Text from our SGF Sunday email newsletter, written by Reporter Rance Burger
Did you know Springfield, Missouri, is the place where the cassette tape still lives? In fact, it’s the only place in the Western Hemisphere where music-quality tapes are still produced. Cory Matteson gives us a glimpse inside the mysterious, massive building near Founders Park where National Audio calls home.
Matteson had a busy week, as evidenced by a highly read piece on the Springfield Board of Education’s 4-3 vote in its internal leadership election. Matteson also wrote about the after-effects of an earlier 4-3 board vote on the district's strategic plan — with the result being the former Office of Equity and Diversity being renamed the new Department of Student Access and Opportunity.
Speaking of children, education and books, columnist Julie Higgins offers her thoughts on libraries restricting certain reading materials. “As adults, we do have freedoms; however, we also have responsibilities to place safeguards for children,” she writes in support of an effort to restrict access to certain books so children maintain a childlike innocence for “as long as logical.”
In sports, Lyndal Scranton shows us how newly promoted Missouri State University football coach Ryan Beard is working to win on the gridiron of public opinion. Beard wants to see more fans at Plaster Stadium on Saturdays in the fall, and to achieve that, he’s ready to send the Bears out into Springfield to meet those fans with high fives and handshakes.
Enjoy what remains of the weekend. Jeff Kessinger is back in your inboxes Monday morning.
IN-DEPTH
National Audio Company’s building recently hit the market. What’s that mean for the company, and for cassettes?
National Audio Company has put its two Downtown Springfield buildings up for sale. But the owner says that doesn’t mean the company is going away.
Amid University Heights drama, commercial vacancies plague a stretch of East Sunshine
Amid the ongoing dispute between developers and neighbors in the University Heights neighborhood, a busy stretch of Sunshine Street between National and Glenstone faces […]
MOST READ THIS WEEK
In 4-3 vote, Danielle Kincaid will head Springfield school board after new members sworn in
Members of the Springfield Public Schools board elected new officers Tuesday night on a 4-3 vote — and even deciding how to elect them caused […]
SPORTS
Lyndal Scranton: Ryan Beard scored Missouri State football its first win of 2023 before he even coached a game
There was a marketing victory taking place for Missouri State football before the school’s baseball team battled Mizzou.
A stronger Spencer Nivens continues to excel for Missouri State
Spencer Nivens, Missouri State’s outstanding sophomore center fielder, added strength in the offseason and its paying off on the field.
VOICES
Opinion: Boundaries needed so children see only age-appropriate books
As adults, we do have freedoms; however, we also have responsibilities to place safeguards for children. This is why movies have ratings and websites have […]
IN OUR TOWN PODCAST
Podcast: Bestselling author Nancy Allen has life story filled with twists and turns
Springfield author Nancy Allen shares her nonlinear career path, from high school activist to trial lawyer to becoming a bestselling author of legal thrillers.
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