Making Democracy Work

This week, host Debbie Good speaks with Mary Kromrey, executive director of Ozarks Greenways.

Today’s discussion explores the 30th anniversary of Ozark Greenways, and talks about plans to add trails seeking to further connect and expand the regional trail system.  

This week, host Lisa Langley speaks with Prosper Springfield Director Francine Pratt.

Today’s discussion updates progress made toward two community identified primary goals—to reduce poverty and increase educational attainment by 2025. The impact of COVID-19 on theses goals is explored, and highlights about the next series of “Tough Talks” coming up February 25th.

This week, host Hue-Ping Chin speaks Mike Kromrey, executive director of the Watershed Committee of the Ozarks.

Today’s discussion explores the history and mission of the Watershed, and the continued connection with Fellow’s Lake.  

Fellow’s Lake opens March 1st and will be showing off improvements and a sneak peek to a new marina still under construction.

This week, host Leslie Carrier speaks Crista Hogan, executive director for the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.

Today’s discussion explores the Show Me Prosperity seven-month legal literacy workshop.  This free education resource is open to the public and covers many topics.  Registration is required to attend.

This week, host Linda Regan speaks Karen Cameron, IRS retiree and a new election judge in the recent General Election.

Today’s discussion explores her experiences with the process, particularly during the pandemic, and what it’s like being an election judge.

This week, host Erika Brame speaks with Andrew Shaughnessy, Owner and Principal of Limitless Horizons who served as Coalition Director in support of Medicaid expansion.

Today’s discussion explores the importance of this state legislative session regarding the roll out of Medicaid expansion, with anticipated enrollment eligibility for families to begin later this year.

This week, host Debbie Good speaks with Andrew Lear, Springfield City Council General Seat C.

Today’s discussion discusses many of the components of local government.

This week, host Lisa Langley speaks with Greene County Commissioner Bob Dixon.

Today’s discussion discusses ongoing recommended safety measures related to COVID-19, reviews the masking ordinance, and disbursement of Cares Act funds that were distributed by December 31st deadline.   

This week, host Hue-Ping Chin speaks with Kathleen O’Dell, Community Relations Director of the Springfield-Greene County Library District.

Library “take out,” virtual programming and other fun activities are just a few ways the library has adapted as a result of the pandemic.  Today’s discussion looks at the continued safety measures and services the library will provide into this new year. 

This week, host Leslie Carrier speaks with Jason Ray, executive director of Southwest Missouri Council of Governments, and area Census efforts coordinator.

Today’s discussion explores the history and significance of the Census,  how counts can impact local communities, and what happens next.  We further explore ways the process was adapted this year during the pandemic to keep people safe.

This week, host Linda Regan speaks with Amy Blansit, faculty at Missouri State University and Chair of the Drew Lewis Foundation at the Fairbanks.

Today’s discussion explores adaptations during this year of COVID changes, while continuing to be a vital resource for community. Blansit talks about ongoing need for support, and how community can still be involved in programing and resources.    

This week, host Erika Brame speaks with Jamie Willis, project coordinator with the Greene County Family Justice Center.

Today’s discussion explores local and national increase in domestic violence this year during the pandemic.  Willis talks about what has changed with COVID this year regarding operations.

This week, host Debbie Good speaks with Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams.

Today’s discussion explores the impact of COVID-19 regarding department operations.   Chief Williams addresses safety, the masking ordinance, impact on public engagement events, and additional adaptations made by the department.

This week, host Lisa Langley speaks with Tim Rosenbury, director of the Quality of Place Initiative with the City of Springfield.

Today’s discussion talks about the concept of “place making” with a focus on the proposed Grant Avenue Parkway project.

This week, host Hue Ping Chin speaks with Andrea Bishop, Licensed Professional Counselor and Executive Director of the Betty and Bobby Allison Ozarks Counseling Center, a nonprofit United Way affiliate offering mental health services regardless of the client's ability to pay.