Auto + Marine

The Long Game of Wealth

Financial advisors Michael Sisney and Duke Carlton explore why patience, emotional discipline and valued guidance matter in today’s fast-moving investment landscape. Article by Springfield City Lifestyle | Photography by Leigh Love In a world where financial headlines move quickly and investment trends shift overnight, many of the principles behind building long term wealth remain surprisingly consistent. Understanding those fundamentals can help investors navigate an ever-changing financial...

Travel

Route 66 Community

How people, not pavement, keep Route 66 alive, and how it has become the longest small town in America Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Leigh Love If you stay in Springfield long enough, you'll notice something unusual for a Midwest town. Accents from around the world are heard, license plates from across the country can be seen, and conversations often take place in varying languages. On any given day, travelers from Spain, Japan, or even Iceland might pass through, all drawn by the...

Local Services

American-Made Craftsmanship Still Alive in the Ozarks

From handcrafted baits to heirloom woodwork, artisans in the Ozarks are turning passion into legacies Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Provided Avid fisherman Steve Wallace’s hobby took on a life of its own, growing into a career and allowing him to build a legacy of craftsmanship.  Q: What first drew you to bait-making, and how did it evolve from interest to craft? A: After moving to the Ozarks in 1997, I realized how hard it was to find custom baits. In 2020, I started making...

Life + Culture

Modern Americana Picnic

The Oldest Luxury: The Art of Gathering Outside Article by Springfield City Lifestyle | Photography by Bailey Hough The French may tell you they invented it: pique-nique , to peck at something small. But after America won her independence, the Fourth of July picnic became a tradition all our own. What began as survival became celebration. This summer, America turns 250. Route 66, the Mother Road running through these hills, turned 100. Maybe the best kind of exploring begins simply: a good...

Entertainment

The Worst Kept Secret

NBC's TODAY celebrates Route 66's centennial from the city where it all began Article by Springfield City Lifestyle | Photography by Jess White On April 30, NBC's TODAY came to Birthplace Plaza to mark Route 66's 100th anniversary, and Springfield showed up and showed out. Emmy-winning actor John Goodman joined the broadcast, and the crowd that had been gathering since 2:30 a.m. was ready for all of it. Al Roker didn't hide his surprise. "There's this great influx of young energy here," he...

Real Estate

Your Property, Our Priority

At Home Real Estate Services, established in 2007, has steadily grown by adhering to its mission: "Your Property, Our Priority." This guiding principle emphasizes ethical and profitable management practices, ensuring that each property and client receives personalized attention and care.Foundational Growth and Specialized TeamsThe company's growth has been organic, fueled by positive word-of-mouth and referrals, reflecting a genuine commitment to high-quality, compassionate service. To maintain...

Real Estate

Full Service Management vs. Leasing Only

For rental property owners, deciding between full-service property management and leasing-only services is a crucial choice that impacts their level of involvement, rental income, and long-term investment success. While both options offer valuable benefits, they cater to different types of property owners—those who prefer a hands-on approach and those who seek passive income without daily management hassles.To make an informed decision, it’s essential to understand the key differences between...

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...