The split of longtime Integrity Home Care partners Philip Melugin, Greg Horton and Paul Reinert involving multiple lawsuits was the most read story on SBJ.net in 2011. The suits involving an unlawful firing and breech of a noncompete clause were ultimately
settled out of court, and SBJ reporter Brian Brown followed the story from the breaking news to Melugin’s
launch of competitor Phoenix Home Care.
Here are the 11 most-viewed stories published on SBJ.net this year:
1.
Lawsuit breaks apart Integrity Home Care trio 2.
Justice Jewelers founder dies While working at his private home office in October, 62-year-old jeweler Woody Justice suffered a life-ending stroke. The company has committed to continuing Justice’s legacy.
3.
Lawsuit forces Buerge bankruptcy After rising in banking, food service and on national television, Aaron Buerge filed for Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy in February. The president of First National Bank, who was the bachelor in the second season of ABC’s reality show by the same name, cited legal difficulties in selling his Trolley’s restaurant.
4.
Branson Airport defaults, enters forbearance agreement Missed debt payments on $114 million in revenue bonds to construct Branson Airport triggered a forbearance and funding agreement with bond trustee UMB Bank. Airport officials cited missed passenger and revenue projections. The forbearance and funding agreement signed in April is attached in the article.
5.
Paul Mueller Co. sells Springfield Brewing Co. The stainless steel manufacturer in November shed its product showcase facility as craft breweries gain steam nationwide. A group of investors, including the brewmaster, pooled together $3 million for the purchase.
6.
Fox switches Springfield affiliation St. Louis-based Koplar Communications on Sept. 1 took over the Springfield affiliate from Nexstar Broadcasting’s KSFX-TV. At the time, KSFX was the third station to lose its Fox affiliation after a change in Fox programming fees.
7.
Beaman Electric closes its doors Lee Beaman shut down his longtime electric company in June and went to work – along with a half-dozen employees – for a competitor, Complete Electrical Solutions.
8.
Restaurant to open inside Trolley's space Three area businessmen partnered for a September opening of The Flying Tomato restaurant inside Trolley’s on Park Central Square.
9.
Joplin tornado impacts 2,000 homes, businesses The morning after the May 22 tornado, reporter Brian Brown brought the most up-to-date damage reports to SBJ’s digital readers. The story continues to unfold as half of the Joplin property owners affected
had filed building permits by the last week of December.
10.
James River Assembly ends 'I Love America' The Assemblies of God church in March canceled its daylong fireworks celebration citing a scheduling conflict at the Springfield Underground site where the Fourth of July event was held the past 14 years.
11.
Tenant signs on with College Station In September, excitement followed the first College Station tenant signing in three years, but
subsequent drug charges against lessee Travis Dibben has put his plans in doubt.
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