Articles

Connect2Culture's April schedule at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex features three diverse performances: The Reminders (a Congo-inspired family band), Miss Jubilee & The Yas Yas Boys (St. Louis blues and jazz), and Piano Battle (interactive dueling pianists where audiences vote for the winner).

Joe and Dina Hensley of Webb City, along with their son Joe, share a passion for running driven by different motivations—health maintenance, asthma management, and competition—while supporting each other through races and adapting their goals as they age together.

The Freedom of Flight Museum at Joplin Regional Airport showcases nearly a decade of aerospace history highlighting Four-State Area contributions to aviation and space exploration while offering STEM education, veteran tributes, and hands-on activities to inspire youth careers in science and technology.

John Roderique is retiring after 26 years as Webb City Cardinals Athletic Director and Football Head Coach, leaving behind a legendary legacy of 13 state championships, 15 state title appearances, and 22 straight district championships while focusing on developing young men's life skills.

Missouri's spring fishing season begins March 1 with trout catch-and-keep at state parks like Roaring River and Bennett Springs, while white bass runs offer exciting schooling fish action as they migrate upstream to spawn in tributary streams throughout the Ozarks.

The Webb City Farmers Market serves as a Four-State Region community gathering place that supports local farmers and producers while offering educational programs including a Kids' Gardening Club, free children's meals, and partnerships with University of Missouri Extension for growing demonstrations.

Joplin's Celebrations Commission has planned a year-long sesquicentennial celebration featuring baseball at Joe Becker Stadium, ragtime music tributes to native son Percy Wenrich, a film festival, and educational events highlighting the city's 150-year history of perseverance and growth.

The 13th Annual Nature Contest showcased outstanding Ozarks wildlife photography with Amy Watts winning first place for her brown thrasher photo at Cunningham Park, with all entry fees benefiting the Wildcat Glades Friends Group.

Thad Hood, owner of HHR Contractors in Monett, Missouri for 13 years, is passionate about downtown revitalization projects including remodeling the Historical Society Museum building and restoring the old First National Bank building to attract retail and restaurants to the community.