This is a link to the paper in Springfield:
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage
I live only 3 miles from the Missouri state line.
I've been to Springfield. I usually go to Joplin, because it's closer to me. Springfield and Joplin are both growing and are not that far from one another. Springfield is not too far north of Branson, where all of the country entertainment is centered. You would be close to lots of lakes, pretty hilly country, and beautiful trees. Quite a few people from here have moved there over the years.