Articles

Kelli Starkweather opened Posh Dogs Boutique in Joplin in 2019, inspired by her dog Milla Mae. She and her husband offer a variety of quality dog products, including organic treats, stylish apparel, and accessories. Dogs are always welcome in the store, where they get treats and personalized care. The boutique focuses on dogs’ health, wellness, and happiness.

The 12th annual Cutest Pet Contest featured beloved pets from the Four States, with all entry fees supporting local animal organizations. Winners included Cora Fae, a once-timid pup who has flourished in her new home; Ella Rae, a smart and affectionate toy Australian shepherd; Hopper and Eleven, two rescued cats who became inseparable friends; and Wrigley, a lively mini goldendoodle puppy and fan favorite. The contest celebrated the joy these pets bring to their families and communities.

Horses of Hope provides therapeutic riding and equine-assisted psychotherapy for people with disabilities but faced major challenges during COVID-19. They adapted by creating “telehorse” virtual lessons to keep clients connected with horses and therapy. Support from the community and their upcoming November gala are vital to sustain their work and care for their horses.

Laura Land, a Joplin runner, found healing through running after losing her home in the 2011 tornado and battling PTSD. Starting with just one mile in 2016, she gradually built up to marathons and now uses running as a key coping tool. Recently, she completed the Joplin Memorial half-marathon and plans to tackle a triathlon next, crediting the support of fellow runners for her progress.

Kristin Whitton, a special education teacher at Lamar High School, founded the district’s first Special Olympics team in 2019 to give students a chance to compete and be celebrated. She expanded the program to include younger students through unified bowling events and created a coffee stand work program to develop her students’ job and social skills. Whitton’s passion centers on empowering her students to overcome challenges and be recognized for their abilities.

The community of Lamar raised over $40,000 to replace the broken projector at the 71-year-old Barco Drive-In Theater, ensuring the beloved local landmark could reopen. Fundraising efforts included online campaigns, local bank support, and direct donations from patrons. A new state-of-the-art 4K projector was installed, and the drive-in proudly reopened on July 4, with donations still coming in from loyal moviegoers.

Dr. Dean Van Galen began his role as the sixth president of Missouri Southern State University with a focus on student success, community partnerships, and innovation. A first-generation college graduate and former chemistry professor, Van Galen brings decades of academic leadership experience and a commitment to expanding MSSU’s role in regional economic growth, especially in health care and international education. He and his wife, Mary, are excited to return to Missouri and invest in the university’s bright future.

Ten years ago, Julie Reams could barely run a mile — now she’s completed seven marathons, countless 5k races, and epic 200-mile relay runs across the country. What started as a leap out of her comfort zone turned into a lifelong passion for running, driven by determination, her kids’ cheers, and a growing love for the sport. Her journey proves that with grit and consistency, anyone — even a self-proclaimed non-athlete — can become a runner.

True North Enterprises, founded by veteran Jimmy Burgess in Neosho, Missouri, offers military-style leadership and team-building programs designed to help individuals and organizations grow stronger together. With a focus on hands-on training, veteran support, and real-world application, True North serves both businesses and the veteran community. Burgess’s mission is to help people unlock their potential, using the values and discipline learned in military service to build better teams and stronger communities.