Howell's It Going -- Feb. 4, 2026
Hello and welcome to Howell’s It Going. This is your weekly update on what’s happening in your community. I’m Amanda Mendez, and this is your news.
Community Meals & Events
This month kicks off with a pair of community dinners.
First, the Mountain View Community Betterment group is hosting a free Community Meal on Tuesday, February 17th at 4:30 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Building on East 1st Street. Dinner includes lasagna, salad, and bread. The meal is free to all, though donations are welcome, and Alpha‑Gal options—as well as an ASL interpreter—will be available.
Then, on Friday, February 13th, the Willow Springs Senior Center will hold a silent auction alongside a spaghetti dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is just six dollars, and guests can bid on a variety of donated items throughout the evening. The Senior Center is located on Senior Center Lane in Willow Springs, and additional details are available by phone at 469‑5210.
Education News: Leadership Changes
A familiar name in Willow Springs education is making a move.
Marty Spence, longtime educator and current superintendent of the Willow Springs R‑IV School District, has accepted a new role as superintendent for Fordland R‑III Schools, beginning July 1st.
Spence has led Willow Springs since 2022. After the district revealed a critically low reserve balance in August 2025, Spence announced he would not seek contract renewal.
Dr. Jon Johnson is set to take the helm in Willow Springs after Spence’s departure.
Student Spotlight: Chloe Jones Makes History
A standout Willow Springs athlete is rewriting the record books — and doing it her own way.
High School senior Chloe Jones recently broke the all‑time Bears basketball scoring record, surpassing both the boys’ and girls’ previous marks. She now holds an incredible 2,065 career points, with seven games still left in the season.
But her story goes beyond numbers.
Earlier this year, Jones turned an insult from the stands — the phrase “White Chocolate” — into a rallying cry. Rather than letting it define her, she embraced it, transforming the moment into an emblem of confidence and success. It has since appeared on posters, social media, and photos celebrating her achievements.
Head Coach David Cox describes Jones as “an amazing player” with an unstoppable will to win. Jones says her confidence comes from her family, teammates, and the Willow Springs community, crediting them for constant support.
Looking ahead, she’s committed to continue her basketball career at Evangel University, with hopes of coaching and teaching math in the future.
County Ballot Measure: Should Not be Tax Increase
The Howell County Commission wants voters to know that an upcoming ballot question will not raise taxes. Instead, the proposal shifts an existing half‑cent capital improvement tax to a half‑cent sales tax with fewer restrictions on how revenue can be used.
The current tax, enacted in 2017, is limited mainly to gravel, culverts, and contracted roadwork. But with equipment costs rising nearly 70% and gravel prices up 40%, commissioners say they need more flexibility to maintain county roads and bridges.
The measure appears on the April 7th ballot. If approved, the change takes effect in October 2026
For more info, residents can contact Presiding Commissioner Ralph Riggs at 256‑3872 or rriggs@howellcountymo.gov.
Community Raises $35,000 for the Clinton Family
A powerful show of local generosity brought in more than $35,000 for the Clinton family, who lost their home — and two pets — in a December fire.
The fundraiser, a chili supper and auction hosted at the Willow Springs Fire Department, drew a packed crowd. Items from homemade pies to firearms were auctioned off, with some treats selling for hundreds of dollars.
In a highlight moment, Mayor Adam Webb auctioned off the chance to throw a pie in his face. Willow Springs City Administrator Beverly Hicks won the bid with $225, and Webb matched her donation.
The Clinton family says they are overwhelmed by the support, calling the community’s kindness a blessing during an incredibly difficult time.
Donations can still be made at Willow Springs City Hall.
Public Safety: WSPD looks for out of the box funding sources
The Willow Springs Police Department reported 5,840 calls for service in 2025 — an increase of more than 1,400 over the previous year. Violent crime incidents also rose, including barricaded subjects, a shooting, a high‑profile child sex crime case, and more reports of sexual assault.
For 2026, the department budget supports nine full‑time officers, down from ten the previous year. Staffing challenges and high call volumes are prompting leaders to explore new funding options.
Deputy Chief Ryan Boyle says one major goal for 2026 is pursuing Blue Shield Community accreditation, which would open the door to additional grant opportunities and reduce local tax burdens.
Six officers are also training as ICE‑certified agents under the federal 287(g) program, which provides more than $100,000 per participating officer in federal funding. Nearby counties — Douglas, Ozark, and Wright — are already part of the program.
Some grant funds have already shifted: the department issued nearly 1,500 traffic citations last year, partly supported by a hazardous‑driving grant that has since been denied to the department for 2026.
Despite challenges, Boyle praised the department’s work in 2025, noting ongoing efforts to address vehicle breakdowns and long‑term fleet needs.
And finally
Young artists across the county are invited to participate in the America the Beautiful Art Contest, open to kindergarten through third‑grade students from public, private, parochial, and homeschool settings.
Participants should create an 8x10 canvas board piece expressing the theme “America the Beautiful.”
Canvas boards are available at the West Plains Public Library, where completed artwork must be returned by February 10th. Entries will be displayed in the Children’s Section, and judging takes place on February 22nd with cash and gift prizes awarded.
For more information, organizers can be reached at 417‑293‑0366 or 815‑943‑3298.
I'm Amanda Mendez, and this has been Howell's It Going.