Entrance to Mediacom Ice Park

Thursday
East Rink
• 8:00 p.m. to Close Broomball Tournament

Friday
West Rink
• 5:15-6:15 FREE Public Skate Session
• 7:00-8:45 Public Skate Session with live band (RetroGnomes)*
East Rink
• 9:30-10:30 Skate with the Bears

Saturday
West Rink
• 4:30-5:30 FREE Public Skate Session
• 7:00-8:45 Public Skate Session with live band (Supercharge)*
East Rink
• 2:15-3:30 FREE LTS/LTPH
• 4:00-5:30 Springfield Firefighters Service Game

Sunday
West Rink
• 2:45-4:45 Public Session/PTA Challenge*
East Rink
• 10:00-11:30 Springfield Firefighters Service Game
• 11:45-12:45 FREE Public Skate Session

The Discovery Center’s 2011 edition of the Moonlight Bike Ride is set for August 20. The 7-mile ride begins at 9:30 p.m. (a 14-mile jaunt if you want to hit the route twice) following raffles, a BMX exhibition and a costume contest (categories: bike, rider and group). A fourth meal of pancakes after the ride. The team with the most participants will win the “New Moon” traveling trophy, a first-time award. Pre-register now to get stuff ($20 for adults, $15 for children 3-15) ! The first 100 receive a headlight, and the first 200 will get a tee-shirt. Walk-up registration OK, too, for an extra 5-bucks.

Released by the city (6/22): The City of Springfield’s Department of Public Works is asking citizens to list their top priorities for transportation improvements in Springfield through an online survey.

Public Works engineers have identified more than 70 proposed projects designed to not only make streets safer, but also more user-friendly for all modes of transportation. The list was created using the following criteria:

• Increased safety for all users
• Support of economic development
• Protection and enhancement of the environment and quality of life
• Intermodal connectivity
• Condition of the infrastructure
• Opportunity for public and private partnerships

The survey results will help Public Works and the City determine where resources should be directed in the coming years. The City has two dedicated sales taxes for transportation improvements (1/8-cent and 1/4-cent) that voters have renewed by wide margins in recent years. Taken together, along with various federal funding and grants, these revenue streams will produce about $200 million for improvements in the next 20 years.

“We are fortunate that Springfield voters have had the foresight to dedicate and renew these two sales taxes,” said Phil Broyles, Co-Interim Director of Public Works. “Yet we have more than $250 million worth of improvements that could be made in the City. So prioritizing is key, and citizen input is an important part of that process.”

Public Works has traditionally given voters a list of proposed projects before each 1/8-cent and 1/4-cent renewal election, dating back to the inception of the 1/4-cent Sales Tax for Capital Improvements in 1989 and the 1/8-cent Sales Tax for Transportation in 1996. The new survey is an attempt to seek more public input earlier in the process. This is meant to be a dynamic, adaptable, responsive program that is evaluated on a regular basis to ensure that the projects accurately reflect the community’s changing transportation needs.

A link to the Public Works Transportation Survey can be found on the City’s website.

SGFers voted Tuesday to ban smoking in public places.

The Results

Ban alcohol sales in “family-oriented” movie theaters?
Yes — 51.7% (10,831)
No — 48.3% (10,115)
Only immediately affects Campbell 16 … The Moxie sells beer and wine, but is nonprofit and sells less than 25% of tickets to minors, both exceptions to the ban.

Ban smoking in public places?
Yes — 53.4% (11,201)
No — 46.6% (9,765)

Get out and vote.

Question 1: Should “Family-Oriented Theaters” be allowed to sell alcohol?

Shall the City of Springfield, Missouri prohibit the sale, consumption or advertisement of alcohol in movie theatres with more than twenty-five percent (25%) of their ticket sales to persons under the age of twenty-one (21) years in the most recent previous (3) month period, said theaters to be known as “Family-Oriented Theaters”, within the City of Springfield, but excluding movie theaters operated by religious, charitable or other organizations which have achieved a IRC section 501 (c)(3) status, providing for audit of, and burden of proof on, the percentage of ticket sales to persons under the age of twenty-one (21) years, and establishing penalties of businesses which violate said ordinance including suspension or loss of the license to sell alcohol for various periods of time including for the first offense a suspension for an unspecified time until proof is provided by the business of the most recent three month period of ticket sales that reflect less than 25% of ticket sales are for admission of persons under the age of twenty-one (21) years, for the second offense a suspension of twelve (12) months and for the third offense suspension of twenty-four (24) months and fines of two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the first offense, five hundred dollars ($500.00) for the second offense and one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the third offence?
• Yes (or) • No

Question 2: Should smoking indoors be banned?

Shall the City of Springfield, Missouri, prohibit smoking in enclosed public places, places of employment, private clubs, within five (5) feet of outdoor playgrounds and within five (5) feet of outside entrances, operable windows, and ventilation systems of enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited, and exempt the following places from the smoking prohibition: a) private residences, unless such resident is used as a child care, adult day care, or healthcare facility; b) not more than 25% of the hotel or motel rooms rented to guests as smoking rooms; and c) outdoor areas of places of employment; providing for the imposition of a fine of $50 per violation for any person violating said ordinance by smoking, upon a finding or admission of guilt; upon a finding or admission of guilt, providing for fines ranging from $100-$500 per day against the owner, operator, manager or any agent who controls a public place or place of employment or any business, and allows smoking to occur on the premises; providing for revocation of any license or permit issued to the business or public place that permits such violations; requiring that business and public places place signage advising of the prohibition on smoking?
• Yes (or) • No

From the city:Engineers from the City of Springfield’s Department of Public Works will hold two meetings in the coming week about the City’s plan to build a new pedestrian bridge spanning Kearney Street near Ed V. Williams Elementary School.

The first meeting is a school assembly for students at Williams Elementary. Engineer Stacy Bergman will talk to the students about the work that engineers do for the community and update them on the progress of plans for the new bridge outside their school. He will also talk about ways in which Public Works would like the students to get involved in process.

The assembly will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, in the auditorium at Williams Elementary, 2055 W. Kearney St. It is not a public meeting, but media may attend. If a media outlet would like to attend, please contact Teresa Bledsoe with Springfield Public Schools in advance at 268-7580.

A formal public meeting will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at the Williams Elementary School cafeteria. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss plans for the proposed bridge and gather input from the public on the project.

The new bridge will replace the bridge that was removed from this location in November 2010 after the bridge deck shifted. A subsequent engineering analysis revealed that long-term exposure to moisture had weakened a wooden beam supporting the 30-year-old bridge. The bridge’s design prevented engineers from fully viewing and inspecting the structure while the bridge was in place.

The new bridge is likely to be in place by this fall, though bids for construction have not yet been taken. The bridge will be compliant with ADA requirements, and several new parking spaces for parents to pick up students are proposed for Roosevelt Avenue on the south side of the bridge.

We’re all big dog fans on the TAGsgf staff, so it’s with great pleasure that we announce not only the return of the highly successful Martinis for Mutts, Drafts for Dogs fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 24 at both of Parlor 88′s locations (1111 E. Republic Rd and 3653 E. Sunshine St.) from 5 to 8 p.m, but trumpet its enhancement.

Because, bigger is always better – at least for fundraisers.

If you’re not familiar with the Parlor 88/Midwest Family Radio/TAGsgf event, think of it as an enhanced happy hour: There will be a menu of special martinis for you to choose from, including our own event-specific Dog TAG martini.

Proceeds benefit the Killuminati Foundation, a nonprofit group that is dedicated to helping dogs live long, healthy and happy lives. They offer vet assistance for dogs who have life threatening conditions. For more information on the organization, click here.

What makes it bigger and better? Games at each location, and the always attractive free stuff,

The prize list (so far):

• A pair of 311 tickets for each location
• Killuminati raffles
• Parlor 88 gift certificates
• More are coming

Lots of SGF dogs will be able to stay sheltered and safe, and you will leave at the end of the evening with some new favorite martinis and possibly prize-laden. How better to represent your dog love than that?

Get out and vote.

From Greene County: Greene County Clerk Richard Struckhoff has rescheduled next week’s Springfield City Council Primary Electionto Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, as directed in a court order issued today by the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District.

State law (RSMo. 115.024) allows the county clerk to petition a panel of judges from the Court of Appeals to reschedule or relocate an election due to disaster. Struckhoff cited weather-related concerns over voter access and safety at Springfield polling places in his petition to reschedule the election.

“Several polling places are still blocked by snow from this week’s blizzard, and with more snow in the forecast, I can’t insure these polling places would be safe and accessible by next week,” said Struckhoff.

Absentee ballots already cast for the Feb. 8 Primary Election will now be counted on Feb. 22.

With the unanimous support of Springfield City Council, Struckhoff had originally petitioned the court to cancel the Feb. 8 election and place the two primary races on the April 5 General Election ballot. The court rejected Struckhoff’s request to cancel, but agreed to reschedule the election to Feb. 22.

