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Ozark News

Blunt, Long Cut Ribbon for Wilson’s Creek New Visitor Center

It was all hands on deck for local dignitaries as the National Park Service opened the newly renovated Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Visitor Center.

A ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning included Senator Roy Blunt, Congressman Billy Long, and representatives of the National Park Service.

“It is my honor to bring this project to a successful conclusion and welcome visitors, near and far, to once again learn more about this significant historical event and experience the new exhibits,” Wilson’s Creek Superintendent Sarah Cunningham said at the event.

Senator Roy Blunt and Congressman Billy Long cut the ribbon for the reopening of Wilson Creek National Battlefield’s Visitor Center

The $1.5 million project expanded the center by about 1,800 square feet and is allowing the park to display about 90 percent of its collection of civil war artifacts. The renovation also provided a needed upgrade to the center’s HVAC systems and new carpeting & displays.

The Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation raised half a million dollars for the project and federal funding matched it with a million in funding.

“Two things have happened in the last decade from Congress that I think are going to make lots of things possible,” Senator Blunt told KWTO. “First, the Centennial Act, where Congress provided money to national parks in a way that allowed those who support national parks to get a 2 to 1 match (in federal funds.) That’s what happened here…it’s what made the museum and the reopening possible.”

“The other is the Great American Outdoors Act that we passed last year,” Blunt continued. “It provides dedicated funding for the National Park Service. That dedicated funding is going to allow us to…keep up with what we’re doing now and more importantly to reach back and do the backlog of projects that need to be done.”

While the park requires a fee for other areas, the Visitor Center and the museum is free, and open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for federal holidays.

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Ozark News

CoxHealth Changes Makes Change to its Visitor Policy in Mother and Baby Units

As local cases of COVID-19 continue to stay low, CoxHealth is adjusting its policy for visiting the Mother and Baby Units.

A news release says effective immediately, patients on Labor and Delivery and Postpartum units may have two visitors per day.

One support person can remain with the patient 24/7 while they are in the hospital, and the second visitor may also be present during the baby’s birth, but will fall under the health system’s current visiting hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. after the mother transitions to postpartum status.

Those visitors must be the same two people for the duration of the hospitalization.

CoxHealth says this represents a shift from the former policy of one visitor for the duration of a patient’s stay, which had been in place since March, 2020 at the outset of the pandemic.

Chief Hospital Officer and Incident Commander for COVID-19 response at Cox Health, Karen Kramer, says it’s an exciting moment. “We have not enjoyed the restrictions over the past months, but believe they were necessary to help limit the potential spread of COVID-19. Having a baby is a significant milestone, and it makes us very glad to be at this moment where it is safe to have more visitors with these patients at this pivotal time.”

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Ozark News

First Two City Pools Open For the Summer in Springfield Saturday

It may not feel like swimming weather with highs only reaching into the middle 60’s, but Saturday marks the opening of two pools in Springfield.

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board will open Fassnight and McGee-McGregor outdoor pools Saturday, with additional locations scheduled to open in June.

Fassnight Pool (1300 south Campbell) is open 1-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the holiday weekend, with discount Splash & Sizzle admission all day on Memorial Day. $1/swimmer or free with a canned food donation, benefiting Ozarks Food Harvest.

Regular admission is $4 for adults and $3 for youth and seniors.

McGee-McGregor wading pool (1200 E. Bennett) is open Saturday and Memorial Day 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This pool is for kids ages six and under with an adult only. Admission is free.

After the holiday weekend, these two pools follow a regular weekly schedule through August 15th.

The park board has more on pool schedules as part of a news release below:

  • Fassnight open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 1-6:30 p.m. Closed Monday and Thursday. Enjoy discount Splash & Sizzle admission daily 5:30-6:30 p.m., for $1/swimmer or free with a canned food donation.
  • McGee-McGregor open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. 

Indoor pools at Chesterfield and Doling Family Centers are also open seven days a week, with outdoor admission rates offered Monday-Friday, 1-8 p.m. Regular indoor pool admission is in place Saturday and Sunday, $6/kids and seniors, $8/adults. View the full schedule at ParkBoard.org/Aquatics

Starting the week of June 13, the Park Board plans to open Grant Beach Pool, 1401 N. Grant Ave.; and Silver Springs Pool, 1100 N. Hampton Ave. Schedules will be announced. Private outdoor pool rentals also begin the week of June 13. 

Meador and Westport outdoor pools will not open for the 2021 season.

Director of Parks Bob Belote said the biggest challenge facing public swimming pools this summer is a lifeguard shortage, affecting pools nationwide as well as locally.

