Show Me the Ozarks Magazine

Transcription

Show Me the Ozarks Magazine
Joplin’s spirit is stronger
than any tornado.
Loretta’s office,
June 3, 2011
Today, our community stands proud. It’s because of the
courageous people who live here. One of those people is local
Allstate Agent Loretta Bailey.
In 2011, when her office was completely destroyed by the tornado,
she put her own needs aside to help her customers first.
Now Loretta proudly announces the reopening of her office.
Please stop by and help celebrate.
Loretta’s new office, 2015
REOPENING CELEBRATION: Thursday, March 5
11:00 – 11:30 AM Dedication of a special tornado memorial
officiated by Joplin Mayor Michael Seibert
Loretta Bailey
(417) 624-7355
2318 E 20th Street
[email protected]
11:30 AM – 1 PM Community Appreciation Event with refreshments,
giveaways and free document shredding
© 2015 Allstate Insurance Co.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 1
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SMTO
contents March 2015
5th Annual
Show Me The Ozarks
Wildcat Glades Conservation &
Audubon Center nature
photography contest
The winning photo in
our 5th Annual Nature
Photography Contest
by Russell Kinerson
on the cover
64
Wild Wonders
The two winners of the 5th Annual
Show Me The Ozarks Wildcat Glades
Conservation& Audubon Center
photography contest show their keen eye for the
details of nature through their winning photos. Take
a closer look at nature through the lenses of all the
remarkable contest entries.
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features
Featuring Joplin
40 The Big Picture: Powerful Treatment
42 Clifford Wert on Connect2Culture
44 Community Perspective on Regional Business
45 Leslie Simpson Knows Joplin
46 Joplin Business Spotlights
49 The Future of a Landmark Joplin Building
50 Mixing It Up in Joplin: Superheroes vs. Villains
52 Play Ball! Joplin Blasters Pro Baseball Team
53 Students Love Joplin
58 Joplin Crusaders - Semi-Pro Football Team Strives
to Repeat As National Champions
Featuring Webb City
68 Cruise Night In Webb City
69 It’s April, so It’s Springtime on Broadway
70 Fresh Air and Fun
72 Webb City Business Spotlights
in every edition
other great reads
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE OZARKS
12 Calendar of Events - Spring starts this month, and you’ll find
15
18
19
20
plenty to do to celebrate the start of a new season. Find what
you need for your wedding at a bridal swap meet or during a
bride ride. Get your kids’ pictures taken with a live Easter bunny
while they learn about rabbits and nature. Learn about area
businesses and industries at the numerous area business expos.
Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor activity, the options
are endless in the Four-State Area!
16 Cultural Arts and Entertainment Calendar
38 Faces & Places
HOME/LIFESTYLE
27 Tastes of the Four States - Pacific Rim
60 Your House...Your Home - Urban Industrial Design
62 Green Thumb - In Praise Of The Weird And Wonderful
86 The Great Outdoors - Using this month’s tips from Larry
Fashionably Late? No, I Just Don’t Care.
March at the Coleman Theatre
Visit Bartlesville
See You At The Big Show - Neosho’s 23rd Annual
Business & Industry Review
88 A Naturalist Voice - A Happy Ending with a
Touch of Class
58
Whiteley, you will catch more fish, attract more hummingbirds,
and cook up a delicious meal!
HEALTH
74 Heart of the Matter Women’s Health Luncheon
77 Health Events
78 Dental X-Rays: Who Needs ‘Em? 80 Colorectal Cancer - What is it?
81 The Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Poverty
82 Sleep, Sweet Sleep
83 New Tools for Evaluating and Monitoring Concussions
84 Colorectal Cancer, What You Should Know
Can you find it?
Find the Green smiley face on one of our pages. Email
[email protected] with the page number and spot
where you found it. Submit your entry by the 15th of the
month. A winner will be drawn from all the correct entries and
will receive a gift certificate from an area retailer. One entry per
household please. Good luck!
Congratulations to Connie Wilkinson from Joplin, MO, winner
of our February edition “Find the Green Smiley Face” contest.
Connie wins two gift certificates to McAlister’s Deli in Joplin,
MO. The Green Smiley face was on page 79 over the shoulder
of a runner in the Chilly 5K Big Picture.
Don’t miss a single edition of the magazine that has all of the region talking!
Subscribe today!
The Ozarks Magazine Since 2001
Subscription Form
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Show Me The Ozarks, PO Box 3325, Joplin, MO 64803
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March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 7
The Ozarks Magazine Since 2001
Staff
Publisher/Editor
Lee Radcliff
Editorial Director/Account Executive
Sue Dillmon
Associate Editors
Vicki Cash
Wendy Brunner-Lewis
Kathleen Swift
Graphic Designers
Kristi Tucker
George Radcliff
marketing/executive photographer
Tina Smith
MARKETING ASSISTANT
Lauren Guthery
Promotions Coordinator
Jamie Emery
MIDAMERICARV.COM
Staff Writers
Vicki Cash
Holly Hukill
John Hacker
Jeff Cantrell
Kathleen Swift
Don Lowe
Rose Hansen
Larry Wood
Larry Whiteley
Bridget Bauer
Rodney Blaukat
Christine Smith
Kristin Nama
Photographers
Angela Spieker
Rose Hansen
Mandy Edmonson
John Hacker
Distribution Manager
Mandy Edmonson
Show Me The Ozarks Magazine is published monthly by Show Me Communications, PO Box
3325, Joplin, MO 64803. Copyright 2015 all rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine,
in part or in whole, is prohibited without written permission from SMTO. Subscription
rates: $19.99 for one year, $32.99 for two years, $41.99 for three years. Advertising rates
sent on request. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and art will not be returned unless
accompanied by self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.
8
NOTE: Information published herein is subject to change without notice. Reproduction
in whole or in part is strictly prohibited by law. SMTO makes every effort to ensure the
accuracy of published information, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for
any consequences arising from errors or omissions. SMTO does not take responsibility for,
or always endorse the opinions of contributors or advertisers. SMTO reserves the right to
not run an ad or article that is reviewed to be in bad taste or goes against the focus or
mission of that of Show Me The Ozarks Magazine. Editor photo by Artistic Expressions.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 9
“My reported
demise has
been greatly
exaggerated”
– Mark Twain
IRAs ARE
ALIVE AND
WELL.
In fact, just about everybody
can still make a full
contribution to their IRA.
And, many individuals
may be eligible to receive
a full deduction
for their contribution.
