Local Services

Heroes Who Serve

Inside the Willard Fire Department, three firefighters reflect on leadership, sacrifice, and protecting their community. Article and Photography by Ashley Grant Kevin Samsel — Fire Chief For Fire Chief Kevin Samsel, the Willard Fire Department’s burden of leadership rests upon his shoulders. Responsibility for his crew, the equipment they use, and the decisions that need to be made are things he does not take lightly. Q: You stepped into the role of fire chief about a year ago, but your...

Home + Design

Leading the Creative Charge

Through mentorship, collaboration, and leadership, Tremendicon is helping shape Springfield’s emerging creative culture. Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Provided Springfield’s creative economy is not just growing; it is finding its own voice. While typically an area known for its natural beauty and strong sense of community, a broader cultural landscape is emerging. In recent years, Springfield has become a booming hub for artists, writers, gamers, and digital storytellers who are...

Life + Culture

Where 66 Began

As the birthplace of Route 66, Springfield is where a number became legendary Article and Photography by Ashley Grant There’s something remarkable about Springfield, Missouri, a city that doesn’t just sit along the infamous Route 66; it helped birth it. Long before the neon signs and nostalgic road trips, full of photographs-turned-postcards and Americana playlists, there was a decision. A number: 66. And that number was decided in Springfield. For author and historian Susan Croce Kelly, that...

Life + Culture

A Life of Service

From Air Force Lt. Colonel to college dean, Loren Lundstrom’s journey has been guided by curiosity, leadership and a commitment to learning Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Provided Loren Lundstrom has been blessed with two distinguished careers. After he retired from the United States Air Force as a Lt. Colonel, he transitioned to academia where he retired as a dean at Ozarks Technical Community College. But guiding him through this journey has been a single North Star: a lifelong...

Arts + Culture

From Springfield to the Screen:

Film & Culture  ·  Springfield, MissouriA Hollywood star, an award-winning indie film, and a city that showed up. How Springfield, Missouri quietly became the heart of one of independent film’s most emotionally honest stories.Springfield City Lifestyle  ·  May 2026There are films that get made in spite of their limitations, and then there are films that are made better because of them. Dust to Malibu is the independent drama that had its Springfield premiere at the...

Arts + Culture

At the Heart of the Mother Road:

Travel & Culture  ·  Springfield, MissouriSpringfield City Lifestyle  ·  May 2026On April 30, 2026, NBC's TODAY brought its Third Hour to Springfield's Birthplace Plaza for the Route 66 centennial. Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Laura Jarrett found a city ready for its moment.One hundred years ago, on April 30, 1926, a telegram sent from downtown Springfield officially named a stretch of highway that would become the most iconic road in America. Route 66 was born right here...

Fitness

Four Women, One Mission

Meet the women of Achieving Your Best: Four health professions with a passion for health Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Shannon Cay and Tiffany Enowski Achieving Your Best is all about helping individuals live their best life. The AYB team of professionals offers personal training, metabolic testing, and nutritional consultation. Among those team members are a group of highly qualified women who make AYB stand out in the community. Adrianne Hughes – Marketing Manager, Trainer ...

Health + Wellness

Redefining Breast Imaging

Amanda and Logan Lackey, owners of Breast Imaging of the Ozarks, offer women a gentle approach to breast health Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Shannon Cay For many women, the words mammogram, breast imaging, and breast health carry an undercurrent of anxiety. The sterile exam rooms, the long and uncomfortable wait time, and the delay in receiving test results can make a vulnerable experience even more intimidating. However, Amanda Lackey, MD, husband Logan Lackey, MD, MBA, and...

Local Services

Putting Down Roots

How Jasmine LeBlanc is rebuilding local food in southwest Missouri Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Ashley Grant Located less than 20 miles northwest of Springfield, the community of Ash Grove sits between farmland and subdivisions. Here, single mom and homesteader Jasmine LeBlanc is building relationships between farmers and rural counties, driven by her conviction that local food can strengthen bodies and communities. Jasmine’s story, deeply rooted in faith, didn’t start with a...

Shopping

Ladies' Shopping Guide

Curated finds and local charm in every corner of Springfield Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Provided Small, locally owned shops are the heartbeat of any city’s shopping scene. From thoughtfully constructed collections to warm, personal service, each shop has a story to tell—one that celebrates individuality, supports community, and invites shoppers to discover something as unique as they are. Springfield's Shopping Guide for Hand-Selected Goods and One-of-a-Kind Finds ...