Amy Howe

Neosho, Missouri’s extensive trail system, anchored by the High Ground Bike Preserve and Morse Park, offers a variety of outdoor experiences for all ages and abilities, from challenging mountain bike trails to ADA-accessible walking paths. Supported by community involvement and ongoing improvements, the trails serve as a hub for recreation, fitness, and social events, fostering a strong connection to nature and local traditions like trout season and disc golf.

Neosho author Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy has turned a lifelong passion for storytelling into a successful career, writing heartfelt novels that explore romance, family, and the challenges of ordinary people. With a disciplined approach and inspiration drawn from her own experiences, Murphy continues to adapt to the evolving publishing world, aiming to create stories that resonate emotionally and leave a lasting impact on her readers.

The Quapaw Nation is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the 1824 treaty with the United States—a pivotal event that forced the tribe to cede ancestral lands but also marks two centuries of Quapaw resilience and survival. The original treaty will be publicly displayed, offering a chance to reflect on the tribe’s enduring strength, cultural preservation, and ongoing sovereignty, as the Quapaw continue to honor their heritage and look toward a thriving future.

OurVeteransFirst, founded by Michelle Lee in 2019, is a Joplin-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting at-risk and homeless veterans with financial aid, essential supplies, and personalized assistance—especially for those not served by the VA. The organization’s programs include emergency aid, a Backpack Program, and plans for a Veterans Village offering housing and holistic support. Through community partnerships and a new ADA-compliant office, OurVeteransFirst continues to restore hope and stability for local veterans, inviting volunteers and donors to join their mission.

Charlie 22 Outdoors’ Operation Roaring River event at Roaring River State Park offered veterans a healing retreat filled with outdoor activities, camaraderie, and spiritual support. With fishing, nature hikes, and moments of personal growth—including a veteran’s baptism and the presence of WWII and Korean War veterans—the event fostered connection, hope, and emotional healing, all made possible by strong community support and a mission to show veterans they are not alone.

Carl Junction High School FFA members, led by Myles Massey, launched the Feed Our Farmers initiative to deliver boxed meals and gratitude to local farmers, recognizing their vital but often underappreciated role in feeding the community. The project not only provided relief and appreciation to farmers facing tough challenges but also fostered connections and understanding between students and the agricultural community, with hopes to make it an annual tradition.

The Boxmasters, formed by J.D. Andrew and Bud Thornton, continue to channel 1960s rock-and-roll with their 17th album, “Love & Hate in Desperate Places,” and a major North American tour. Known for blending British Invasion influences with California sounds, the band’s latest work reflects a collaborative, personal approach and evolving style, while their live shows and DIY spirit keep them closely connected to fans and true to their musical roots.

Joplin native Jeremy Scherle became a sought-after music photographer by chance, starting with powerful images of the 2011 tornado and building a career through networking, persistence, and a knack for capturing candid moments on the road with musicians. His work, which includes photographing legends like Paul McCartney and Willie Nelson, is marked by authenticity and strong relationships with artists, and he now looks to expand his creative pursuits while giving back to his community.

The 58th Annual Maple Leaf Festival in Carthage, Missouri, returns this October, uniting the community with parades, craft fairs, live music, and family activities amid the fall foliage. Supported by longtime sponsors Mercy Hospital Carthage and Southwest Missouri Bank, the festival celebrates local tradition, community spirit, and economic vitality, with this year’s theme honoring Carthage’s heritage as “America’s Maple Leaf City.”