For more information, contact:
Making a Difference
in Our Communities
The crucial ingredient to making a difference is the passion shared by the people of our
community. To the small businesses, our students, area non-profits and the volunteers,
the passion to make our home the greatest place to live overflows in our region, and
all of us on the Show Me team are proud to celebrate Joplin’s 142nd birthday. In
celebration of this milestone, we have featured 11 students from four Joplin schools
who share messages about the history, the resilience and their love for our city. In
addition to the celebration of the birth of our great city, we have honored locally
owned businesses that are celebrating 10 to 90 years of business in our Joplin Business
Spotlights.
Warmer weather is just in sight. Our March edition is perhaps a teaser for what is about
to come. We are highlighting an astonishing cast of nature photographers who shared
their amazing gift for taking pictures and capturing the beauty of our region. With 43
entries, we are happy to announce Russell Kinerson is the winner of 5th Annual Nature
Photography Contest. Russell has entered our contest every year and has volunteered
over 700 hours at the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center. We could not
think of a better recipient. Thank you to our judges, Patrick Tuttle, Brad Douglas,
Kerstin Landwer and Kristi Tucker, and all the readers who entered. Since its inception,
SMTO has raised over $7,000 for the center through this contest, and we want to keep
that going! Watch for our contest again next year!
Keep sending in your entries for the 13th Annual 4-State Baby Contest. We not only
have passionate adults in our region, but the cutest babies too. The winner will be
featured on the cover of the May edition of SMTO Magazine. Check out our Facebook
page to see all the entries, and find more information on how to enter on page four of
this edition!
We want to hear from you! Come see the Show Me team at the Carl Junction Area
Chamber of Commerce Business Expo March 7. By stopping by and telling us what
you would like to see in our upcoming editions, you will receive two free spins on our
“Wheel of Chance.” Lucky spinners have the chance to win a St. Patrick’s Day bouquet
and gift cards to locally owned fine dining!
Kenneth Williams
Vice President/Investments
(417) 781-6161
(800) 890-7007
We will also be at the Neosho Business & Industry Review March 20 and 21. Again,
stop by and tell us what you would like to read and see, and spin the “Wheel of Chance.”
Lucky spinners will have a chance to win an Easter lily and gift cards to locally owned
fine dining! Sharing your favorite read or find within a past SMTO edition will earn
you two free spins!
Happy March! May your St. Patrick’s Day be filled with enchantment, good luck,
happiness and lots of spring sunshine. We hope you find your pot of gold!
Happy Birthday, Joplin!
401 S. Main Street
Joplin, Missouri 64801
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com
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Lee Radcliff
Editor/Publisher
[email protected]
P.O. Box 3325 • Joplin, MO 64803
(417) 455-9898 • (417) 850-5557
Like us at /ShowMe The Ozarks Magazine
Follow us @ShowMeMag01
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 11
SMTO
Calendar of Events
What’s Happening
in the Ozarks
If you have an event you would like to see listed in the Calendar of
Events, please email your request to: [email protected],
or mail your submission to Show Me The Ozarks, 18724 Hwy 59,
Neosho, MO 64850. Events are printed on a space available basis,
and must be received by the 5th of the month prior to the month of
the scheduled event.
Franklin, KS
March 1-March 28: Miners Hall Museum Special Exhibit: A Stitch
in Time, Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Miners Hall Museum, 701 S. Broadway
St. Special programming will be held, visit Facebook page for more
information. Call 620.347.4220.
March 8: Miners Hall Museum-Counted Cross Stitch, 10 am,
Miners Hall Museum, 701 S. Broadway St. Bev Pommier will present
basic cross stitch information along with an easy project for
participants. Materials provided; free. Call 620.347.4220.
Pittsburg, KS
March 7: PSU International Students Food and Culture Fair,
5-7 pm, Pittsburg’s Memorial Auditorium, lower level, 503 N. Pine.
International diversity on the Pittsburg State University campus will
be on display; open to the community. Call 620.235.4680.
March 14: Shamrock Shuffle 5K, 8 am, Lincoln Center. A guessyour-time format with prizes for the top three individual male and
females, top three teams that cross the finish line. All runners and
participants encouraged to wear green to show their spirit! Online
registration at https://pprd.pittks.org/ or call 620.231.1000.
March 15: SEK Humane Society Chili Fundraiser and Country
Store, 11 am-2 pm, lower level of Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium.
Tickets $7 and includes chili, crackers, dessert and drink. Proceeds
go toward the care and maintenance of the homeless animals at
the shelter. Contact 620.232.1840.
March 27-28: Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce Biz Expo,
Pittsburg’s Meadowbrook Mall. The public is invited to attend this
free event that showcases a wide variety of products and services
from area businesses. Booth space available, call 620.231.1000 or
visit http://pittsburgareachamber.com.
Aurora, MO
March 28: Annual Business EXPO, 10 am-2 pm, Aurora High
School, 305 W. Prospect. Giveaways, drawings and door prizes.
Call 417.678.4150 or [email protected].
Carl Junction, MO
March 7: Carl Junction Business Expo, 9 am-2 pm. Carl Junction
Community Center, 303 N. Main. Admission $2/adults, children
under 12 free. March 14: Carl Junction Lion’s Club Community Breakfast,
7-10 am, Carl Junction Community Center, 303 N. Main. All-youcan-eat breakfast. Adults/$5, children/$3. Call 417.649.8846.
Carthage, MO
Every Friday: The Woodshed, inside Cherry’s Emporium on the
Square, 7:30 pm. Live music. $5 admission. Call 417.358.2707.
Diamond, MO
George Washington Carver National Monument Visitor
Center Free Programs, two miles west of Diamond on Highway
V, then 1/4 mile south on Carver Road. Visitor center and park
grounds open daily 9 am-5 pm. Call 417.325.4151 or visit
www.nps.gov/gwca.
March 1: Ida B. Wells, 1 pm. Thirty-minute film explores the life of
a woman who fought against lynching in the South and worked
as teacher, journalist and human rights activist.
March 7 & 8: George Washington Carver, An Uncommon Way,
1 pm. Fifty-minute film documentary produced by Franklin
Springs Family Media chronicles Carver’s life story, from his
struggles to obtain an education through his rise to fame as a
scientist, educator and humanitarian.
March 14 & 15: Carver Laboratory Demonstrations, 11 am1 pm. Want to learn about some of the products George
Washington Carver developed in his laboratory? Discover how
Carver used some often-overlooked plants to change the way we
think about agriculture.
