14th Annual Nature Photo Contest
Our 14th Annual Nature Contest photographers captured stunning wildlife, unique perspectives of birds, a variety of insects and, of course, the beautiful Ozark scenery. We thank all our photographers for all their submissions and for being the best stewards of nature...
Downtown Joplin Alliance to host Third Thursday events for 5,000 of its closest friends
By Ann Leach The 17th year of Third Thursdays celebrating Joplin and all it has to offer kicks off Thursday, March 21, thanks to the efforts of the Downtown Joplin Alliance (DJA) and its many volunteers and sponsors. “The event draws upward of 5,000 people per month...
Volunteering is a way of life for Charlie Brown
By Ann Leach It is written that “necessity is the mother of invention” and community volunteer Charlie Brown is proof that’s true. Brown’s father lost his vision to diabetes in 2007 and needed assistance, so Brown became a caregiver, helping his dad navigate his new...
C2C Presents Out-Of-This-World Productions for Kids
by Ann Leach TheaterWorksUSA’s production of “The Magic School Bus: Lost In The Solar System Based on the original Scholastic book series, the cast of this 60-minute production finds Ms. Frizzle saving the day when her class gets lost on the way to the planetarium....
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The Wedding Guide
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Connecting the People, Places, Businesses and Culture of the Ozarks for more than 22 years
Since 2001, Show Me The Ozarks Magazine has showcased what makes the four-states such a fantastic place to live, work, play and visit.
We continue to celebrate with you, our loyal readers and advertisers, all that makes our region exceptional. The sights and the sounds. The parks and the trails. The dining. The shopping. The sports and the theatre. The nightlife and the day trips. The rich heritage and the promising future.
Show Me The Ozarks Magazine promises to provide you with the highest possible level of quality, integrity and professionalism possible. If you have a story that you’d like to share with our readers, or if you have comments, questions or suggestions, we would like to hear from you!
From the Publisher
New Beginnings
Is spring beckoning early this year? Maybe it’s a reaction to the record-breaking cold we had in some areas, but I’m ready to get back out there! How about you?
Spring brings a sense of possibility. A fresh start and a time for new growth. As you read through this March issue, we hope you’re inspired by the beauty around us, by the leaders and volunteers working to make a difference, and by those willing to dream big and work hard to make their dreams a reality.
We encourage you to take advantage of the warmer days ahead to visit the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center at Wildcat Glades to view the 80-plus photo entries we received for our 14th Annual Nature Photo Contest. A sly fox, serene sunsets, a bumble bee seeking the nectar of life – beginning on page 32 you’ll find these special moments captured by your friends and neighbors. We are grateful for the photographers who entered and congratulate our winner, Linda Sala! Thank you for helping us to have another successful fundraiser to benefit the Wildcat Glades Friends Group.
Speaking of new beginnings, we had the privilege of interviewing Joplin’s new Chief of Police Richard Pearson this month. You’ll meet Chief Pearson in our Joplin section on page 40 and learn how his lifelong dream to protect and serve came to fruition. “I believe all the work and preparation that I’ve done over the past 30 years has brought me to my current position,” Pearson shares, detailing his path to Joplin.
We introduce the new head coach for the Webb City Cardinals football team (page 58) as part of our Webb City features. Coach Ryan McFarland is a familiar face at his alma mater, and his enthusiasm in taking on the role is palpable. We’re cheering for him!
We’re also excited to share the stories of inspirational women managing busy lives and careers in our “Women to Watch” section (see page 26). Whether they’re balancing the needs of family or running hard toward their goals, these are impressive women who define success on their own terms.
As we anticipate the signs of new life and possibilities that come with the changing season, I can’t help but think of Resurrection Sunday. Easter comes early this year and for my family it means a time of celebration and reflection, along with hiding brightly colored eggs and baskets with chocolate bunnies.
I’m praying for sunshine and sweet memories for each of you and your families.
Happy Spring!
Chonda Ralston, Publisher/Editor