All posts by Melinda Booze

Obits

Student reporter passes away after altercation with player

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(This story is a class assignment and does not represent actual events. The subject is not dead, as of the time of posting.)

By Jared Jackson

SPRINGFIELD, MO– (03/09/2025) A student reporter for Evangel University, Grant VanNoy Binkley, 39, has passed away due to health complications following an altercation with a Kansas Wesleyan football player on March 9, 2025. Grant was born to parents Bill and Debra James-Binkley of Houston, Missouri on April 14th, 1986 in Springfield, Missouri. Grant lived in Springfield and attended Evangel as a student in the communications department pursuing a journalism degree. 

Grant was known for his outgoing personality and never being afraid to ask questions. He never backed down from asking brilliant questions that others were too afraid to ask. He was committed to excellence when it came to his schoolwork and always put maximum effort into his projects. “Nobody wanted to succeed more than Grant, and it was obvious,” said classmate Carson Twigg. “There were so many times where I did not want to ask a question, but Grant stepped up and asked it. I got to learn more because of him.”

If you knew Grant at all, it was pretty obvious that he loved to talk about sports. I, Jared Jackson, have experienced this firsthand. Almost every day Grant will greet me as I walk into class and then ask me what happened in Evangel’s most recent games. This was a genuine curiosity, not just small talk. Grant would often talk about funny moments on the field or any of his many funny sports stories that he had to offer with other players that he met at Evangel. Grant’s love for sports pushed him to go to college to earn his degree so that he could one day become the sideline reporter for the Kansas City Chiefs, his favorite team. “It was evident that he was very engaged and involved in the sports community,” said baseball player Taylor Wood who was recently interviewed by Grant. “For the short time I knew him, there was no doubt that he knew what he wanted to do.”

Grant leaves behind a lasting legacy of curiosity, enthusiasm, and passion for what he cherished in life. He will be dearly missed by those closest to him. He is survived by his parents Bill and Debra James-Binkley, sister Alexis Marie Pharris of Seymour, Missouri, and nephews Christopher Noah, Colten Joseph, and Michael James Pharris. Grant also leaves behind his loving wife, fitness model and professional MMA fighter Tekka Tyson-Binkley.

A celebration of life will be held at Evangel University’s Spence Chapel, followed by the burial at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you donate to the newly established Grant Binkley Scholarship fund, an organization that grants scholarships to those seeking a degree in sports journalism.

–30-

Obits

Evangel star pitcher killed in a hit and run incident in Springfield

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(This story is a class assignment and does not represent actual events. The subject is not dead, as of the time of posting.)

By: Grant VanNoy Binkley


(Springfield, Missouri)– Jared Evan Jackson. (2004-2025) Born October 7th, 2004, in Springfield, Missouri to Craig and Kerrie
Jackson of Republic, Missouri. Brother of Jenna Jackson of Republic, MO. Survived alongside cousins Haley Smith, Logan Falk, Addison
Keck, Sierra and Cole Arndorfer, and Kolton Adkins. Survived alongside girlfriend Claudia Cannefax.
Evangel University is saddened by the sudden passing of star sophomore pitcher Jared Evan Jackson (21) of Republic Missouri. Jared
was killed in a hit and run accident heading home. Jared was a loving son, brother, cousin, teammate, friend and boyfriend. Jared was born on
October 7th, 2004, to Kerrie and Craig Jackson of Republic, Missouri. He went to school at New Covenant Academy and was a star pitcher on
the Evangel Valor baseball team.
Jared was a beloved teammate and good friend. He loved God, family, and baseball. His dream was to play for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Jared was a state champion and accumulated a 2.45 career E.R.A with 200 strikeouts. During his time at Evangel, he was 12-2 with a 2.35
ERA. He was well respected by his coaches and teammates. He was also on the Evangel Lance school newspaper as sports editor.
Jared is survived by six cousins Haley Smith, Logan Faulk, Addison Keck, Sierra and Cole Arndorfer, and Kolton Adkins, as well as his
girlfriend Claudia Cannefax. Jared’s memorial will be held at Greenlawn North Funeral Home on March 14th, 2025, at 12:15 PM CDT with a
dinner to follow, the family is asking for donations to Evangel University in lieu of flowers. Evangel baseball will hold a public memorial at the
University baseball field on Saturday March 15th at 10:00 AM CDT. The team will wear a special patch on their jerseys for the remainder of the
season and a memorial plaque out on the center field fence. Proceeds from concessions will go to help cover the funeral costs

Obits

Evangel student dies of heart attack, spent life pointing others towards their God-given purpose

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(This story is a class assignment and does not represent actual events. The subject is not dead, as of the time of posting.)