March 15-22: Peep into Spring, 9 am-4 pm. The Partnership for
Environmental Education (PEEP) invites you to get your own PEEP
Passport. Visit the park and five area sites that conserve natural
resources to earn a special patch.
March 21 & 22: Old-Fashioned Toys & Games, 10 am-4 pm.
Playtime was a simple affair in the 19th century, as children
invented their own games or played with homemade toys. Stop
by the visitor center and experience the joy of playing with some
old-fashioned toys and games. This is a self-guided activity.
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March 28: George Washington Carver National
Monument Art and Essay Award Program, 2 pm. The
public is invited to attend this program recognizing the
efforts of the many hardworking fourth grade students who
submitted essays and artwork based on the life of George
Washington Carver.
Coffee With Carver Series
March 19: Carver’s Bulletins: Tomatoes and More, 10-11
am. Have coffee and learn more about the work of George
Washington Carver. Program intended for ages 18 and up.
Joplin, MO
Every Friday: Friday Nights Out at Victory, 6-9 pm, 3405
S. Hammons Blvd., $3/person; max of $15/family. Gym
membership card gets half off admission. Open basketball
court, archery tag, pool tables, foosball, bracelet making,
Wii, Xbox 360, food available from West Coast Tacos and
BBQ. Impact Life praise team performs from 7-9 pm. Call
417.206.6886.
March 1: Wedding Stuff Bridal Swap Meet, 12-3 pm,
Cosmopolitan Event Center, 501 S. Main. Find repurposed
items, shabby chic, new items, homemade decor, used
decor, catering, planning, photographers and honeymoon
options, plus glassware, wedding-related, burlap and lace,
floral, reception venues and even dresses and changing
rooms to try them on. $2. For booth application and info call
417.629.2495 or email [email protected].
March 3: First Tuesday Fundraiser Luncheon, 11:30 am-1
pm. First Presbyterian Church, 509 S. Pearl. Lunch includes
choice of chili with or without beans, spaghetti red with
or without beans, or lasagna. Includes salad, dessert and
drink. $6. Carry-outs available. This month’s lunch benefits
the Community Clinic. Call 417.624.2433.
March 6: Joplin Woman’s Club, noon, Twin Hills. The program will be
“Carolyn Trout Does Her Eggs.” $11. Hostesses are Gwen Delano, Pat
Crespino and Mary Reynolds. Call 417.781.6138.
March 8: Joplin Bride Ride 2, 11 am-3 pm. Visit great wedding and
reception venues, and vendors around Joplin via limousine or charter
party bus. Dining, drink options and prizes. $10 per guest for food, drinks,
transportation. Call 417.629.2495.
Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center
Open Wednesday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 12-4 pm, closed Monday
and Tuesday. Wildcat Park and nature trails open 7 days a week, dawn to
dusk. All programs are held at Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon
Center, 201 W. Riviera Dr., Suite A, Joplin. Programs require preregistration.
Call 417.782.6287 or visit www.wildcatglades.audubon.org.
March 7: Feeling Blue, 1-3 pm. Age: 10+. $5 per person members/$10
per person non-members. They’re our state bird and they need homes,
too! Learn all about the magnificent bluebird and what you can do to
help them. Make a bluebird house to take home, and help us spruce
up last year’s bluebird houses in the park as we prepare for the nesting
season.
March 14: Bunny Hop-Preschool Nature Connections, 10-11 am. Age:
3-6 years. $5 per child members/ $10 per child non-members. Hop on
over to the Center to learn more about rabbits. Songs, games, crafts and
stories will help us learn more about this common Missouri mammal. We
will spend some time outside looking for rabbits, their food and places
where they may raise their young. Our time will include a visit from a
special, live bunny friend! Stay after the program and get a professional
photo of your child with him for a small fee.
March 14: Pictures with the Bunny, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. All ages
welcome. $5 per person members/$10 per person non-members. Join
photographer Russ Kinerson for pictures with our very own live Easter
bunny! Photos will be mailed the following week, just in time to send out
in your springtime greetings to family and friends.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 13
SMTO
Calendar of Events
What’s Happening
in the Ozarks
March 20: First Day of Spring Hike and PEEP Passports, 10
am-12 pm. Age: 6+. $5 per person members/$10 per person nonmembers. Need a fun activity with the kids over spring break? Join
us on a moderate hike to look for signs of spring, from birds
singing to flowers blooming, and much more! You can also pick up
your PEEP (Partnership for Environmental Education Partnership)
Passport (free) at any time and visit other interpretive sites in the
area. During your visit, answer the questions for that PEEP site and
receive a stamp or sticker. Once you have visited at least six of the
eight sites, you earn a cool PEEP patch!
March 21: Yoga in Nature, 9-10 am. All ages; $3 per person
members/$6 per person non-members. Enjoy exercising at your
own level beside beautiful Shoal Creek. Instructor Connelaine
Gustad teaches Hatha Yoga, exercise for balance, strength,
flexibility and endurance, which can instill harmony and tranquility
in one’s life. Program held indoors in inclement weather.
March 27: Flying WILD Bird Workshop for Homeschooled
Families, 10 am-3 pm. All ages welcome, $22 per family.
Exploring bird biology, behavior, sounds, flight and habitat can
be an adventure in learning for you and your family with the
environmental education program Flying WILD. Participants
will experience a fun, hands-on supplementary curriculum that
engages children in real inquiry and meets National Science
standards. The 43 activities in the program guide help middle
school students excel academically and learn science process
skills. The activities can also be easily adapted for younger children.
Everyone should bring a sack lunch, but snacks and some supplies
are provided. Lamar, MO
Neosho, MO
Newton County Extension Center events:
March 10: Buying Bulls for Economic Success, 6 pm, Newton
County Extension Center, 18728 Hwy 59. Eldon Cole, livestock
specialist, is the keynote speaker. $10 per class or three for $25.
Call 417.455.9500.
March 17: Working with Volunteers, 6 pm, Newton County
Extension Center, 18728 Hwy 59. Jeremy Elliot, 4-H youth
development specialist,, is the speaker. $10 per class or three for
$25. Call 417.455.9500.
March 24: Identify & Strengthen Leadership Skills, 6 pm,
Newton County Extension Center, 18728 Hwy 59. Kathy Macomber,
community development specialist, is the speaker. $10 per class or
three for $25. Call 417.455.9500.
