Cover Story

Faithful Friends Animal Advocates has operated as a no-kill shelter in Neosho since 2008, serving Newton and McDonald counties with 28 dog kennels and 26 cat kennels. The organization relies on volunteers like Mark and Bonnie Scott and community donations to provide care for animals awaiting adoption.

Barton County Memorial Park in Lamar, Missouri, was created in 2019 to honor 69 local men who died in World War II and has raised over $300,000 through community fundraising to build memorials including a WWII section, war memorial, and areas honoring hospital workers. The volunteer-run park, built on the site of the old hospital originally constructed to honor the fallen soldiers, features a WWII Sherman tank and plans for continued expansion over the next decade.

Fourteen-year-old Olivia Emery has earned All State nominations three consecutive years and 10 tournament MVP awards as a dedicated right-handed pitcher who trains daily on the elite Vision Gold 2026-Barham team, ranked in the top 50 nationally. After proving her commitment by pitching every day for six months at age eight, she now balances softball with basketball and track while looking forward to winning state with her high school team.

Air Force veterans Pete Norwood and Dave and Beverly Helms led a community-wide effort to bring a legendary F-4 Phantom jet to Grove, Oklahoma, where it now serves as a therapeutic touchstone for veterans whose lives were saved by the iconic Cold War aircraft. The jet is displayed at The American Legion Freedom Park, funded entirely through donations from grateful veterans, businesses, and community members who raised $45,000 for its transportation and assembly.

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.

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.

The Empire Market in Joplin is adding a commercial kitchen funded by donations in memory of longtime downtown business owners Bunny and Jane Newton. The kitchen will help local farmers create value-added products, expand the free Kids Meal Program, and provide cooking education classes while supporting the market's mission of strengthening local food systems.

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.

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.