Howell's It Going, Episode 4, Feb. 7, 2024

Hello and welcome to Howell’s It Going. This is your weekly update on what’s happening in your community. I’m Amanda Mendez, and this is your news.

 

We’ve got more political happenings out in Mountain View. Billing statements from the city attorney, Deedra Nicholson, show that last month, taxpayers paid over $4,600 to her for the city. The bills for December totaled less than $2,000, meaning the costs more than doubled for January. The reason for this is unclear, but it’s noteworthy that the January bill includes recurring items such as, “exchange texts with council member,” “phone call from council member,” and “receive texts and emails from aldermen.” In a statement, Mayor John Krasuski said, “There is nothing that should be questioned of the city attorney that was authorized by any of the board members during our meetings. Nothing that cannot be discussed during open or closed session.”

 

Some football fans in Willow Springs have taken issue with the recent decision to remove Travis Payne as head coach. A group of parents started a petition to overturn the decision, gathering nearly a 125 signatures last we checked. The district superintendent, Dr. Marty Spence, noted the decision came from the administration, not the school board, but further details can’t be discussed because of privacy laws. Those supporting Payne say that he’s a coach who puts character above winning and who’s built a strong community in the football program.

 

Breast cancer awareness is still going strong in the area. Lady Zizzer basketball is hosting their annual Pink Out game on February 8, and they just received a donation from Leonardo DRS. The company donated a pink Bogg Bag, filled with cool stuff like Bogg koozies, a pink blanket, and more. The proceeds raised by the donation will go directly to the Ozarks Healthcare Cancer Treatment Center. You can support the fundraiser by going to www.ladyzizzerpinkout.squarespace.com.

 

The local soccer team, Howell County FC, just competed in a league in Springfield this winter. Nathan Wagner, their head coach, said they switched leagues after having a lack of teams to play against in their old one.

 

We have a new business here in Willow Springs. Everything Longarm had its ribbon cutting ceremony last Thursday on Main Street. It’s a longarm quilting machine shop being run by Doug and Heather Cartwright. They’re located at 113 East Main Street here in Willow Springs. If you’re into quilting, be sure to go check it out.

 

The West Plains License Office just renewed its contract with the Missouri Department of Revenue. They’re now approved to run the license office for another five years. They’ll also be changing their contractor to Yale Holding Company, which will leave their office closed for a week as they make the transition. They’ll be closed February 8 through February 13, and they’ll reopen on the 14th. While they are closed, you can visit a nearby location to get license business taken care of. There are offices in Willow Springs, Mountain View, and Alton.

 

Alright, time for our crime story. This week we have Stanley Michael Reeves, 72, who’s been charged with making terroristic threats. Reeves allegedly sent a series of disturbing letters to Walmart and Jones Eye Center in West Plains before police stepped in. He did admit to sending the letters, saying he was upset with Walmart staff stopping him and looking into his bags. He didn’t discuss the Jones Eye Center side of things. He’s pled not guilty and is currently out on a $10,000 bond. There’s a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 19 at 9 a.m.

 

I’m Amanda, and this has been Howell’s It Going.