Don Lowe

Emily Killion, the new head coach of Joplin High School’s Lady Eagles volleyball team, is eager to lead and grow the program, drawing on her experience as an assistant coach and the mentorship of influential coaches and family. She emphasizes positivity, hard work, and academic excellence, aiming to build a legacy of respect and commitment both on and off the court.

The Fairy Festival at Lendonwood Gardens in Grove, Oklahoma, on June 1 offers a whimsical experience for all ages, featuring crafts, fairy wings for kids, live music, a magician, face painting, fairy godmothers, and more—all set in the garden’s enchanting woodland setting. Organized with community support, the event highlights Lendonwood’s mission to connect people with nature and showcases the garden as a unique, year-round destination in Northeast Oklahoma.

Joplin will host the 65th annual National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC) Convention from May 13-19, drawing hundreds of Corvettes and enthusiasts from across the country. The week-long event features drag races, autocross, a car show, and valve cover racing, along with excursions to regional attractions. Organized by the 4 State Vettes Corvette Club and NCCC leaders, the convention highlights teamwork, community pride, and a shared passion for America’s iconic sports car.

The 13th and final Freeman Joplin Memorial Run will take place May 17-18, honoring the city’s resilience since the 2011 tornado. The event features multiple races, a Walk of Silence, and tributes to the 161 lives lost, with over 2,000 runners and 400 volunteers expected. Over its 13 years, the run has raised more than $300,000 for local causes, serving as a symbol of remembrance, community spirit, and Joplin’s ongoing recovery.

The Ottawa County Arts Festival (formerly Mural Fest 66) returns to Miami, Oklahoma, on April 27, celebrating local arts, culture, and community pride. The event features new Route 66-themed murals, a benefit car show, live music, food trucks, and family activities. Organized by the Miami Arts & Humanities Council, the festival brings together artists, residents, and visitors to enjoy public art, support small businesses, and foster creativity throughout Ottawa County.

The 54th annual Earth Day, themed “Planet vs. Plastics,” highlights the urgent need to reduce plastic production by 60% by 2040 and phase out single-use plastics by 2030. EarthDay.org’s campaign calls for greater public awareness, policy changes, and investment in alternatives to protect human health and the environment. Since its founding in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global movement, encouraging people worldwide to take action for a cleaner, healthier planet.

Zena Suri Alpacas in Northeastern Oklahoma, run by Tom and Kathleen Callan, offers visitors the chance to interact with their herd of 44 alpacas—including new crias—on a scenic 78-acre ranch. Guests can enjoy hands-on activities like feeding alpacas, learning fiber arts, and staying in a renovated cottage, while the Callans share their passion and knowledge about alpaca care and products. The ranch has become a popular destination for locals and travelers from around the world.

Jonah Spieker, a 17-year-old homeschool student, excelled both academically and athletically as a standout tight end for the Webb City Cardinals football team. Despite the challenges of balancing homeschool studies and public school sports, Spieker’s relentless work ethic and dedication led to numerous football honors and strong relationships with teammates and coaches. He plans to attend Hillsdale College after graduation.

The Praying Hands Monument in Webb City, created by artist Jack Dawson during the Vietnam War era, was intended as a lasting symbol of peace, prayer, and hope. Now a well-known landmark along Route 66, the 32-foot sculpture continues to offer comfort and inspiration to locals and visitors, reflecting the community’s enduring values and attracting people from around the world for fifty years.