Latest news with #ServingtheOzarks
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Serving the Ozarks: James River Basin Partnership
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Just as water is essential to life, our waterways are essential to Ozarks culture. This week for Serving the Ozarks, we're highlighting the James River Basin Partnership and the work they are doing year-round to keep our rivers and streams clean. The James River Basin Partnership manages the water that flows through our cities and into our homes. Ahead of it's annual Earth Day Clean Up event on April 22, we stopped by their new office in Springfield to say thank you, and learn about the ways we can all keep the natural beauty of our Ozarks waterways alive for future generations. Todd Wilkinson, Project Manager for the James River Basin Partnership says the non-profit was created nearly 30 years ago and are willing to partner with any group to keep our water clean. They manage nearly one million acres of land and 300 river miles stretching from Webster County to Table Rock Lake. Almost 40% of Springfield's daily water supply comes from some point on the James River. The group works with city leaders in Springfield, Nixa, Ozark and Republic for storm water education. Wilkinson says storm water runoff is the biggest issue facing our waterways caused by things like trash, vehicles, using too much fertilizer in our yards or cattle roaming in streams. They also have a rain barrel rebate and septic system rebate programs and offer free soil testing to land owners. They have two major clean ups a year including the upcoming Earth Day clean up, held every year on April 22. In June, more than 100 people will float from one gravel bar to the next, picking up trash as part of the River Rescue event. If you're interested in volunteering or becoming a member, visit their website, Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Serving the Ozarks: Willard Fire Protection District
Fire departments all over the Ozarks have responded to a record number of calls early this spring. Crews have worked tirelessly to fight wildfires and save homes in their communities. It's been no different for the Willard Fire Protection District, and this week, we stopped by to say thank you, learn about the station, and bring a free lunch to firefighters. Fire Chief Kevin Samsel says his crews ran 25 more calls this past March than any other month on record. Chief Samsel recently took over the role in late January, continuing his 16 years career with the district. He says average response times in its 72-square mile service area is just six minutes. Serving the Ozarks: A Bed for Izzy During the record month of March, Willard firefighters worked through the night to tame wildfires in Douglas County. The threat of grass and wildfires is decreasing now that fields are turning green and we enter severe weather season but for Lt. Andy Blake, fire safety is still top of mind. He reminds people any spark can be dangerous. Willard is also unique in the area that it's one of only a few that has trained paramedics on staff. It's needed too as two-thirds of all calls they respond to are for medical emergencies. You can watch the full Serving the Ozarks story above. Bailey Strohl will be back next week to highlight another deserving agency. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Serving the Ozarks: Unstoppable Joy
This week, we're highlighting a little-known non-profit organization that is helping cancer patients and their caregivers find peace before, during, and after a diagnosis. Unstoppable Joy provides self-care and respite for cancer warriors in our community by providing free spa services at local providers. Unstoppable Joy was founded by Tanya Augustine following her own cancer diagnosis. The organization partners with local providers like Acacia Spa and Jennetics Day Spa in Springfield to pay for services and set up appointments for cancer warriors to be pampered. It's for anyone of any age as well as their caregivers, completely free of charge. Bailey Strohl brings us this week's Serving the Ozarks. Watch the full segment above. To learn more about Unstoppable Joy and support it provides, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Serving the Ozarks: The Dream Center
In North Springfield there is a building dedicated to providing help and hope to its neighbors. For this week's Serving the Ozarks, we're highlighting The Dream Center located on West Atlantic in the heart of the Woodland Heights neighborhood. Since opening in 2017, the former church has been transformed into a gathering place for kids and parents to connect to resources. Watch the video above to see how staff and volunteers are carrying out The Dream Center's mission. If you want to get involved, check out their website, Bailey Strohl will be back next Thursday with another edition of Serving the Ozarks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
