Articles

SMTO team member Savanah Mandeville married Coleman Bandy on July 3, 2021, at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin with an "Old World European" theme, wearing a vintage 1987 Christian Dior gown after meeting him through magazine work in 2016.

Buzz Ball and Lanette Mahle, married since 1978 with a goal of 78 years together, credit their 43-year marriage success to making divorce not an option, listening, compromising, and supporting each other's careers while saying "I love you" daily.

Troy Onstott, who suffered a diffuse axonal brain injury in a July 2019 UTV accident at age 10 requiring him to relearn basic functions, has made a complete recovery and returned to normal activities including sports and farming.

Mark and Kathy Norris reflect on their 30-year marriage that began when they met at Joplin's advertising club, attributing their success to shared interests, mutual respect, and appreciating each other's individuality while creating a "life tapestry" together.

Joplin Little Theatre returns to live performances after pandemic cancellations with "Driving Miss Daisy" starring Lisa Olliges, Keenan Cortez, and Shaun Conroy, continuing their 82-season tradition with upcoming Valentine's concert and spring productions.

Seneca Early Childhood School Teacher of the Year Kristi Tate switched from social work to special education after witnessing a blind student miss a Halloween pumpkin lesson, now teaching children ages 3-5 with developmental delays.

Seneca High School's Teacher of the Year Leah Throneberry switched from vocal performance major to history teacher after European backpacking inspired her love for historical landmarks, now teaching US history and AP US history to juniors and seniors.

Real estate agent Gary Stubblefield analyzes recent housing market trends and predicts 2022 will continue with low inventory, strong millennial buyer demand, and 6.6 percent sales growth despite potential interest rate increases.

Retired Seneca teacher Lee Hall, inspired by Sarcoxie's veterans memorial in 2019, coordinated the creation of Seneca's impressive veterans memorial featuring eight flagpoles, benches, and lighting that took over two years to complete.