Call Center Company in Springfield, MO

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Mizzou Athletics' annual spring caravan tour, now named the "ZOU to YOU" Tour, begins later this month with four stops planned for Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and Dallas. Additional stops are planned for May and June as part of the ZOU to YOU Bus Tour around the Show-Me State.

All ZOU to YOU Tour stops are free and open to the public and will feature Mizzou head coaches, student-athletes, staff, Truman the Tiger and Mizzou Spirit Squads interacting with fans, signing autographs and sharing Mizzou gear. Each tour stop's lineup will be determined by availability. Fans can register here to attend stops along the tour.

"Our fans are the heartbeat of everything we do, and we can't wait to bring the excitement of Mizzou Athletics and our 'Will to Win' directly to them with our ZOU to YOU Tour," Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch said. "These stops in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and Dallas are incredible opportunities to connect with our supporters and share our vision for the future. We look forward to seeing Tiger fans in full force and making each stop a special experience."

Additional ZOU to YOU Tour stops throughout the spring will be announced at MUTigers.com.

INITIAL ZOU TO YOU DATES & LOCATIONS

April 22 – Kansas City (6-8 p.m.): Chicken N Pickle, 5901 W 135th St., Overland Park, KS 66223

April 29 – St. Louis (6-8 p.m.): Chicken N Pickle, 1500 S Main St., St. Charles, MO 63303

May 8 – Springfield (11 a.m.-1 p.m.): White River Conference Center, 600 W Sunshine St., Springfield, MO 65807

May 8 – Dallas (6-8 p.m.): Chicken N Pickle, 4600 Merlot Ave., Grapevine, TX, 76051

SEASON TICKET RENEWALS ARE LIVE Season ticket renewals for football, men's and women's basketball are now live. Fans can add their names to waitlists for football and men's basketball season tickets at MUTigers.com. New season tickets can be purchased for women's basketball at MUTigers.com.

FOLLOW THE TIGERS For all the latest information on Mizzou Athletics, please visit MUTigers.com. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow @MizzouAthletics on X. You can also find the Tigers on Instagram and Facebook.

OPINION|

Editor’s note: Candidates for mayor of Springfield, City Council and school board were invited to submit a column in their own words explaining why they are seeking election on April 8.

by Bruce Adib-Yazdi

About Me. I have lived in Springfield since 1990, and in 1996, I married my soulmate and Springfield native, Joyce Eiken. I love Springfield and all the Ozarks have to offer. My commitment to community service has included serving on the Traffic Advisory Board, Springbike Bicycle Club, and Ozark Greenways helping to get Springfield listed as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Currently, I serve as the Neighborhood Association President of the Seminole Holland Neighborhood and am one of the founding board members of the Urban Land Institute of SW Missouri. I also ran for General Seat D in 2023.

Professionally, I am a licensed architect and spent 23 years as a partner at BRP Architects. For the past 12 years, I have worked with The Vecino Group, focusing on adaptive reuse projects and affordable housing developments across the U.S.

Why does this matter? My experience in architecture, development and our community gives me a deep understanding of the complexities of urban planning and the ability to take long-term projects from vision to reality. These are critical skills for a City Council member who must navigate complex issues, prioritize what matters, and take effective action. I believe I have trained my entire career to serve on City Council.

The Situation. Springfield has spent significant time, energy, and resources developing the Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan, along with other critical studies:

We have also recently adopted a new Land Development (Zoning) Code and are finalizing a new land use map. This body of work provides a roadmap for reimagining our city. Now, the focus must be on strategic implementation.

Reimagining Springfield. To move forward, we need both bold and incremental changes.

It’s time for the next evolution of downtown. With the city controlling large portions of property and public parking usage at just 36% of capacity, we must create more demand for the area. The City has started taking inventory of all City-owned property, and generating ideas for how they could or should be used.

The Lake Springfield Master Plan is another transformational initiative. With substantial recreational space planned, we should also explore converting the old power plant into an indoor adventure park and developing a whitewater facility similar to those in Oklahoma City or Charlotte. Additionally, talks are underway to revive a 600-acre planned development at Highways 60 and 65, which could connect seamlessly with the Lake Springfield project.

Enhancing our arterial roadways to be more walkable and bikeable is another priority. The new zoning code provides guidance, but we need to rethink how these corridors function to encourage higher density, mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly development.

While large projects shape the city’s long-term vision, smaller, incremental changes also make a significant impact. These include working with neighborhoods to improve infrastructure and helping them plan their future; establishing a land bank to hold and redeploy vacant properties in older neighborhoods and incentivizing the reuse of small commercial buildings or developing small neighborhood commercial districts in existing neighborhoods.

Collaboration and Communication. One of our city’s biggest challenges is the growing disconnect between residents, developers, and local government. We need to rebuild trust by fostering better communication, increasing transparency, and ensuring that all voices are heard. Growth and preservation are not mutually exclusive; they are interconnected. We must find ways to generate additional revenue to meet operational needs while maintaining the quality and character of our community.

