Springfield News

<![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- A former Joplin middle school science teacher will spend 28 years in federal prison for sexually assaulting a girl over nine years and recording some of the assaults. Forty-year-old Charles Dominic Gastel of Carterville also will spend the rest of his life under supervised release when he leaves prison. As part of a plea agreement reached Friday, Gastel admitted that he sexually assaulted the victim for about nine years and videotaped some of the assaults. The victim, who is now 19, said the sexual acts began when she was 10. The Joplin Globe reports (http://bit.ly/1kSANiA ) an affidavit says Gastel's son saw a video on his father's laptop computer that depicted a sexual assault. Gastel, who taught at South Middle School, has been in federal custody since his arrest in July. ------ Information from: The Joplin (Mo.) Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com

Springfield attorney Douglas Harpool's nomination for the federal bench has stalled amid partisan acrimony and procedural roadblocks.

After weeks of reviewing the details of a Nov. 17 fatal hit-and-run of a bicyclist near the Missouri State University campus, Greene County prosecutors have decided to charge someone with murder -- but not the woman who they say was driving the car that hit the bicyclist.

Design wastewater flows from Stockton State Park's campsites, cabins, marina, and snack bar average 6,300 gpd with peak flows approaching 12,000 gpd.

Springfield police have arrested a man in connection with a homicide in north Springfield Monday evening.

<![CDATA[SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (AP) -- Two south-central Missouri men have been sentenced for their roles in distributing methamphetamine and marijuana. The U.S. Attorney's office said Monday that 63-year-old Joseph R. Ledwa was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison without parole. He also has to forfeit about $44,000 and several firearms. David L. Collins was sentenced to eight years and four months in federal prison without parole and has to forfeit two rifles. Both men are from West Plains. Ledwa pleaded guilty in May to his role in a conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of meth and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in Howell County. Collins pleaded guilty last year to his role in the drug conspiracy and to firearms charges.

'Tis a privilege to honor and remember fallen service members during this holiday season.

Time also insulted him by including in the finalists Sen. Ted Cruz from Texas. The only greater insult would have been if Rush Limbaugh had been included in the final five.

Tonya Hammons has been promoted to be the Republic and Southwest Springfield branch manager.

One of the busiest, and most dangerous, railroad crossings in the state is about two years from getting a major overhaul.

An insightful profile of the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway, who recently confessed to the murder of 48 women in Washington State.

Two people were transported to the Mercy Hospital in Springfield early Monday morning after a head-on collision in the westbound lane of Interstate 44 near Halltown.

Two portraits, of a pair of Springfield settlers, will stay together at the Springfield Art Museum after the museum raised the necessary money.

Like many students, Avery has his own fears about life after graduation, but he is confident that his education at Drury has prepared him to enter professional theater with success.

More than three years after her infant son was smothered to death, Tatianna Light pleaded guilty today to his murder.

Proposals banning tobacco and skateboards near Park Central Square and restricting panhandling citywide are among the new bills to be debated when City Council meets tonight.

John Lopez spent most of his life being scared of dogs. While serving overseas in the military, he had a sergeant who repeatedly told his men to be better versions of themselves.

The electronic side project of indie rock frontman Phil Davis is released today, December 15th, 2013.

Michael T. Nietzel, president of Missouri State University from 2005 to 2010, on Dec. 20 will receive an honorary degree from the University of Kentucky, where he worked for 32 years prior to coming to Springfield.

Ten days, people. Ten days. If you haven't mailed your packages yet, start boxing them up and get them out pronto.