Articles

The SMTO editor reflects on National Gratitude Month, expressing appreciation for Southwest Missouri's community, loyal readers, local businesses, talented team, and supportive family who make the magazine possible.

Katie and Jonathan Sperry stayed 58 nights at Ronald McDonald House while their twin daughters Adele and Ivy spent months in NICU after being born 12 weeks early in 2018.

Sarah and Mitch Jarvis discovered cycling two years ago through friends and became enthusiasts for the social camaraderie, participating in Neosho's Beers and Gears Pub Club and regional cycling events.

After founder John Howsmon's death in May, his son Dusty Altman took over Sam's Cellar in Neosho to keep the 15-year-old underground restaurant in the family rather than selling to strangers.

Horses of Hope, founded in 1997, operates three equestrian therapy facilities serving individuals with disabilities and at-risk youth across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

Karla Boatright and Katlynn Bishop founded One24 Boutique in 2016 after Karla's bladder cancer recovery, growing from online cancer apparel to major retailer donating to cancer research.

Court clerk Kimberly Clinton, 43, discovered early-stage breast cancer through her first mammogram in 2021, underwent double mastectomy, and is now cancer-free.

Yvonne Ketcher survived breast cancer four times since 1973, continues regular MRI monitoring, and emphasizes acceptance as key to moving forward.

Nurse Mary Van Galen diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2018 used her medical advocacy skills on herself and now helps provide free mammograms through HOPE 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation.