Magazine News

From August 25-31, Pittsburg, Kansas, celebrates the 40th anniversary of Little Balkans Days, a festival honoring the region's Balkan immigrant heritage through a week of cultural events featuring food, music, and arts. The festival offers activities for the whole family, with special events accessible via a $5 passport.

Will Jewett, a performer from Pittsburg, Kansas, has achieved his dream of joining the North American tour of Hamilton, playing Charles Lee and understudying King George III. From discovering dance at age 11 to earning a BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State, Will’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of storytelling. With experience in productions like Back to the Future: The Musical and the Mean Girls movie, he balances the excitement of live theater with his small-town roots, inspiring others to chase their dreams and "fail forward."

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.

The Short Rest, a fantasy-themed bar and restaurant in Missouri, offers a welcoming space for all ages to enjoy food, drinks, games, and themed events like Fae Fridays and Dungeons & Dragons nights. Opened by Jordan Watkins, a veteran and world traveler, the tavern fosters a strong sense of community, with patrons contributing to its decor and atmosphere. With events like foam sword fight clubs and discounts for fantasy attire, The Short Rest is a unique gathering place for fans of mystical realms and family-friendly fun.

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.

Lamar, Missouri, is home to standout athletes excelling in their sports. Basketball star Talon Timmons showcases leadership and scoring ability, football player Karson Parker thrives on hard work and teamwork, sprinter Brenna Morey breaks records with determination, and softball player Peyton Eddie shines with her speed and work ethic. These athletes embody dedication, skill, and passion, making their community proud.

Chris and Kelly Gregory, owners of Heartland Horseshoeing School in Lamar, Missouri, have spent 30 years teaching the art of farriery. Known for their rigorous training programs, the school attracts students worldwide, offering 12- and 24-week courses. A family-run business, their son Cody, a skilled farrier, is set to take on a larger role. With a focus on dedication and craftsmanship, the Gregorys continue to shape the next generation of farriers. Learn more at www.heartlandhorseshoeing.com.

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.

In April, Dr. Joseph Williams of Kansas City University taught first graders at Neosho’s RISE Elementary how to extract DNA from strawberries using simple household items. The hands-on experiment captivated students, sparking curiosity about science and showing how DNA connects to all living things. Dr. Williams emphasized the importance of exploration and curiosity, inspiring young minds to see the possibilities in STEM and health careers.