Month: November 2024

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

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission announced Ed Hassinger is the new director of the Missouri Department of Transportation.

He replaces MODOT director Patrick McKenna, who resigned in September after serving in the role since 2015.

Hassinger holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and is a registered professional engineer.

The National Weather Service in Springfield is tracking a storm that is working its way through Nebraska and Kansas, and may hit parts of southwest Missouri Wednesday afternoon and evening.

The long line of storms will extend from the Missouri-Arkansas border up through Iowa and Minnesota, and into Canada.

NWS says the storm will produce “numerous showers” with a few thunderstorms possible. No severe weather or flooding is anticipated with this storm.

The next round of weather we may see in the Ozarks is anticipated for late this weekend into early next week. The specifics of that storm, including locations and possible hazards, have not been released.

A recent poll in the United States has shown that over 50% of women do not feel safe walking alone, day or night. That, along with increased concern in Springfield, is causing the Springfield Police Department to look for solutions.

In a release earlier this week, SPD says they are conducting direct patrol and constantly observing crime statistics to ensure authorities are in the best possible positions across the city to prevent crime.

Multiple reports have been made public recently of women around the city being approached by men, or seemingly being followed in different parts of Springfield.

The poll, which was conducted by Gallup, showed 53% of women felt unsafe while walking, meanwhile men were registered at 26%.

Overall, 40% of those polled said they felt unsafe walking at night, which is up from 37% last year and pails in comparison to the 29% polled in 2020.

A local business owner has been sentenced for social security fraud after he was found to have allegedly stolen his father’s social security payments.

A U.S district judge sentenced 39-year-old Michael Sylvara of Ozark to two years and three months in prison without parole and ordered him to pay $42,369 in restitution to the government.

He was found guilty of social security fraud and forgery. A witness said she had to buy Sylvara’s father clothing, and all his father had to eat in the refrigerator was cat food.

The Bolivar Schools are raising pay for substitute teachers.

The extra $20 a day raise began on the first day of November as a way to stay competitive.

This makes to substitute teacher pay at $120.

Bolivar Superintendent Michael Methvin says he hopes this pay increase will draw more substitute teachers to the district.

Just over a year after Utah-based Maverick bought the convenience store chain Kum & Go, the company has decided it is time to change to the new name.

The process to change all Kum & Go locations to Maverick was announced last year, but company spokespeople officially confirmed the changes have begun earlier this week.

There are 400 Kum & Go locations across 13 states in the United States. The report did not specify how long the process would take.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is introducing new guidelines on lead exposure to limit risk fr residents across the United States, and that is forcing City Utilities in Springfield to update service lines for tens of thousands of customers.

In a release Tuesday, CU asked customers to identify water line materials to ensure folks are safe from lead exposure.

Officials say the utility-owned lines across the city have already been checked and confirmed to be lead-free.

Reports say that any portion of the water line that extends from the residence or business to the water meter are the responsibility of the owner, therefore residents must self-identify the materials for their own safety.

CU officials say that any property built in 2014 or later should be considered safe. All comprised lines have to be replaced by 2037.

To encourage people to check their lines, City Utilities is offering a $20 gift card to the first 2,500 customers to report material.

Missouri Senator Eric Schmitt says he’s withdrawn his name from consideration for the Attorney General of the United States.

Schmitt says in a recent X post that he ran for the US Senate to represent the people of Missouri, and he’s “just getting started”. He goes on to say he will continue to “secure our border, make America energy dominant, and fight for the forgotten men and women of this country”.

Schmitt was believed to be one of the top candidates for the Attorney General position. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey was also listed as a potential hire for the role.