Month: November 2024

Less than a day after a vote on “no confidence” by the Missouri State Faculty Senate against new MSU President “Biff” Williams, the university’s Board of Governors has decided to keep him on as president.

Williams is at the front of a federal lawsuit that was filed by three former co-workers while he was President at Utah Tech University.

The lawsuit alleges that Williams, along with several others, committed violations against Title IX, including putting vegetables in inappropriate manner as a joke against another co-worker, and signed a note blaming it on the three.

The MSU Board of Governors reported that Williams’ did not disclose the allegations during the hiring process.

On Thursday, the Faculty Senate voted 36-12 in favor of a vote of “no confidence” against President Williams.

However, the Board of Governors, in a statement released Friday afternoon, decided to stand by Williams, who was hired in the spring of this year.

After careful consideration, we believe President Williams continues to be the right person to lead Missouri State. We have voted unanimously to support and continue his employment as president of the university.

We have confidence in his ability to lead Missouri State, and we are committed to working alongside him to ensure the university is a safe and welcoming environment for all students, faculty and staff. President Williams is working with the Board on actions that he will take as part of his commitment to strengthening relationships across our campus community.

The university is focused on reinforcing a campus culture that properly respects and values every person on our campus. We hope you share our confidence in the future of Missouri State, and we very much look forward to our continued journey together.

The Missouri State University’s Faculty Senate has approved a “no-confidence” vote in new President Richard “Biff” Williams Thursday.

The university hired President Biff Williams in the spring of 2024.

The “no-confidence” vote comes after Williams was named in a lawsuit accusing him of discrimination and hostility, while he was president at Utah Tech University.

The lawsuit also mentions Title 9 complaints against the university.

It will be up to the board of governors to decide if Williams continue to be M-S-U’s president.

The Springfield Police Department put an increase focus on reducing gun crimes in the city this year, and so far it’s working extremely well.

In a report released Thursday, SPD says that so far in 2024 only 21 people have been injured in shootings in Springfield. That, compared to 43 at this same time in 2023, is a more than 50% decrease.

The emphasis on preventing gun-related crimes and shootings began at the end of last year, when the Gun Violence Prevention Collaborative was created to combat increases in gang-related shootings around the area.

The Collaborative includes assistance from Springfield Police, the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Prosper Springfield, and others.

It’s main focus is on young men aged 13-24 who are at the greatest risk of getting involved in gang activities.

Governor-elect Mike Kehoe has named Michelle Hataway as the director of the Department of Economic Development.

Hataway has been serving as director since last year when Magie Kross stepped down. Hataway was the agency’s deputy director.

A-M Radio is under threat, and your help is needed to get legislation across the finish line in the closing weeks of Congress.

Local radio stations keep us connected. They provide the news, sports, weather, traffic and music that we depend on. And during emergencies, local radio stations offer a lifeline to keep us safe, informed and connected.

For millions of drivers, local radio is what keeps them company on their commute or road trip. In fact, nearly 90% of prospective car buyers say an AM/FM radio should be standard in every car.

Despite AM radio’s continued popularity, some automakers have begun discontinuing the feature in new vehicles.

Local radio stations keep us connected. They provide the news, sports, weather, traffic and music that we depend on. And during emergencies, local stations offer a lifeline to keep us safe, informed and connected.

But Congress has stepped in, and there is an overwhelming majority of lawmakers – Democrats and Republicans – who want to keep AM radio in cars. Now we need to bring this legislation – the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act – to the House and Senate for a vote.

If you want to help keep free, local radio in cars, act now! Tell your legislators you support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, and they should pass this bill immediately. Your voice matters!

We’ve made it easy for you to share your thoughts with Congressman Eric Burlison and Senators Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt.

Call Congressman Eric Burlison’s Springfield District Office at 417-889-1800.

Call Senator Josh Hawley’s Springfield Office at 417-869-4433

Call Senator Eric Schmitt’s Springfield Office at 417-290-5000

A man is in a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being shot by a Springfield police officer early Thursday morning near O’Hara and Division Street.

Police say when officers arrived on scene near Golden and Division, a man with a firearm was making suicidal statements.

They say the man pointed a firearm at officers and citizens, then continued walking west toward O’Hara and Division. While police were talking to him, the man again pointed the firearm at the officers.

That’s when an officer fired their weapon at the man, hitting him once. The man was immediately taken into custody and transported to the hospital.

No officers or citizens were injured.

The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be out in force during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest travel time of the year.

The official counting period starts at 6 PM the day before Thanksgiving and ends at midnight on December 1.

During the Thanksgiving counting period last year, 9 people were killed and 4,823 were injured on Missouri roadways.   

The Humane Society of Missouri has rescued a total of 15 dogs from a property in Polk County.

Humane Society Officials say the dogs were malnourished and had various health problems. It’s the second rescue of animals in Polk County this month.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office says the owner of the property had died, leaving the dogs without food, water, or health check-ups. Remains of deceased dogs were also found.