Springfield has enjoyed steady growth of approximately 1.5% annually, adding around 3,000 new residents per year. To sustain this, we need to answer key questions: Where will these new residents live? Where will they work? How do we fund necessary infrastructure while preserving Springfield’s unique identity?

Looking at this challenge like a farmer, we must increase our “crop yield per acre” within city limits — activating underutilized properties, creating attainable housing, supporting local businesses, and preserving green space simultaneously. This balance is essential for long-term sustainability.

I encourage all Springfield residents to be part of this journey. Engage in the conversation, share your ideas, and understand that while we should always be looking ahead toward a better tomorrow, let’s not forget to enjoy what we have today.

One issue that has stood out during my campaign is the lack of engagement with Gen Z (18 to 25-year-olds). The Forward SGF plan will take 10-20 years to realize, meaning that today’s young adults will inherit the outcomes of our decisions. Yet, their voices are often missing from the conversation. We need to ask: What do they want? How can we ensure they stay in Springfield? I am committed to forming a peer group of Gen Z residents to better understand their needs and aspirations.

In Closing. Jeff Houghton of The Mystery Hour has coined the phrase “Make Something Where You Are.” That’s exactly what Springfield needs to embrace. We can build an incredible city—one that is vibrant, inclusive, and full of opportunity—right here, right now and I stand ready to help.

related column

Incumbent Matthew Simpson makes his pitch to voters as he seeks re-election to the Zone 4 seat on April 8.

Municipal election day is here. On Tuesday, April 8, voters around the state will cast their ballots to elect local leaders and determine the outcome of tax levies, bond issues and similar proposals.

Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller said he is projecting that 13-15% of registered voters will turn out. Springfield Public Schools does not have an issue on the ballot, which has historically increased turnout for April elections. However, Schoeller said recent grassroots door-to-door efforts pertaining to the SPS board races could surpass the anticipated turnout.

Anyone who registered by March 12 is eligible to vote in Tuesday's election.

Before heading to the polls, here's what to know to be prepared.

Where to cast your ballot

The easiest way to find your polling place is by using the Missouri Secretary of State's voter registration verification system online. Voters can visit www.voteroutreach.sos.mo.gov/portal/, enter their information and find their polling location, as well as the candidates and issues that they will be voting on.

Registered voters can also reference their voter identification cards received in the mail which include their polling location.

Two precincts in Greene County had their polling place changed due to location availability. Voters in precinct 42-BC should go to Life 360 Church, 2220 W. Chesterfield St., and voters in precinct 26-ABC should go to Victory Mission, 200 W. Commercial St., on April 8. The clerk's office mailed out notices to those affected last month.

Those in precinct Wilson C/CW will still vote at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, but the election will take place at the new pavilion in the northwest corner of the property due to ongoing construction. Signs will guide voters there.

There are five central polling places in Springfield where any voter registered in Greene County can cast their ballot.

Those are:

Four polling locations will be closed:

When are polls open?

Polls open at 6 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, and close at 7 p.m. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. has the right to cast their ballot.

What do I bring to the polls?

Those heading to the polls Tuesday should bring a government-issued photo ID. A Missouri driver's license, non-driver's license, as well as a passport and military or veteran ID cards all are acceptable.

Those who do not have an ID or forget theirs at home can still cast a provisional ballot by stating their name and address. The ballot will be counted if either an ID is brought back before polls close at 7 p.m. or if it is determined that the signature matches the one on voter registration.

What if I recently moved?

Those who have recently moved within Greene County, Schoeller said can update their address at the polling location. Those unsure of their new polling location, can seek guidance from election judges at any polling location or call the county clerk's office at 417-868-4060 to find out.

Those who moved into Greene County from another county can also still cast their ballot Tuesday as long as they were previously registered, their registration is up to date and they update their registration at the Greene County Historic Courthouse ahead of heading to the polls, Schoeller said.

What's on the ballot?

What each voter sees on their ballot will vary based on where they live. All voters in Springfield will be selecting two school board members, a new mayor and two council members running for general seats, though Councilman Craig Hosmer is running unopposed. Those living in the southeast quadrant of the city will also vote for a Zone 4 council member. The Zone 1 council seat, in the northwest portion of the city, is also up for election, though Councilwoman Monica Horton is running unopposed.

Sample ballots are available on the Greene County Clerk's website. The Secretary of State's website can be used to find the issues specific to a voter's registration address.

Voters can learn more about the candidates and issues up for a vote in Springfield and the surrounding area through the News-Leader's online voter guide.

Cities of Fair Grove, Strafford and Willard all have questions on the ballot pertaining to bonds and taxes, as do Brookline and Fair Grove fire protection districts. Those within the boundaries of the Ash Grove, Republic and Willard school districts will also vote on questions pertaining to bonds and taxes.

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at [email protected].