March 31: High Performing Teams, Raising the Bar, 6 pm,
Newton County Extension Center, 18728 Hwy 59. Kathy Macomber,
community development specialist, is the speaker. $10 per class or
three for $25. Call 417.455.9500.
Neosho, MO
March 14: Veteran & Active Duty Military Fishing Day, 10 am-2
pm, Neosho National Fish Hatchery, 520 East Park St. Free fishing
and lunch provided for active and retired military. No license or
tag required; however, there is a four-trout limit. Volunteers will
be available to clean and bag your catch on ice. Call 417.451.0554.
March 20 & 21: 23rd annual Neosho Business & Industry
Review, 5-8 pm Friday, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, Neosho High School.
Businesses promote their products and services; drawings and
door prizes. Call 417.451.1925.
Pineville, MO
Every Monday: Senior Center Activities, 9 am, Barton County
Senior Center, 306 W. 11th St. We offer cards, dominoes, exercise
equipment, a reading library, pool, computer/Internet access and
Wii. Call 417.682.3881.
March 28: Health Fair/Business Expo, 8 am-2 pm, McDonald
County High School. The Freeman Screen Team and various
medical vendors will be at the Health Fair. After visiting that, step
across the hall to the non-profit booths and then into the gym for
the business displays. Call 417.223.8888.
Monett, MO
Webb City, MO
March 2: Monett Senior Dance, 7 pm, Senior Center, 415 Dairy
Street. Monthly dance, $3. Call 417.235.3285.
Every Saturday: Farmers Market, 9 am-noon, under the pavilions,
King Jack Park. www.webbcityfarmersmarket.com.
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Not
It’s
Rocket Science
Fashionably Late?
No, I Just Don’t Care.
I
By Rodney Blaukat
hate to be late. I hate it more than I hate jalapenos, and I really
hate jalapenos. I have always operated on the premise if you’re not
early you are late. To me there is no excuse for being late.
Now, I’ve noticed as time has gone by — and my hair grays — society
has come to accept the fact that being late is OK. How many times
have you heard someone say, “We are fashionably late”? I don’t think
so. You are either on time, or late. Period.
Now, I know several people who already have their excuses for being
late ready to go as if they are pulling out arrows from their quiver. I
was held up in traffic, the kids were running behind, I got a phone call,
aliens captured my body, on and on and on. But I think we all know
deep down it is because we did not plan ahead. We are late because we
want to be late, whether we will admit that or not. So instead we say
we are “fashionably late” as if it is some sort of award.
What if we applied the same logic to every area of our lives, not just
certain events? I’ll let my boss know that I’ll be “fashionably late” to
work. The waiter at the restaurant will be “fashionably late” getting
our food to us. The movie will be “fashionably late” in starting. I think
you get the idea.
I was thinking about this the other day while sitting in church. I couldn’t
believe how many people are “fashionably late” to church. We make
sure we are early to ballgames, movies, appointments and activities,
but we stroll into church whenever we can. I heard a minister once
tell the congregation, “How do you think the praise team feels when
everyone comes in late each week?” They work hard all week to put
together a meaningful worship service only to have the congregation
come in when they want. Of all the places you wouldn’t want to be
late, church should be the first on the list.
Getting to church or wherever you are going on time is a matter of
priorities. We all make choices as to when we leave and when we will
get there. If you are going to make a fashion statement, don’t make it
being late.
It’s Not Rocket Science...It’s Rocket Science Made Easy.
Rodney Blaukat is a speaker, trainer,
all around good guy and the author of Rocket
Science Made Easy. He can be reached at www.rocketsciencemadeeasy.com and
[email protected].
Positive Hit Music!
Local Radio done Right!
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& Bubba 6am-9am
Lisa Davis “Work Day” Life Line
9am-3pm
Karson with a ‘K’
3pm-6pm
Andrea
6pm-11pm
Request Line: 417.623.0105
Listen Live @ MyNewLifeRadio.com
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 15
Carthage, MO
March 7, 14, 21 & 28: Painting for All Ages, 12:30-2 pm,
Cherry’s Art Emporium, 311 S. Main St. Cost $30, includes
materials. Call 417.358.2707.
March 12: Canvas & Cocktails, 6-8:30 pm, Cherry’s Art
Emporium, 311 S. Main St. Cost $40, includes materials and
cocktail. Call 417.358.2707.
March 25-29: The Fantasticks, 7:30 pm, 2:30 pm Sunday
matinee, Joplin Little Theatre. A funny and romantic
musical about a boy, a girl, two fathers and a wall. Visit
www.joplinlittletheatre.org or call 417.623.3638.
March 20-22 & March 27-29: Little Old Ladies in Tennis Shoes.
Doors open 6 pm, show starts 7:30 pm; Sunday matinee: doors
open 12:30 pm, show 2 pm. Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre, 2466
W. Old Route 66 Blvd. Adults: $24.50; seniors (55 and up): $21;
youth (13-18): $21; children: $12. Call 417.358.9665 or visit
www.stonesthrowdinnertheatre.webs.com.
March 27: Fourth Friday Film Night, 7 pm, Phoenix Fired Art,
1603 S. Main. Showcases artists’ biographies, art techniques
and philosophical art-related films. Donations accepted. Bring
your own camp chairs and snacks. Call 417.437.9281.
Joplin, MO
March: Student Artwork Exhibit, Joplin Public Library
(Children’s Department), 300 S. Main. Display featuring the
artwork of different Joplin Elementary School students. This
month, artwork was created by 2nd grade students from
Columbia Elementary. Call 417.623.7953.
Through March 28: Trash-To-Art 2015 Contest. Contest
to celebrate the Joplin Recycling Center’s 15th anniversary.
Entries must be made of materials that would otherwise
be discarded. Pick up entry form at the Post Art Library, 300
S. Main St., or Joplin City Hall, First Floor Reception Counter,
602 S. Main St., or at www.joplinmo.org. Call 417.782.7678 or
417.624.0820, Ext. 501.
March 1-31: Laura Horn Mixed Media Exhibit, 300 S. Main
St., Monday & Thursday 9:30 am-7:30 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday,
Friday and Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm; Sunday 1-5:00 pm. Laura
Horn will display quilled (paper filigree) pieces and “stained
glass” style watercolor paintings. Free. Call 417.782.7678.
