Text from our SGF Sunday email newsletter, written by Managing Editor Brittany Meiling
Sunday reads are ready for you!
- Whether you're a church-goer or not, you might be interested in this piece by Steve Pokin. It's about the final days of a dying congregation that dates back to 1887 in Springfield. Back then, services were in German, and, well... a lot more people showed up.
- Our most-read piece this week was some unexpected news out of the city of Springfield. A well-known leader, Sally Payne, resigned following some serious discussions with management. Rance Burger wrote our first story, but Payne has retained an attorney who's advised her not to speak to any more journalists for now. We're hoping for more information next week.
- Pokin's latest column is one for the young at heart. It's about the father-daughter duo who run a miniature railway line, offering free rides for children. It's a tradition this time of year. But Pokin reports this year the owner is looking to sell.
- With a new roster for the Bears and a new coach for the Lady Bears, anticipation is high for Missouri State basketball this winter, Lyndal Scranton says in his latest column.
- In Lives Remembered this week: Frank Urban collected many things in his 94 years — athletic accolades, skills as an electronic engineer, a hidden acreage in Springfield where he grew vegetables and fruit and raised cattle, the admiration of friends and colleagues and the love of his family. And... 5,000 golf balls?
- And finally, we have something a bit different from columnist Julie Higgins this week. She shares some of her personal journey of what happened when she stepped away from a busy career, found space for herself and embraced a new season in life.
Check out more stories on our homepage today, and enjoy your Sunday!
FEATURED
Obituary for a 135-year-old church: ‘It is like mourning somebody who died'
It was a decision decades in the making. A handful of members of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Springfield unanimously voted to […]
MOST READ THIS WEEK
Sally Payne abruptly resigns from city of Springfield
The city’s director of workforce development, Sally Payne, has resigned
STEVE POKIN
Pokin Around: A labor of love, of trains and of the man in the pickup
The miniature railway line, Joplin & Springfield Railway, will once again offer free train rides […]
Pokin Around: Hard to tell if work on former News-Leader building is progressing
Building permits for gas, mechanical and plumbing were issued by the city Oct. 3.
SPORTS
Anticipation high for Missouri State basketball seasons
It’s almost time for tipoff and anticipation is building around the Missouri State basketball programs. The Bears have a mostly new roster while the Lady […]
Ian Fitzgerald enjoying ‘one hell of a ride' with Missouri State football
Ian Fitzgerald has seen a lot during his time with Missouri State football. He’s had six position coaches and seen the Bears go from 1-10 […]
VOICES
Opinion: Take a season to be an Elf on the Shelf; then jump back into life
After running at a fast and furious pace for most of her life, Julie Higgins made changes that brought unexpected loneliness — and a newfound […]
LIVES REMEMBERED
Frank Urban: Collector of strikeouts, golf balls and skills with ‘black magic and Radio Shack parts'
Frank Urban collected many things in his 94 years — athletic accolades, skills as an electronic engineer, a hidden acreage in Springfield where he grew […]
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