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2020 In Review: Top stories in Springfield & Ozarks region
As the year comes to a close, KY3 takes a look back at several stories around Springfield and the Ozarks region that had a major impact in 2020.
In a year driven by a global pandemic, economic uncertainty and political activism, we break down some of the top local stories from each month.
We break down the impact of one major local story from each month, while noting others of high importance from January-December 2020.
2020 General Election: Digital Game Plan
Election Night coverage required weeks of preparation, despite most local and statewide races being called just a few hours after polls closed.
To help viewers keep track of key races and voting developments in Missouri, Arkansas and the Ozarks region, KY3 News utilized a live blog. When races and ballot issues were called, either based on AP projections or local election authorities, we updated results on the live blog and linked to stories with more details and in-depth coverage.
Ahead of the elections, we prepared graphics for social media, allowing us to break news almost instantly as results were confirmed. The KY3 Digital team also pre-planned several web stories in case of any result, while also taking live streams for post-election speeches from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and challenger Nicole Galloway.
An interactive map updated electoral votes for the presidential race as AP called statewide races. After several days of swing states counting votes, Joe Biden was called President-elect on Saturday, leading to several stories and extended coverage opportunities over the weekend.
Election Resources/Previews/Stories/Digital Extras
NOTE: Some stories include versions/information from AP or Gray Media, but factored into KY3's digital gameplan for covering the Nov. 3 election.
RESULTS: Nov. 3 General Election
VOTER GUIDE: What you need to know about November election
A look back at Missouri's voting history in past presidential elections
Mike Parson defeats Nicole Galloway in Missouri Governor's race
Five incumbents in Missouri statewide offices win re-election bids
Rusty Maclachlan, John Russell win Greene County district races
Archives: Joe Biden called US president-elect; stories from the historic weekend
FEATURED: Protests, demonstrations over social justice
Springfield protest draws hundreds, stretches several hours for second straight day
Springfield protest draws hundreds, stretches several hours for second straight day
Springfield protest draws hundreds, stretches several hours for second straight day
May 31, 2020
An afternoon protest over racial injustice drew hundreds and stretched several hours for the second straight day in Springfield.
The protests come in response to the death of George Floyd. A bystander's video showed a Minneapolis officer kneeling on Floyd's neck earlier this week, even as Floyd begs for air and slowly stops talking and moving.
Sunday’s protest, organized on Facebook as “Protest Against Police Brutality For George Floyd,” began around 3 p.m. The protest started with gatherings near Glenstone Avenue and Battlefield Road, one of the city’s busiest intersections, in south Springfield.
Groups then marched down Battlefield Road, which included many protesters wearing face masks and holding signs. Some of the signs included messages of "White silence is violence," "I can't breathe" and "Justice for George Floyd."
Later in the afternoon, a group assembled just east of the Glenstone and Battlefield intersection, lying on the concrete of Battlefield Road for several minutes screaming “I can’t breathe!”
Thousands gather for protest, march in downtown Springfield over racial injustice
Springfield protest draws hundreds, stretches several hours for second straight day
Springfield protest draws hundreds, stretches several hours for second straight day
June 6, 2020
Thousands braved the heat in Springfield to protest over racial injustice for a second straight Saturday.
The protest drew an estimated 2,500 people Saturday afternoon, according to Springfield police.
The protest began at Park Central Square in downtown Springfield around 3 p.m. It consisted of several speakers and a march around downtown Springfield.
Police closed off several streets while groups marched throughout downtown. The march brought people to several sites, including City Hall, the Springfield Police Department station on E. Chestnut and the Martin Luther King Jr. Bridge.
Saturday’s protest was also provided opportunities for civic involvement. A voter registration booth allowed residents to register to vote in upcoming elections, while multiple state representatives also attended.
Back The Blue rally draws supporters, counterprotesters in downtown Springfield
Springfield protest draws hundreds, stretches several hours for second straight day
Back The Blue rally draws supporters, counterprotesters in downtown Springfield
June 28, 2020
A Back the Blue rally and walk drew large crowds Sunday afternoon in downtown Springfield.
The demonstration was aimed at showing support for law enforcement. The rally started at Park Central Square around 2 p.m. Supporters rallied for about two hours before marching to the Springfield Police Department headquarters.
