Don Lowe

For nearly three decades, Baugh Flight Park near Reeds has been a place where powered parachutes lift more than just pilots into the sky—it’s where the Baugh family shares their love of flying across generations, welcoming students, neighbors, and visitors into a community built on adventure and wonder.

At 86, Carl Junction’s Herb Hoerman proves age is just a number—riding miles each week, tinkering with his beloved bike, and inspiring others with his passion for health, history, and staying active.

Carl Junction Schools welcomes Superintendent Dr. David Pyle and High School Principal Keith Robertson—two leaders with strong ties to the district who are dedicated to preparing students for bright futures while strengthening the heart of the community.

Tom Swartz, a 55-year-old Pittsburg resident, maintains a lifelong passion for cycling, riding multiple times a week for its physical, mental, and social benefits. He is an active member of the Whose Tires Flat? (WTF) Cycling Club, a close-knit group of friends that has also partnered with a local running group to organize community and charity rides.

This October, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School in Joplin is celebrating the milestone of surpassing 500 alumni in its 32-year history. The school views the diverse successes of its graduates as a direct reflection of its mission and actively fosters a lifelong connection with them through dedicated events and alumni engagement programs.

In a historic preservation effort, Lorenz Haus Development has transformed a 125-year-old building in downtown Pittsburg into a vibrant small business incubator and community hub at 211 N. Broadway. The revitalized property is a unique ecosystem featuring an outdoor food truck court, a speakeasy, a barbershop, and a retail store, creating a single destination for patrons to gather, connect, and support local entrepreneurs.

Lamar, Missouri, is home to standout athletes excelling in their sports. Basketball star Talon Timmons showcases leadership and scoring ability, football player Karson Parker thrives on hard work and teamwork, sprinter Brenna Morey breaks records with determination, and softball player Peyton Eddie shines with her speed and work ethic. These athletes embody dedication, skill, and passion, making their community proud.

Andy Albertson, Clay O’Dell, Leonard Cutbirth, Lucas Turnage, Lee Lake, and Monty Johnson each served their country with dedication and resilience. From Andy’s leadership in the Army to Monty’s work as an Army chaplain, their experiences in the military shaped their lives, teaching lessons of sacrifice, tradition, and purpose that continue to inspire their journeys today.

NEO A&M’s retired softball coach Eric Iverson and current wrestling coach Joe Renfro will be honored at the inaugural NJCAA Legacy Awards Luncheon, recognizing their remarkable careers. Iverson, with 1,116 wins and 33 All-Americans, credits his success to hard work and the support of players, coaches, and family. Renfro, with 254 wins, 142 All-Americans, and 22 national champions, emphasizes the team effort behind his achievements. Both coaches view the honor as a reflection of the people who shaped their programs and the lasting impact of NEO’s commitment to excellence.