Kathleen Swift

The Show Me The Ozarks 20th Annual Cutest Baby Contest featured 172 entries with proceeds benefiting Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Seven-month-old Jaxtyn won first place, followed by one-year-old Brixton in second, nine-month-old Bria in third, and one-year-old Emelia as Facebook Fan Favorite.

Emmanuel Crawford was sold into slavery at age three in Ghana and rescued by Touch A Life Foundation before being adopted by the Crawford family in Grove, Oklahoma. Now a high school junior, he shares his story to inspire others and plans to start a nonprofit to help children in Ghana while pursuing business or acting careers.

The historic Coleman Theatre in Miami, Oklahoma, celebrates 93 years of operation while updating its lighting system and maintaining its original 1928 charm, featuring one of only 20 Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organs still in its original location. Under managing director Danny Dillon's leadership, the theatre continues to attract international tourists along Route 66 and hosts diverse events from silent film festivals to wedding receptions, supported by dedicated volunteers and the theatre's enduring "spirit."

Har-Ber Village in Grove, Oklahoma, is transitioning from static displays to interactive living history experiences, with spring events featuring Ecology Days, Civil War Era demonstrations with 175 reenactors, and Mountain Man Rendezvous. The museum aims to educate younger generations about how historical artifacts were actually used in daily life, from antique farming equipment to Civil War-era crafts and survival skills.

Bill's Electric Incorporated (BEI), led by president Brandon Wilson, is a three-generation, employee-owned electrical company serving the Four-State Region with over 340 employees across six locations. The company partners with Crowder College on a selective four-year apprenticeship program and handles everything from major commercial projects like Razorback stadium renovation to residential electrical needs.

The 12th Annual Nature Photo Cover Contest showcased wildlife photography from the Four-States Region, with winners capturing images of a three-toed box turtle, bluebird, cedar waxwings, grasshopper, and monarch butterfly. The contest benefits the Wildcat Glades Friends Group, which supports nature programming and habitat preservation in the Ozarks.

Buzz Ball and Lanette Mahle, married since 1978 with a goal of 78 years together, credit their 43-year marriage success to making divorce not an option, listening, compromising, and supporting each other's careers while saying "I love you" daily.

Mark and Kathy Norris reflect on their 30-year marriage that began when they met at Joplin's advertising club, attributing their success to shared interests, mutual respect, and appreciating each other's individuality while creating a "life tapestry" together.

Joplin Little Theatre returns to live performances after pandemic cancellations with "Driving Miss Daisy" starring Lisa Olliges, Keenan Cortez, and Shaun Conroy, continuing their 82-season tradition with upcoming Valentine's concert and spring productions.