Springfield mayor resigns

 Springfield Mayor Jim O'Neal is leaving the job, effective immediately.

O'Neal announced his resignation Monday after a city council meeting. He said business and family pressures had prevented him from concentrating on his duties as mayor. O'Neal owns O & S Trucking.

O'Neal was elected in 2009 and re-elected in April 2011.

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Stephens is taking over.

The council also will begin the process of electing a new mayor pro tem and appointing someone to fill the rest of Stephens' term as council member.