Department of Labor awards $3 million to Springfield for job training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

A $3 million grant to the City of Springfield's Department of Workforce Development in partnership with Ozarks Technical Community College will provide training opportunities for individuals seeking to enter the health care ...

Nov. 28 City Council meeting summary

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City receives Distinguished Budget Award 10th year in a row

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For the 10^th year in a row, the City has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget. The award reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the h...

Rating agency upgrades two of City’s bond issues

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Moody's Investor Service (one of the nation’s top three bond credit rating agencies) has upgraded the rating of two of the City of Springfield’s bond issues related to Jordan Valley Park’s Baseball Stadium Project.

The two issues, Spri...

December sales tax revenues down 10% compared to budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The City of Springfield's December 2016 1% general sales tax check from the Missouri Department of Revenue is down 10% compared to the amount budgeted. The check reflects sales processed by the state in November from transac...

Springfield City Council approves jail agreement with Vernon County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City Council unanimously approved an agreement with Vernon County officials to house inmates at the Vernon County Jail Facility in Nevada, Mo. Sheriff Jason Mosher approached Springfield’s Police Chief Paul Williams, after hearing abo...

City hosts dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for north SGF Job Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Missouri Job Center hosted a two-part dedication and ribbon cutting for its new north Springfield location, located in the CoxHealth North Medical Tower, 1443 N. Robberson.

The idea for a north Springfield satellite office for the ...

Dec. 12 City Council meeting summary

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MSU social work students to present findings from Doling neighborhood study tonight

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Missouri State University senior social work students will present the findings of their semester-long study of Springfield’s Doling neighborhood at 7:30 p.m. at the Doling Family Center, 301 E. Talmage.

Over a four-week time frame, th...

Judge issues order on matters related to jail lawsuit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Judge John D. Beger has issued rulings regarding the ongoing City-County jail dispute. As a result of these rulings, the lawsuit will move forward. 

Judge Beger ruled Dec. 13 that the majority of the City’s (Plaintif...

Sculpture takes wintry tumble Tuesday at 7:30 a.m.

Interested citizens are encouraged to gather in Park Central Square at 7:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20 to view the winter rotation of the Tumbler, Springfield's first piece of modern art. Bundle up, grab some coffee and watch this seasonal tradition unfold as...

City Council receives independent audit report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Springfield City Council received an “unmodified” (the highest level given) opinion on the City’s financial statement audit from the City’s independent auditing firm, RSM. The firm indicated that the audit showed no material weakn...

Accounting firm completes audit of Parks department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Certified accounting firm RubinBrown LLP has completed an audit report of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board for transactions from Jan. 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016.

The City hired RubinBrown in 2014 to create a three-year audit ...