Skip top navigation
KSMU Springfield 91.1 Branson 90.5 West Plains 90.9 Mountain Grove 88.1 Joplin 98.9 Neosho 103.7
KSMU Features
- Studio Live: Call-In
- Community Calendar
- Road to the Capitol
- Sense of Place
- Making a Difference
- These Ozarks Hills
- Sense of Community
- Global Citizenship
News Features
RSS Feeds 
Podcast Feeds 
Search KSMU
Sense of Community
The Major force in the life of a community is its citizens -- people who choose to make a difference. During the coming year, the quarterly Sense of Community Series will introduce you to citizens from all walks of life,visible leaders and unsung heroes -- those who work in the spotlight and those who work behind the scenes -- those you already know and those you have never met.
Sense of Community 2008
06/27/08 Green Theater/Alex Buderer
The arts are "going green" along with everything else. Missouri State faculty members are about to embark on a three-year "green theater" project based on climate change in the Mississippi delta region, that will culminate in a theatrical production here at MSU. Randy Stewart talks with Dr. Kurt Heinlein in the morning feature. In the afternoon segment, Randy profiles area artist and sculptor Alex Buderer, for whom "recycling" has always been a way of life.
06/26/08 Does "Going Green" Make Sense For Businesses?
Several area businesses are trying to implement geo-friendly practices, despite the initial costs of "green" products often being higher than regular products. For many people, however, "going green" pays off in more ways than one.
06/25/08 Climate Change Can Impact Health
Climate change can impact health in various ways. Here in Springfield, the main problem is ground level ozone. In this segment of KSMU's Climate Change Series, Michele Skalicky talks with health officials about ground level ozone and about other health problems that climate change can cause.
06/24/08 Education and the Environment
The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks is developing the Valley Water Mill site and turning it into an educational resource for the community. As our environment and climate change, advocates say education is key to adapting and preventing further problems. KSMU's Missy Shelton reports.
Links
06/23/08 On Small and Large Scales, Ozarks are "Going Green"
A remarkable trend has begun in the Ozarks: people here--as well as major institutions--are beginning to realize that preserving the earth’s resources, or “going green,” is a personal responsibility incumbent on every one who walks the earth’s soil, drinks her water and breathes her air. KSMU's Jennifer Moore reports.
Issues
04/01/08 Unsung Heroes: Patrick Keefe and Doug and Patty Kissinger
7:30 A.M.: Patrick Keefe, deacon with St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Plains, Missouri, was nominated as an Unsung Hero for the work he does for the Salvation Army and the local homeless shelter, as well as comforting the sick and terminally ill. 4:30 P.M. Doug and Patty Kissinger of Ozark, Missouri, were nominated as Unsung Heroes for helping local charities, working with the youth in their area, and teaching their own five children how to "give back" to the community.
03/31/08 Unsung Heroes: Eric Travis and Kelly Dame
7:30AM: Eric Travis is Youth and Young Adult Minister at Christ Episcopal Church in Springfield. He was nominated because of his work with youth, particularly his passion for working with them. 4:30PM: Kelly Dame, longtime choir director at West Plains High School, was nominated for the sacrifices and efforts she has made in order for her small-town students to travel the world and see themselves as better citizens of humanity. She has dedicated her talents to not only producing music recognized on an international scale; she also sees it as her mission to take that student who feels he or she is a "nobody," and help them see themselves as "somebody."
03/28/08 Unsung Heroes: Jason Anderson, Jerry Young and Robert Asperger
7:30AM: Dr. J. Anderson is principal of Campbell Elementary School in Springfield where staff members say he leads with enthusiasm, kindness and a sense of humor. This segment also profiles Jerry Young, president of the Board of Directors for the Springfield Association for the Blind. He has spent countless hours serving the blind community in Springfield. 4:30PM: Robert Asperger is a lawyer who has dedicated his time and energy into developing a strong cub scout pack at Eugene Field Elementary School in Springfield.
03/27/08 Unsung Heroes: Greg Gaines and Lisa Slattery
Greg Gaines is the Region D Mass Care Coordinator for the Homeland Security Oversight Committee and a Red Cross Disaster Relief Volunteer. But he went above and beyond the call of duty recently when he witnessed an accident on I-44 west of Springfield. Lisa Slattery is a tireless advocate for disabled children in Springfield. She formed the group ANJEL for parents of disabled children and was instrumental in forming the Special Education Parent Teacher Association in Springfield.
03/26/08 UNSUNG HEROES: JANETTE BAIR AND PAT AUSTON
7:30 AM: Janette Bair has hosted house concert style performances in her Reeds Spring Homes for over 20 years. She is a hero to music lovers across the country. Mike Smith has her story. 4:30 PM: Pat Auston is the support group coordinator at St. Johns. She facilitates 12 support groups, and has made a difference in many people's lives. Michele Skalicky has her story.
03/25/08 UNSUNG HEROES: SUSAN MILES AND BETTY HUBER HARTER
7:30 AM: Susan Miles is the Director of Champion Athletes of the Ozarks, an organization that caters to handicapped children and adults by offering not only competitive sports opportunities but also vitally important training in life skills. 4:30 PM: Betty Harter has been cooking for the people of Billings for most of her 80 years. The community loves her as much as she loves cooking for them. Mike Smith has her story.
Links
03/24/08 UNSUNG HEROES: DEBI LEE AND JOAN COLLINS
Debi Lee, Managing Director of Children's Choirs of Southwest Missouri, has spent more than 3 decades teaching singing to, and instilling a love of choral music in, Springfield-area children. Joan Collins is another local "unsung hero" who has devoted her life to serving children in the community, first as a longtime English teacher at Hillcrest High School, and later as one of the founders of Peace Network of the Ozarks, and as a member of Writers Hall of Fame.
Links
12/21/07 Table Rock Lake Watershed Fish Habitat Pilot Project
In this segment of KSMU's Sense of Community series, Michele Skalicky reports on a project underway at Table Rock Lake and its watershed that aims to enhance the fish population in the lake and Lake Taneycomo.
Links
12/20/07 Craniofacial Defects
Two of the more common birth defects are cleft lip and cleft palate. In this segment of a Sense of Community, Michele Skalicky talks with Dr. Ro Meystrik, a plastic surgeon at St. John's Clinic, about craniofacial defects and how they're treated. We also hear from Angelia Ham, a mom of two boys who were born with clefts and who has organized a local support network for parents of children who are born with clefts.
Links
12/19/07 Ozark Festival Orchestra
Monett, Missouri is possibly the smallest town in the state with its own symphony orchestra. Randy Stewart profiles the Ozark Festival Orchestra, now in its 29th season.
12/18/07 Tooth Truck Provides Vital Service
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, fondly known as “The Tooth Truck”, provides dental treatment and prevention education for at risk children in Springfield with little to no access to dental care. Mike Smith recently visited the Tooth Truck and files this story for KSMU's Sense of Community series:
Links
12/17/07 The Role of Community Colleges
Following the defeat of the proposed levy increase in November, Ozarks Technical Community College Hal Higdon wondered if voters might not be aware of the role a community college has in a community. In this two part program, we explore the role of community colleges and specifically, the role of OTC by hearing from Higdon and O-T-C students.
09/27/07 WWII Veterans Bob Rosendahl and Wayne Barnhart
Listen to profiles of World War II veterans Bob Rosendahl and Wayne Barnhart. Both men fought in the Pacific theatre.
Links
09/25/07 WWII Veterans Burl Grose and Ed Barber
Listen to profiles of World War II veterans Burl Grose and Ed Barber. Both men fought in the Pacific theatre.
09/18/07 Jerry Caplan and Helen Hawley
Michele Skalicky talks with Jerry Caplan, who led a mostly African-American Battalion in the Battle of the Bulge and changed the prejudices Americans had toward African-American soldiers and with Helen Hawley, who served as a public health nurse with the U.S. Public Health Service during World War II.
09/11/07 WW II Veterans Ralph Manley and Chuck Huber
KSMU is profiling local World War Two Veterans throughout September, leading up to Ken Burns' epic seven-part documentary "The War", beginning September 23rd on Ozarks Public Television. Here are the expanded interviews produced by Mike Smith, with Ralph Manley, paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division, and Chuck Huber, B-17 co-pilot, originally broadcast September 11, 2007.
Links
09/01/07 WWII Veterans Bill Cantrell; Max De Forest
Here are the complete versions of Randy Stewart's interviews with Bill Cantrell--clothier, banker, restaurateur, and decorated WWII Marine fighter pilot; and Max DeForest, decorated WWII Army infantryman in the Battle of the Bulge, later owner of Race Brothers Farm and Home Supply--that aired in edited form on September 4, 2007 as part of KSMU's "Sense of Community" series.
