SPRINGFIELD -- The Community Focus Steering Committee has analyzed the numbers, trying to make Greene County and Springfield a better place to live and raise a family. This is the third time in four years that this committee gave blue ribbons for the assets of the county and city, and red flags to those situations that need improvement.

Greene County received many blue ribbons for things like roadways that are safe and have been improved, public transportation’s commitment to their services, and the many options that residents have to be outside and take in professional or college sports. The revitalization of downtown also received a blue ribbon for things like the Gillioz Theatre reopening, lofts created and the Discovery Center expansion.

The state Crime Lab grant received a blue ribbon for Public Order and Safety. Eventually, investigators won't have to send evidence to Jefferson City and wait so long for results.

The cost of living in the area is another blue ribbon but the number of people who earn low wages and salaries is a red flag.

Other positives are for increased police outreach, the approval of a sales tax for the 911 emergency telephone system, and a substantial decrease in the number of methamphetamine labs.

In public safety, however, the committee found red flags regarding rising crime rates, police response times, Springfield Police Department staffing, and Greene County jail space.

Another negative is an increase in reports of child abuse and neglect: in 2005, 8.5 out of 1,000 kids in Greene County were abused or neglected. That number dropped to 7.9 kids out of 1,000 for 2006 but it's still above the state average of 5.3 children out of 1,000.

The creation of Isabel's House was a direct response to a similar red flag in 2005. Children facing family crises can stay at that home to receive shelter and care.

Members of the Community Focus Steering Committee hope other red flags will disappear in the upcoming years.

The reports started in 2004 with a follow-up in 2005, then the committee decided it would be best to do this every other year, so it could find better trends in the numbers for the community.