The Primary Election ballot includes two Springfield City Council races: General Seat C, representing the whole city, and the Zone 3 seat, representing southwest Springfield. Only Springfield residents are eligible to vote in this Primary Election.

The Greene County Clerk’s Office is contacting poll workers scheduled to work on Feb. 8 with new election staffing instructions

View RSMo. 115.024

A sample ballot for the Primary Election

SGF's Discovery Center has a 2011 running theme of health.

Press release from the Discovery Center: Traveling exhibits are back at Discovery Center of Springfield. Partnering with Mercy/St. John’s 2011 has been designated as a year of “Balancing Brains and Bodies.” This year long focus on health has begun in January with the start of Zumba classes in the Discovery Center auditorium, opening this traveling exhibit and partnering with Jump Mania for field trip opportunities for K-6th grade. Mercy/St. John’s staff intend to provide workshops and demonstrations throughout the year to complement the year of Health. February 10, 2011 join us for Science Behind Presents…The Cupid Connection: Can Food Affect Your Mood? Keep Discovery Center at the top of your list for adult and family activities that will keep your brains and bodies going for the entire year.

Zumba Classes at DCS

Zumba Classes are being held Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:45-6:45pm in Discovery Center’s auditorium. Lead by Certified Zumba Instructor, Debbie Skidmore. Each session is $2.00 and will be the entire year of 2011.

Science Mania with Jump Mania

Discovery Center is partnering with Jump Mania to bring you educational science workshops that will help “jump start” both science and physical fitness experiences for students. This partnership will allow teachers and group leaders to build a field trip for Pre-K – 6th grade students that combines educational value with exercise. A variety of 30 minute science or culture programs and package options are available, all can be combined with Jump Mania time.

Science Behind Presents…The Cupid Connection: Can Food Affect Your Mood? – Thursday, February 10, 2011 – 6-9pm. Is food sexy, comforting, soothing, quenching? Join Melinda Lund, MS RD Medical Nutrition Therapist at St. John’s as we taste and talk about how food affects your mood. Registration is $20 per person. Space is limited.

Every Body Eats Traveling Exhibit

Grand Opening Saturday, January 29, 2011
Is breakfast that important? Are you eating enough fruits and vegetables? What does a healthy serving size look like? Visitors reflect on these questions and more in Every Body Eats, a highly interactive science exhibit. The 800-square-foot, hands-on exhibit appeals to children and their families and features text in English and Spanish.

Every Body Eats explores the fascinating world of nutrition and teaches people the science of making healthy food choices. Visitors learn what ingredients are in various foods, how to read nutrition labels, how many servings of fruits and vegetables are recommended each day, and what an appropriate serving size looks like.

Every Body Eats features 12 interactive areas, including “Shaking the Salt Habit,” “Veggie Power,” “Supermarket Nutrition,” and a kid-friendly “Dinner Theater,” with plenty of hand puppets for youngsters to act out mealtime scenarios.

Every Body Eats is both entertaining and educational. In the “Hunger Signals” area, an interactive computer uses cartoons to posit a situation and then asks the visitor if the cartoon character should eat in that particular circumstance. A “hunger meter” and “feeling meter” help the visitor make her or his decision. The “Advertising Detectives” display reveals the tricks that food marketers use to manipulate consumers into buying products. And the “Reading Labels” exhibit can surprise even a savvy consumer.

At the eye-opening “Sizing Up Servings” area, visitors are challenged to match recommended serving sizes to everyday objects. “Fuel for Your Body” has visitors choose from a variety of breakfast foods to fuel a “car”-an analogy for the body-and then race the cars against each other. Each car moves forward a certain distance depending on the person’s food choices.

By the end of Every Body Eats, visitors realize that healthy choices are within their reach.

Every Body Eats is locally sponsored by Mercy/St. John’s. Every Body Eats was produced and is toured by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland, Ore. The exhibit was made possible by a Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) grant from the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), a component of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The M.E.O. Podcast debuts today.

Link to M.E.O. Podcast feed.

First Night is an SGF staple to celebrate the coming of the New Year with the whole family. The music, dance, theatre and other entertainment options are bountiful downtown tonight. Here’s the schedule for the spots participating in First Night. So long 2010!

1984
5:30-11:30 p.m.: Play all of the arcade games you used to dominate (and the ones at which you were terrible)
Discovery Center
6-11 p.m.: Learning for everybody!!

Gillioz Theatre

6-7 p.m., 7-8 p.m.: Skinny Improv
8-9:30 p.m.: Chris Sligh
9:30-10:30 p.m.: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
10:30-11:30 p.m.: Berch

Landers Theatre

7-8 p.m.: Youth artists and players
8-9 p.m., 9-10 p.m.: Y.E.S. Troupe

Mediacom Park

9-11:30 p.m.: Ice Skating
9:30-11:30 p.m.: RetroGnomes

Ozarks Regional YMCA

5:30-10 p.m.: Hands-On Activities
6-6:30 p.m., 7-7:30 p.m., 8-8:30 p.m.: Native American Dance
6:30-7 p.m., 7:30-8 p.m., 8:30-9 p.m.: GrupoLatinoamericano Dancers

Skinny Improv

6-7 p.m., 8-9 p.m.: Arzo Tureaud
7-8 p.m., 9-10 p.m.: Voices of Deliverance

Park Central Library

6-7:30 p.m.: Lowdown Fancy
7:30-9 p.m.: New Monsters Collective

Canvas

6:30-7 p.m., 7-7:30 p.m.: Japanese America Friendship Group
7:30-9 p.m.: Kellswater
9-10:30 p.m.: SuperCharge

After an office party like that, you’ve surely got the Christmas spirit. You haven’t even opened gifts yet, but you should know how to dispose of the tree dying in the corner of the living room. Christmas trees are not accepted at Missouri landfills, according to the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division. No worries, there are a handful of spots around town to have the ol’ Tanenbaum recycled. If you are familiar with other locations to recycle your tree leave the information in comments or email Brett@TAGsgf.com. Thanks.

BASS PRO SHOPS

Bass Pro will accept trees at the fenced area at the northwest end of the Bass Pro Shops parking lot directly behind the store at 1935 S. Campbell Ave.

Dates accepted: Dec. 26-Jan. 1
Hours: Noon to 6 p.m. daily
Fee: $2 per tree; benefitting the Boy Scouts
Uses: Trees are used for fish habitat
Special Instructions: Remove all icicles, ornaments, tree stand and no flocked trees accepted.
For more information, contact: Larry Whiteley, 873-5022.

WICKMAN’S

Wickman’s will accept trees at 1345 S. Fort Ave., in Springfield, and at 10791 U.S. 60 in Monett.

Dates accepted: Dec. 26-Jan. 13
Hours: In Springfield — 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. In Monett — 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday.
Fee: $5 at both locations; proceeds donated to The Kitchen
Uses: Trees will be ground into wood chip mulch, which is available for free. Bring your own container.
Special instructions: Remove all icicles, ornaments, tree stand and no flocked trees accepted.

For more information, contact: 862-3707 (Springfield); or 235-1112 (Monett) or visit: www.wickmans.com

CITY OF SPRINGFIELD YARDWASTE RECYCLING CENTER

The YRC will accept Christmas trees.

Directions: West on Sunshine (U.S. 60); south of Farm Road 115. Turn left on Farm Road 164. Follow signs to Yardwaste Recycling Center.
Dates accepted: Year round. The Center will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; closed Sundays and Mondays.
Fees: Donations are accepted; the brush recycling fee of $3 will be waived for Christmas trees through Jan. 29, 2011; otherwise, the $3 gate fee will apply. Existing commercial fees will apply to commercial loads, including Christmas trees.
Special instructions: Remove all icicles, ornaments and tree stand.
Note: Trees are not accepted at the Franklin and Lone Pine recycling centers.

For more information, contact: Recycling Hotline, 864-1904; or visit: www.springfieldmo.gov/recycling

From the city:The City Clerk’s Office has finalized certification of signatures for an initiative petition to prohibit “family oriented” movie theaters from serving alcohol.

Springfield’s last April general election was held in 2009. The City Clerk uses the race with the highest number of total votes. In this case, it was the mayoral race, which garnered a total of 11,809 votes cast. Ten percent, rounded up to the nearest whole number, is 1,181. Signatures must be those of registered voters living within Springfield city limits. Signatures are certified by the City Clerk’s office.

The proposed ordinance originated with the Springfield DWI Task Force, which is an independent advocacy group, and is not a standing board or commission created by the City of Springfield.

The rules for an initiative petition are outlined under section 14.1 of the City Charter, which states: “The electors shall have power to propose any ordinance, except an ordinance appropriating money and to adopt or reject the same at the polls, such power being known as the initiative. Any initiated ordinance may be submitted to the council by a petition signed by qualified electors of the City equal in number to at least ten percent of the total number of persons voting at the last general municipal election in April.”

