Text from our SGF Sunday email newsletter, written by Reporter Rance Burger
Our top story this week is about two dozen employees of one of Springfield’s most well-known outreach groups calling attention to what they call a “toxic work environment within the organization.”
The Kitchen, Inc. is a nonprofit that provides stabilization services and housing to unsheltered persons in Springfield. Reporter Jackie Rehwald gives the details of complaints running a span of four years, plus a response from executives at the Kitchen.
Government agencies, nonprofits and church outreaches can’t seem to agree on how many unhoused persons are in Springfield on a given day. Why do the numbers vary depending on which group you ask?
Just as Springfield’s advocates for the unhoused search for consistency, Missouri State University football coach Bobby Petrino and his staff hope for more consistency in 2023. Sports stories can often be the vehicle by which we examine life on a deeper level. Lyndal Scranton examines how the vulnerable — football quarterbacks — rely on their protectors — offensive linemen.
Mike O’Brien’s latest Lives Remembered is about Scott Temple, who related his life story many times in sermons and writings titled “How a Hippie Got Happy.” As Mike reports, more than most, Temple was truly “born again” when he embraced Christianity at age 21, leading to a life of ministry through the Assemblies of God.
Enjoy what's left of the holiday break. We'll see you Monday.
IN-DEPTH
Springfield's homeless count is important. Why do organizations have such different numbers?
Community awareness about the growing unsheltered population in Springfield helps guide funding and resources — yet vastly different numbers floating around about the actual number […]
MOST READ THIS WEEK
More than 20 ex-staffers of The Kitchen write letter alleging mistreatment by upper management
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from The Kitchen’s board president. In a letter sent to The Kitchen, Inc.’s board […]
STEVE POKIN
Pokin Around: Here's what happens to inmates' cash when they enter county jail
Inmates who have cash upon being jailed may use it for commissary purchases, like sodas, […]
SPORTS
Lyndal Scranton: Bubble burst, but Petrino sees beefier line as path forward for Bears football
Instant success in Bobby Petrino’s first two seasons raised expectations for MSU Bears football. Reality set in this fall with a 5-6 season where the […]
Alston Mason steps up after early injury hits Missouri State basketball
The Missouri State men’s basketball season faces early adversity, with an injury to its starting point guard. But Alston Mason is stepping up to help […]
VOICES
Opinion: How to say no — and when to say yes
We are not responsible for other people — we are responsible to other people and for ourselves. Boundaries help us see where we are as […]
LIVES REMEMBERED
Scott Temple: ‘It was through him that the life of everyone in our family was changed’
Scott Temple related his life story many times in sermons and writings titled “How a Hippie Got Happy.” More than most, he was truly “born […]
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