Guest columnist Chuck Hepola: "Sports may be temporary, but the lessons they teach are lifelong."

Guest columnist Paula Dougherty: "Many children learn valuable life lessons from participating in sports throughout their childhood. If participation in athletics is important to you or your child, take some time to consider the associated costs."

SBJ interviews the director of athletics at Missouri State University.

Despite a record sporting twice as many losses as wins last year, team officials say the inaugural season for the Ozarks Lunkers was largely a success.

Ozarker Lodge residency part of a growing trend.

Springfield event venue Belamour LLC gained new ownership; The Wok on West Bypass opened; and Hawk Barber & Shop closed on a business purchase that expanded its footprint to Ozark.

Fritz’s Adventure is scheduled to debut early next month in The Colony, a Dallas suburb.

Company expands footprint with first Missouri location.

State officials expect program won’t begin until fall.

Columnist Bennet Bodenstein samples three wines produced in the region.

American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers lawsuit alleges Springfield venue allowed performances of copyrighted songs without paying required license fees.

Phase 1 has a guaranteed maximum price of $27 million following Springfield City Council action Feb. 24.

Stephanie O’Connor and Nacy Tai Ryerson are selected for the Athena Award and Virginia Fry Rising Star Award, respectively.

Lisa Jeanine Findley faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled this summer, federal officials say.

The television anchor has worked at the television station since 1984.

The nearly 10,000-square-foot expansion comes as the business closes its off-leash dog park.

Ozarks Film Foundry’s production assistant program certified by state.

Randy Bacon and Heidi Herrman are converting the 208 E. Commercial St. property for studio and living space purposes.

Newsmakers in the areas of banking & finance, education, health care, hospitality, law, music and nonprofit.