16th Annual Nature Photo Contest Winners

16th Annual Nature Photo Contest Winners 16th Annual Nature Photo Contest Winners
Cover Story

16th Annual Nature Photo Contest Winners

16th Annual Nature Photo Contest Winners
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Staying Connected

Connecting the People, Places, Businesses and Culture of the Ozarks for more than 24 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 theater. The nightlife and the day trips. The rich heritage and the promising future.

Show Me The Ozarks Magazine promises to provide the highest level of quality, integrity and professionalism possible. If you have a story you’d like to share with our readers, or if you have comments, questions or suggestions, we would like to hear from you!

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Regional Features

Explore the captivating stories that define the essence of the Ozarks. From the vibrant culture to the breathtaking landscapes, each cover story delves into the heart of what makes this region unique.

Bryce Commons, Cicis Pizza Employees Share Common Bond of Friendship

Bryce Commons, Cicis Pizza Employees Share Common Bond of Friendship

A New Chapter for a Beloved Landmark: Inside the Revival of Joplin’s Carnegie Library

A New Chapter for a Beloved Landmark: Inside the Revival of Joplin’s Carnegie Library

Glory Village to Offer Housing for Adults with Developmental Disabilities to Thrive

Glory Village to Offer Housing for Adults with Developmental Disabilities to Thrive

Chef J.R. Reed Gets Back in the Kitchen with Purple Chin Condiment Co.

Chef J.R. Reed Gets Back in the Kitchen with Purple Chin Condiment Co.

More Than a Job: How Supported Employment is Redefining Inclusion in Southwest Missouri

More Than a Job: How Supported Employment is Redefining Inclusion in Southwest Missouri

Recent Articles

Discover the latest updates and stories from Show Me The Ozarks Magazine. Stay informed about the events and happenings that shape our vibrant community.

Why I Ride: Mountain Biking Checks All the Boxes for Cole Beckham

Why I Ride: Mountain Biking Checks All the Boxes for Cole Beckham

SMTO Recipe: Indian Sloppy Joes

SMTO Recipe: Indian Sloppy Joes

Connect2Culture Presents … Children’s Fables and Traditional Irish Music

Connect2Culture Presents … Children’s Fables and Traditional Irish Music

Breaking Barriers on the Rails: Anita Horton’s Journey in a Traditionally Male-dominated Industry

Breaking Barriers on the Rails: Anita Horton’s Journey in a Traditionally Male-dominated Industry

A Dog’s Dream Finds Forever Homes for Retired Breeder Dogs

A Dog’s Dream Finds Forever Homes for Retired Breeder Dogs

2026 Aurora Business & Community Expo: A Celebration of Local Strength, Innovation and Community Spirit

2026 Aurora Business & Community Expo: A Celebration of Local Strength, Innovation and Community Spirit

Editor's Letter

Spring is just around the corner. Doesn’t that feel wonderful?

In our March issue, we feature the winners of our 16th Annual Nature Photo Contest and all the amazing photo submissions by many talented Four States Area photographers. Every photo submitted was beautiful and showed off our region perfectly. Thank you to the photographers for sharing their talent with us. All proceeds from the contest benefit Wildcat Glades Nature Group.

Next up is the 24th Annual 4-States Baby Contest! Watch for details coming the first week of March.

The March issue is our Joplin issue, and we feature residents and businesses from around the Joplin area, such as an update on Joplin’s Carnegie Library, plus you’ll learn about Chef J.R. Reed and his Purple Chin Condiment Co., which can be found at Joplin Empire Market.  

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and we’ll introduce you to Bryce Commons, an autistic man who was thrown a surprise birthday party by his biggest fans: the employees at Cicis Pizza in Joplin. You’ll also learn about Glory Village, a duplex community being built in Joplin to give adults with developmental disabilities an affordable and safe place to live. And at Community Support Services, their supported employment program helps adults build the skills, confidence and independence needed to succeed in community-based jobs.

There are even more articles in this issue, so jump in and start reading!  

Show Me The Ozarks Magazine is online only now, so be sure to sign up to receive emails when we publish new content. We usually send 2-3 emails a month. It’s free to sign up, and we never sell your personal information. You can also find our articles on Facebook and Instagram.  

Thank you for being a part of the Show Me The Ozarks family!

Sincerely,  

Wendy's signature

Wendy Brunner, Publisher/Editor

P.O. Box 3325 • Joplin, Mo 64803