For the first time in eight years, Springfield will be guided by a brand new mayor. With all precincts reporting Tuesday, voters chose businessman Jeff Schrag, who received 61.5% of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Greene County Clerk's Office.

In total, Schrag garnered 8,702 votes, ahead of Mary Collette's 5,447 votes.

Best known for founding Mother's Brewing Company, Schrag is a serial entrepreneur. He also has experience in public service roles, including on the Missouri State University Board of Governors, though none in elected office. Schrag ran against Commercial Street advocate Collette, who served as a councilwoman in the early 2000s. She currently serves as president of the Commercial Club and owns Historic Firehouse No. 2.

In his victory speech Tuesday night, Schrag highlighted and credited the support he received from his family and other community leaders throughout his campaign. He said he was the proudest of showing that election campaigns can be run in a positive manner without attacks on opponents.

Out of all the Springfield City Council candidates, Schrag received by far the most donations for his campaign — totaling roughly $160,000. He was backed by several state-wide PACs and figures in the local development sector. Collette's campaign was much more grassroots, with smaller contributions from individuals and Commercial Street businesses.

Schrag highlighted the large amount raised, noting it is the second highest in the past decade, while also noting that it is the second least amount spent by a successful candidate.

"That's because we watch every dime, I watch it like it's my own money," he said in his speech. "And I'm going to watch your tax dollars the same way."

Schrag held a large watch party at Mother's, attended by council members Matt Simpson and Heather Hardinger, both of whom were up for reelection. Notable people like former senator Roy Blunt and Silver Dollar City founder Peter Herschend were in attendance.

Collette told the News-Leader she was happy with her campaign and appreciative of those who voted for her. She congratulated Schrag and noted she looks forward to working with him moving forward to realize the hopes for Springfield she highlighted during the campaign. She said she will continue to be involved in the community as she has always done.

"There are no losers tonight, only winners," Collette said.

Mayor Ken McClure has reached his term limit after running in four mayoral elections. His successor will be the first to serve a four-year term instead of a two-year term after a voters approved the change last year. The total term limit will still remain at eight years.

The new mayor will be sworn in at the next Springfield City Council meeting April 21.

(This story was updated with additional information.)

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at [email protected]

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - Missouri’s municipal elections are April 8. The election features mayoral and council races. It also features school board races and tax questions.

Again, this is an election for only Missouri voters. Click on your county to see the sample ballot. DISCLAIMER: In most counties, links go to that county’s election website. Also, most of these links are combined ballots due to the high volume of precincts. If you have a question, please contact your county clerk.

Reminder: Several counties use PDFs. Some Droids require a PDF reader installed.

To watch KY3 News stories regarding races or issues on the April ballot, CLICK HERE.

MISSOURI ONLY:

Barry County: https://www.barrycoclerk.com/_files/ugd/0c3f9f_2f690b0ee0b54555aa090067c74e0969.pdf

Benton County: https://www.bentoncomo.com/documents/elections/2025_april_8_sample%20ballot.pdf

Camden County: https://camdencountymo.gov/wp-content/uploads/Camden-Publication-040825.pdf

Cedar County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/03/03/cedar-county-april-elections/

Christian County: https://www.christiancountymo.gov/offices/county-clerk/sample-ballots/

Dade County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/02/26/dade-county-april-elections/

Dallas County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/02/26/dallas-county-april-elections/

Dent County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/02/26/dent-county-april-elections/

Douglas County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/02/26/douglas-county-april-elections/

Greene County: https://vote.greenecountymo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/25GMMOGR_9_Samples.pdf

Hickory County: https://hickorycomo.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/SKM_C250i25021410440.pdf

Howell County: https://howellcounty.net/wpnew/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Publication-sample-balot-2.pdf

Laclede County: https://lacledecountyclerk.org/whats-on-the-ballot/

Lawrence County: https://www.lawrencecountymo.org/_files/ugd/e487e4_2544f139b40443d487295ca0e65c0da8.pdf

Miller County: https://cms2.revize.com/revize/millercounty/Documents/Miller%20Publication%20040825%20(1).pdf

Oregon County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/02/26/oregon-county-april-elections/

Ozark County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/03/03/ozark-county-april-elections/

Phelps County: https://www.phelpscounty.org/directory/county-clerk/elections/

Polk County: https://polkcountymo.gov/county-clerk/ (Click on election & election information)

Pulaski County: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S8RfJw6GpawgD0HUhKUDZ70lQv7DAnAH/view

Shannon County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/03/03/shannon-county-april-elections/

St. Clair County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/02/28/st-clair-county-april-elections/

Stone County: https://stonecountyclerk.com/media/uploads/downloads/Stone_Publication_040825.pdf

Taney County: https://media.taneycounty.org/pdf.php?5325

Texas County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/02/26/texas-county-april-elections/

Webster County: https://webstercountymo.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Webster-Mo-040825-Publication.pdf

Wright County: https://www.ky3.com/gallery/2025/02/26/wright-county-april-elections/

To report a correction or typo, please email [email protected]. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.

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