March 4: Connect2Culture Arts Roundtable: What Everyone
Should Know About Copyrights, 5–7 pm, Post Memorial Art
Reference Library, 300 S. Main St. Attendees will learn the
basics of copyright law: who owns what, how much you can
use of someone else’s work, what’s really “fair” about “fair
use,” what happens when you sell a piece and how to avoid
disputes. Call 417.625.6683.
March 5: Pro Musica presents the Lysander Piano Trio, 7
pm, First Baptist Church, 633 S. Pearl. Free; however, donations
appreciated. For more information: www.promusicajoplin.org
or 417.625.1822.
March 6 & 7: Heartland Opera Theatre presents Down In the
Valley, 7 pm, TJ Concert Hall. Thomas Jefferson Independent
Day School and Heartland Opera Theatre join forces to present
a beautiful American story about jealousy and young love. Call
417.782.4953.
March 6: A Local Female Art Group – Meeting & Critique,
6-9 pm, Phoenix Fired Art, 1603 S. Main. Second meeting and
first critique. Bring your artwork: 2-D, 3-D, writing, acting, etc.
Bring as many pieces as you want. All levels and ages welcome.
Call 417.437.9281.
March 7 & 8: Straw into Gold: The Classic Tale of
Rumpelstiltskin, 2:30 pm, Taylor Performing Arts Center. The
story of Rumpelstiltskin, the evil troll who can spin straw into
gold. Blackmail, treachery and romance are all spun into this
classic tale. Call 417.625.9393.
March 12: Joplin Writers Guild, 6 pm, second Thursday of
every month, Joplin Public Library meeting room, 300 S. Main
St. Open to the public. Dues $7.50 for the year. If interested,
attend first meeting free. Wide array of people attend from
hobbyists to professional, published writers. Call 417.623.7953.
March 19-29: Stained Glass Theatre Joplin presents
Pygmalion, Thu–Sat: 7 pm, Sun: 2:30 pm, Location: TBA. Based
on classical myth, Bernard Shaw’s «Pygmalion» plays on the
complex business of human relationships in a social world. Call
417.626.1293.
16
March 21: Explore & Play! It’s Alphabet Day, 10:30 am,
Joplin Public Library, 300 S. Main, ages 1-5. Fun, hands-on time
just for families with busy toddlers and preschoolers. Free and
open to the public. Call 417.623.7953.
Exhibits:
March 2–28: Dreadful 7, MSSU Spiva Art Gallery. Among the
3-D art showcase is original works by art faculty members.
417.625.6683.
Classes:
Every Wednesday & Saturday: Classes at Local Color, 10
am–6 pm, Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main St.
Each session is come and go. 10 am-2 pm: Donna Roberts
specializes in realism and experimental techniques for creative
watercolors and acrylics. $25 per class. Call 417.623.3727. From
2-6 pm: Paula Giltner will teach realism watercolor and acrylic
painting techniques and design principles. $25 per class. Call
Paula at 417.291.1486.
Every Saturday: Painting Class, 12:30-3 pm, ages 8+, Local
Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main St. Enjoy creating your
own work of art with help from experienced local artists. All
materials furnished. $35. Call to reserve: 417.553.0835.
March 14: Art Feeds Second Saturday Workshop, 9-11:30
am, St. Paul’s Preschool, Rainbow Color Explosion! K-5th grade
workshops are open to the community and organized around
a fun, imaginative theme. Includes four projects and a snack.
$25 for online pre-registration; $30 at the door. Registration:
www.classy.org/joplin/events/art-feeds-2nd-saturdayworkshops/e33113.
March 16: Chat n Craft for Adults, 5:30-8 pm, Joplin Public
Library, 300 S. Main St. Meets every third Monday. Share ideas,
tips and tricks with other crafters. Bring your current craft
project. Call 417.623.7953.
March 28: The Hip Handmade Market, 10 am-4 pm, The
Amelie & The Roxy, 104 S. Joplin Ave. Southwest Missouri’s
hippest craft show is back with over 50 vendors. Email
[email protected].
RSVPaint-Joplin
420 S. Main St. All events last two hours. Pricing includes acrylic
paints, canvas, brushes, easel, apron and instruction. $35
each. Ages 13 and over unless otherwise noted; 21 and over
to consume alcohol. RSVP in advance. 417.680.5434 or visit
www.rsvpaint.com.
March 1: 1-3 pm, “Juniper Pearl’ with Coleman
March 4: 1-9 pm, Walk-In Wednesday Open Studio
March 5: 7-9 pm, “Cat Noir” with Jordan
March 6: 7-9 pm, Date Night “Canoe For Two” with Jordan
March 7: 1-3 pm, “Red Umbrella” with Jordan
If you have an event you would like to see listed in the Cultural Arts and Entertainment section, please email your request
to: [email protected], or mail your submission to Show Me The Ozarks, 18724 Hwy 59, Neosho, MO 64850. Events are printed
on a space available basis, and must be received by the 5th of the month prior to the month of the scheduled event.
March 7: 7-9 pm, “Red Umbrella” with Jordan
March 8: 1-3 pm, “Country Church” with Jordan
March 9: 6:30-9 pm, Master Study, “Monet›s Sunrise” with Jordan
March 28: Beginner Pysanky Egg Design, 10 am-1 pm. Ages: 13+.
Cost: $35. Learn this ancient art form of using egg shells, beeswax
and water soluble dyes to create masterpieces in miniature.
March 12: 7-9 pm, “Hydrangea Garden” with Coleman
March 28: Advanced Pysanky Egg Design, 2-5 pm. Ages: 13+.
Cost $35. Build on the knowledge gained in the beginner’s class
by trying more intricate designs and increasing the dye selections.
March 13: 7-9 pm, “Irish Pride” with Coleman
Exhibits:
March 14: 1-3 pm, All Ages Family Paint, “Elephant” with Coleman
Opening March 7: Main Gallery: PhotoSpiva 2015. This 39th
edition of the longest-running photography competition in the
nation features 85 photographs that were accepted from 809
submitted from across the U.S.
March 11: 1-9 pm, Walk-In Wednesday Open Studio
March 14: 7-9 pm, “Butterfly Spiral” with Jordan
March 15: 1-3 pm, “Celtic Cross” with Jordan
March 15: 5-8 pm, Paint Your Pet by Petsway
March 18: 1-9 pm, Walk-In Wednesday Open Studio
March 19: Third Thursday. RSVPaint Celebrates One Year in Joplin!
