12a.

Springfield’s current Mayor Juanita Williams will not run for re-election. Instead she will support Hong Xiang, of the First Ward Council.

b. Mayor Juanita Williams surprised all at the Springfield City Hall meeting Monday, when she announced that she will not be running for re-election but instead will provide support for Hong Xiang.

c. Springfield’s Mayor Juanita Williams announced Monday at the Springfield City Hall that she will not return as Mayor in the upcoming election, but will back Hong Xiang, the current First Ward Council Member.

20a.

SPRINGFIELD- Car collision at the corner of Ninth and Elm leads to two deaths and two injuries when a car ran a red light at 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Witnesses tell police that 43-year-old James West and 32-year-old Samuel Blackwater were heading south on Ninth Street when they ran a red light. They collided with James (55) and Martha Westhaver (60) and sent the Westhaver’s car rolling. The car rolled over three times before coming to a stop against a light pole.

The Westhavers were pronounced dead at the hospital while West and Blackwater suffered injuries. West suffered from a broken leg and a possible concussion while Blackwater broke both arms as well as his nose.

Police ticketed West for careless and imprudent driving. Further investigating will take place to determine if involuntary manslaughter charges should be lodged against West.

Both of the Westhavers were big in the community. James Westhaver was the President of Merchants National Bank, the largest bank in Springfield. He had been employed by this bank for 33 years.

James Westhaver was also the chairman of the United Way for this year and the treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce. Martha Westhaver hosted a talk show on KTGG. Funeral arrangements still are incomplete.

b.

Two dead and two injured in horrific car accident Monday at the corner of Ninth and Elm in Springfield. (maybe a little longer)

James (55) and Martha Westhaver (60) were pronounced dead at the scene. James West, 43, and Samuel Blackwater, 32, suffered from broken limbs as well as a possible concussion.

Witnesses told police that West and Blackwater were heading south on Ninth Street when they ran a red light. They hit the Westhaver’s car broadside and it rolled three times before coming to a stop against a light pole.

Police ticketed West for careless and imprudent driving for now, but Prosecuting Attorney James Taylor said that more investigating would take place before possible involuntary manslaughter charges would be raised.