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In 2018, Springfield Art Museum revealed a 30-year master plan to bring the museum campus into the 22nd century, at a cost that could ultimately top $20 million.
Three years and a pandemic later, officials running the taxpayer-owned trove of some 10,000 art objects are taking the first concrete steps toward making the vision a reality. The master plan calls for four phases of improvements to the museum s building and grounds in Phelps Grove Park, and it would integrate the campus into the Ozark Greenway trail system, which includes a stretch in nearby Fassnight Park. I like to think it s connecting the Art Museum to Wonders of Wildlife and downtown, the museum s director, Nick Nelson, told the News-Leader Friday, ahead of a City Council vote scheduled for Tuesday on whether the museum can accept a key grant that will help kick off phase one of the project, the renovation of the museum grounds.
“One of the trustees stated that my answer was ambiguous,” Walker wrote in the statement. “I agreed and stated there is much ambiguity in this area in our culture right now.”
Things Walker said he was not asked about include “my tenure packet, my profession (social work) or anything else related to the service to my university.” Letters from his tenure packet that he submitted as part of his HLC complaint show that the faculty vote in favor of his tenure was unanimous (23 in favor, zero against, three abstentions), and that he was highly recommended for tenure by his dean and department chair based on his strong record of teaching, scholarship and service to his university, community and church.
Public Service Award goes to Sen. Blunt
By The Examiner staff
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri is this year’s recipient of the Harry S. Truman Public Service Award, presented by the city of Independence.
Blunt is to be honored at an in-person ceremony to be announced later. Last year’s recipient, former Sen. Claire McCaskill, accepted the award in a virtual event.
The Public Service Award, established in 1974, is presented annually to an American citizen with President Truman’s qualities of dedication, industry, ability, honesty and integrity.
Independence Mayor Eileen Weir said Blunt, who was elected to the Senate in 2010 and has announced he will not seek a third term in 2022, has been a stanch advocate for the city and the legacy of President Truman.