Articles

Canadian Nina Johnston discovered her passion for painting after moving to Joplin in 1995 and walking into Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, where she transformed from a novice to a professional wildlife artist. After years of classes and practice, she was invited to join the gallery's collective of 18 professional artists in 2015, proving it's never too late to find your special talent.

Wildlife biologist J. Cantrell draws parallels between human empty nest syndrome and animal parenting behaviors, focusing on early nesting species like Eastern bluebirds, barred owls, and great horned owls during March breeding season. The article highlights how owl parents continue supporting their fledglings for months, similar to human parents sending care packages to college students, while emphasizing respectful wildlife observation practices.

The Hendricks family—Chris, Amber, and 17-year-old Coren—are passionate cyclists who completed a 700-mile journey from Joplin to Chicago via Route 66 in seven days as their 2019 family vacation. Coren is now pursuing professional cycling goals by applying for the U.S. Olympic Development Academy, while the family continues to use cycling as quality time together after Amber turned to the sport following spinal surgeries.

Bill's Electric Incorporated (BEI), led by president Brandon Wilson, is a three-generation, employee-owned electrical company serving the Four-State Region with over 340 employees across six locations. The company partners with Crowder College on a selective four-year apprenticeship program and handles everything from major commercial projects like Razorback stadium renovation to residential electrical needs.

Webb City Police Chief Donald E. Melton has served 26 of his 28 years in law enforcement with the Webb City Police Department, emphasizing compassionate application of laws and treating every call as the most important one that person will make. Despite challenges in recruiting qualified officers, Melton has modernized the department with technology and maintains strong community support through programs like Shop with a Cop and community fundraisers.

The George A. Spiva Center for the Arts is preparing to move to the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Center by year-end while searching for a new executive director to guide the organization's future growth. The move promises to strengthen synergy between art forms downtown and provide more space for exhibits, storage, and programming that has served amateur and professional artists since 1948.

The 12th Annual Nature Photo Cover Contest showcased wildlife photography from the Four-States Region, with winners capturing images of a three-toed box turtle, bluebird, cedar waxwings, grasshopper, and monarch butterfly. The contest benefits the Wildcat Glades Friends Group, which supports nature programming and habitat preservation in the Ozarks.

Lamar Tigers head football coach Jared Beshore was named Big 8-West Conference Coach of the Year and SWMFCA Class 2 Coach of the Year after leading his alma mater to a 13-1 record and state championship game appearance in just his second season. Despite the personal accolades, Beshore emphasizes that his true measure of success is developing young people rather than collecting awards.

Conservationist and outdoor journalist Larry Whiteley was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame after a distinguished career that included hosting radio shows, working with Bass Pro Shops for 23 years, and writing for numerous publications. Despite his surprise at the honor, Whiteley's decades-long mission has been inspiring people to experience the outdoors and pass that passion to their children.