Month: March 2026

Missouri’s Attorney General is announcing charges against the managing officer of Briarwood One Stop in Brookline for housing a dozen illegal slot machines.

This is part of a broader statewide effort to crack down on video lottery terminals in gas stations and other businesses.

In a news conference today in Springfield, attorney general Catherine Hanaway announced two felony counts of first-degree promoting gambling have been filed against Himanshu Patel.

A civil action has also been filed against the business, which has had its machines seized by the Highway Patrol.

The Greene County Commission has started the selection of an interim sheriff as Sheriff Jim Arnott awaits possible confirmation by the U.S. Senate to be the next U.S. marshal for the Western District of Missouri.

Arnott will remain in his current role until he is confirmed and his resignation is accepted, creating a vacancy that must be filled within 14 days per Missouri law.

The interim sheriff will serve until a new sheriff is elected by Greene County voters.

The City of Springfield and architect Populous will present the initial design for the reimagined Springfield Expo Center on Thursday, at 4 PM at the Discovery Center.

This follows community workshops and stakeholder meetings.

On April 7, Springfield voters will decide on a proposed 3% increase in tourism tax to support the renovation and expansion of the Expo Center into a regional convention facility.

The City of Springfield is also exploring interest in a privately funded hotel development adjacent to the Center.

(Photo courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation)

The Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding people that noodling, which involves hand-catching mature catfish, is illegal.

Conservation agents recently discovered “noodling boxes” (see photo) at Pomme De Terre Lake, which are used to attract catfish for illicit fishing.

Residents are urged to report these boxes, which can include various items such as covered tires and water heaters, to officials.

(Photo courtesy of Taney County Jail)

A man is in the Taney County Jail charged in a shooting at a Branson apartment complex after an apparent road rage incident.

Court documents say Michael Froman of Branson is charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action following the death of 36-year-old Cody Maples, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds outside the Bee Creek Apartments.

Witnesses reported that Froman allegedly exited his vehicle and began yelling, after being passed by Maples’ truck.

Froman, who sustained a gunshot wound to his hand, declined to provide further details without legal representation.

The Springfield Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted Operation Safe Ride Friday.

This initiative focused on motor vehicle law enforcement and motorcycle safety, utilizing various patrol methods.

In three hours, 38 vehicle stops led to 45 citations, two arrests for outstanding warrants, and two arrests for impaired driving.

Further Operation Safe Rides are planned for 2026.

It’s a milestone for Silver Dollar City as a crane lifted the final rooftop beacon into place on Friday for SDC’s new resort.

The resort is the first project in Silver Dollar City’s half billion dollar 10-year strategic investment in the Ozarks.

The resort, which features 262 rooms, is scheduled to open in 2027.

It’s being built on a mountain overlooking Table Rock Lake, just west of the main theme park.