The petition needed 1,181 valid signatures in order to be certified. As of Dec. 22, 1,184 valid signatures were verified. Under the rules established by the City Charter, City Council now has 30 days to either adopt the proposal as an ordinance or place it on the ballot for the April 5, 2011, municipal election.

It is anticipated that City Council will take public comment on the proposed ordinance at its Jan. 10, 2011 meeting,with final action taken by its Jan. 24 meeting.

Since the recent announcement that SGF landmark Gillioz Theatre is about to begin foreclosure proceedings the downtown venue’s staff has feverishly pushed to raise money through private donations to start paying back the $1 million the facility owes in bank loans. In a little more than a week the Gillioz has received almost $100,000 in donations toward its $500,000 goal, and now its next-door neighbor is pitching in with an event of its own.

Next Tuesday, December 28, Big Whiskey’s American Bar & Grill (311 Park Central East) will host a “Save the Gillioz” night, in which a portion of all the day’s proceeds will go toward the Save the Gillioz Fund established through Community Foundation of the Ozarks. It’s a shrewd choice of nights by Big Whiskey’s, given that December 28 is also the night of the Insight Bowl pitting Missouri against Iowa in college football, a game sure to draw a large, money-spending crowd.

Of course, if you can’t make it to the bar on a Tuesday you can always go directly to CFO’s donation site and give to the fund that way; just be sure to specify “Save the Gillioz” in the “Fund/Program” field so it goes to the right place. The first 100 donations of $2,500 or more even get their own free rental of the Gillioz for a night. Hopefully all of that will make sure it’s still there to be rented when the time comes.

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Photos by Bethany Lawson for TAGsgf.com

The Festival of Lights celebration kicked off Saturday (November 20) at Jordan Valley Park. SGF Mayor Jim O’Neal started the celebration by lighting the 30-foot Mayor’s Tree and other lights throughout the park. Fireworks at Hammons Field and Jordan Valley Ice Park hosted a free ice skating session. – Bethany Lawson

Park Central Square under construction

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In February, SGF’s Park Central Square was recognized nationally as a historic landmark. On Friday, the city held a brick-pulling event and today a construction crew circled the square with lengths of fence to signal the beginning of its overhaul (ahem, beautification). According to a release from the city, the new design will increase foot traffic (and aesthetics) of the once vibrant square. Construction is expected to last a year.

From the city: The (brick pulling marked) the beginning of a yearlong project to restore the inner Square to the design originally intended by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin and his team in the early 1970s.

The renovated design will be more open and inviting to pedestrians and will mesh with the pedestrian-friendly design of the improved streetscape surrounding the Square, which was completed last fall. The project includes the removal of non-historical additions that weren’t intended by Halprin & Associates, plus the replacement of elements that have been lost during the last four decades. Select new infrastructure additions will bring the space into the modern age, including improved lighting and greater accessibility for all. The new additions will be incorporated in a historically sensitive way, and have been approved by the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office. The project will restore what was, in Halprin’s words, “an active space for public assembly, devoted to pedestrians and their needs and comforts.”

Even before it was remade by one of America’s premiere modern landscape architects, Springfield’s town square was the site of numerous historical episodes including the shootout between “Wild” Bill Hickok and Dave Tutt in 1865, the Trail of Tears, the Butterfield Overland Stage route, and Route 66. Throughout much of the 20th century it was the heart of commerce and shopping in southwest Missouri. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in February of this year.

Aged and worn pavers in the center of the Square will be replaced, as will seating blocks that were removed many years ago. The fountain, a centerpiece of the Halprin design, will be fully refurbished and equipped with modern, energy-efficient components. Several trees planted in the years since the original design will be removed. However, many more trees that were intended in the original design will be planted. When the project is complete, there will be twice as many trees in Park Central Square as there are today.

The $1.78 million project will be completed with at least $1.2 million from a Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative grant. The remainder will be paid for by the voter-approved ¼-cent Sales Tax for Capital Improvements. The general contractor is Carson-Mitchell, Inc. Plans were prepared by Butler-Rosenbury & Partners, Inc.

From the city: The Springfield Department of Public Works is pleased to announce that the Campbell Avenue bridge over Fassnight Creek between Sunshine Street and Grand Street will be re-opened ahead of schedule by 6 a.m., Monday, Nov. 8, weather permitting.

The new bridge, designed to safely pass a 100-year flood, has approximately three times the water-carrying capacity of the old bridge. Other features include accommodation of the developing Fassnight Greenway Trail and an arched appearance with stonework to preserve the architectural character of the adjacent historic Fassnight Park.

The contractor is Hartman and Company. The Main Avenue bridge located within Fassnight Park is currently being reconstructed, and the Grant Avenue bridge will also be reconstructed. In the coming weeks, Meadowmere Street will be closed for approximately two weeks and Grant Avenue will be closed for approximately four months. The public will be informed of the exact dates once they are confirmed. Look for project updates and photos online at: www.springfieldmo.gov/stormwater/fassnightpark.html.

Completion of the bridge marks the first major milestone in the Fassnight Park Waterway Improvement Project. The multi-purpose project includes reconstruction of the channel and bridges to reduce flooding, provide water quality benefits and maintain the historical appearance of the park. The full project is anticipated to be complete by August 2011. The estimated cost is $4.5 million, paid for by the 2006 County-wide Parks Sales Tax, an EPA Stormwater Infrastructure Grant and a Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant.

The Fassnight project is the first in a series of major improvement projects that will reconstruct and revive several of Springfield’s historic parks with particular attention being paid to the special water resources that were originally at the heart of many of our parks. This series of projects will highlight the fact that water resources in Springfield are one of our most valuable and popular natural assets that deserve to be protected and enjoyed for generations to come.

Sequiota Park is the next historic park scheduled to undergo such improvements. A groundbreaking ceremony for those improvements will be held at 4:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 8, with tours for the public available before and after the event. More details of that event are forthcoming.

From the city: In anticipation of the fall leaf season, the City’s Yardwaste Recycling Center (YRC), and Lone Pine Recycling Center will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday afternoons from Nov. 7 through Dec. 5.

Also, winter hours for the YRC and the Lone Pine and Franklin Avenue Recycling Centers will begin Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010, until March 14, 2011 – the first Tuesday after the end of Daylight Savings Time. These facilities will be open to accept yardwaste and brush from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. They are closed Mondays.

Winter loading hours for mulch and compost products at the YRC will be from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, Tuesday through Saturday, and from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday. Please call the Recycling Hotline at 864-1904 for current availability of these products.

Residents are reminded that City ordinances prohibit the dumping of leaves and yardwaste into streets and waterways, including street gutters. Several alternatives are available for environmentally responsible leaf disposal: mulching leaves, proper backyard composting, and using the City’s Yardwaste Recycling Center (YRC) facilities and services.

Directions to the Yardwaste Recycling Center: go west on Sunshine (U.S. 60). Turn left (south) on to Farm Road ll5. Turn left (east) onto Farm Road l64. Follow signs to the (YRC). Access is also available by going west on James River Freeway to Sunshine (U.S. 60), turning right (east) onto Sunshine. Turn right (south) onto Farm Road ll5, turning left (east) onto Farm Road l64. Follow the signs to the (YRC). Leaves are accepted free of charge from City residents. Honor system fees in the amount of 50 cents per bag of leaves apply to non-residents. Brush is accepted from Springfield/Greene County residents with a $3 per vehicle fee. The revenue from the fees, donations and product sales help offset the cost of operating the YRC.

The Lone Pine Avenue Recycling Center (3020 S. Lone Pine Ave., one block south of Battlefield Road and Lone Pine) accepts limited quantities of leaves and yardwaste. Honor system fees in the amount of 50 cents per bag of leaves from City residents and $l per bag from non-residents are necessary to pay the cost of transporting the yardwaste to the Yardwaste Recycling Center. The honor system fees help to ensure that the City can continue to provide the yardwaste services at these facilities.

To shorten waiting time and ease traffic volume, residents using the Lone Pine Avenue Recycling Center during the busy fall leaf season are encouraged to arrive with materials separated. Also, vehicles pulling trailers should be taken to either the Franklin Avenue Recycling Center (not open on Sundays) or to the Yardwaste Recycling Center. Commercially generated yardwaste is not accepted at either of the Franklin or Lone Pine Recycling Centers. It is accepted only at the Yardwaste Recycling Center.

For more information about the City’s yardwaste recycling services, including hours of operation, materials and quantities accepted, fees/donations, please call the City of Springfield’s Recycling Hotline at 864-1904 or visit the City Web site at www.springfieldmogov/recycling. Information also is available on backyard composting, mulching and use of compost and mulching materials.

I Voted Sticker

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There’s an awful lot of pride in that “I Voted” sticker, even if your polling center ran out of the little “look at me” flags. We at TAGsgf.com are glad you voted. Thanks. Didn’t that feel good? No matter what your opinion is of the results, if you didn’t cast a vote, you cannot complain about anything that appeared on Tuesday’s ballot. You had your chance.

