Articles

Show Me The Ozarks Magazine featured 10 single individuals from the Four-State Area sharing their personal stories, relationship goals, dealbreakers, and what they're looking for in a partner. The diverse group ranged in age from 23 to 64 and included professionals from various fields such as restaurant workers, business owners, medical sales managers, and nonprofit directors.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States in Joplin celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023, having served over 3,330 families from 38 states and two foreign countries since opening in 1998. Executive Director Annette Thurston leads the facility that provides comfort and support to families with children facing serious illnesses, with numerous families sharing testimonials about their life-changing experiences.

Fire Chief Tyler Crow completed his first year leading the Seneca Fire Department with significant improvements including a new fire station on Washington Avenue and major equipment upgrades through grants and donations. The 33-year-old chief, who has served the department for 13 years, prioritizes firefighter safety and training while facing challenges recruiting and retaining volunteers.

Seneca-based mixed-media artist Erin Poor creates sustainable art through her business Feral Folk Inc, drawing inspiration from folklore, mythology, and the woods while repurposing discarded objects into new artistic forms. The Missouri Southern State University BFA student recently visited Czech Republic and Austria for artistic inspiration and volunteers at the Seneca Food Pantry and Thrift Store.

Brandon Smith evolved from a successful college runner who was a 15-time All-Conference champion and All-American to an ultra-marathon athlete who now teaches fourth grade and coaches cross country at East Newton school district. The father of three athletic children continues competing in marathons and 50Ks while instilling the benefits of a healthy lifestyle in his own kids and his students.

Chase Marcus survived a rare form of leukemia in 2017 thanks to life-saving blood transfusions, and now he and his wife Alyssa advocate for Community Blood Center of the Ozarks. The former youth minister was a week away from death when blood donations saved his life, and five years later he and Alyssa are expecting their first child, calling it their "miracle baby."

Glenna Wallace became the first elected female chief of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe and has been reelected three times, breaking barriers while leading the tribe's efforts to give back to the Seneca community that supported them for years. The tribe now provides services open to everyone and made major contributions to Seneca's fire station and police department, expressing gratitude for the community's historical support.

Show Me The Ozarks Magazine featured their Most Influential People showcase highlighting community leaders who have stepped up to influence positive change and make a difference in their communities over the past year. The feature celebrates proven leaders across various industries for their passion, service, and positive impact on their neighbors and communities.

Larry Whiteley encourages readers to escape Christmas commercialism by spending time outdoors, suggesting that hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping provide better stress relief than holiday shopping and crowds. The outdoor columnist shares tips for cold-weather activities and emphasizes that sharing the outdoors with family and friends makes the perfect Christmas gift.