Opinion: Take a look back at 2024 with SBJ.net’s most-read articles

This year marked 14 years for me as a business journalist at Springfield Business Journal.

As I mature in my career, it occurs to me that while things change, they have a way of staying the same.

The news never stops, as countless deadlines over the years have reinforced for me. I can only hope that I’m getting better with age and continuing to bring you the news you need to know.

Below I’ve recounted the most-read articles on SBJ.net in 2024. I’ve taken out Today in Business news summaries and award announcements to make the list more succinct.

1. Local Sonic franchisee found dead. A local Sonic Drive-In franchisee was found dead in July in the Lake of the Ozarks area after he was reported missing. The body of Brent L. Johnson, 58, was found July 24 by a volunteer search team near Old Kinderhook golf course in Camdenton. Johnson had been reported missing on July 22 after leaving his hotel, and his body was reportedly found in a wooded area near the golf course. Johnson operated around a dozen Sonic stores in Missouri through Excel Investments, also known as Excel SDI Group. His company moved to 3000 E. Cherry St. in Springfield from Bolivar in recent years.

2. Longtime KY3 anchor takes job with city of Ozark. In the past, news involving on-screen talent at KY3 and other broadcasters has attracted visitors to our website, and an article this year about Maria Neider’s exit proved to be a prime example of the rule. Neider, who had a nearly 20-year career at KY3 as an anchor and reporter, exited the broadcaster in March and started in April as communications director at the city of Ozark. Neider additionally is now involved in storytelling with marketing veteran Robert Felton’s new business called The Social Content Co.

3. Legacy Bank president exits amid investigation into ‘employee-related allegations.’ Legacy Bank & Trust Co. in March disclosed that President Brett Magers exited the company amid an investigation into “employee-related allegations.” The specific details of the allegations were not disclosed. Magers also had served as CEO of Legacy Bank’s Legacy Capital division. Magers was promoted to Legacy Bank’s president from chief lending officer in 2020 after 10 years of leadership experience with the company.

4. Entrepreneur to launch attraction along I-44. Serial entrepreneur John Lopez this year opened a new attraction along Interstate 44 called Barc-ee’s. The Marshfield venture is designed to appeal to travelers, their children and their dogs.

5. Owner of C-Street store dies at 61. Susi Caregnato, the owner of Soozeezbeez Honey Beetique on Commercial Street, died Aug. 13 “after a brave battle with cancer,” according to her obituary. The 61-year-old in 2021 launched her Soozeezbeez brick-and-mortar store at 200 E. Commercial St., selling raw honey and over 20 infused flavors, among other items.

6. Warby Parker store planned in Springfield. Glasses retailer Warby Parker this year got its start at Battlefield Mall. New York-based Warby Parker Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the WRBY ticker symbol. The company had 237 stores at the end of 2023, according to a financial report released for investors.

7. Ozark woman pleads guilty to selling counterfeit Louis Vuitton products. Carissa Bedford, of Ozark, in May pleaded guilty to her role in a counterfeit Louis Vuitton operation. Bedford admitted that her Jovee LLC online wholesale business sold counterfeit Louis Vuitton bracelets, hair ties and other products from April to December 2022, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

8. Houlihan’s closes on south side. With January came the announcement from franchisee O’Reilly Hospitality Management LLC that Houlihan’s at 2110 E. Republic Road had closed. “We are currently exploring several options for this great location, and our plans are not yet finalized,” a company statement said at the time. A new use for the building has not yet been announced.

9. Open for Business: Palm & Paddle Grille. Husband and wife Greg and Kristin Walker of Walker Hospitality in June opened Caribbean-inspired restaurant Palm & Paddle Grille at The Creek, a mixed-use development on South Campbell Avenue. Menu options include jerk chicken, sesame ahi tuna steak, tacos, burgers and island bowls.

10. Did Springfield miss a chance at Trader Joe’s? The ongoing saga pitting developer BK&M LLC against the University Heights neighborhood had an interesting twist in September, when developer Ralph Duda of BK&M told City Council that Trader Joe’s had been in the running for the site. He said neighborhood protest signs spelled a deal-killer. A redevelopment proposal for the land at Sunshine Street and National Avenue in December was raised, and then dropped, by Councilmember Brandon Jenson. Expect this story to keep going in 2025.

As my SBJ career turns 15 in 2025, I’ll be here writing the news. Cheers to many happy returns!

Springfield Business Journal Digital Editor Geoff Pickle can be reached at gpickle@sbj.net.