March 20: 7-9 pm, Date Night, “Serene Eventide” with Coleman
March 21: 1-3 pm, All Ages Family Paint, “Shake a Tail-feather” with
Coleman
March 21: 7-9 pm, Date Night, “Splash of Red” with Jordan
March 22: 1-3 pm, All Ages Family Paint, “Shake a Tail-feather” with
Coleman
March 23: 6:30-9 pm, Master Study, “Klimt’s Field of Poppies” with Jordan
March 25: 1-9 pm, Walk-In Wednesday Open Studio
March 26: 7-9 pm, “Sapphire Poms” with Coleman
March 27: 7-9 pm, “Bicycle” with Jordan
March 28: 1-3 pm, All Ages Family Paint, “Over the Rainbow” with
Coleman
March 28: 7-9 pm, “I would Lasso the Moon” with Jordan
March 29: 1-3 pm, “Chrysanthemums” with Coleman
Spiva Center for the Arts
Third and Wall streets. Galleries and gift shop hours: 10 am-5 pm
Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 pm Sunday; closed Mondays and major holidays.
Suggested voluntary contribution for admission is $2 adults; $1 children.
Call 417.623.0183. Complete listing of classes at www.spivaarts.org or
follow us on Facebook.
Classes:
March 2 & 9: Art Lounge, 5-8 pm. Ages: 14-18. Cost: $99 for nine
weeks. Explore professional art studios or learn how to create a blog to
showcase art en route to building a portfolio. Class fee includes a light
meal each week.
March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: Creation Station, 3:45-5:15 pm. Ages: 6-12,
$5 per class. Drop in to experiment with a variety of media: painting,
drawing, clay, sculpture, collage, photography and printmaking. Please
pre-register.
March 5, 12, 19 & 26: Young Painter, 3:45-5:15 pm. Ages: 6-12, $10 per
class. Learn the basics of painting.
Weekend Classes
March 7: Anime with Amber Baker, 11 am-1 pm. Ages: 12-18. Cost: $25
per class. Observe the work of professional anime artists, then practice
on real anime boards to create your character, storyline and background.
March 14: Stamped Leather Bracelets, 1-3 pm. Ages: 10+. Cost: $15.
Learn how to stamp a creative design into a leather bracelet, then finish
it off with a waterproof coating.
Regional Gallery: Wildly Serene: Paintings by Jack Davis. Local
artist Davis fills his canvases with texture, light and color to bring
wildlife and nature’s drama to life.
Upstairs Gallery: PhotoSpiva Kids. The children’s answer to
PhotoSpiva, this exhibit features the work of 12 shutterbugs ages
four through eight.
Pittsburg, KS
February 26-March 1: PSU Theatre Presents Eurydice, PSU
Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. Sarah Ruhl reimagines the classic
myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. Call 620.235.4796.
March 6: 41st Annual PSU Jazz Festival, 1 pm, concert 7:30-9:45
pm, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts & Memorial Auditorium,
503 N. Pine. Free. Sixty-plus public school and community college
performing groups. Jazz Festival Concert with DIVA. Tickets at the
door or PSU ticket office. Call 620.235.4796.
March 7: String Madness Concert: String Band Music from
Bach to Bebop, 3 pm, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 503 N.
Pine. Three hot instrumentalists pool their talents to form String
Madness. Call 620.231.7000.
March 7: PSU International Students Food and Culture Fair, 5-7
pm, Pittsburg’s Memorial Auditorium, 503 N. Pine. Rich international
diversity on display. Call 620.235.4680.
March 12: A Tribute to America and the Arts: Gene Bicknell in
Concert, 7-9 pm, Bicknell Family Center. Grand opening celebration
produced by entertainment veteran and philanthropist Gene
Bicknell features performances by the Pittsburg State University
choirs, the SEK Symphony and Pittsburg State Theatre. Tickets
prices: $22 general public, $15 seniors (65 and over), children
(18 and under) and PSU faculty/staff, and free for fee-paying PSU
students. Visit www.bicknellcenter.com or call 620.235.4796.
March 25: PSU Performing Arts & Lecture Series Presents
World-Famous Illusionist Reza, 7:30-9:30 pm, Bicknell Family
Center for the Arts, 503 N. Pine. Hailed by critics as the nation’s top
touring illusionist. Call 620.231.7000.
March 27-29: Pittsburg Community Theatre Presents, Yours,
Anne, 7:30 pm, March 29 at 2 pm, Pittsburg’s Memorial Auditorium.
Call 620.231.7827.
March 27: Southeast Kansas Symphony Young People’s
Concert, 10-11 am, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. Free. Based
on the children’s book Zin, Zin, Zin! A Violin! Perfect for young
listeners. Call 620.235.4472.
March 27: Lark Quartet, 7:30-9:30 pm, Sharon Kay Dean Recital
Hall, Pittsburg State University. For ticket information visit
www.pittstate.edu/office/tickets/.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 17
March
at the
Coleman Theatre
D
ennis James will bring the “Mighty Wurlitzer” pipe organ to life
for a double-feature silent movie presentation March 7 and 8 at
the Coleman Theatre Beautiful in downtown Miami.
James will present a pair of one-hour silent movies from 1915: The
Cheat and A Fool There Was, that were considered scandalous, sexthemed features in their day, but are quite tame by modern standards.
Both films will be shown at each performance.
Show times are 7:30 pm. March 7 and 2:30 pm. March 8.
The Cheat is an American silent drama film directed by Cecil B.
DeMille starring Fannie Ward, Sessue Hayakawa and Jack Dean,
Ward’s real-life husband. The silent melodrama was a key film in
the early career of Cecil B. DeMille and one that helped establish his
reputation as a top-echelon director.
According to DeMille biographer Anne Edwards, the film “set
standards of acting, decor, frame composition and lighting which were
not surpassed for years.”
The Cheat also had a profound influence on the early development
of filmmaking, especially in its innovative camera techniques and
“sexually charged content.” The movie was named to the National
Film Registry in 1993.
A Fool There Was is an American silent film drama produced by
William Fox and starring Theda Bara. The film was long considered
controversial for such risqué intertitle cards as “Kiss me, my fool!” It
is also one of the few movies with Bara that still exist today.
This film represents the origin of the term “vamp (short for vampire),”
referring to a femme fatale who causes the moral loss of those she
seduces, and about how a vampire fascinates then exhausts its victims.
The full-bosomed Bara became an overnight sensation after her
appearance in this melodrama. She was a Hollywood creation who
mixed ruthlessness and dark erotic sexiness into her numerous roles.