06/29/07 National Weather Service
Randy Stewart takes us on an audio tour of the National Weather Service offices near the Springfield-Branson National Airport.
Links
06/28/07 First Friday Art Walk
Randy Stewart talks with Springfield artist and gallery owner Jan Hyde, one of the founding members of the First Friday Art Walk.
Links
06/27/07 Economic Impact of Tourism
For KSMU I’m Mike Smith, and on this edition of our Sense of Community series, we look at the economic impact and importance of tourism in Missouri.
06/26/07 Safety Issues on University Campuses
In the aftermath of the Virginia Tech massacre, universities around the country are looking at safety issues on their own campuses. In this installment of our Sense of Community series, KSMU's Missy Shelton talks with safety officials at two local universities about how Virginia Tech has affected their security plans. She also visits with them about serving on the governor's campus security task force.
06/25/07 Alzheimer's Disease
It's estimated that between four and five million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. In this segment of KSMU's Sense of Community Series, Michele Skalicky talks with a local physician about this disease, its symptoms and ways to try to prevent it. And learn about help available for those suffering from Alzheimer's and other dementias and their families through the Alzheimer's Association, Southwest Missouri Chapter.
03/30/07 Hal Higdon, President of Ozarks Technical Community College
Hal Higdon is the president of Ozarks Technical Community College. He sees OTC as having a vitel role in the community. KSMU's Missy Shelton spoke with Hal Higdon about public service, the development of OTC and the college's involvement in the community.
03/28/07 Emily Fox, CEO of the Discovery Center of Springfield
Emily Fox has headed the Discovery Center of Springfield for several years now. Find out about her part in making the center a reality and about growing up in El Paso, TX. Michele Skalicky reports.
03/27/07 Adele Newson-Horst
Dr. Adele Newson-Horst became Dean of the College of Arts and Letters (COAL) at Missouri State University in July of 2006. Last week she announced her resignation from the position. KSMU's Randy Stewart talked with her about her background and education.
-
Listen
ViewText -
Listen
ViewText
03/27/07 Adele Newson Horst (part 2)
After announcing her resignation from the post of Dean of the College of Arts and Letters (COAL) at Missouri State University, KSMU's Randy Stewart spoke with Dr. Adele Newson-Horst about her decision to resign the Dean's job, and what she'll be doing at MSU starting next fall.
03/26/07 Nancy Brown Leads Historic Preservation Efforts
On this leadership edition of our series, a profile of a person whose award winning efforts in historic preservation are connected to a community, a Confederate soldier, and a Country Rock reunion.
Links
12/22/06 Encouraging a Love of Science in Girls and Young Women
On this edition of Sense of Community, we’ll examine ways that public schools and universities are nurturing a love for science in girls and young women. KSMU's Missy Shelton reports.
Links
12/21/06 Children's Miracle Network
Children's Miracle Network at CoxHealth helps area children who are ill or injured in a variety of ways. In this segment of Sense of Community, Michele Skalicky introduces you to a family that has benefited from this organization and talks to CMN Director Susan Scanlon.
12/20/06 2006 Arts Organizations Holiday Wishlists
Randy Stewart talks to local arts administrators about their "wish lists" this year, both practical things and "pie-in-the-sky."
Links
- Springfield Regional Arts Council
- Springfield Art Museum
- Springfield Little Theatre
- Springfield Regional Opera
- Springfield Ballet
- Springfield Symphony
12/19/06 Americans Spend Billions on Toys
According to toy trend specialists, in 2004 and 2005, Americans spent over 22 billion dollars on toys. Child development experts say play is crucial to a child's well being. Mike Smith has this report:
12/18/06 Parental Involvement in Education
On this edition of Sense of Community, we’ll be looking at parental involvement in education, its importance and its benefits. KSMU's Missy Shelton reports.
09/29/06 Norm Ridder
Norm Ridder is the superindendent of school for Springfield Public Schools. KSMU's Missy Shelton talks with him about his background, his leadership philosophy and the vision he has for the district.
09/28/06 Gatewood Gardens Helps Develop Leadership skills in Youth
Mike Collins' botany students at Reeds Spring High School are learning a variety of skills, including leadership, by taking their education outside the classroom. Gatewood Gardens has been a project of theirs for five years. Michele Skalicky reports.
