Articles

River Blend Coffee in Pineville, Missouri, is a student-run coffee shop launched through a partnership between McDonald County High School and the local Chamber of Commerce, funded by a T-Mobile grant. The shop provides hands-on business and hospitality experience for students while serving as a vibrant community hub, strengthening local ties and inspiring future careers. Its success highlights the power of collaboration, with students, teachers, and community leaders working together to create lasting educational and economic impact.

HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill in Anderson, Missouri, is a family-run restaurant that has transformed the historic Shangri-La Motor Inn into a vibrant community hub. Through extensive restoration and a heartfelt tribute to family heritage, the Dawdy family created a welcoming space featuring quality design, creative cuisine by Chef Andre Jones, and a lively atmosphere overlooking Indian Creek. HoneyPop’s stands as both a symbol of local pride and a destination for memorable experiences, blending the spirit of the past with a fresh vision for the community’s future.

Neosho, Missouri’s extensive trail system, anchored by the High Ground Bike Preserve and Morse Park, offers a variety of outdoor experiences for all ages and abilities, from challenging mountain bike trails to ADA-accessible walking paths. Supported by community involvement and ongoing improvements, the trails serve as a hub for recreation, fitness, and social events, fostering a strong connection to nature and local traditions like trout season and disc golf.

Neosho’s Charles Nodler, now 75, has been a dedicated runner since the late 1970s, participating in local 5K races for decades and maintaining a routine of running six days a week. Valuing the health benefits, personal discipline, and community spirit of the sport, Nodler continues to find joy and purpose in running, proving that age is no barrier to an active lifestyle.

Old Cedar Mill Gallery, located northeast of Neosho, Missouri, is a welcoming arts destination offering creative classes, handmade goods by local artisans, and a rich sense of history. Run by Easter and Ryan Chapman, the gallery features a rustic shop, community events, and historical storytelling, making it a unique spot for visitors of all ages to enjoy crafts, local heritage, and seasonal festivities.

Neosho author Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy has turned a lifelong passion for storytelling into a successful career, writing heartfelt novels that explore romance, family, and the challenges of ordinary people. With a disciplined approach and inspiration drawn from her own experiences, Murphy continues to adapt to the evolving publishing world, aiming to create stories that resonate emotionally and leave a lasting impact on her readers.

Chase the Chill, now in its 10th year, is a volunteer-driven project that distributes handmade scarves, gloves, and hats—no questions asked—to those in need across Southwest Missouri. Led by Jessica Tupper Moss and supported by over 600 volunteers, the initiative partners with local businesses and celebrates community generosity, expanding this year to include pet sweaters and a special anniversary event with its founder.

Jeffrey Jones, a versatile artist with over 37 years of experience in pottery, sculpture, painting, and toy design, has built a diverse career that includes international sand sculptures and action figures for major films. Now based in Neosho, Missouri, he and his wife run Northwood Arts & Event Center and The Clay Cup, fostering community engagement through art and creativity. Jones encourages aspiring artists to focus on hands-on practice and skill development to grow in their craft.

The Quapaw Nation is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the 1824 treaty with the United States—a pivotal event that forced the tribe to cede ancestral lands but also marks two centuries of Quapaw resilience and survival. The original treaty will be publicly displayed, offering a chance to reflect on the tribe’s enduring strength, cultural preservation, and ongoing sovereignty, as the Quapaw continue to honor their heritage and look toward a thriving future.