Cover Story

Horses of Hope, founded in 1997, operates three equestrian therapy facilities serving individuals with disabilities and at-risk youth across Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

artCentral in Carthage presents "p-i-e-c-e-d TOGETHER," a mixed-media collaboration between friends Lori Marble and the late Jo Mueller running October-December 2021.

Bob Brown turned sports injuries into opportunities, becoming the Four States' premier race announcer while pursuing ambitious cycling adventures including Big BAM (Bike Across Missouri) and an Ironman 70.3.

Eighteen-year-old Haven Shepherd from Carthage, Missouri, placed fifth in the 200-meter individual relay at the Tokyo Paralympics as a double amputee who lost her legs at 14 months old in a tragic suicide bombing in Vietnam before being adopted by the Shepherd family at 20 months. Swimming competitively since age 10 with nine practices per week, Haven views her disability as "one of the greatest gifts" and considers representing the USA in the red, white, and blue as a dream come true that honors her biological mother's sacrifice. Her patriotic spirit and positive outlook demonstrate how she transformed personal tragedy into Paralympic achievement through dedication and the healing power of swimming.

The Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce organizes a two-day KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) Master Series barbecue competition featuring 40 teams competing for $4,500 in prizes, with judging based on taste, appearance, and texture. The year-long planning effort involves numerous sponsors including Vernon County Commission, City of Nevada, and Smithfield Foods, creating a regional spotlight that brings the community together while featuring both competitive barbecue and a "People's Choice" public tasting event.

Shangri-La Resort on Grand Lake transformed from a golf-focused destination into a comprehensive entertainment complex with the addition of The Anchor, an 11,000-square-foot indoor facility featuring virtual reality games, golf simulators, escape rooms, and arcade games. The expansion includes outdoor amenities like tennis and pickleball courts, basketball, sand volleyball, and a kids' fishing pond, making it a year-round destination for families and corporate events while honoring military history with a USS Oklahoma anchor memorial.

After a fire destroyed a rental property, Lendonwood Gardens built a new welcome center staffed by volunteers to enhance visitor experience with amenities like a garden shop, restrooms, and meeting space. The 8-acre botanical garden near Grand Lake features over 1,200 plant varieties arranged in Japanese garden design with koi ponds, bridges, and specialized collections including azaleas, rhododendrons, and a new Monarch Waystation. The volunteer-run facility serves as both an educational resource and popular venue for weddings and special events in Northeast Oklahoma.

The Joplin Area Welcome Club (JAWC), now celebrating its 40th anniversary, has long helped newcomers adjust to life in Southwest Missouri by offering friendship and community. Recently, the club updated its bylaws to welcome not just new residents but also longtime locals, men, retirees, and others seeking connection. With monthly games, luncheons, and social events, JAWC continues to evolve while maintaining its mission of building lasting friendships.

On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri, killing 161 people and destroying 7,500 homes. Ten years later, the Joplin Proud Committee hosted memorial events at Cunningham Park to honor lives lost, reflect on recovery, and celebrate the city’s resilience. The ceremony included speakers, remembrance activities, and a reading of the victims' names at 5:41 pm—the exact time the tornado struck.