Our Viral Vegan, Alex Stocksdale didn’t miss his chance and snapped some photos during his trip to the polls.

Commons at Jordan Valley Entrance (Nat'l & Tfwy)

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Photos by Alex Stocksdale

SGF Mayor Jim O'Neal speaks to a large crowd at the ribbon cutting for the Commons at Jordan Valley.

The site, of course used to be the quarry. For years, SGFers rumored what could be found in that giant glowing pool of abandon. We don’t know what lies below, and according to a press release from the city, the space was used frequently as a burial of sorts for trees with Dutch Elm disease. As a result, there’s a bit of methane reaching the surface.

A flare system has been installed to help mitigate methane gas … The amount of methane is relatively small, but is still significant enough to warrant the flame.

The project was funded through a Department of Housing and Urban Development Economic Development Initiative grant, secured by Congressman Roy Blunt. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources provided funding and technical oversight for the design and implementation the methane mitigation system.

Brett Johnston, TAGsgf.com

Obviously, the city doesn’t want to get involved or flat out doesn’t care. If you’re the among the people inquiring, you should probably ask your neighbors, not your government – I hope they have more important things to do.

From the city:

The City of Springfield has received numerous inquiries from citizens and media this week about a preferred or suggested night for Halloween trick-or-treating this weekend. The City and its public safety departments do not have an official stance on the date.

There are plenty of reminders as you drive around that it’s election time. Signs are staked into the ground and the lines are drawn in the sand. As always there are big issues on the ballot. You may be a crunch-time voter. That’s OK, but be prepared. We’re not great with legalese, but have broken down what each issue is and what your vote means. TAGsgf.com is not here to tell you about who to vote for, but we will tell what your vote means on the non-candidate section of the ballot. Judges get no shine, and they make a lot of decisions. Educate yourself on them as well. The Missouri Bar has judged the judges.

No matter what, don’t forget. Write it down right now. Next Tuesday (Nov. 2) – cast your vote.

Take a look at the official Greene County ballot.

Amendments

Amendment 1: Missouri Election of Charter County Assessor

Would require assessors in charter counties to be elected

How it reads:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to require the office of county assessor to be an elected position in all counties with a charter form of government, except counties with a population between 600,001-699,999?

It is estimated this proposal will have no costs or savings to state or local governmental entities.

What your vote means:

Yes: If passed, county assessors must be elected officers (in charter counties). This would only (currently) affect St. Louis County and any county that adopts a charter form of government. The exception is for a county that has between 600,001-699,999 residents, which currently is only Jackson County – Kansas City.

If passed, this measure will not have an impact on taxes.

No: There would be no change to charter county requirements.

Amendment 2: Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Former Prisoners of War

Would exempt former prisoners of war with service-related disability from property taxes

How it reads:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to require that all real property used as a homestead by Missouri citizens who are former prisoners of war and have a total service-connected disability be exempt from property taxes?

The number of qualified former prisoners of war and the amount of each exemption are unknown, however, because the number who meet the qualifications is expected to be small, the cost to local governmental entities should be minimal. Revenue to the state blind pension fund may be reduced by $1,200.

What your vote means:

Yes: Former prisoners of war who are Missouri citizens with a service-related disability would be exempt from property taxes.

If passed, this measure will decrease property taxes for qualified citizens.

No: Exemption would not be added to the Missouri Constitution.

Amendment 3: Missouri Real Estate Taxation

Prohibit taxes for the sale/transfer of homes or any other real estate
How it reads:

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to prevent the state, counties, and other political subdivisions from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate?

It is estimated this proposal will have no costs or savings to state or local governmental entities.

What your vote means:

Yes: The Missouri Constitution would prevent state and county government to impose any new tax – including a sales tax – on the sale or transfer of homes and real estate.

No: No change to Missouri Constitution.

Propositions

Proposition A: Missouri Earnings Tax Initiative

Amendments to cities currently earnings taxes

How it reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

• repeal the authority of certain cities to use earnings taxes to fund their budgets
• require voters in cities that currently have an earnings tax to approve continuation of such tax at the next general municipal election and at an election held every 5 years thereafter
• require any current earnings tax that is not approved by the voters to be phased out over a period of 10 years
• prohibit any city from adding a new earnings tax to fund their budget?

The proposal could eliminate certain city earnings taxes. For 2010, Kansas City and the City of St. Louis budgeted earnings tax revenue of $199.2 million and $141.2 million, respectively. Reduced earnings tax deductions could increase state revenues by $4.8 million. The total cost or savings to state and local governmental entities is unknown.

What your vote means:

Yes: Missouri law would be changed so certain cities (Kansas City and St. Louis) could not use earnings taxes to fund budgets.

No: No change to the current Missouri law.

Proposition B: Missouri Dog Breeding Regulation Initiative

Adopt new rules for breeders in the state
How it reads:

Shall Missouri law be amended to:

• require large-scale dog breeding operations to provide each dog under their care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles
• prohibit any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets
• create a misdemeanor crime of “puppy mill cruelty” for any violations?

It is estimated state governmental entities will incur costs of $654,768 (on-going costs of $521,356 and one-time costs of $133,412). Some local governmental entities may experience costs related to enforcement activities and savings related to reduced animal care activities.

What your vote means:

Yes: Large-scale breeders will be required to keep each dog under care with sufficient food, clean water, housing and space; necessary veterinary care; regular exercise and adequate rest between breeding cycles. The amendment further prohibits any breeder from having more than 50 breeding dogs for the purpose of selling their puppies as pets. The amendment also creates a misdemeanor crime of “puppy mill cruelty” for any violations.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

No: No changes to current Missouri law regarding dog breeders.

Ballerina Dog

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SGFers shrugged off the rain and poured onto Historic Commercial Street for the third annual Pets and Pumpkins event on Saturday where they celebrated their pets by *torturing them with costumes. No dog is a winner while dressed up as a different animal, of course, but let’s judge them anyway.

* (Ed: No animals were tortured at Pets and Pumpkins or in the taking of any photos.)

The winners

1. Jockey Dog

2. Goat Chicken Dog

3. Cowboy Dog

4. Lazy Pumpkin Dog

5. Any bulldog wearing wings

Honorable Mention

* Any large dog wearing a little hat
* Any dog not in costume

The losers

1. I Wore the Clock So You Could Tell the Time Dog

2. Cow Dog

3. Princess Riding a Unicorn Dog

4. Cat Dog – the ultimate disrespect to your canine is to dress it up as a feline

5. SGF sanitation workers

Dishonorable Mention

* Accessory Dog
* Toto – real original, Dorothy

back-patio

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The Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center officially opened Monday with a grandiose ceremony for a packed pavilion. The ribbon cutting featured several speakers, including SGF Parks Director Jodie Adams, to kick off a week of festivities to celebrate. The Botanical Center is at Nathanael Greene-Close Memorial Park surrounded by 45 gardens – 24 completed botanical gardens, according to Adams. “This is not a fad,” Adams said. Botanical education is overdue in the area and plans to extend the botanical facilities with an edible garden and an outdoor kitchen area are in progress.

From the city: Following City Council’s approval of an urban chicken ordinance on Oct. 4, the City would like to remind residents of rules laid out in the ordinance, as well as procedures to follow in the case of stray or deceased fowl.

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department will be responsible for enforcing the ordinance related to the animals themselves, including the number of birds, at-large animals, odors and abuse or neglect. Animal impoundment requirements are the same as that for cats and dogs. Impoundment fees are $31 for the first day, plus $10 each day or partial day thereafter. Shelter fees are required at time of pickup. Payment can be in cash, with debit card or with credit card. No coins, please. Applicable tickets will be issued at time of pickup.

There is a $20 fee for any animal dropped off at the Springfield-Greene County Health Department Animal Shelter. If a citizen is in possession of a stray chicken, Animal Control officers will come pick up the chicken for free, but they will not search for reported strays. Chicken carcasses may be discarded as trash.

The City’s Building Development Services Department will be responsible for enforcing the ordinance related to requirements for chicken enclosures and distances. BDS also will investigate reports of roosters or other fowl.

The number to call for complaints is the City’s main service request line at (417) 864-1010.

The Health Department has posted links on its website to a number of resources for those interested in establishing a safe residential chicken flock. The information comes from the University of Missouri Extension, and includes articles on disease prevention, egg safety, and managing a flock. Visit www.springfieldmo.gov/health for more information.

The new rules addressing the keeping of urban chickens are found under subsection 1-1331 of the Zoning Ordinance and under section 18-24 of the City Code. Highlights of the new rules include:

* Six hens is the maximum number allowed per tract of land regardless of the number of dwelling units.

* No roosters.

* No breeding or fertilizer production for commercial purposes.

* No at-large (free roaming) chickens allowed. Must be kept in an enclosure or fenced area at all times. Chickens shall be secured in a henhouse or chicken tractor during non-daylight hours.

* Enclosures must be kept in a clean, dry, odor-free, neat and sanitary condition at all times so as not to cause odor or noise problems with neighbors. Enforcement is complaint-based.

