Parker Padgett

2 weeks ago | ozarksfirst.com | Parker Padgett

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Springfield Mayor Ken McClure isn’t sure if emotions will get the best of him when his final days as mayor are over. One thing he’s sure of is that he’s ready to focus on his next chapter. “I’m ready to be done. I’m grateful for the opportunity, the honor of a lifetime, but it takes a toll on you physically and mentally,” McClure said.

2 weeks ago | ozarksfirst.com | Parker Padgett

MISSOURI — U.S. Cellular has announced upcoming closures across the nation, including Missouri stores in Springfield, Lebanon and West Plains, per a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice received today by the Missouri Office of Workforce Development. A WARN Notice is required by law when announcing major layoffs and/or closures. The announcement says the closures will begin on June 2, 2025.

2 weeks ago | ozarksfirst.com | Parker Padgett

GREENE COUNTY, Mo. — It’s been a busy 48 hours for first responders in Southwest Missouri, as communities continue to be impacted by flash flooding and severe weather. “[The water is] running over the Highway 125 here this morning, and I’m sure we’re up around four or five inches,” Richard Stirts, the Logan-Rogersville Fire Protection District Fire Chief, said. In Ozark, city officials closed the Finley River Park as water continues to flow.

3 weeks ago | ozarksfirst.com | Parker Padgett

GREENE COUNTY, Mo. — Non-Profit headed by Greene County Sheriff leads to new training complex. “We are now out for bid for two buildings with three contractors, local contractors to move forward with the $2 million that were received from the state, as far as funding,” said Sheriff Jim Arnott. Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott is excited about the progress with the Jim C. Arnott Training Complex. Arnott says he did not suggest the name, but rather a donor picked it.

3 weeks ago | ozarksfirst.com | Parker Padgett

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — “They were down a whole lot more than I thought they were going to be,” Dr. David Mitchell, an economist with Missouri State University said. Dr. Mitchell, like others, is reacting to new tariffs signed into effect Wednesday by President Donald Trump. “This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history. It’s a declaration of economic independence,” President Trump said Wednesday. Dr. Mitchell says there could be better ways to get to the same goal.