She often appeared in risqué transparent costumes in her more than 40
films created from 1914 to 1919.
In A Fool There Was, she was dubbed the “Vamp” and became the
screen’s first femme fatale (the first dangerous female in the movies)
and first movie sex goddess or sex symbol. Bara delivered her most
famous film lines in this film, shown in two title cards, as she draped
her arms over her victim and said, “You have ruined me, you devil, and
now you discard me! Kiss me, my fool!”
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Coleman
Theatre at 918.540.2425 or stop by the box office window
at 103 North Main in Miami. Mastercard, Visa, Discover and
American Express are accepted.
18
Visit Bartlesville
S
pring is in the air, and March is a perfect time to travel to Bartlesville,
Oklahoma. Just two hours southwest of Joplin, this Oklahoma
destination is full of history, arts and family fun!
The Bartlesville Community Center will host several concerts starting with
the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra’s “Bach to Bluegrass” concert March
7. Featured artist Jana Jae will bring her style of country fiddling to the
stage featuring Western swing, bluegrass, pop and the classics. Combined
with the stirring sounds of the symphony, this concert is sure to be a hit.
March 13 brings Cornet Chop Suey to the stage as part of the Bartlesville
Community Concert Series. This seven-piece band applies its own exciting
style to traditional jazz, swing, blues and “big production” numbers. Every
performance by Cornet Chop Suey is a high-energy presentation and a
memorable experience for the audience. Familiar tunes include Peter
Gunn, Pink Panther Theme, Wonderful World and Sweet Georgia Brown.
Saturday, March 14, the OK Mozart Festival will host the St. Paddy’s Day
March Madness event at the BCC’s Community Hall. The event includes
traditional Irish food, live music by Kilkenny Road and an easy lesson on
how to do the Irish jig. OKM’s artistic director Constantine Kitsopoulos,
whose musical experiences span the worlds of opera and symphony in
such venues as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and Royal Albert Hall, will
sit down at the piano to provide accompaniment for two of the soloists
featured in this year’s opera presentation of “Don Giovanni” at the OK
Mozart festival in June.
For family fun, Woolaroc Wildlife Preserve and History Museum will open
their animal barn Wednesday, March 18. All the new baby rabbits, goats
and chicks will be there to welcome spring. Also March 18, Woolaroc’s
1840s Mountain Man Camp opens to the public. Authentic 1840s trader
camps are set up for the public to view the customs and lifestyle of earlyday traders.
Above:
Kilkenny Road band
Right: Frank & Lola’s
While in Bartlesville, guests can enjoy any number of uniquely Oklahoma
restaurants and shops. Keepsake Candles is the home of “Antiques in
Wax,” and they have been made in Bartlesville since 1969. Recognized
by many as one of the nation’s leading candle manufacturers, Keepsake
Candles produces over 500 styles of candles that are available across the
nation and around the world. Nowhere else can you hear the story, see the
art of hand-crafting these items and smell the scents in one unique tour!
Visitors can also dine at Frank & Lola’s, a restaurant known for great
American fare, impeccable presentation, urban atmosphere and excellent
service. Located in the historic Buford building, this classy, yet casual,
restaurant is considered to be one of Bartlesville’s precious diamonds.
The eatery is currently ranked third best Oklahoma restaurant by
Urbanspoon.com and lauded for distinctive soups such as the Black Eyed
Pea with Bacon, Spinach and Sweet Potato.
Whatever your reason, come to Bartlesville for an evening or a weekend
and prepare to be delighted. From entertainment to shopping to dining
to attractions, Bartlesville is a great getaway. For more information
on these events and locations, call us at 918.336.8709 or visit
www.visitbartlesville.com.
Keepsake Candles Gift Shop
Keepsake Candles has been Oklahoma’s premier candle maker since 1969. What began in our kitchen as a
church fundraiser is now a nationally-known brand of beautiful candles and gifts. We invite you to visit our gift
shop and the on-site factory. Located 2 miles west of Bartlesville on US Highway 60.
Monday-Saturday 10 to 5:30 • KeepsakeCandles.com • 888. 636.0351
Broadway in Bartlesville - The Midtown Men
Bartlesville Community Center • BartlesvilleCommunityCenter.com – 800.618.2787
Thursday, April 16 at 7:30pm
Four stars from the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys took Broadway by storm in one of
the biggest hits of all-time and now they’re together again! THE MIDTOWN MEN are taking
their sensational sound on the road for their third national tour. Bringing to life their favorite
“Sixties Hits” from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Motown, The Four Seasons and more.
Bartlesville Convention & Visitors Bureau
VisitBartlesville.com • 800.364.8708
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 19
SEE YOU AT
The Big Show
Neosho’s 23rd Annual
Business & Industry Review
March 20-21, 2015
The Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce and Freeman Neosho Hospital invite
you to the 23rd Annual Business & Industry Review at the Neosho High School Cafeteria. Vendors will hand out free promotional items and give away thousands of
dollars’ worth of prizes for attendees. This year’s theme is “The Big Show”! Over 80
area businesses promote their products and services during the showcase.
For information visit www.neoshocc.com
Participating Businesses
Crowder College
Neosho Daily News
Freeman Bariatric Center
Freeman Auxiliary
Freeman Advantage
Hometown Bank
Griffith Motor Company
Spring Hill Assisted Living
Freeman QuickMeds
Freeman Women’s Center
Charles Burt Homefinders
Angela’s Salon & Day Spa
Abundant Shine
Stouffer Communications
Granby House
Representative Bill Reiboldt
Dr. Fly’s Salon
Scholastic Inc.
Insurance Benefits Consultants
Reliable Staffing Solutions
Community Bank and Trust
Four States Dental Care
City of Neosho
Willis & Associates
Teen Challenge
Neosho Newton County Library
Legacy Original Customs & Design
Newton County MU Extension
Calotype Photography
GalaxSea Cruises & Tours
Marco Group
Crowder Industries
20
B & B Theatres Neosho Cinema 6
Arbonne
Egg Roll House
Health-E Fix Salon & Day Spa
Great Southern Bank
Ozark Center
First Community Bank
Access Family Care Medical & Dental
H & R Block
Empire District Electric Company
Newton Co Health Dept.
