New downtown mural unveiled after Robert E. Smith tribute coverup
A new patriotic-themed mural featuring a bald eagle was unveiled at the corner of Walnut Street and Campbell Avenue, replacing the Robert E. Smith tribute mural that was painted over in February.
in-depth
School, fire officials worry about property tax credit on April ballot in Christian County
Christian County voters will consider a proposed property tax credit on April 7 that would effectively freeze taxes on residents’ homesteads at the 2024 rate.
springfield airport
Pokin Around: The remarkably dedicated TSA workers who have kept the SGF airport running smoothly
TSA workers went 41 days without getting paid. At the Springfield-Branson Airport, workers kept showing up and there was no impact to services.
Springfield bicyclist dies after crash with semi on Kansas Expressway
Stanley Maxwell Jr., 44, of Springfield, died at the hospital on Thursday from injuries sustained in a crash with a semi on Wednesday morning, March…
Jury convicts Springfield man of sexually abusing girl, raping another
Larry T. Robertson, 40, was found guilty of two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, two counts of first-degree child molestation, and one count of first-degree rape after a two-day trial in Judge Jerry Harmison’s courtroom.
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latest news & Sports
NEWS
‘Everybody’s reached out’: Community prepares massive fundraiser for Christian County Sheriff’s deputies
The Roll Call of the Fallen fundraiser, organized by the owners of Café B-29 and Vineyard Market in Ozark, could raise up to $500,000 to benefit the families of two Christian County deputies killed in the line of duty and two injured deputies.
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SPORTS
Chase Branham cemented his legacy at Logan-Rogersville by helping Wildcats win first state title since 1982
Indiana-bound junior to decide on either staying at L-R or transferring to a basketball academy his senior season.
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BUSINESS
Nixa’s Swin Dispensaries targeted by Attorney General in statewide hemp crackdown
The Missouri Attorney General’s office has sent cease-and-desist letters to 33 businesses across Missouri, including Swin Dispensaries in Nixa, for selling adulterated, deceptive hemp-derived products that are often marketed as marijuana.
Springfield’s Metropolitan Statistical Area surpasses 500,000 residents
The Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area has officially surpassed 500,000 residents, reflecting six consecutive years of steady gains and marking a significant economic development milestone.
New mural taking shape at Campbell and Walnut in downtown Springfield
The new mural replaces a beloved Robert E. Smith tribute mural that had been on the side of the building since 2000.
Second time’s the charm? Springfield voters to reconsider hotel tax increase on April 7
If approved, the 3% increase would help fund the expansion and renovation of the Springfield Expo Center.
SCHOOLS & CHILDREN
Read our special series SPS: District of Choice?
Higher Learning Commission reviewers to visit MSU about renewing accreditation
The university is in the process of reaffirming its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. On Monday and Tuesday next week, peer reviewers with the commission will visit campus.
SPS names large class of high-performing seniors as Rose Honorees
The district has named 59 seniors in the class of 2026 as Rose Honorees. An acronym of “Recognition Of Scholastic Excellence,” the honorees earned the highest grade point averages at their high schools.
GOVERNMENT
Springfield/Greene co.
City Council refers eminent domain ordinance for Hotel of Terror to Aug. 4 ballot
Springfield voters will decide whether to allow the city of Springfield to use eminent domain to acquire the Hotel of Terror.
christian county
Who are the candidates for elected positions in Ozark, Nixa and Republic on April 7?
Voters in the Republic, Nixa and Ozark communities will elect new members to their city councils in April, with contested races in Nixa and Republic and uncontested races in Ozark. The Ozark School District’s board has five candidates in the race for three seats.
elections
Missouri Supreme Court upholds legislature’s redistricting authority, keeps voter ID law
The court also struck down parts of a 2022 law limiting voter-registration and absentee-ballot outreach by civic groups.
public safety
At sentencing, mom of murder victim speaks on behalf of man involved
Chandler Sweaney was murdered in 2021 after he rented a room to a drug dealer and the drug dealer was robbed. Sweaney, an innocent victim, had no idea his roommate was a drug dealer. His mother spoke at that drug dealer’s federal sentencing this week.
Steve Pokin — Columnist
Get tickets for Pokin Around: Live on April 1 as Steve Pokin interviews Jeff Houghton
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: Nearly impossible to see pavement markings for lanes on diverging diamond on rainy nights
Reader tells The Answer Man that on rainy nights it’s awfully hard to see the pavement markings for lanes on the diverging diamond on South National Avenue.
Answer Man: Who’s clearing the land east of Pat Jones YMCA? And why?
A reader asks The Answer Man: Who is clearing the land next to the Pat Jones YMCA? And why?
Answer Man: Readers ask about awful smell along Wilson’s Creek near wastewater treatment plant
Multiple readers have reached out, wondering about an unpleasant smell near Wilson’s Creek in southwest Springfield.
Answer Man: What’s happening with former Affordable Towing lot?
A reader wants to know what the new owner will do with the former Affordable Towing vehicle storage lot on Florida Street just west of Glenstone.
SPRINGFIELD CULTURE
Debut novelist Micki Pierce releases ‘The Route 66 Detective in Missouri’
Micki Pierce’s debut novel “The Route 66 Detective in Missouri” follows the journey of World War I flying ace Mac McCarty as he explores Europe by motorcycle before returning to the US to work as a private investigator.
Springfield Art Museum’s ‘On the Lawn’ series offers free outdoor fun
The Springfield Art Museum is hosting a free monthly outdoor series, On the Lawn, from April to October, offering a variety of activities such as yoga, live music, yard games and volunteer opportunities.
OTHER SPRINGFIELD NEWS
state gov’t/politics
sports
VOICES
Opinion: The Oracle says the Earth needs a Captain
All our science-fiction space ships have captains. Even the storm-tossed Minnow on “Gilligan’s Island” had a captain. Our Earth-Ship needs a captain.
Letter: Voters continue to lack information on proposed convention center
For a second time, Springfield is asking voters to consider a hotel tax increase to fund a convention center project. With limited facts about the final plan, the devil is still in the details, a Springfield resident writes.
Letter: Why a convention center and headquarters hotel matter for Springfield’s future
Springfield, Missouri is considering a proposal to build a modern convention center with an attached headquarters hotel. A Missouri State University graduate writes that it could serve as a regional hub and attract more visitors and investment to the city.
Opinion: ‘I am Springfield.’ Why belonging still demands courage
The iconic scene in Stanley Kubrick’s “Spartacus” reveals that belonging requires sacrifice, and that true community comes with a cost, as demonstrated by the slaves’ declaration of “I am Spartacus” and the small acts of connection and responsibility that can build a strong community.
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.
