In Our Town with Tom Carlson

In this episode of "In Our Town," Tom talks with Chief Paul Williams about how new technology is used for law enforcement. Through discussing several recent events, they cover how drones, license plate readers and body cameras are used, as well as the internal structures in place to ensure that citizens' rights aren't violated. 

In this episode of In Our Town, Tom Carlson talks with Jeff Houghton, creator and host of "The Mystery Hour." In their conversation, they get serious about comedy, talking about what makes regional humor so interesting, the surprising success of "Instagram Husband" and how Trader Joe's helped land Houghton in the New York Times. 

In a wide-branching conversation, arborist Noel Boyer, founder of All About Trees, talks with Tom Carlson about our urban forest. He details how Springfield's tree canopy has dealt with disasters from Dutch Elm disease to the 2007 ice storm, as well as common tree maintenance tactics and why the trees in the Southern Hills neighborhood need extra attention. 

In this episode of In Our Town, Tom Carlson speaks with Cora Scott, chair of the Route 66 Centennial Commission. She previews upcoming events in the Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration, set for April 30 through May 2 in Springfield. The events include a concert, historic parade, footbridge dedication and a live broadcast of NBC's "Today."

In this episode of In Our Town, Tom Carlson speaks with Springfield City Manager David Cameron about the upcoming hotel tax vote on April 7. They discuss why the previous question failed in November and how the city has responded since that November loss.

In this episode of In Our Town, Tom Carlson talks with attorney-turned-chocolatier Shawn Askinosie, who talks about how dealing with the loss of his father at a young age affected his life. He talked about what he loved about practicing law and why he walked away from it, as well as how he discovered that making chocolate was his calling.

In this episode of "In Our Town," Tom Carlson speaks with Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott, who discusses the county's new jail and who is kept inside. They also talk about ICE detainees, arrangements with other governments and what the future looks like for law enforcement. 

In this episode of In Our Town, Tom Carlson catches up with Geoff Steele, executive director of the Historic Gillioz Theatre. The two catch up about how the theater has surged back from COVID and what's ahead as it plans to celebrate its 100th year.

In a wide ranging conversation, Tom Carlson talks with Springfield Police Department Chief Paul Williams about crime across the city. They discuss the department's recent stats, what's rising and falling, and how a 2016 change to Missouri concealed carry laws helped gun violence proliferate. 

In this episode of In Our Town, Tom Carlson speaks with Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon and talks taxes — specifically property taxes that county residents pay, and how recent freezes and other activities constrain the revenue of county departments. 

Rob Blevins' National Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Education has been formed to help create learning standards for students about AI. He talked more about his group and the tech with Tom Carlson in this edition of In Our Town.

In this episode of "In Our Town," Tom Carlson speaks with Ben Tegeler, executive director of Ozarks Greenways. Tegeler talked more about the Chadwick Flyer Trail and other developments across the region as the group works to increase trail connectedness. Recorded before the group's fundraiser on Sept. 23, he also shared his gratitude for that event's sell-out. 

In this episode of "In Our Town," Tom Carlson sparks conversation with City Utilities CEO Dwayne Fulk. They cover two recent widespread outages, the company's disconnect policy, the city's water infrastructure, how it extends services to new areas of the city and much more. 

In this episode of "In Our Town," Executive Director Shallina Goodnight speaks with Tom Carlson about the Alliance for Healthcare Education, including its formation, how its mission works and about the groundbreaking set for Aug. 25 launching construction at Cox College.

Brian Weiler, director of the Springfield-Branson National Airport, sits down with Tom Carlson to talk about his experience as a finalist for Springfield's city manager. He also previews the installation of a new floor inside the terminal, new apron around the building and other construction projects that will begin in the future.

In a special edition of In Our Town, two former Springfield mayors talk about the city. Former mayor Ken McClure sits down with Tom Carlson and answers a number of questions about city governance, including city council's support of a new city manager, the biggest challenges facing the city and questions about how Springfield should lead in the future as it continues to grow. 

Former U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt joined Tom Carlson to enjoy a little bit of history, and added his perspective to the Trump administration's recent moves about tariffs and other foreign policy details. 

The ongoing search for a new Springfield city manager raises questions that are largely going unanswered. The city declined to offer anyone to speak to the process; likewise from the firm handling the search process. What we do know is that the city has hired the same firm which recommended departed City Manager Jason Gage. The city has agreed to pay the firm $35,000 for its services, which seems...

The O'Reilly name is known across the country as a dominant auto parts retailer, but in Springfield it has a deeper meaning. Along with their service in the automotive industry, O'Reilly Auto Parts has been instrumental in funding a wide variety of charitable work in the Ozarks addressing needs such as child and family services, food insecurity, homelessness and healthcare services. In this episod...

As the Nov. 5 general election fast approaches, voters will consider whether or not to adopt a proposed ¾-cent sales tax that would fund public safety initiatives and projects consistent with Springfield's comprehensive plan, Forward SGF. For some, this potential funding is a clear solution to gaps in the city budget while others have aired concerns about the lack of specificity when it comes to t...

More than 100,000 Springfieldians visit one or more of the 10 branches of the Springfield-Greene County Library District each year, but many of us may not know the inner workings of this crucial public service for our community. Luckily, Executive Director Ed Walton is an open book.  In this episode, host Tom Carlson sits down with Walton to discuss future construction plans and initiatives to inc...

As Missouri State University students return to campus for the 2024 fall semester, another newcomer is joining their ranks. President Richard "Biff" Williams has just begun his tenure at the university this year, but he already has big plans about what this chapter will hold for the MSU.  In this episode, President Williams joins host Tom Carlson to discuss his past at Utah Tech University, the st...

During the excitement of beginning a new school year, many children will experience an added layer of anxiety due to not having the necessities needed to succeed in their classes. To help ensure that every child is given the ability to excel, Springfield nonprofit Care to Learn addresses emergent health, hunger and hygiene needs of students across Missouri while empowering school staff and faculty...