Blue line flags filled the square, while supporters wore T-shirts reading messages like “Back the Blue,” and “We’ve got your six.” Several speakers also took the stage, talking about the sacrifice law enforcement officers make every day they put on their badge and uniform.
Counterprotesters also stood in the square Sunday, waiving flags and holding signs and chanting messages like "Black Lives Matter" and "No Justice, No Peace."
At one point, counterprotesters and members of the Back the Blue rally screamed back and forth at each other. Officers briefly positioned themselves between both groups.
Social Spotlight: Digital Protest Videos
In late-May, the death of George Floyd sparked protests nationwide over racial injustice, police brutality and other social issues.
Springfield was the site for some of the larger protests in the Ozarks region. Several weekend demonstrations in south and downtown Springfield drew hundreds.
Digital videos allowed viewers who could not attend the events, to understand the motives and response of protesters. Reporters captured videos edited for strong engagement on Twitter, while some also led to hundreds of thousands of views via Facebook.
FEATURED STORIES
Duck Boat Tragedy: Two years have passed Duck Boat capsized on Table Rock Lake, 17 killed
July 19, 2020
Sunday marks two years since a Ride the Ducks boat on Table Rock Lake capsized during a storm, sinking and killing 17 people on board.
On July 19, 2018, a Stretch Duck 7 duck boat with 31 people on board capsizednear Branson, Missouri. Sixteen passengers, including nine from the same family, and one crew member, drowned that night, which became one of the deadliest boating accidents in United States history.
FOLLOW-UP COVERAGE: Federal judge recommends dismissal of criminal charges in Duck Boat case
The Springfield Three: Looking back at the cold case 28 years later
June 7, 2020
Sunday marks 28 years since the disappearance of three women from Springfield, a cold case known as "The Springfield Three."
On June 7, 1992, Suzie Streeter, 19, her mother, Sherill Levitt, 47, and her friend, Stacy McCall, 18, vanished without a trace from a home in central Springfield. The day that changed so many lives started with a celebration the day before: High School Graduation Day for Stacy and Suzie.
RELATED: McDonald County Sheriff's Office working to identify 'Grace Doe' in 1990 cold case
Road To Recovery: Springfield officer Mark Priebe
Springfield police officer Mark Priebe suffered serious injuries when a driver struck him at the Springfield police headquarters in early June.
After rehabbing several months in Colorado, Priebe continues his recovery in Springfield behind strong community support.
October 24, 2020
WATCH: Priebe crosses finish line in benefit race
PHOTO GALLERY: Snapshots from the Priebe Strong 1062 Race
June 2020
Criminal complaint for suspect Jon Routh
Original story (from KY3 Digital Content Manager Chris Replogle):
Police identify officer rammed by driver outside Springfield Police Dept. headquarters
December 2020 (Related)
Greene County deputy struck during pursuit 'in good spirits,' undergoes several surgeries
COVID-19: Breaking News in Missouri, Arkansas and the Ozarks
Great Clips hair stylist in Springfield positive for COVID-19, worked while symptomatic
Great Clips hair stylist in Springfield positive for COVID-19, worked while symptomatic
Great Clips hair stylist in Springfield positive for COVID-19, worked while symptomatic
May 22, 2020
A Great Clips hair stylist in Springfield has tested positive for COVID-19 and worked several days while symptomatic.
Seven co-workers and 84 clients were potentially directly exposed, according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.
The individual recently returned from travel elsewhere in Missouri outside of the Springfield region, according to Springfield-Greene County Health Department Director Clay Goddard.
"I'll be honest, I'm very frustrated to be up here today, and maybe more so I'm disappointed," said Goddard. "I think we need to comprehend the consequences of this."
Goddard said even though the individual and their clients wore masks during the timeline of potential exposure, this should not have happened in the first place.
RELATED COVERAGE
NOTE: In the upcoming weeks, KY3 confirmed a second employee tested positive and spoke to an attorney for the first hair stylist. All other employees and customers tested negative during the incubation period.
State health leaders confirm 82 COVID-19 cases from Kamp Kanakuk K-2 site
Great Clips hair stylist in Springfield positive for COVID-19, worked while symptomatic
Great Clips hair stylist in Springfield positive for COVID-19, worked while symptomatic
July 6, 2020
Eighty-two cases of COVID-19 have been linked to the K-2 camp of Kamp Kanakuk as of Monday.
Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri DHSS, confirmed there were 82 positive cases, which include campers and counselors.
Nearly 5,000 campers have gone through the Kamp Kanakuk camp sessions already this summer.
Pam Burnett, an administrator with the Stone County Health Department, says health leaders have been in close communication with the Kamp Kanakuk.
In response, Kamp Kanakuk suspended camp activities at its K-2 facilities until July 10. Parents were notified of the need to coordinate pickup of their campers.
RELATED COVERAGE
Missouri DHSS confirms more cases from campers, counselors at Kamp Kanakuk K-2 site than reported
NOTE: A mother whose son was the K-1 camp in Taney County told NBC News an email went to parents late Monday night that K-1 also had a confirmed coronavirus case. KY3 is working to confirm information on a possible case.
Legion at the Lake: Crowds pack Lake of the Ozarks amid pandemic
Great Clips hair stylist in Springfield positive for COVID-19, worked while symptomatic
Legion at the Lake: Crowds pack Lake of the Ozarks amid pandemic
May 24, 2020
It’s business per usual at the Lake of the Ozarks as resorts, bars, restaurants and tourist attractions stay busy with out-of-towners vacationing over Memorial Day weekend.
For Scott Pasmore, the lake isn't just a vacation spot, it's like a second home.
"Since kindergarten, I've been coming here. It's one of my favorite places in the country to come," said Pasmore.
That's why the fear of COVID-19 didn't scare him from coming to his favorite getaway. He's not the only one braving travel. Thousands are also here for the holiday weekend.
Pasmore shot a video over the weekend went viral on social media. Making national headlines, drawing harsh criticism and sparking a debate about whether or not businesses are opening up too soon.
NOTES: Joey Schneider worked with KY3 reporter Abbey Taylor to modify the "Legion At The Lake" story for digital.
FOLLOW-UP COVERAGE
COVID-19 response in Springfield, Greene County
Health leaders in Springfield have issued a mask mandate through January 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While several Springfield leaders have pushed for a mandate, the city has faced some challenges in its coronavirus response.
August-September 2020
Universities in Springfield write joint letter, asking city leaders to extend mask mandate
Judge denies request for TRO on Springfield's mask requirements
Judge denies request for TRO over Springfield Public Schools reopening plan
COVID-19 RESOURCES: Tracking the pandemic and its effects
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: See where cases are in the Ozarks, Missouri and Arkansas
LIST: Essential and non-essential businesses, allowed activities under stay-at-home order
LIST: Essential and non-essential businesses, allowed activities under stay-at-home order
KY3 has pinned this daily tracker to the top of its website. The digital team updates it daily with the latest numbers for Missouri, Arkansas and the Ozarks regions.
The list includes a summary of daily trends in Missouri and Arkansas, in addition to the latest reported cases for both states.
Locally, the tracker provides the latest numbers, either reported by local health departments or state officials, for nearly 40 counties within or near KY3's viewing area.
This tracker also includes links to maps breaking down cases county-by-county, in addition to other resources to help viewers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
LIST: Essential and non-essential businesses, allowed activities under stay-at-home order
LIST: Essential and non-essential businesses, allowed activities under stay-at-home order
LIST: Essential and non-essential businesses, allowed activities under stay-at-home order
A statewide stay-at-home order took effect for Missouri from April 6 to May 3.
Between this guide and the daily coronavirus update tracker, these resources have consistently generated the most views for KY3's website since the pandemic started evolving in March.
This list broke down businesses deemed essential and non-essential, in addition to allowed activities, while Missouri was under a stay-at-home order.
This resource further clarifies which actions are considered legal and essential to help viewers make informed decisions during the stay-at-home order.
RESOURCES: Interactive map, Mask mandates, Unemployment, Stimulus checks, Nonprofits
LIST: Essential and non-essential businesses, allowed activities under stay-at-home order
RESOURCES: Interactive map, Mask mandates, Unemployment, Stimulus checks, Nonprofits
While providing daily stories on the COVID-19 pandemic since early March, KY3 aimed to provide a variety of resources via digital.
The digital team worked on several guides and lists to help viewers make educated decisions on their health and finances amid the pandemic. We also provided information to support communities around the Ozarks.