* Enclosures must be located no closer than three feet from property line and at least 25 feet from another residence or business.

* Enclosures must provide adequate ventilation and adequate sun and shade and must be impermeable to rodents, wild birds and predators, including dogs and cats.

* Enclosures shall only be located to the rear of the dwelling or other main structure and may be located in the rear yard as required by the zoning code.

* The chicken owner shall take necessary action to reduce the attraction of predators and rodents and the potential infestation of insects and parasites.

* Chickens found to be infested with insects and parasites that may result in unhealthy conditions to human habitation may be removed by an animal control officer.

* The chicken owner must provide for the storage and removal of chicken manure. All stored manure shall be covered by a fully enclosed structure with a roof or lid over the entire structure. No more than three cubic feet of manure shall be stored. All other manure not used for composting or fertilizing shall be removed.

* Any violation of the ordinance that constitutes a health hazard or that interferes with the use or enjoyment of neighboring property is a nuisance and may be abated under the general nuisance abatement provisions of the city.

* Each day that a violation continues is a separate offense.

Downtown Springfield is currently featured by International Downtown Association.

Center City is featured as Downtown of the Month by International Downtown Association. There isn’t an author attached and reads as though it was likely written by an SGF advocate. On a large enough scale, I’m sure every downtown will get the treatment, but it’s always good to see SGF get recognized.

SGF is one of the most gardening enthused communities and our new botanical center is ready. (photo from early September)

The long-awaited Springfield Greene-County Botanical Center opened today with a full-schedule to celebrate throughout the next week. The festivities include hands-on guided tours, booths, butterfly house, demonstrations, activities for people of all ages, and more.
The official ribbon cutting is this afternoon at 4 p.m. Grammy-award winner Judy Collins (“Send in the Clowns“) is playing a free show Sunday (3 p.m.). For more information visit the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center Website.

Check out the entire, detailed Botanical Center Grand Opening schedule.

Poker to raise money for breast cancer awareness at the Gravel Bar tonight.

Help fight breast cancer by playing Texas Hold ‘Em tonight (10/2) at the Gravel Bar – 843 S Glenstone. The cards will be shuffled at 7 p.m., registration begins at 6 p.m. A $20 donation gets you a seat – your donation goes to the Susan G Komen for the Cure foundation. Cash prizes will be allotted. If you’re not into poker, you can still donate. And have a pint (or pints). And a slice of liquid pie (or slices).

Know of or have an event for charity coming up? Shoot us an email (Brett@TAGsgf.com).

From the city: Beginning Oct. 8, the lobby of the Springfield Police Department headquarters at 321 E. Chestnut Expressway will be closed during overnight hours from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day.

The change is being made in response to staffing shortages in the Department’s Police Services Representative personnel. These employees provide support functions for the Department’s uniformed law enforcement operations, including records management, assisting people at the front desk or by phone, mail, or fax.

Earlier this year, City Council committed to hiring more public safety employees in the Police and Fire departments during the FY2011 budget year, despite the ongoing hiring freeze for General Fund positions now in its 22nd month. This included 20 police recruits currently training in a police academy and four PSR employees.

However, recent and upcoming retirements in addition to the hiring freeze and a four-month lead time for training new employees have resulted in a staffing shortage in PSR personnel.

Staffing shortages also led SPD to close the lobby of the South District Station, 2620 W. Battlefield Road, in February.

The primary duty of overnight lobby personnel is the take police reports from citizens who walk in to report incidents in person. Before the overnight lobby shift is closed, a phone for dialing 911 will be installed in the outer lobby, which will remain open. There will also be reporting forms available and signs instructing citizens how to file reports. The lobby will re-open at 7 a.m. and remain open until 11 p.m. each day, seven days a week.

When funding is available, the Police Department plans to re-open a daytime shift at the South District Station lobby before re-opening the overnight shift at the headquarters lobby. There is currently no timeline for that change, due to budget constraints.

From the city: The City of Springfield has received a grant of $40,000 from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to study the feasibility of using waste heat and electric power from the City’s Noble Hill Landfill Renewable Energy Center (NHLREC) to help expand the region’s locally grown food supply. The grant will be matched by $20,000 from the City’s Solid Waste Management Division Enterprise Fund.

The study will determine the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of using a portion of waste heat and electric power from the NHLREC to heat, cool and power a large commercial greenhouse to be located on adjacent City property.

The NHLREC is a partnership of the City of Springfield and City Utilities of Springfield to capture and use landfill gas as fuel to generate up to 3.2 megawatts of electric power for CU’s Springfield customers. The renewable energy center adjacent to the City’s Noble Hill Sanitary Landfill has been operational since 2006.

“We now have the opportunity to take our renewable energy project to the next level by using a portion of the Center’s waste heat and power to support year round production of high-value produce for markets throughout the region,” said Ted O’Neill, Superintendent of Solid Waste Management with Springfield Public Works.

If feasible, the greenhouse project would be developed and operated as a public/private partnership. The project would contribute to the region’s locally grown food supply, create new year-round “green” jobs, and add economic activity in the region.

“We plan to work closely with and share study results with the region’s agricultural community through Greene County’s MU Extension Service,” said Patrick Byers, MU Extension Regional Horticulture Specialist, who will serve on the study’s advisory board. “If this project is successful, it will complement and strengthen the region’s growing network of commercial greenhouse growers and help expand our region’s home grown food supply.”

“It could also provide our region’s colleges and universities a unique ‘hands on’ training center to help grow new ‘green jobs’ and small businesses to support our region’s sustainable agriculture and economic growth,” said Dr. Anson Elliott, head of the Darr School of Agriculture at Missouri State University, who also will serve on the study’s advisory board. Students and faculty from the School of Agriculture will conduct a produce market study for the project.

The City’s grant is one of 17 competitive grants made by the MDNR to public and private entities to conduct resource assessments and feasibility studies of potential new renewable energy projects throughout the state.

“These assessments and feasibility studies will help businesses, governments and organizations make informed decisions about complex renewable energy systems,” said Mark N. Templeton, Director of the Department of Natural Resources.

MDNR distributed a total of $734,498 through the Energize Missouri Renewable Energy Subgrant program. The State’s program is one of several renewable energy projects supported by grant funds received from the U. S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Using Missouri-based renewable resources to generate heat and electricity creates jobs, boosts local economies, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and bolsters our energy security.

Local agencies working with the City’s Solid Waste Management Division include:
University of Missouri Extension, Missouri State University Department of Agriculture, and City Utilities of Springfield. Results of the study will be available for public review and comment next summer.

Let me get this straight: Oprah Winfrey sends four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson to Springfield, Missouri to drive his 800-plus-horsepower noise factory of a racecar through a local neighborhood and personally invite an SGFer to the set of her show for the premiere of its final season… and nobody knows about it?!?! Oprah–she’s a f***ing ninja, I tell you.

In fact, so low below the radar was it that the only reason we know is because the gentleman involved, Larry Vaness, has connections to our own Houlihan’s Patio Party guru, Jimi James. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy, Jimi tells us–or to a more loyal watcher, judging from the video of the event. We hear Larry and his family made the trip to Chicago for the show, though there’s no word on whether or not the trusty barber’s chair he keeps in his garage for Oprah and NASCAR watching made it up with him. (She did request it, though.) Note to Larry: Do what the woman says. She bent one of America’s most powerful athletes to her will to hand-deliver you a DVD–in the middle of his season. The mob doesn’t have that kind of pull. When The O wants barber’s chair, you give her barber’s chair. End of story.

The video doesn’t exist on Oprah’s YouTube channel, but we did manage to find a short clip on her website… from which we can’t embed video. That Oprah… Anyway, you won’t hear any specific references to SGF in the clip, but you can enjoy watching one SGFer’s dream come true by clicking these words.

Cider Days took over Walnut last weekend and you could hang out with all sorts of people. - Photo (not bad pun) by Alex Stocksdale for TAGsgf.com

The large crowds at last weekend’s 13th annual Cider Days festival on Walnut Street were treated to a variety of live music, stage acts, good eats, and, of course, a little cider. Alex Stocksdale captured a few people and moments for TAGsgf.com – including a happy fan of the site.

From the city: The City of Springfield will begin seeking citizen feedback on the first draft of goals from the Strategic Planning Process during Cider Days on Historic Walnut Street this weekend. Cider Days runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 18 and 19. Representatives from the Strategic Plan Coordinating Committee will be on hand at a booth to discuss the goals outlined so far by the 13 citizen-led planning committees. A sheet with all of the goals will be provided so that citizens can tell the committee members which goals they strongly support or have strong concerns about. The complete draft chapters on each topic also will be available, and Coordinating Committee members will be able to answer questions about the goals and the process.

The topics addressed in the Strategic Planning Process include: Arts, Culture and Tourism; Early Childhood Development; Economic Development; Education and Workforce Development; Global Perspectives and Diversity; Growth Management and Land Use; Housing; Progressive Management Planning (internal City operations); Natural Environment; Public Health; Public Safety; Recreation and Leisure; and Transportation.