“We’re still recovering from lost Parks revenue related to the pandemic, which contributed to our staff and board making the difficult decision to not open Meador and Westport this summer,” said Belote. “But even if new funding became available today, we still wouldn’t be able to open all our pools because, despite heavy recruiting efforts, we have not been able to hire enough trained lifeguards to open and operate every location safely. 

Locally, the shortage of lifeguards has several contributing factors, including:

  • Fewer lifeguards trained or worked Summer 2020, when many outdoor pools were closed, so there are fewer experienced applicants returning to the job this summer.
  • Fewer than normal potential applicants took part in training sessions this winter and spring.
  • An overall labor shortage gives wider employment options to younger workers.

The Park Board needs to add approximately 25 new hires to the current staff of 55 lifeguards to open Grant Beach and Silver Springs pools. A normal summer, with all outdoor pools opened six days a week requires at least 125 lifeguards.

To bolster lifeguard numbers, the Park Board is offering new incentives, including:

  • Increasing lifeguard starting pay to $12/hour, with leadership positions earning up to $16/hour, beginning June 6.
  • Offering a one-time discount American Red Cross Lifeguard training and certification session June 8-10 for $100 (normal fee is $160), for qualified applicants who commit to work for the Park Board this summer.
  • Adding a daily meal voucher at pool concessions for lifeguards to use during breaks.

“We’re trying things we’ve never done before,” said Belote. “Now that school is out, we’re hoping to see more applications. We need capable lifeguards to keep our pools safe, and we’re asking for the community’s help in sending qualified applicants to us.”

Interested in becoming a lifeguard for the Park Board? Apply at ParkBoard.org/Jobs. Applicants must be 15 or older, pass a swimming test and complete lifeguard training and certification. Applicants will be contacted with details.  

For schedules, pool descriptions, pool rules and more, visit ParkBoard.org/Aquatics

Categories
Ozark News

Many Roads Flooded in Southwest Missouri: See Where Highways are Closed with the MoDOT Traveler Information Map

Thunderstorms with intense rainfall rates have produced flooding in many parts of the Ozarks, leading to road closings and a number of water rescues.

Get the latest road closings in the Ozarks and across the state here with the MoDOT Traveler Information Map.

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Ozark News

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Springfield Public Schools Over Reopening Plan

A federal judge has ruled in favor of Springfield Public Schools in a lawsuit brought by parents who claimed their rights were being violated by not opening schools five days a week during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attorney Kristi Fulnecky had filed the lawsuit in late July 2020, and amended the suit in August. The suit was filed because the parents involved took issue with the school’s plan to have two days a week in-person learning with three days of virtual learning. The suit demanded that the court issue an injunction that allowed students to attend in-person classes five days a week.

“Today’s decision in federal court unequivocally affirms the district’s efforts during this public health emergency,” SPS Superintendent John Jungmann said in a statement. “It is especially fitting that today’s announcement comes on the final day of the 2020-2021 school year, which has been extraordinarily difficult for everyone. Thanks to a remarkable team of 3,500 employees, 23,500 resilient students, and an incredibly supportive community. SPS was able to rise to the occasion during remarkable circumstances, delivering high-quality education and other essential services to all those it serves. We celebrate the court’s ruling as a compelling victory that brings this long and unnecessary legal action to its final conclusion.”

The district eventually allowed some students to do four days a week in-person classes in February before going to a full five-day a week plan in March.

The court dismissed the claims Thursday “without prejudice.” Similar lawsuits filed by attorney Fulnecky over the Springfield and Branson’s ordinances requiring masking were also dismissed.

Here is the court’s decision:

SPS.DC_.210527-Doc-45.-Court-Order.Dismissal-05.27.21

Categories
Ozark News

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Springfield Public Schools Over Reopening Plan

A federal judge has ruled in favor of Springfield Public Schools in a lawsuit brought by parents who claimed their rights were being violated by not opening schools five days a week during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attorney Kristi Fulnecky had filed the lawsuit in late July 2020, and amended the suit in August. The suit was filed because the parents involved took issue with the school’s plan to have two days a week in-person learning with three days of virtual learning. The suit demanded that the court issue an injunction that allowed students to attend in-person classes five days a week.

“Today’s decision in federal court unequivocally affirms the district’s efforts during this public health emergency,” SPS Superintendent John Jungmann said in a statement. “It is especially fitting that today’s announcement comes on the final day of the 2020-2021 school year, which has been extraordinarily difficult for everyone. Thanks to a remarkable team of 3,500 employees, 23,500 resilient students, and an incredibly supportive community. SPS was able to rise to the occasion during remarkable circumstances, delivering high-quality education and other essential services to all those it serves. We celebrate the court’s ruling as a compelling victory that brings this long and unnecessary legal action to its final conclusion.”

