Month: February 2026

One person is in custody after a high-speed chase in Springfield and Greene County overnight that reached speeds of more than 120 miles per hour.

The Springfield Police Department says officers were called to North Farm Road 137 just after 2:30am Friday to assist another agency.

Spike strips were deployed, and a Tactical Vehicle Intervention Maneuver, which used to be known as a pit maneuver, was done near Highway 65 and Division with help from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

No one was injured.

Colder weather has arrived in the Ozarks, with below average temperatures expected Friday.

Most locations will remain in the 40’s, with areas south of Springfield possibly reaching the low 50’s.

There is a low (20-30%) chance of a light rain/snow mix Friday night, but no accumulation is expected and most locations will remain dry.

After lows in the teens Sunday night into Monday morning, a warmup returns to the Ozarks by Tuesday and Wednesday.

 The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has endorsed a proposed 3% increase in the city’s lodging tax, which would raise the tax from 5% to 8% if approved by voters on the April 7 ballot.

The additional revenue is intended for the financing of a regional convention and events center, with the tax scheduled to expire after 35 years.

Chamber Board Chairman Jessica Harmison-Olson emphasized that the project would benefit local citizens and businesses, despite primarily affecting visitors.

Springfield-Branson National Airport Director Brian Weiler is set to retire this summer after 15 years in the role.

He announced his decision during a board meeting on February 19.

Weiler, who has worked in aviation for 40 years, expressed pride in leading the airport through significant growth and change since 2011.

Under his leadership, passenger numbers and direct routes doubled, with key projects completed, including a new American Airlines maintenance base and an expanded General Aviation Terminal.

His tenure ranks as the third-longest director in the airport’s history.

Low humidity and gusty winds are combining to create a significant to extreme fire danger in the Ozarks Thursday.

The National Weather Service says a Red Flag Warning is in place from Noon-8pm Thursday, with maximum wind gusts of 30 to 40 miles per hour.

Fires can spread rapidly in these conditions, and outside burning is discouraged except by experienced fire personnel.

Avoid activities that cause open flames or sparks, and properly discard cigarettes.

Springfield Police are investigating a crash involving two semis in a construction zone on I-44 near U.S. 65 Wednesday evening.

A semi struck the median barrier, causing it to roll onto its side and collide with an eastbound semi, which subsequently caught fire.

One driver is in critical condition, while the other sustained moderate injuries.

The crash led to the closure of both westbound lanes and one eastbound lane.