This is the first step in a feedback process that is expected to last throughout the fall. The City will begin presenting the draft goals to the public in various ways this fall in order to gather as much input as possible before the plan goes to City Council for approval. There is not an exact deadline for Council approval, but the plan is expected to go to Council by the end of the year.

Citizen support and feedback of this plan is essential. The Strategic Plan has been a citizen-led process from the beginning, starting with the City’s Listening Tour in late 2009, and continuing with the work done by each of the planning groups throughout 2010.

For updates and information visit the Strategic Plan

More at Cider Days

• Arts
• Food
• Music

Last weekend, former SGFer Aaron Scott went on an endurance fishing trip to raise money and awareness for rivers and streams. Scott’s team, Team Longboat, had quite an adventure. Below is his letter to fans of Team Longboat, including the thrilling story of the 24 hour Fish-A-Thon and results.

Aaron Scott and Team Longboat came away from the 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon with an incredible story and a bunch of loot for the cause.

Supporters of Team Longboat —

Thank you for donating on our behalf to Recycled Fish. As you probably expected, the 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon has given us a heck of a story to tell. When we took on the challenge of Recycled Fish’s 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon, we knew it would be an adventure. The North Fork of the White River is a spectacular stream that offers incredible adventures every day (and every night), and our time on the water would be no exception.

In the days leading up to the event, conditions on the river couldn’t have been better. The water was running low and clear. We would have the piscatorial advantage of a new moon. The seasonal “hex hatch” was giving birth to thick, meaty mayflies. We were going to absolutely slay. Like I said, it couldn’t have been better. On the flipside, it also could get a whole lot worse.

The night before the event, the remnants of Tropical Storm Hermine swept through the Ozarks, dousing the area with heavy rain. The river shot up a foot, and the discharge jumped from a leisurely 350 CFS (cubic feet per second) to an angry 1,100 CFS. (See the attached discharge graph with notations.) Still floatable, but fishing would be difficult. The river was murky with the dirt and dust that had dried during the late summer heat of August, now washed downstream by the downpour. The prime fishing holes on the North Fork, for a trout stream, are deep to begin with, and that’s without another foot of water and a flow several times stronger than usual. Fishing was going to be difficult, and we knew we would have to accept it. But we had taken on a challenge and, as long as the skies were clear and we could float the river safely, we were not about to back down.

When we all arrived at the River of Life Farm, we surveyed the river and mulled over our options. Floating in Kyle’s longboat would be safe but difficult. It could handle the stronger currents well, but taking our time, to pace ourselves for this 24 hour marathon, would be hard. We considered commandeering the Farm’s Clackacraft driftboat, which has the advantage of making backpaddling easy with its mounted oars. While taking the longboat was essential to our plans, the driftboat was starting to make a lot of sense—until we remembered the two low-water bridges that we’d have to float under—or portage over—on our trip from Kelly Ford to Patrick Bridge. Under normal conditions, the driftboat, which rides higher in the water than the longboat, wouldn’t have any problems floating under the low-water bridges; of course, if we were under normal conditions, we wouldn’t be considering a change in watercraft. So we arrived back at the longboat and decided to extended our float several miles to account for the faster flows.

That settled, packed up the boat, hitched the trailer to the truck, and headed to Kelly Ford. Despite the river conditions, the weather was perfect as we hit the water at 6:00 p.m., the official start of the Fish-A-Thon. With Kyle guiding the boat downriver in the stern, Brian and I began fishing. As the sun set on the horizon, we stopped to work the Falls at the Farm, one of the most significant features of the North Fork. It’s a prime spot to find big fish and overturned canoes. The runs just above and below the Falls, a broken ledge that extends all the way across the river, provides great holding water for trout. We knew they were in there, but with the high water, it was tough to actually find them. With the evening settling in, we continued on, hoping for even a smidge of luck.

With night falling, we arrived at the campsite that Kyle and Brian had scouted out earlier in the day. With the gravel bar underwater, we were pushed up onto the bank with enough room for a small fire. (Much to Brian’s chagrin, the area was littered with otter scat.) While camp was set, we took turns fishing the immediate area. If it weren’t for the fire and a couple lanterns, the river would have been pitch black, illuminated only by the billions of stars that were visible overhead. It would not be the only time that night when we were humbled by the power and immensity of nature, of creation.

After a quick dinner, we hiked back through the woods and found a spot to climb down to the river. We waded carefully in the dark, searching for the likely spot of a hungry brown, casting heavily weighted nymph rigs with glow-in-the-dark indicators across the . Throughout the night, we noticed flashes of light across the clear sky. Even though the sky was crystal overhead, it was obvious that a storm was lurking miles and miles away. At the time, we had nothing to worry about, other than wondering when we’d land that first fish, that serendipitous creature, relieving the strain of bad fortune, making it all worthwhile.

Around 2:30 a.m., we headed back downstream to the campsite, ready to plan a new strategy; however, we noticed an increased frequency in the lightning flashes. As the sky lit up, I noticed clouds forming over the hills above the western bank of the river. Brian checked the weather on his phone and, sure enough, there was a thick band of thunderstorms heading straight to the area. We debated a course of action and planned evasive maneuvers. We didn’t want to be caught on a rising river in the middle of the night. Luckily, Brian had stashed his car near the campsite, loaded with overnight essentials that we didn’t need in the boat. At 3:00, a after packing everything we could into the car, dousing the fire and loading up the boat, Brian drove back to the farm to retrieve a trailer. Kyle and I shoved off from the site and headed downriver to Blair Bridge, the closest public access, about a mile downstream. It was then, at that instant, that the sky opened up.

We were hammered by rain, falling so hard and thick that we couldn’t see but a few feet past the bow with our headlamps—the only visibility came with the flash of lightning. Thunder shook the strong, stable longboat, in turn giving strength and speed to our relentless paddling. We covered the distance as quickly as we could and took cover underneath Blair Bridge, barely wide enough to protect the twenty-some-foot longboat. By the time Brian returned, the rain had lightened. We loaded the longboat and headed back to the Farm to wait out the storm, to see what effect it would have on the already-swollen river.

Ultimately, the early-morning torrent that interrupted our efforts teaches a lesson that is at the core of Recycled Fish—respect for Mother Nature. Through stewardship education, the organization teaches people how to take better care of the waters, of the fish, of the Earth that we love. And that’s one way to show respect. Another way is to yield to nature’s power, to realize when the forces of nature are no match for mere humans. While we had to retreat from the surging river, we did so out of respect.

On Saturday, with clouds still on the western horizon and the river running even higher and faster than the day before, it was clear we would not chance another float. Instead, we waded the Falls again and, in the early afternoon, Kyle landed Team Longboat’s first fish of the trip – a beautiful wild rainbow. After it was measured and photographed, we released it back into the river. We caught a handful more before the 6:00 p.m. deadline, but the two rainbows that we measured, out of the seven or eight that we landed, would be no match for the catch-and-release contest of the Fish-A-Thon.

Fortunately, that is beside the point because, while the fishing was next to impossible, you helped make something else possible—meeting our fundraising goal. Your donations placed us at the top of all teams in fundraising, bringing in over $1,200 for Recycled Fish. That money is going to go a long way to help educate anglers, sportsmen and other outdoor lovers how to be better stewards of our environment. To put it in a physical context, every dollar donated to Recycled Fish can be turned into three pounds of trash removed from our lakes and river—meaning your donations could amount to the removal of over 3,600 pounds of trash that are currently polluting our waters. And, for those of you in the Ozarks, that will soon hit close to home—Recycled Fish has a lakeshore cleanup event planned for Table Rock Lake in October.

Again, thank you for your contribution. Your support means so much to us, and I’m sure we’ll all continue to benefit from those contributions as Recycled Fish teaches more and more people how to improve our world. Special thanks to the River of Life Farm on the North Fork; the Feather-Craft fly shop in St. Louis; the Dynamic Earth Equipment gear shop in Springfield; the Backcountry Outfitters fly shop in Springfield; the Angler’s Edge tackle shop in Ozarks; and The Coffee Ethic coffeeshop in Springfield, the official caffeine fix of Team Longboat. If you have a chance, please support these great businesses.

Thank you!

—Aaron J Scott / TeamLongboat.com

First the prostitution sting, now the pervert jogger. This could be the rebirth of vigilante justice. Speaking of, Republic could be in need of some that as well. In other news, SGF has another person to be proud of … jeez, why would you stab somebody? When does it sounds like a good idea? Anyway, this is where to find a handful of  links for SGF-related news you should read that didn’t come from TAGsgf.com. We don’t hate. Read up. If you’ve seen a recent headline that you think people should notice, share it in comments.