09/27/06 Jodie Adams
Randy Stewart profiles Jodie Adams, Director of Parks for the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department.
09/26/06 Greg Burris
Greg Burris is the Vice President for Administrative and Information Services at Missouri State University. His job at Missouri State, combined with his extensive volunteer work in the community, keeps Burris very busy. Mike Smith has this conversation with and profile of Greg Burris:
06/30/06 New Parks in Springfield and Greene County and the Botanical Center planned for Close Memorial Park
In this segment of KSMU's Sense of Community series, Michele Skalicky talks with Jodie Adams, Director of Parks for Springfield/Greene County about new parks that are being developed in the area. And hear from Friends of the Garden members about Close Memorial Park and Gardens and about their effort to bring a Botanical Center to Springfield.
06/29/06 Minimum Wage
Earlier this year, the Missouri House turned down a bill that would have raised the State minimum wage from $5.15 and hour to $6.50. Last week, an amendment that would have raised the Federal minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over the next 2 years failed to reach the 60 votes needed to pass the U.S. Senate. On this edition of KSMU’s Sense of Community Series produced by KSMU News Director Mike Smith, we hear Missouri’s senior Senator Kit Bond, and Governor Matt Blunt express their opposition to raising the minimum wage, and from State Representative John Bowman and a Springfield waitress named Candy who hope voters will approve a wage hike if and when the issue comes before voters in November.
06/28/06 Avian Flu
Avian Flu is predicted to be found in wild waterfowl in North America sometime this year. In this segment of KSMU's Sense of Community series, Michele Skalicky talks with Kevin Gipson, director of health for the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and Aaron Winslow, with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, about Avian Flu. Also, find out how Empire Bank and City Utilities are working to prepare for a possible flu pandemic.
06/27/06 Summer Arts Education Opportunities
Alice Cooper once sang "School's Out For Summer!" But there are plenty of opportunities for arts education, both for kids and adults. Randy Stewart explains.
Links
06/26/06 Civic Education
Citizenship, political science, history, geography...All of these are part of civic education. KSMU's Missy Shelton explores opportunities for students to pursue civic education outside the traditional classroom and how schools integrate citizenship and other aspects of civic education into their curriculum.
Links
Leadership
03/30/06 History and Leadership of the Urban Districts Alliance
On this edition of the KSMU Sense of Community Series, Mike Smith talks with Urban Districts Alliance representatives Brian Fogle and Barb Baker, each a current and founding member of the organization, and also with current UDA Board President Link Knauer, and Executive Director Rusty Worley.
Links
03/29/06 Arts in Springfield leadership panel discussion
A panel discussion: Are the arts in Springfield experiencing a CRISIS in leadership... or not? Do their current circumstances actually present not just challenges for the arts groups, but in fact new possibilities for collaboration?
03/28/06 Linda Chorice, Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
In this segment of KSMU's Sense of Community Leadership series, Michele Skalicky talks to Linda Chorice, manager of the Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
03/27/06 Tom Finnie, Springfield City Manager
Springfield City Manager Tom Finnie will retire from his job as chief executive officer and administrative officer of the city on April 24th. He's served as city manager for Springfield since 1990 but began working for the city as Director of Personnel in 1973. During his tenure as city manager, Finnie has overseen the turnaround of Center City and the creation of Jordan Valley Park. As his retirement approaches, we take this opportunity to visit with Tom Finnie...about his life, the people and events that drew him into public service and his plans for the future. KSMU's Missy Shelton reports.
Archives
Click here for Sense of Community Archives
- The Law Firm of Lathrop & Gage
- Springfield's Best
- Missouri State College of
Business Administration - Springfield Trust Company
Business & Economic
Development Sponsors
- The Blue Heron &
The Potted Steer
Restaurants - St.John's Clinic Eye Specialists
- Silver Dollar City
- Abraham’s Cosmetic Laser Center
Creative Arts Sponsors
- Cox Health
- Justice Jewelers
- Missouri State Graduate College
- Drury University
- Ralph Foster Museum
- The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks
Education Sponsors
- The Center for Plastic Surgery
at Ferrell-Duncan Clinic
Science & The Environment
- Law Offices of Gary Green
Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center - St. John's Health System
- Skaggs Community Health Center
Healthcare Sponsors
RealOne Player is required
in order to listen to audio stories