By Kylie Burks

SPRINGFIELD MO—A killer headline doesn’t always refer to the quality of the writing; sometimes they really do kill.

This was the case for Madison Mabry who died yesterday due to a heart attack. Authorities speculate her death was induced by the most recent edition of Evangel University’s newspaper “The Lance” that was in her hand, in which every name printed was spelled backwards and upside down.

“She knows how to work hard and prioritize the things that really matter to her,” Mabry’s college roommate Christa Takitani said. “She puts her heart and soul into everything that she’s a part of.”

Mabry was the managing editor of “The Lance” as well as the media communications coordinator and manager, writing and releasing a biweekly newsletter to the Evangel community. Though her commitment was commendable, Mabry may have taken the phrase “put your whole heart into everything you do” a little too literally.

“She gets a lot of pressure on wanting to do good and not let people down, so she is probably motivated by not wanting to disappoint or show fault in things because she puts so much pressure on herself to do well,” Mabry’s mother Jessica Mabry said.

Though the pressure of her journalistic work led to her untimely death, Mabry loved what she did. She used her position in the university to connect and communicate with others.

“Our role is to share the stories of people at Evangel and keep them informed about what’s happening,” she said prior to her death. “Getting to play a role in that is super great for me and gives me an importance and shows me the purpose of why I’m here right now.”

Discovering purpose, specifically God’s purpose, for her life is something that Mabry prioritized. She was often able to look back on her own life and see the times when God took difficult situations and turned them into something good. She then used that testimony to help direct other people.

“I’ve had many moments where I [had] doubts about what I’m doing, and I had times where I’m just not all put together and she just listened. At times she’d remind me, she’d go, ‘hey, it’s okay. You’ve got it, and God’s got it.’ That helped me refocus,” Tatikani said.

Jessica Mabry also saw this in how her daughter lived her life and in the attentiveness she had for the people around her.

“She was a positive influencer. She was one of the best listeners and she always had a way of seeing the good even when there’s bad and helping make a new perspective for people to see when sometimes they weren’t able to see that,” she said.

Though Mabry is no longer with us, her legacy lives on as she continues to impact her loved ones, reminding them of their God-given purpose and to pour passion into everything they do.

Obits

Evangel University student dies in library fire

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(This story is a class assignment and does not represent actual events. The subject is not dead, as of the time of posting.)

By: Madison Mabry

SPRINGFIELD, MO— An Evangel University student, Kylie Burks, died Friday evening after running into a burning library. She was 20.

Kylie Burks, the copyeditor for The Lance at Evangel, was on her way to a print night when she first noticed the smoke at the library. Witnesses said she ran toward the flames, hoping to save what was believed to be the last known copy of Pride and Prejudice. Despite attempts, Kylie Burks was too deep into the fire for witnesses or authorities to save her. Kylie Burks’ final act reflected a lifelong passion for literature, her faith and the people around her.

As one of five siblings, Kylie Burks was described by family and friends as a steady and responsible presence. “She was always the peacemaker,” her mother, Tara Burks, said. “She [was] the one who always felt like she needed to keep everyone together.”

Kylie Burks always had a close bond with her family, especially her twin sister Alea. “We’ve always been super close. There’s never been a time that we were at odds with each other,” Alea Burks said.

Despite their close relationship, the two had different personalities. “We’re two sides of the same coin. Her strengths are my weaknesses and her weaknesses are my strengths,” Alea Burks said.

Kylie Burks’ faith was a defining aspect of her life, guiding her through both everyday challenges and significant hardships. She battled a hip injury and Lyme disease in high school but refused to let her struggles define her. Instead, she leaned on her faith. “[It] is pretty amazing to see how well she has given all that to God, and just trusted that God was going to heal her from those things,” Tara Burks said.

