Amy Howe

Smokey Racks BBQ, founded by Jared Sharpe and now owned by Celeste and Ray Baker, has grown from a garden shed startup into a beloved barbecue spot known for its smoked meats, homemade sides, and desserts. Despite setbacks—including a fire and Celeste’s serious illness—the Bakers rebuilt and reopened in a new location, earning local acclaim and a loyal following. Celeste’s passion for feeding people and her resilience shine through, making Smokey Racks BBQ a true community favorite.

Comeau Jewelry, a family-owned business with locations in Pittsburg, Kansas, and Joplin, Missouri, specializes in custom jewelry design, restoration, and exceptional customer service. Led by Chad and Jill Comeau and their skilled team—including their sons—the store combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to create unique, personalized pieces and restore cherished heirlooms. With over 20 years of experience, Comeau Jewelry is dedicated to building lasting relationships and helping customers celebrate life’s special moments with beautifully crafted jewelry.

Fostering Connections, founded by Lacy Nickelson in 2018, supports foster and adoptive families in Southeast Kansas through a variety of family- and child-centered programs, including birthday gifts, home improvement help, and special events. Driven by faith and community partnerships, the organization aims to ensure every foster child feels loved and valued, providing practical resources and emotional support to help families thrive.

Dustin Strong, a former Marine sergeant from Pittsburg, Kansas, has dedicated his post-military life to historical education and reenactment, drawing on his own family’s Revolutionary War legacy. Now president of the local Sons of the American Revolution chapter, he leads efforts to bring history alive through living-history events and a period-accurate Color Guard, aiming to inspire community appreciation for America’s past and ensure its stories are passed down to future generations.

The historic Coleman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma, offers a unique and elegant wedding venue along Route 66, featuring stunning architecture, a grand ballroom, and the iconic Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ. With personalized service, affordable rates, and a rich sense of history, the Coleman Theatre provides couples with a memorable and stress-free setting for their special day.

Redings Mill Bread, founded by Jamey Smith in 2007 near Redings Mill, Missouri, is an artisanal bakery known for its woodfire-baked breads made with organic, locally sourced ingredients. Starting with a single oven and a passion for authentic European-style baking, Smith has built a loyal following through farmers markets, local restaurants, and community partnerships. The bakery’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and homesteading has made it a beloved culinary destination in the region.

Show Me The Ozarks Magazine spotlights influential local leaders from diverse fields who have made a positive impact in their communities over the past year through service, innovation, and teamwork.

Brandi Schol of Joplin, Missouri, built her family through foster care, adoption, and birth, guided by faith and a calling to provide a loving home for children in need. Starting with two foster siblings, she later adopted them, welcomed a biological son, and then adopted another baby boy, all while relying on the support of her community and church. Brandi’s story highlights the power of unconditional love and the belief that family is created by devotion, not just biology.

Daphne and Brandon Tait of Neosho, Missouri, became adoptive parents unexpectedly after caring for two young girls whose family was struggling with addiction. What began as babysitting turned into a heartfelt journey, as the Taits and their biological children embraced the new additions. In February 2023, the adoption was finalized, completing their family of six and leaving them grateful for the support of their community and the bonds they’ve built together.