Month: January 2022

January 12, 2022

It makes my heart very sad today to learn the news of the passing of Evangel University alumnus and former General Superintendent of The Assemblies of God, Dr. George O. Wood. He passed away January 12, 2022 and entered into his eternal reward.

The year of 2021 marked the 64th anniversary of Dr. George O. Wood’s feet stepping onto the campus of Evangel University, then a college. In his distinguished career of leadership, he was a strong champion for Evangel University and a principal voice for the vital mission of Assemblies of God Higher Education.

Dr. George O. Wood was the first full-time campus pastor of Evangel (College) University in 1970-1971, and when serving as the interim president of Evangel University in 2020-2021, he again made a significant contribution toward elevating Evangel University by making the renovation of the Spence Chapel media platform and stage a reality. He transformed the university chapel experience for students with raising the funds, delivering the dramatic upgrade, and paving the way for the new university mascot, Valor, which he believed represented the new call to this generation.

Dr. George O. Wood’s spiritual grace and sharp intellect brought distinction to our Lord by serving whole heartedly the Evangel University family and the global Assemblies of God. His absence will be felt greatly on campus, and we are forever changed by his love for this place. In November of 2021, Dr. George O. Wood was given the inaugural Presidential Award of Valor, an award given at the discretion of the university president for actions and service that go beyond human accomplishment and are identified as something exceptional, extraordinary, and for the best of the institution and global family of Evangel University.

On a personal note, Dr. Wood’s ministry challenged me early in my pastoral ministry to keep growing and pursue education. Over the last year we shared some amazing moments talking about what God had done and was going to do through Evangel University and her graduates. I already miss his friendship and professional encouragement.

The Assemblies of God , Evangel University, and God’s kingdom on this earth will be forever grateful for his giftedness and acute mind and tender heart. Please join the entire EU Cabinet and the Evangel family around the world in giving thanks to God for this great champion and join our prayers for his wife, Jewel, son George P., and his entire family.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Mike L. Rakes

The National Weather Service says accumulating snowfall is becoming likely on Saturday especially along and east of Highway 65.

Forecasters say the exact track of the system and snowfall amounts are still unknown.

If the current snowfall chances continue, there’s a high likelihood of at least some minor road impacts late Friday through Saturday, particularly east of 65.

We will keep you up to date with the latest forecast and any changes as we approach Friday and Saturday on 93-3 A-M 560 KWTO.

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is holding a virtual media briefing at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday to update the community on COVID-19.

Leaders from the health department, Jordan Valley Community Health Center, CoxHealth and Mercy Springfield will provide an update on COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and response.

The health department has reported 416 new cases of the virus in the last day.

Leaders say a few testing appointments are still available at the clinic on Battlefield near Fremont in Springfield, but not until Friday.

Watch live streaming video of the 10:30 news conference here.

A suspected drunk driver led law enforcement on a high speed chase from Republic to the Webster/Laclede County Line.

Republic Police had a report of a suspected D-U-I driver.

They stopped the 39 year old driver at the Brookline Church of Christ, but he drove off.

The car rammed a Republic police car on State Highway 174.

Greene County Deputies picked up the chase after the driver got on to the Interstate.

The driver struck a Greene County patrol car and several other drivers before crashing into a guardrail between Marshfield and Conway.

The suspect was taken into custody.

The City of Republic says charges are pending.

None of the officers or civilian drivers were injured.

The state fire marshal will investigate a fire at a business in Bolivar.

Firefighters battled the fire at a building in the 800 block of Mt. Gilead Road near the Walmart Tuesday afternoon.

The building had offices and storage space.

No one was at the business when the fire started.

Cox Medical Center in Branson has re-opened its COVID-19 unit due to an increasing number of cases.

Patients who are critically ill with the virus in December were transferred to Springfield, but that’s not possible now because Cox and Mercy hospitals in Springfield are full.

Branson Director of Nursing Adene Smith says every bed at the hospital in Branson is occupied.

Smith says about 95% of the patients at Cox Medical Center in Branson are unvaccinated.

With the need for COVID-19 testing in high demand, the Springfield-Greene County Health Department is launching an interactive map that details testing locations throughout the community.

Here’s information on the map released by health officials Tuesday through a press release:

Like the Find-a-Vaccine map launched by the Health Department in June 2021, this map will allow people to find the testing opportunity that works best for them. Those who wish to be tested at a community event, healthcare clinic, or pharmacy will now be able to see opportunities closest to them by utilizing the map, as well as view locations which are accepting walk-ins. Users may also filter by test type.

The COVID-19 Testing Map is available at COVIDTesting417.com. The testing map is currently limited to testing opportunities in Greene County. 

COVID-19 testing has been in high demand across the country given the recent surge in cases. Getting tested when experiencing symptoms and after potential exposure is an important tool in minimizing spread among the community.

As of January 10, the 7-day rolling average of COVID-19 has hit an all-time high of 374.7 cases. The Health Department encourages everyone in Springfield-Greene County to choose vaccination and get tested. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and unable to get tested, you should still isolate until symptoms have resolved and reach out to a health care provider for guidance.

Around 1,500 homes in southwest Springfield had to power overnight Tuesday morning after a driver crashed into a utility pole.

Greene County Sheriff’s officials say the 21-year-old man hit a pole at the intersection of Walnut Lawn and Golden around 12:38 a.m.

He left the scene on foot and was arrested near Village Lane.

Sheriff’s officials say the man faces charges of resisting arrest and leaving the scene of an accident.