Tara Burks also shared memories of Kylie Burks’ athletic and imaginative childhood, recalling the many hours she and her sisters spent playing sports and pretending to be characters from Little House on the Prairie. Even as she grew older, Burks’ appreciation for tradition remained central to her identity. According to her sister, Pride and Prejudice shaped her life and brought her the most joy. “She [was} super happy whenever she [was] either watching or reading Pride and Prejudice,” Alea Burks said.

More than anything, Kylie Burks was known for the way she cared for others. Emily Boldman, a longtime friend, remembered her as someone who was always present for those in need. “Kylie’s personality is like everyone’s ideal older sister. She [had] such a caring and tender heart, but she [was] also fiercely loyal to everyone and willing to defend justice from any angle,” Boldman said. “She [was] willing to give up anything for the people she [loved] and [showed] up when no one else [did].”

Kylie Burks’ passing has left a great impact on her family, friends and community. Her short but impactful legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the books she treasured.

Neighborhood Blogs

Inside the Grove: Phelps Grove takes pride in community, conservation

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By Madison Mabry

Residents of Phelps Grove take pride in their garden areas throughout the neighborhood.

Located in the heart of Springfield, just a few blocks from Missouri State University’s campus, lies a quaint residential neighborhood known as Phelps Grove. Home to lifelong Springfield citizens and college students alike, the community is filled with neighbors who love to help their neighbors. According to Springfield Neighborhood News, whether it is helping one rebuild a fence, participating in neighborhood cleanups or keeping up with the community garden, Phelps Grove residents find pride in their neighborhood and are always ready to give a helping hand to whoever may need it. 

The Phelps Grove Neighborhood Association website says their mission “is to make our neighborhood a safe, peaceful and enjoyable place to live, a neighborhood of friends working together for the benefit of all residents.” From my experience with people living in the Phelps Grove area and reading stories about their generosity, it is safe to say this neighborhood upholds its mission. 

The Phelps Grove neighborhood is bordered by Grand Street on the North, National Avenue on the east, Bennett and Brookside to the south, and Jefferson Avenue on the west.

This residential area began after the first home was built by William and Irene Johnson in 1914. However, the neighborhood association was not officially established until 1989, according to their website. Since then, a patchwork of Victorian-style homes, cottages and sleek modern houses have filled the streets with character. 

Driving through the Phelps Grove neighborhood, you will find a variety of styles of housing ranging from cottages and victorian style homes to modern and sleek houses.

To support their mission, the Phelps Grove Neighborhood was established as an urban conservation district in 1997. According to the neighborhood’s website, an urban conservation district is “a zoning designation and can be used to replace all or some of zoning restrictions. It can also be used to enact new regulations for an area.” Becoming an urban conservation district has allowed the area to preserve its history and remain a peaceful community. 

Even with the busyness of Grand Street and the consistent sounds of sirens on National Avenue, Phelps Grove remains a quiet area centered around a popular recreational area, Phelps Grove Park. In the spring, summer and fall seasons, you are sure to see college students and individuals from all over Springfield come to enjoy nature and community. 

Although the area is mainly residential, Phelps Grove is home to a few businesses, including Springfield’s Art Museum. This free attraction contains rotating exhibitions for the community throughout the year. Currently, the museum is temporarily closed as it prepares to undergo major renovations. 

It’s All Downtown describes Phelps Grove as a place that “reminds one of a more peaceful and neighborly time gone by,” and I could not agree more. Whether snow blankets the streets and trees or the summer sun casts a golden glow through the branches, the neighborhood offers a quiet escape from the busyness of Springfield. Whether one is looking for a place to call home or just somewhere to spend the day, Phelps Grove is a place to slow down and enjoy the calm of nature. 

Neighborhood Blogs

Rountree Roots: Vibrant businesses add culture and community

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By Kylie Burks

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – It’s a Saturday afternoon. Cars are stacked bumper to bumper lining Pickwick and Cherry St. Open signs are flipped to herald pedestrians into eclectic shops as people ranging from young adult to senior wander up and down sidewalks. Some stop at Tea Bar and Bites for a cup of tea and pastry. Others stop for lunch and coffee at Cherry Picker Package and Fare or at Artistree to paint a mug. No matter their destination, everyone experiences the charm of this small corner tucked inside of the greater Rountree neighborhood.

