Articles

Charlene Bergen transitioned from an 18-year career as an art and music teacher in McDonald County schools to opening Bergen Studios in 2018, where she creates pottery and paintings while teaching community art classes. The lifelong artist and gospel musician uses her talents to spread faith and positivity, continuing her legacy from the Van Gogh Art Bus program and mentoring students who won congressional art awards.

Casey Williams of Pineville, Missouri, started cycling at age 52 after struggling through a 5K run and now rides over 3,000 miles annually on gravel roads throughout Mac County. The 55-year-old enjoys the physical and mental health benefits of cycling while exploring nature and spotting wildlife on the area's bluffs, creeks, and winding dirt roads.

Connect2Culture welcomed the Annie Moses Band, a group of Juilliard-trained siblings from Nashville, for two Christmas performances on December 17, 2022, at the Beshore Performance Hall in the new Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex. The popular ensemble, whose mother once taught at Ozark Christian College, returned to Joplin as part of Connect2Culture's Curtains Up Series to perform holiday favorites and original compositions.

Six friends from Noel, Missouri, who graduated together in 1960, recently reunited 62 years later at Grand Lake, Oklahoma, to reminisce about their shared childhood and successful careers. All born in 1942 and now turning 80, the women maintained their lifelong friendship through cards and letters, with four marrying their high school sweethearts and all achieving executive-level positions in various fields.

Clint and Cathy Jo Loy's Carthage home features 11 full-size Christmas trees and decorations in every room, continuing a family tradition that began with Cathy Jo's childhood and now hosts annual open houses for about 120 visitors. The home was featured in the Carthage Holiday Homes Tour in December, with Cathy Jo carrying on her father's legacy of elaborate Christmas displays while creating new family traditions.

McDonald County High School business students partnered with the local Chamber of Commerce to establish a community coffee shop as a real-world learning experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. The collaboration aims to provide students with hands-on business skills while encouraging them to stay in or return to their community after graduation.

Three local families share their cherished Christmas traditions including gingerbread houses, matching pajamas, cookie baking, and special ornament collecting. The families of Jamie Emery, Mandy Edmonson, and Sarah Abernathy create magical holiday memories through activities like Christmas movie marathons, Silver Dollar City visits, and celebrating the season's spirit of giving.

KNEO 91.7 FM Radio Station in Neosho has maintained local ownership and Christian programming for 36 years, broadcasting high school sports, community events, and religious content to a 65-mile radius in the Four-State Area. General Manager Mark Taylor leads the station through major infrastructure upgrades including a new 340-foot tower while continuing their award-winning community involvement.

Henri Coeme, president of the Joplin Roadrunners Board of Directors, began running at age 6 in Belgium when sent to buy cigarettes for his chain-smoking parents and has since set about 40 Missouri age records across various distances. The world traveler plans to compete in the Boston Marathon in the 70+ category while continuing to grow the Joplin Roadrunners organization and its charitable efforts.