INTERACTIVE MAP: COVID-19 RISKS
Chiefs Super Bowl Coverage: Digital Game Plan
The Springfield, Mo. community is a big hub for Kansas City Chiefs fans, making it critical to keep viewers engaged around Super Bowl LIV.
KY3 News updated a live blog throughout the game to keep fans informed of storylines, scores and major developments. We also provided score graphics for each touchdown to keep fans informed and engaged.
While we had on-site coverage from our sports and news team, our local and hyperlocal coverage made a huge difference, including live streams and video reactions following the Chiefs' Super Bowl comeback.
Several of KY3's Facebook posts, including the Super Bowl champion graphic, led to thousands of engagements, while the week resulted in the station's best page views in February.
Chiefs Super Bowl Coverage: Pregame Features
15 Fun Facts: How well do you know Patrick Mahomes?
Head-to-head history: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Head-to-head history: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
February 1, 2020
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are less than 24 hours away from taking on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV.
Mahomes, the 2018 National Football League Most Valuable Player, has quickly emerged as one of the league's high-profile quarterbacks as the Chiefs compete for their first Super Bowl title in a half-century.
We pulled 15 fun facts about Patrick Mahomes II, who wears uniform number 15, ahead of the Super Bowl:
1. Mahomes will become the first Super Bowl starting quarterback from a university in Texas.
2. In just four career playoff games, Mahomes has 11 touchdown passes and no interceptions, making him only quarterback in NFL history who currently has double-digit TD passes without an interception in his playoff career.
3. In three of his four playoff starts, Mahomes has at least 290 pass yards and three touchdown passes without an interception. The only two other quarterbacks to do that more often are former Super Bowl champions Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.
Head-to-head history: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Head-to-head history: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Head-to-head history: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
February 1, 2020
We're only one day away from Super Bowl LIV, a highly-anticipated clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers.
As two of the NFL's most-storied franchises, Sunday will mark the first time the Chiefs and 49ers meet head-to-head in the playoffs.
Some oddsmakers say this year's Super Bowl is the toughest to pick a favorite in years. If you look back at the head-to-head history of both teams, it may explain a little more.
Here's a closer look into the all-time series, including a stat or storyline from each game:
September 23, 2018
Chiefs 38, 49ers 27
Patrick Mahomes tosses three in his fourth NFL start, while Kareem Hunt rushes for two scores.
October 5, 2014
49ers 22, Chiefs 17
Alex Smith makes his first start against his former NFL team, but the Chiefs fall just short in their first game at Levi's Stadium.
Timeline: How the Kansas City Chiefs got to Super Bowl LIV
Head-to-head history: Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Timeline: How the Kansas City Chiefs got to Super Bowl LIV
February 2, 2020
For the first time in 50 years, the Kansas City Chiefs return to the big stage for a chance at Super Bowl title.
We're only hours away from kickoff as the Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers.
The opportunity comes after the Chiefs finished the regular season with a 12-4 record, clinched their fourth straight AFC West division title and came from behind in two playoff games to clinch a Super Bowl berth.
With the franchise's biggest game in a half-century ahead, here's a brief look back at the Chiefs historic run:
WEEK 1 (September 8, 2019)
Chiefs 40, Jaguars 26
Sammy Watkins opens the season with a three-touchdown performance as the Chiefs start the new campaign with a win in Jacksonville.
WEEK 2 (September 15, 2019)
Chiefs 28, Raiders 10
Chiefs rally past the Raiders behind a four-touchdown second quarter, defeating the long-time division rival one final time in Oakland.
Digital Extras: Sports Features
Relive The Run: The St. Louis Blues became Stanley Cup champions one year ago
Tiger Woods set to commemorate grand opening of Payne’s Valley Golf Course near Branson
St. Louis Cardinals: Top moments in the pandemic-shortened 2020 regular season
June 12, 2020
It may be hard to believe, but the St. Louis Blues hoisted the Stanley Cup and capped off one of the most improbable success stories in recent hockey history one year ago.
Friday marks the one-year anniversary of the St. Louis Blues clinching their first Stanley Cup championship, ending the NHL’s longest wait ever – 52 years – for a first-time champion.
