Don Lowe

The 150th Annual Quapaw Powwow in Quapaw, Oklahoma, is the longest-running powwow in the state and second longest in the country, attracting visitors from around the world including international travelers drawn by Old Route 66. Chairman Joseph Byrd emphasizes the event's significance in honoring Quapaw ancestors who survived the Civil War and negotiated the Treaty of 1867, keeping their rich cultural legacy alive through social dancing and celebration.

Carl Junction junior volleyball setter Logan 'Lo' Jones is ranked 69th nationally and third in Missouri by Prep Volleyball, having already committed to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2023. The 17-year-old maintains a 4.0 GPA while emphasizing volleyball's team-dependent nature and the leadership skills required as "the quarterback of the volleyball team."

The Carl Junction Lady Bulldogs swimming team has achieved remarkable success in just five years of competition, earning 18 All-State awards and finishing sixth in the state under Coach Stephanie Miller's leadership. Miller emphasizes creating a strong team environment with high expectations and mental toughness, building confidence that extends beyond the pool through goals of "have fun, learn life lessons and swim fast, in that order."

Tim and Ann Bailey purchased Notable Outdoor Living in Grove, Oklahoma, marking their first business venture together after 38 years of marriage. The company specializes in high-quality outdoor furniture from Berlin Gardens and other outdoor living products, focusing on exceptional customer service and building lasting relationships in the Grand Lake community.

This guide highlights seven premier outdoor locations around Grand Lake in Northeast Oklahoma, featuring everything from Bernice State Park's wildlife refuge trails to Natural Falls State Park's 77-foot waterfall. The destinations offer varied experiences including botanical gardens at Lendonwood, historical exhibits at Har-Ber Village, and accessible paved paths suitable for all abilities and interests.

The Big Bass Bash at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees will attract over 1,000 anglers competing for a $100,000 grand prize in a two-day tournament where the biggest bass wins. The event welcomes casual anglers and former pros alike, offering $194,000 in total prizes with 160 bi-hourly payouts during the May competition.

Webb City Police Chief Donald E. Melton has served 26 of his 28 years in law enforcement with the Webb City Police Department, emphasizing compassionate application of laws and treating every call as the most important one that person will make. Despite challenges in recruiting qualified officers, Melton has modernized the department with technology and maintains strong community support through programs like Shop with a Cop and community fundraisers.

Lamar Tigers head football coach Jared Beshore was named Big 8-West Conference Coach of the Year and SWMFCA Class 2 Coach of the Year after leading his alma mater to a 13-1 record and state championship game appearance in just his second season. Despite the personal accolades, Beshore emphasizes that his true measure of success is developing young people rather than collecting awards.

Conservationist and outdoor journalist Larry Whiteley was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame after a distinguished career that included hosting radio shows, working with Bass Pro Shops for 23 years, and writing for numerous publications. Despite his surprise at the honor, Whiteley's decades-long mission has been inspiring people to experience the outdoors and pass that passion to their children.