Rountree is a neighborhood bubbling with small business culture and carries a small-town feel despite being in the heart of Springfield. Bordered by Chestnut Expressway to the north, Glenstone Ave. to the east, Grand St. to the south and National Ave. to the west, Rountree is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.

It boasts a large number of historic homes surrounding Rountree Elementary School that are mostly single-family units, according to neighborhood health indicators. The median home value in 2023 was $285,526 and 77.5% of the residents live above the poverty line.

The streets of Rountree are filled with historical homes and thriving businesses.

Though the houses located in Rountree are beautiful, it is the community of people that makes this neighborhood unique. While much of the area is residential, there are many small businesses who call this neighborhood home. These businesses include restaurants, trinket and artwork shops, bakeries and even pottery painting. Each business has its own look that makes it stand out, and many use their business to engage with the residents of Rountree.

One business known as The Local Bevy sells “handmade local art and goods,” according to their Instagram page. However, their services go beyond selling their merchandise, and they put on community events to engage the rest of the neighborhood, especially during holiday seasons like Halloween. Last October, they hosted four events throughout the month, including a pizzas, pumpkins and pies weekend and a “howl-o-ween” event right before Halloween which attracted neighbors and other people from across the city.

Another community event is the Pickwick Street Fair which happens every year at the beginning of June. The fair invites local businesses, vendors, artists and musicians to sell their merchandise or to perform their work along Pickwick St., according to the fair’s website. The fair is a one day events and draws people from all over Springfield, highlighting the richness of the Rountree community and engaging the people who live there.

Rountree has been elevated from having a regular neighborhood feel to one that operates more like a small town. The small businesses operating next to the residential areas add their goods, services and special events to the uniqueness of the community, creating more engagement and life.  

Neighborhood Blogs

GO DOWNTOWN!!!!!!! WHERE SOMETHING IS WAITING FOR YOU!!

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By: Grant VanNoy Binkley

Petula Clark sang these words in her hit song “Downtown!” I believe this is very appropriate for this blog because, in downtown Springfield, you can forget all your troubles and cares and go DOWNTOWN!!!!!!!! (Admit it, you sang along.) Of course, to us sportscasters, the term “downtown” means hitting a long home run in baseball. This coincidently is also appropriate because downtown Springfield is also home to the Springfield Cardinals, the AA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. The “Springbirds” open the season at home on April 4th at 6:35 PM against the Wichita Windsurge at Hammons Field.

Speaking of Hammons Field, this past Saturday and Sunday the stadium hosted a sports card collectors’ event, where independent collectors gathered to show off their collections, as well as buy, sell, and trade with other collectors. They had sports cards of all kinds, including Pokémon and others. While Hammons was hosting it, there were no representatives from Hammons on site. It looked like they just rented out their training facility to these collectors.

 There also appeared to be no local trading card companies at this event, Fastbreak Sports here in Springfield was not in attendance, this looked to be a show for private collectors. I was able to FINALLY dig out of my driveway on Sunday to attend this event. I found it odd that there were no representatives from Hammons on site to monitor or oversee the event.

It was also time for the annual Sertoma Chili Cookoff held at the Expo Center here in Springfield. Due to weather conditions, I was unable to attend this year, but all information and results can be found at their website https://www.sertomachilicookoff.com/. That supports the Boys and Girls Club of the Ozarks, and the GRAND CHAMPION CHILI of Sertoma Chili Cook-Off will qualify to compete in the International Chili Society. Per the website.

Downtown Springfield also has a wide variety of dining and dancing, restaurants, and historical sites. Places such as Herrs department store. The Gilloiz theater, Mudhouse Coffee, plus the Hotel Vandivort and the Moxie.

Another thing about Downtown Springfield is the nightlife. With dining and dancing options all around, you can’t go wrong with a night on the town. Located between West Central and Walnut and Roundtree, its perfect for anyone.

If you want a look at current events, you can go to the website at itsalldowntown.com.