Kristi Spencer

For more than a decade, Mis Arcos has been a Carthage favorite—serving up family-inspired recipes, expanding its menu with new flavors, and welcoming guests like friends while celebrating the community that has embraced it.

For Carl Junction photographer Tara Buxton, capturing memories isn’t about perfect poses—it’s about preserving love and connection, especially for families facing illness or hardship, and making sure everyone has photos to treasure no matter their circumstances.

Downtown Joplin shines with color and creativity as Spiva Center for the Arts hosts Watercolor USA—the nation’s premier water media showcase—and welcomes hometown artist Jeffrey C. Legg with Alchemy of Light & Shadow, giving visitors a rare chance to experience two world-class exhibitions under one roof.

The Little Balkans Quilt Guild, a creative community celebrating its 35th anniversary, is hosting its popular annual quilt show this Labor Day weekend during the Little Balkans Days Festival. Beyond this major event, the guild is dedicated to fellowship, education, and extensive charity work, regularly creating and donating quilts to veterans, disaster victims, and local causes.

Pittsburg, Kansas, is more than a town with a college—it's a true college town, deeply intertwined with Pittsburg State University (PSU) since its founding in 1903. From Gorilla flags on porches to city-wide traditions like Paint the Town Red, the university and community share a unique bond built on mutual support, pride, and collaboration. PSU has shaped Pittsburg’s economy, culture, and identity, while students and faculty give back through volunteerism, arts, and innovation. Together, they’ve created a vibrant, unified hometown where “Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla” rings true.

The Col. Travis Hoover Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, based in Joplin, Missouri, trains youth and adults in aerospace education, emergency services, and leadership. With drones and survival skills, they assist in search-and-rescue missions locally and nationwide, including Hurricane Ian relief. Open to cadets aged 12-18 and senior members, the squadron fosters community service, character development, and career opportunities. Learn more at GoCivilAirPatrol.com.

Lamar, Missouri, was honored with the 2025 Missouri Community Betterment Gene Speichinger Award for Community of the Year, marking its fourth win in six decades. Projects like the Lamar Community Center, Wyatt Earp Park, and the Barco Drive-In restoration highlight the town’s dedication to growth, history, and collaboration. With strong partnerships and youth leadership, Lamar continues to set an example of community spirit and teamwork.

Jonathan Dawson, David Pyle, and Steven Taylor completed the 26.2-mile Bataan Memorial Death March to honor WWII soldiers. In 2024, they raised over $53,000 for Honor Flight of the Ozarks, helping veterans visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. Support their mission at honorflightoftheozarks.org.

SHINE in Joplin, Missouri, empowers adults with developmental disabilities through faith, service, work, fitness, and personal growth. Founded in 2021, the program helps members create high-quality products sold locally while fostering independence and purpose. With a focus on valued roles in society, SHINE transforms lives, strengthens families, and builds community connections, all guided by Christian principles. Learn more at SHINEJoplin.org.