Cover Story

The Miami, Oklahoma Travel Information Center recently reopened after a renovation focused on creating a cleaner, more welcoming space with touchless features, an expanded gift shop, and new amenities like a dog park and picnic area. Managed by Shanda Schertz, the center aims to be a destination where visitors can get travel help, discover Oklahoma attractions, and enjoy a comfortable stop along Route 66. The center highlights local products and supports tourism in Northeast Oklahoma, which generates $330 million in visitor spending annually.

Mark Metsker, Webb City Fire Department battalion chief, reflects on 40 years of diverse firefighting and emergency work. He leads a crew of six, emphasizes ongoing training, and coordinates with Joplin Fire Department. Metsker values the job’s variety and camaraderie and looks forward to retirement later this year.

Mother-daughter duo Deanna Ness and Beth Stewart combined their entrepreneurial talents to run two thriving businesses—Belles and Beaus Boutique and Second Edition Consignment—under one roof in Nevada, Missouri. Their shared space allows customers to shop, consign, and earn credit seamlessly between both stores. With strong community support, a well-timed website launch, and a dedicated team, the pair have built a successful, customer-focused retail experience.

After postponing their wedding due to COVID-19, Butch and Jordan Flick found new meaning in rescheduling to a date that honored family and tradition. Their October ceremony, held outdoors in the peak of fall at Greenwood Springs, was filled with personal touches—from antique amber bottles to a salt-mixing ritual inspired by Butch’s mother. Now living in Florida, the couple is embracing newlywed life with their dog, a fixer-upper home, and plenty of fishing and beach days.

Ozark Valley Christmas Tree Farm offers families a festive, hands-on Christmas experience with live tree cutting, hayrides, crafts, and local goods. Owner Charity Keith emphasizes the importance of family traditions and creating lasting memories, especially during uncertain times. This year, the farm has added safety measures like outdoor registers and barnside pickup, plus a whimsical toy shop to delight children.

Club 609, a popular Joplin restaurant and nightlife spot, opened in 1990 after extensive renovations transformed an old building into a vibrant venue. Owned and run by the Williams family across three generations, the business thrives on strong family work ethic and community loyalty. Over the years, Club 609 has stayed successful by balancing fresh updates with tradition, making it a beloved local institution.

Kelli Starkweather opened Posh Dogs Boutique in Joplin in 2019, inspired by her dog Milla Mae. She and her husband offer a variety of quality dog products, including organic treats, stylish apparel, and accessories. Dogs are always welcome in the store, where they get treats and personalized care. The boutique focuses on dogs’ health, wellness, and happiness.

Horses of Hope provides therapeutic riding and equine-assisted psychotherapy for people with disabilities but faced major challenges during COVID-19. They adapted by creating “telehorse” virtual lessons to keep clients connected with horses and therapy. Support from the community and their upcoming November gala are vital to sustain their work and care for their horses.

The community of Lamar raised over $40,000 to replace the broken projector at the 71-year-old Barco Drive-In Theater, ensuring the beloved local landmark could reopen. Fundraising efforts included online campaigns, local bank support, and direct donations from patrons. A new state-of-the-art 4K projector was installed, and the drive-in proudly reopened on July 4, with donations still coming in from loyal moviegoers.