• SGF Mom catches perv touching himself in school parking lot – Joanna Small, KSPR
• Energy guidelines cut comforts for teachers – Claudette Riley, News-Leader
• Classy SGFer charged after June assault … stemming from a fender bender – Kathryn Wall, News-Leader
• Stabbing suspect in Kansas City a Glendale grad - Joe Daues, KSPR
• Greene County continues with plans to cut Republic 9-1-1 Call Center – Abby Wuellner, KY3

From the city: The City of Springfield is seeking volunteers to assist with beautification and sign removal in public right-of-way along city roadways.

An information and training session will be held at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, in the Busch Municipal Building, room L45.

Section 98-7 of the Springfield City Code prohibits the placement of advertisements within the right-of-way of any public thoroughfare. The ordinance is designed to ensure visibility for drivers and to reduce litter in areas where Springfield Public Works mows grass. Public right-of-way is usually defined as the area from the street curb to the outer edge of a public sidewalk. Signs and advertisements on utility poles are also prohibited by City code.

This ordinance is difficult to enforce, and signs are typically removed only on a complaint basis or when Public Works employees mow grass in a right-of-way. For this reason, the City will seek volunteers interested in beautification to help spot and remove illegal signs in the right-of-way.

Volunteers will receive training by City staff, and will be able to conduct their work on their own time. The City will not ask volunteers to remove out-of-reach signs; signs related to the sale or lease of property; political signs; signs advertising on-premises businesses; or any signs on private property. Instead, these will be referred to City staff for further enforcement.

Signs that may be removed by volunteers include any off-premises business or activity advertised in the right-of-way or on telephone poles. As they keep an eye on beautification, volunteers may also report other concerns such as broken curbs, potholes, graffiti, dead animals, trash and tall weeds. Volunteers assisting the City must be at least 18 years of age and are required to sign a release form.

Recycled Fish is the perfect charity for former SGFer Aaron Scott.

Aaron Scott, former SGFer and MORawk founder, is getting ready for a long weekend on the North Fork of the White River. As a member of Team Longboat, Scott will spend 24 consecutive hours – from Friday (Sept. 10) at 6 p.m. until Saturday at 5:59 p.m. – casting and reeling. It’s the fisherman’s version of a marathon.

The Recycled Fish event provides fly fishermen a unique opportunity to raise money and awareness for the streams. “It’s an organization I really believe in because I try to be as environmentally minded as possible, and I also love fly fishing,” Scott said. “Recycled Fish is the perfect marriage of those two passions, so I’m very glad to dedicate some volunteer effort to the organization.”

Last year, the first 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon raised more than $6,000, making it their largest fundraiser. They’ve set a goal of $20,000 for this year’s event. Team Longboat has already almost reached its goal ($1,200), with $1,000 so far, and is leading the 27 team field in money raised. “I’d love to totally smash that (goal of $1,200) and hit $2,000. That’s my personal goal, anyway.” Scott has a personal pledge of $1/fish he catches and has some other creative ways to grab sponsorships, such as the $15 to earn him a 15-minute power nap. The Coffee Ethic is the team’s official “coffee fix.”

The money is good, but awareness is the main issue. Scott said if water quality on the North Fork and other Ozarks streams is not maintained and improved, we run the risk of not only losing the great rainbow trout, brown trout and smallmouth bass fishing, but also the endangered Ozark Hellbender, a giant salamander unique to only a few streams in the Ozarks.

Team Longboat will be fishing in a traditional wooden White River johnboat, handbuilt by Kyle Kosovich, Scott’s teammate. Brian Wise is the third member of Team Longboat.

Donation opportunities available via Team Longboat.

Other media:

SGF is a very gardening enthused communities. The new botanical center is just about complete.

Prime parking at the Botanical Center is reserved for environmentally friendly vehicles.

The new $4.3-million Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center at Nathanael Greene Park is just about complete and will be ready for its week-long grand opening October 11-17. Taxpayers voted in 2006 on a 1/4-cent tax to provide $3-million for the project. The Center is a “green building” and was designed by H Design Group and constructed by R.E. Smith Construction Company of Joplin.

The building is tremendous to look at – it overlooks the 55-acre park below, adjoining Close Memorial Park and Nathanael Greene. There is a roof-top plaza above the 12,000 square foot building, which will hold exhibits, seminars and meeting rooms. Demonstrations which never had a home before, will soon be able to be held in SGF.

According to Ozarks Gardens, the botanical center will:

… provide classes, workshops, and demonstrations in identifying, growing, and caring for plants of all kinds. It includes botanical gardens that are essentially teaching gardens where people can see first-hand plants that grow well in their region, how to grow them, and how they can be used to beautify one’s own surroundings.

Aside from visiting and learning the Botanical Center, you can also join Friends of the Garden with a $25 tax-deductible donation. It gets you a season pass for two to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, discounts on seminars and more.

Lt. Dangle had nothing to do with SGF's prostitution bust. Local vigilante Lori Ross took it into her own hands.

* Props to SGF vigilante, Lori Ross, who saved Grant Beach Park from prostitutes. – Joanna Small, KSPR

* Class-action suits for red light tickets dismissed by federal judge – News-Leader

* SGF Superintendent Norm Ridder makes case for four-day school week – Claudette Riley, News-Leader

* Former SGF corrections officer sentenced for string of rapes – Kyle Bosch, KSPR

The glass exterior was removed from the Heer's Building earlier in the 2000s leaving a boarded window exterior. If all goes well, it could be back in action by June 2012.

The historic Heer’s Building on the square has sat empty since closing for business in 1995. Board-covered windows create an eyesore as the rest of the square and downtown area has continued to take shape as an economic and gathering focal point for the city. Three years ago, SGF executed a Developer Agreement with Kevin McGowan. After a 2008 amendment, the economic recession resulted in a tight financing market which has led to changes in McGowan’s plan for the historic site. SGF continues to stand behind the project and a public hearing will take place during next week’s City Council meeting (August 23) regarding the redevelopment.

Despite the economic climate, SGF Mayor Jim O’Neal said a redeveloped Heer’s building would create a local financial boom. “At a time when traditional demand for those loans is down, I believe the Heer’s building presents a great opportunity to put that funding to use in a project that will be a catalyst for further investment in Springfield,” O’Neal said. SGF doesn’t own the Heer’s building, McGowan does. He purchased it for $3 million in 2007, so the city is under no obligation to repurchase the vacant landmark.

McGowan’s final application to HUD is due October 6, 2010. If approved by all parties, closing on all financing would occur near March 1, 2011. The project would then take an estimated 14 months to complete.

“I appreciate the willingness on the part of the City Council and the citizens of Springfield to stick by my vision for the Heer’s building,” McGowan said. “This road has been longer than most imagined, and there are still a few miles left to go. Springfield, and the downtown community in particular, has been patient. I continue to believe the wait will be well worth it.”

The Heer’s building opened in 1915 as a premiere shopping destination. It expanded in 1951 and got a major renovation in 1969 when a glass exterior was added in an attempt to modernize the building.

The plan would combine commercial and residential, business and pleasure. St. Louis Cardinals fans would certainly be excited for a Mike Shannon’s on the square.

McGowan’s plan for Heer’s includes:

• 63 market rate apartments
• Rooftop pool and deck
• Common study den
• Fitness center
• High-speed Internet access
• Indoor parking
• Security system
• 33,000 square feet net rentable commercial space
• Mike Shannon’s Steak and Seafood restaurant
• Banquet space
• Bowling alley, bar and restaurant

Proposed Funding:

• Department of Housing and Urban Development – $11.8 million (Federal Housing Authority loan guarantee for market rate apartments)
• Federal Historic Tax Credits – $5.1 million
• State Historic Tax Credits – $4.93 million
• McGowan’s contribution – $4.4 million
• Small Business Development Loan from the City – $2 million
• Loan from the Missouri Development Finance Board (passed through the City) – $1 million

The City of SGF’s participation in the plan includes:

• Amend the existing Community Improvement District first outlined in the August 2007 agreement, which levies a 1 percent sales and use tax, or terminate the existing CID and establish a new CID.
• Establish a Tax Increment Financing District as outlined in the August 2007 agreement. The TIF District would capture 100 percent of the incremental increase in property taxes and 50 percent of the incremental increase in sales taxes. McGowan contractually agrees to a fixed PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) that will cover at least 70 percent of the City/MDFB debt service and to not protest property valuations so long as they do not exceed the PILOT payment schedule. The remainder of the debt service will be repaid from sales taxes generated at the development.
• Loan $2 million from the Small Business Development Program with a 23-year term at 5 percent interest, to be repaid from TIF and CID revenues generated at Heer’s.
• Request the Missouri Development Finance Board’s participation on behalf of the Heer’s project by loaning the City $1 million that the City will loan to the developer, also with a 23-year term at 5 percent interest. This loan will be limited recourse to the City of Springfield, with repayments limited to TIF and CID revenues.
• Request the Missouri Development Finance Board assist in the collateralization of the state historic tax credit bridge loan.