The district eventually allowed some students to do four days a week in-person classes in February before going to a full five-day a week plan in March.

The court dismissed the claims Thursday “without prejudice.” Similar lawsuits filed by attorney Fulnecky over the Springfield and Branson’s ordinances requiring masking were also dismissed.

Here is the court’s decision:

SPS.DC_.210527-Doc-45.-Court-Order.Dismissal-05.27.21

Categories
Ozark News

Springfield to Reopen City Facilities, City Council Chambers June 1

The City of Springfield announced Thursday they will open most city facilities to the public without a masking requirement.

While some facilities will be open Friday, May 28, such as the Busch Municipal Building and Historic City Hall, the city said it may take until Tuesday, June 1 for all facilities to be fully open. (The city offices are closed Monday for Memorial Day.)

“We appreciate the patience shown throughout the pandemic and are very excited to be able to provide our administrative services in person once again,” City Manager Jason Gage said in a statement. “This is a milestone moment as we work our way to a new normal.” 

The only places that will continue to require masking and other COVID measures will be the Springfield-Branson National Airport and Municipal Court. They are under the supervision of the Federal Aviation Administration (airport) and Missouri Supreme Court (municipal court.)

Visitors to any city facility where masking is not required can wear masks if they desire.

The City will use electrostatic spraying in common areas for 30 days and evaluate guidance from the CDC. All departments will have hand sanitizer until the current supply is exhausted or 30 days. The plexiglass installed in the Busch Building or Council chambers will remain for 60 days and then be reevaluated to see if they will permanently remain.

Categories
Missouri News

Springfield’s Mayor Withdraws Civil Emergency Proclamation

Springfield Mayor Ken McClure says he will withdraw the city’s “Sixth Proclamation of Civil Emergency” effective 11:59 p.m. Thursday to coincide with the midnight repeal of the ordinance containing local COVID-19 regulations.

“I am very proud of our community and grateful that there no longer appears to exist a state of civil emergency,” McClure said. “We would not be at this point had it not been for our community’s brave, innovative and critical work in the battle against COVID-19. It has not been easy. Thank you.”

Local health leaders say the virus is becoming an endemic disease for communities across the world. It is and will be a regular part of the community and will continue to affect people, particularly those who are unvaccinated.

Acting Springfield-Greene County Health Director Katie Towns says at the height of cases and hospitalizations, public policy was necessary to protect the health of people in the community. “Masking, physical distancing, and other restrictions were instituted to prevent spread and reduce the devastating impact of the disease,” Towns said. “The ordinance has served its two primary purposes, to protect our health care system from being overwhelmed and protect our community’s most vulnerable.”

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Ozark News

Damaging Winds and Large Hail Biggest Severe Weather Threats Thursday Afternoon and Evening

Damaging winds up to 70 miles per hour, large hail and localized flash flooding will all be possible across the Ozarks Thursday

The Storm Prediction Center has put all of southwest Missouri is in an “enhanced risk” area for severe weather.

The National Weather Service says the greatest risk for large hail will be over extreme southwest Missouri.

There is a limited threat for a tornado or two with any eastward bowing line segments and storms interacting with boundaries, but the overall risk is low.

We’ll keep you up to date with the latest watches and warnings and local storm reports on 93-3 FM and AM 560 KWTO.

Categories
Ozark News

Bolivar Teen Gets 10 Days in Jail for Accident that Killed 11-Year-Old

A Bolivar teen who was facing two felony charges in the death of an 11-year-old girl because of a traffic crash will serve ten days in jail after making a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Mikaila Koch had been charged with first degree involuntary manslaughter and second degree assault. Prosecutors agreed to allow Koch to plead guilty to a misdemeanor careless and imprudent driving charge. Along with 10 days in jail, Koch will serve 2 years probation and 200 hours of community service.

On May 13, 2019, Koch was driving on Highway 65 behind a vehicle driven by Clorissa Tilden. In the car with Tilden were her children, Izabella and Ash, and the trio were heading to Niangua. Tilden was driving at 58 miles an hour, when Koch rammed the back of her vehicle at 81 miles an hour.

Tilden’s car was knocked off the road and collided with a guardrail near Division Street. Izabella Lightner was impaled when the guardrail sheared and penetrated the car. Court documents say that Koch admitted being distracted by bags in her passenger seat when she collided with Tilden’s vehicle.

Tilden told KOLR-10 before that she didn’t want to see a plea deal where the felonies were dropped.

“I want those felonies to stick, so that it ruins her life just a tiny bit,” Tilden told KOLR-10.