The Blues stretched the season to league’s last possible day. It ended with a 4-1 victory in a winner-take-all Game 7 against the Boston Bruins, the team who defeated the Blues in their last Stanley Cup Final appearance nearly a half-century before.
Last year’s run won’t soon be forgotten. And it may hold even more meaning for hockey fans now as professional sports have come to a hold amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the NHL develops a plan to resume the 2019-20 season, enjoy the one-year anniversary of the defending champions with this timeline of 19 season-defining moments from the 2018-19 St. Louis Blues.
St. Louis Cardinals: Top moments in the pandemic-shortened 2020 regular season
Tiger Woods set to commemorate grand opening of Payne’s Valley Golf Course near Branson
St. Louis Cardinals: Top moments in the pandemic-shortened 2020 regular season
September 28, 2020
For the seventh time in the past decade, the St. Louis Cardinals prepare for postseason.
The Cardinals clinched a postseason berth Sunday with a 5-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, finishing the pandemic-shortened regular season with a record of 30-28.
With Sunday’s victory, the Cardinals avoid traveling Monday to Detroit for two makeup games that had been postponed amid the team’s COVID-19 outbreak from late-July to mid-August.
Postseason begins Wednesday against the San Diego Padres. The Cardinals will play a best-of-three series in San Diego after clinching the National League’s fifth seed in an expanded playoff format.
It was quite an unusual ride to make it into postseason. The Cardinals announced multiple positive COVID-19 tests within the organization on July 31, one week into the abbreviated season, then went 16 days without playing a regular season game.
Tiger Woods set to commemorate grand opening of Payne’s Valley Golf Course near Branson
Tiger Woods set to commemorate grand opening of Payne’s Valley Golf Course near Branson
Tiger Woods set to commemorate grand opening of Payne’s Valley Golf Course near Branson
September 20, 2020
American golf legend Tigers Woods will commemorate the grand opening of Payne’s Valley Golf Course at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri on September 22.
It’s the first public-access golf course designed by Woods, and it’s named after Ozarks native and fellow golf legend Payne Stewart.
The 82-time PGA TOUR winner will headline the “Payne’s Valley Cup,” a special 18-hole team exhibition match set to debut the course Tuesday and benefit the Payne Stewart Family Foundation.
ADDITIONAL SPORTS STORIES
Lawmakers propose three bills in push to legalize sports betting in Missouri
St. Louis Cardinals: David Freese became a World Series hero nine years ago
St. Louis Blues: What's next for captain Alex Pietrangelo as free agency nears?
FEATURED: Sports Previews
St. Louis Cardinals: A look ahead to the pandemic-shortened 2020 season
July 23, 2020
Baseball is back. The 2020 Major League Baseball season is set to begin Thursday, more than four months since professional sports came to a hold amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friday marks Opening Day for the St. Louis Cardinals, who head into the 2020 season as reigning National League Central champions.
But a chance to defend last year’s division crown may look a little different than expected. Rather than a normal 162-game season, it’s a 60-game sprint to the finish.
St. Louis Blues: What to expect as Round-Robin games begin Sunday
August 2, 2020
Is a Stanley Cup repeat in store for the St. Louis Blues? If so, it will look quite different from last year.
Playoffs are underway for the National Hockey League. The regular season was suspended on March 12 when professional sports came to a hold amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Blues, who led the Western Conference with 94 points prior to the season suspension, will play in a round-robin tournament with the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars.
Facebook Live and Social Videos
One significant piece of KY3's digital strategy involves Facebook Lives and social videos. These may range from national clips to local live looks.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, KY3 has streamed announcements from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, in addition to briefings from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, to cover all of our bases around the Ozarks.
Linked are some samples showing how live streams and social videos carry an impact to our audience.
WATCH LIVE: Procession for fallen Springfield officer Christopher Walsh
HAPPENING NOW: Dozens of tow truckers remember one of their own
Digital News Reporting: Local Stories and Guides
August-December 2020
Proposal calls for Missouri's first gas tax increase in decades
Branson planning ice rink near Ferris Wheel
Lebanon, Mo. native Michael Hopkins to command SpaceX Crew Dragon, set for launch in November
Whataburger announces expansion into Missouri
Raising Cane's offers Springfield a two-day sneak peek
ON YOUR SIDE: Five new Missouri laws to know
ON YOUR SIDE: Missouri tax-free weekend