Savanah Bandy

The Joplin Memorial Run organizers are shifting focus away from the tornado itself toward a more positive, forward-thinking approach while still honoring the 161 lives lost, with proceeds funding a 17-foot memorial sculpture. The 11th annual event features updated courses, simultaneous race starts, and will again be held at Cunningham Park due to construction at the downtown location.

This guide highlights the health benefits of walking and showcases nine popular trails and parks in Joplin, featuring everything from Wildcat Park's 3.4-mile loop with waterfalls and chert glades to smaller neighborhood options like Humphrey Park's .35-mile trail. Each location offers unique amenities from playgrounds and disc golf to fishing spots and memorial gardens, providing accessible outdoor recreation for all fitness levels.

Canadian Nina Johnston discovered her passion for painting after moving to Joplin in 1995 and walking into Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, where she transformed from a novice to a professional wildlife artist. After years of classes and practice, she was invited to join the gallery's collective of 18 professional artists in 2015, proving it's never too late to find your special talent.

The Hendricks family—Chris, Amber, and 17-year-old Coren—are passionate cyclists who completed a 700-mile journey from Joplin to Chicago via Route 66 in seven days as their 2019 family vacation. Coren is now pursuing professional cycling goals by applying for the U.S. Olympic Development Academy, while the family continues to use cycling as quality time together after Amber turned to the sport following spinal surgeries.

Troy Onstott, who suffered a diffuse axonal brain injury in a July 2019 UTV accident at age 10 requiring him to relearn basic functions, has made a complete recovery and returned to normal activities including sports and farming.

Lindsay Meadows, a lifelong competitive swimmer, overcame her fear of running at age 42 after a coach convinced her to try a sprint triathlon and is now training for her first full marathon in Minnesota.

Kylee and Kyle Good, who met in high school youth group, married May 31, 2021, at Bullskin Creek in Neosho with a rustic outdoor celebration featuring donuts instead of cake and family-prepared dishes.

Sarah and Mitch Jarvis discovered cycling two years ago through friends and became enthusiasts for the social camaraderie, participating in Neosho's Beers and Gears Pub Club and regional cycling events.

After founder John Howsmon's death in May, his son Dusty Altman took over Sam's Cellar in Neosho to keep the 15-year-old underground restaurant in the family rather than selling to strangers.