School spending blues settling in

One sad fact remains as true today as it was when I was a child: Summer does not last forever. Though, I must admit, I am sad about it ending for different reasons these days.

A quick glance at my calendar reminded me of the early start for Springfield Public Schools, which is scheduled to kick off the 2012-2013 school year Aug. 15. Already, I’ve heard my wife mutter a few dirty words around the house – words such as “shoes, backpacks and jeans.”

Bass Pro founder tells intriguing fish tale

Ever hear of a $215 million catfish? After yesterday, the city of Memphis, Tenn., has.

Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, made a rare appearance at a construction kick-off ceremony June 21 for the company’s long-awaited Outdoor World retail store planned to open within Memphis’ iconic Pyramid, and he had an interesting fish tale to tell.

Resignation caps fireworks at City Hall

Unrest with government at all levels has been a backdrop seen throughout Jim O’Neal’s three years of service to the city of Springfield as mayor, but he said it was business and personal issues that led to his May 7 resignation.

The mayor’s blustery take on E-Verify

During interviews, there are times when it becomes obvious my questions have struck a cord. It doesn’t happen every day, but on occasion, a source will become animated at questions on a particular subject.

This last week provided a good example of such a situation. The person was Mayor Jim O’Neal. The topic was E-Verify.

The business of love

Cupid’s back. And the arrows he slings are pricey for his targets.

The Census Bureau recently released a host of facts and figures it compiled tied to the lovers’ holiday, which, in case you were wondering, was first recognized in Rome in A.D. 496 by Pope Gelasius I. More than 1,500 years later, the holiday means big business.