Articles

Event Coordinator Bruce Vonier organized a Monster Truck Show at Aurora Maze at Adventure Farm in September to raise funds for Peterson Outdoors Ministries and Lodge of Hope, a nonprofit supporting veterans and their families. The event featured multiple monster truck teams, patriotic activities, and various competitions with proceeds benefiting veterans with disabilities and severe illnesses.

Aurora IT professional Tony Kennedy discovered running as an escape from modern life's digital noise, transforming from a last-place finisher to completing four half-marathons over nearly 10 years. He uses running as a meditative experience to find solitude and mental health benefits while planning his first full marathon.

Coach Victor Alvarado's Monett Under 11 soccer team achieved a remarkable 28-1-0 record and six tournament titles in 2022. The team competed in the prestigious Disney Labor Day Soccer Tournament in Orlando as part of Lake Country Youth Soccer league.

The Exeter Corn Maze is expanding from a simple farm attraction to a full fall amusement park, adding a free-fall tower, 300-foot tube slide, carousel, and apple orchard to their eight-acre corn maze. The seasonal attraction runs from September through November, offering fall and Halloween-themed entertainment for families.

The 14th Annual Cutest Pet Contest featured 177 entries with winners including Rukus (1st place), Jasper the bloodhound (2nd place), and Maggie Jo Moo Cow the English bulldog (3rd place and Facebook Fan Favorite). Entry fees benefit the Joplin Humane Society and Faithful Friends Animal Advocates.

Rodeo Miami returns for its 12th year under the current name, continuing a 95-year tradition of rodeo competition featuring bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and bull riding at Miami Fairgrounds August 26-27. Local competitors like Addee Carder and Terry Crow will showcase their skills with support from community sponsors and organizations.

Mark Myers has been running for over 25 years and shares his passion with son Landin, who was born with cerebral palsy but competes in races and encourages other athletes despite multiple leg surgeries. The duo participates in various events together, from 5Ks to triathlons, while Mark teaches others through the Run for God program connecting spiritual and physical health.

Naturalist Jeff Cantrell explores the history of Ozark waterways from Native American thong trees marking water sources to modern conservation efforts. He promotes the annual Shoal Creek Water Festival in August at Wildcat Park, organized by the Wildcat Glades Friends Group to celebrate water resources and education.

Etiquette expert Kristi Spencer provides guidance for college students on successful roommate relationships through communication, respect for personal space and belongings, and honest problem-solving. Spencer, a Carl Junction resident and Emily Post Institute graduate, emphasizes setting boundaries and addressing issues early to prevent major conflicts.