Don't drink and drive. It's dangerous, and when SPD catches you, it's expensive. (And SPD will probably catch you)

From the city: From Aug. 20 through Sept. 6, members of the Springfield Police Department will be participating in a statewide effort to remove intoxicated drivers from the roadways. Enforcement efforts will be increased with a focus on reducing deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired drivers.

A grant received from the Missouri Department of Transportation‘s Highway Safety Division will fund this effort.

Driving while intoxicated remains one of the top causes of fatal car crashes in Missouri. In 2009, 268 people were killed and 1,134 seriously injured in crashes involving an impaired driver. In Springfield alone, four people were killed and 127 injured. These tragedies are preventable when drivers make a simple, smart choice not to drink and drive. Don’t risk it!

We are all part of the solution, so please consider the following tips:

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.saveMOlives.com

The Simpsons' Springfield isn't the only namesake in environmental trouble. SGF is closing in on a potential impactful citation.

During City Council’s August 9 meeting, City Manager Greg Burris acknowledged that the SGF may be cited by the Environmental Protection Agency for ground-level Ozone pollution at the end of August, and labeled with “non attainment” status. The impact is far reaching, and this will in no way be a knee scrape for our city, which makes it surprising to have passed so far under the radar.

Doug Neidigh, a member of Ozarks Clean Air Alliance, said the EPA is revisiting its national ground-level Ozone standards, and when that standard is lowered SGF will likely fall below the cut. “Our community is the fastest growing community in Missouri and with that growth comes more automobiles, businesses, and more emissions. (OCAA) has taken a proactive approach, but at some point we’re going to cross that line.” That line is measured in parts per billion and Springfield measures at 69 ppb. The max currently sits at 75, but is expected to be moved somewhere between 60-70 when the EPA announces the new mark (likely on the last business day of August). “It’s a matter of public health. People have significant health risks. Those with respiratory problems, heart disease and children whose lungs are still developing are especially in danger,” Neidigh said.

Generally the course of action for the EPA is to give the citation which normally comes with a three-year window to get a corrective action plan in place. OCAA has been working with the EPA and Department of Natural Resources to get a jump start, but regulations are likely heading our way. Vehicles, gas stations, businesses (large and small), and even your lawnmower could get regulated. Nothing’s out of reach. “It costs communities a lot of money to fix air quality under regulated (terms),” Neidigh said, “and the government doesn’t help funding. They didn’t pollute our air.”

Kansas City and St. Louis are examples of towns to have been labeled “non attainment.” The process that follows is building a State Implementation Plan in which a local action group, OCAA in SGF’s case, works with the EPA and the state to lower the parts per billion count. K.C.’s regulations include gas stations offering less volatile fuel that is of higher cost to consumers. Other regulations limit emissions from printing and auto painting operations, industrial solvent use, and the manufacture of paints, solvents and pesticides.

This pollution is caused during the day, mostly in the heat and simply changing pieces of your routine can help tremendously (carpool, walk or bike; pump gas at night and DON’T top off your tank; use water-based solutions, not solvent; mow at night; paint at night; landscape with native plants – less grass, less fertilizers and insecticides). Visit OCAA for more ideas on how you can help.

The time to quaff at the hippies and tree huggers is over. Turns out they were right. Government and science says so. It’s our health and our economy at risk. We all must make changes.

What is Ozone?

Ozone (O₃) is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is not usually emitted directly into the air, but at ground-level is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Ozone has the same chemical structure whether it occurs miles above the earth or at ground-level and can be “good” or “bad,” depending on its location in the atmosphere. – EPA

What is ground-level ozone?

In the earth’s lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is considered “bad.” Motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents as well as natural sources emit NOx and VOC that help form ozone. Ground-level ozone is the primary constituent of smog. Sunlight and hot weather cause ground-level ozone to form in harmful concentrations in the air. As a result, it is known as a summertime air pollutant. Many urban areas tend to have high levels of “bad” ozone, but even rural areas are also subject to increased ozone levels because wind carries ozone and pollutants that form it hundreds of miles away from their original sources. – EPA

From the city: Starting the week of Aug. 16, crews are scheduled to begin milling pavement on National Avenue at Seminole Street as part of the improvement project at that intersection. The older surface pavement will be milled down to the same level as the new concrete base installed this summer.

Milling is expected to be complete in about one week. Crews are then scheduled to begin laying a new asphalt surface over the entire intersection. Installation of a new median along National Avenue on the south side of the intersection also will begin at this time.

Motorists can expect lane shifts throughout this process. Northbound and southbound traffic on National Avenue will remain open. Eastbound and westbound traffic on Seminole, including right turns, will remain closed.

Once the new paving work is finished, the intersection will be near functional completion and access to Seminole will re-open. Final striping and other finishing touches will occur following that. The project is expected to be fully complete by fall.

The National Avenue and Seminole Street intersection improvement project includes straightening of National to improve driver sightlines, new turn lanes and storm water drainage upgrades. The project is funded by the 1/4-cent Sales Tax for Capital Improvements.

Burris

City Manager Greg Burris brought SGF City Council up to speed on the commitments made prior to the Police/Fire Pension Fund sales tax vote in September of last year.

Five are completed and two are in progress. The commitments in progress include: put 100 percent of the pension fund sales tax revenue into the pension fund and sell surplus properties to put money into the pension fund. Those already completed include: continue to contribute 35 percent of payroll into the fund, increase the amount Tier I employees pay into the fund, put all new hires into LAGERS, put all telecomm settlement money into the fund and restructure the pension board. The Council also pledged not to seek any new city sales taxes during the lifetime of the pension sales tax. – City Council Minutes 8/9/10

SGF police looking for any tips on the elderly robber

From the city: The Springfield Police Department is currently investigating three strong armed robberies that occurred yesterday. In each of the robberies the target victims were elderly females, including one victim in a wheelchair. In all three robberies the lone suspect either stole or attempted to steal the victim’s purse.

The first robbery occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m. at 712 W. Commercial St. (Price Cutter) when a black male suspect attempted to steal the purse of a 75-year old female. The victim was able to hold on to her purse and the suspect fled. The photographs attached to this release are from that attempted robbery. At 12:54 p.m., a 63-year old female in a wheelchair had her purse grabbed by a suspect matching the description of the earlier attempted robbery. This incident occurred at the Womack’s located 1130 N. Grant Ave. Later in the afternoon, an 81-year old female had her purse taken when the suspect pushed the victim and escaped with her purse. That incident occurred at 2:24 p.m. at the Aldi’s located at 1645 E. Kearney St. The suspect in that robbery also matched the previous incidents.

The suspect is described as a black male, 6-0 200 lbs, 20-30 years old. The suspect may be in an older full size van two toned with brown and beige paint. Anyone with information should call the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or 869-TIPS.

(Let’s face it, we could all be better. Whether it’s in our diet, how we shop, or recycle, there are ways we can improve ourselves in every day life. This weekly series will highlight simple tips to improve our lives. Be mindful of it for a week, and maybe it will stick. Small habits lead to lifestyle change. If you have any unique ideas (of any kind), email Brett@TAGsgf.com.)

USE POWER STRIPS FOR YOUR ELECTRONICS

I think you missed the point of this story.

Standby power, also called vampire power, vampire draw, phantom load, or leaking electricity, refers to the electric power consumed by electronic appliances while they are switched off or in a standby mode. – Wikipedia definition

Always an advocate for “lights off when leaving a room” I like to pay attention to keeping things powered down when not in use. But that’s where my treehuggery with electricity had historically stopped. I heard of this “phantom electricity” a while ago, but thought it sounded more like something of a wives tale. Then I read an article (can’t recall where, it was 2007ish) about cell phone chargers that weren’t charging anything but still plugged in. The study found that they were causing drastic raises in electric bills. When money got involved, it immediately captured my attention. It turns out that curbing the loss of vampire draw saves the average house around 5 percent of use each month. It’s not stacks of cheese like I was led to believe, but it’s definitely a couple pairs of Kansas City Chiefs tickets in money saved over the course of a year. Need a big number? Try $3 billion wasted on unused energy annually in the U.S.

The ideal way to eliminate this phantom electricity is by unplugging lights, televisions, computers, etc. each time you are finished with them, but let’s be real. That’s not going to happen. The next best thing? Power strips. They aren’t expensive and it won’t take many to cover the house. If you need, make the change gradually. My family went room by room over the course of a few months and our electric saw the marginal difference. The environmental factor is, perhaps, more rewarding for us, however. That small 5% of use equates to around 70 billion kilowatt-hours (or 87 billion pounds of carbon dioxide released to phantom sources) nationally (also known as a s*** ton).

Only deadbeats don't get out and vote. Don't be a deadbeat.

Proposition C has been the recent political hot topic, and you get to cast your vote today. No statements here supporting either side on today’s measure, only support to get you out to vote (it’s your duty, after all), and to present the language you will see on the ballot (as published to the web by the Secretary of State).

How the ballot reads

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

* Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?

* Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities.  However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language

A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

The polls are open from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Look here, if you don’t remember where to vote.

Candidate List from the Greene County Library (PDF): candidates & issues