Mower Pro
GNA Tech Solutions, LLC
Show Me the Ozarks
Southwest Missouri Bank
KOAM TV
FOX-14
Manpower
Family Dentistry of Neosho
Medicalodge
SWMOHomes.com
Uncle Bobs
New Mac
Arvest Bank
Free Market Physician
Joplin Regional Business Journal
Mitchell’s Drug Stores
Neosho’s Future. Org
Neosho Schools
Freeman/Neosho School Clinic
CJR Red Carpet Realtors
AMI Radio Group
Workman’s Taxi
Tom & Kasie Workman • 417.451.3767
24/7 Service Available
Insurance Benefits Consultants, LLC
735 W. Harmony St., Ste. D • 417.451.4244
Health • Life • Medicare Options • Identity Theft
Business Voluntary Benefit Options
GreatSouthernBank.com
713 S Neosho Blvd • 417.451.6970
111 E Main St. • 417.455.9322
Four Locations to Serve You
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 21
ADiscover
Town
round
Neosho
Ladies and gentlemen, kids of all ages – are you ready for
The Big Show?
The 23rd Annual Neosho Business and Industry Review will be held March 20-21,
2015 at the Neosho High School Cafeteria, 511 S. Neosho Blvd. The event will bring
together more than 80 Neosho area businesses and industries under one roof. Stop
by and see what they have to offer! This year’s carnival theme, “The Big Show,” will
be fun, as business booths try to outdo each other in creativity, with games and
giveaways. Times are 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 20, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March
21. General admission is $2. For more information, please call the Neosho Area
Chamber of Commerce at 417.451.1925.
Don’t forget Hickory Creek in Neosho is home to both Brown and Rainbow Trout.
All anglers welcome. All Misouri fishing regulations apply.
Green Forest Family Restaurant
1080 S. Neosho Blvd.
417.451.2281 • www.familyrestaurantneosho.com
Medicalodges/Gran Villas
400 W. Lyon Dr.
417.451.2544 • www.medicalodges.com
Voted the number one eatery in Neosho for five years! This familyowned restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at affordable
prices. Always the freshest ingredients, served piping hot. Green
Forest Family restaurant proudly supports the community.
Hours Monday-Thursday 6 am-9 pm, Friday-Sunday 6 am-10 pm.
Skilled Nursing & Residential Healthcare Care Center
Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy
Speech Therapy • Restorative Therapy
Working Together To Meet All of Your Healthcare Needs!
22
City of Neosho
203 E. Main
417.451.8050
Founded in 1839, Neosho, Missouri, celebrates its 175th birthday
this year. The city of 11,835 is experiencing a rebirth of growth
throughout the community as it accommodates the influx of
economic development brought on by newly-designated US
Interstate 49, as well as the community’s prime location between the
two booming metropolitan areas of Joplin and Northwest Arkansas.
B & S Auto Center
18724 Hwy 59 • 417.451.2158
www.bandsauto.com
Looking for a clean used vehicle? Come to B & S Auto Center, where
each vehicle is hand selected. Take a look at this 2004 Dodge Ram
Quad Cab SLT, V8, “HEMI”, auto, power windows, locks, cruise, CD,
with 102,xxx miles. Drives like a dream! What a value at $10,995.
Come see us today!
Mexican Way
1721 La Questa Drive • 417.455.6985 • 417.455.0058
Home of the King Burrito! Serving the best tasting homemade
Mexican specialties: chiles rellenos, chimichangas, fajitas, tacos and
super burritos. Plus everyone’s favorite: pupusas, a traditional
Salvadoran delicacy, and more! Make it your way at Mexican Way!
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-9 pm, closed Sunday.
Follow us on Facebook
First Community Bank
230 W. Spring St • 417.451.3222
3005 Gardner-Edgewood Drive • 417.451.2025
With Southwest Missouri branches in Neosho, Goodman and Jane,
First Community Bank can meet all of your banking needs. When
it’s not convenient to visit one of our branches, mobile banking
and mobile deposits let customers bank anywhere, anytime.
One 14 Coffee Bar
114 N. Wood St. • 417.455.2739
www.facebook.com/ONE14CoffeeBar
One 14 Coffee Bar is a hip new establishment bringing excitement to
downtown Neosho. It’s a venue where you can relax, listen to local
musicians, and view ever-changing art and art exhibits by
local artists. Open Mic night once a month. Locally roasted
coffee and teas from Anonymous Coffee, Springdale, Arkansas.
Light sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries and desserts. Relax outdoors
on one of our two patios. Drive-thru for your convenience.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 7 am-8 pm, Fri-Sat 7 am-11:30 pm, Sun 9 am-6 pm
SWMO Homes
1241 N. Business 71/49
417.850.4736
www.SWMOHOMES.com
In March, SWMOHomes.com will celebrate our 2nd year in
business, and we are truly humbled and so appreciate your
business! Many of you have heard the ads of “Getting out of the
box!” and “Doing things a little differently,” but we have only just
begun! Our goal is to become the best at being “YOUR REAL
ESTATE SOURCE.” Big things are about to happen at
SWMOHomes.com! Give us a call TODAY!!
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 23
CJ
Sh
wMe
Carl Junction
2015 Carl Junction
Business Expo
Creating Success Stories
March is a special month every year in Carl Junction. That’s
because March is when the Carl Junction Area Chamber of
Commerce hosts its annual Business Expo. This year’s Carl Junction
Business Expo is Saturday, March 7. The Business Expo is held from 9
a.m.-2 p.m. at the Carl Junction Community Center, 303 N. Main.
The Carl Junction Business Expo showcases the latest products and services from the
area’s finest businesses. Business-to-business, home products, financial services, health,
education, non-profit leisure and entertainment are just a few of the businesses on display at this
year’s Carl Junction Business Expo. All adult attendees have the opportunity to register to win a free iPad 6, courtesy of NeoTech Solutions. All children can register to win
a free Amazon Fire Kid’s Edition, courtesy of S & S Computers. All exhibitors will hand out samples and free gifts and hold drawings for
merchandise and services worth thousands of dollars.
This is the fourth year for the expo, which continues to be the fastest-growing business expo in the area. The popularity of the Carl
Junction Business Expo is due to its focus on fun, family and kids. This year’s expo features appearances throughout the day by the
Carl Junction Bulldog, Dora the Explorer, Scooby Doo and SpongeBob SquarePants. A special guest appearance by Queen Elsa is from
9-10:30 a.m., courtesy of Jennafer Johnson with Edward Jones. Admission is only $2 for adults. Children under 12 are free (with a paid accompanying adult).
Free shuttle service from parking to the door is provided courtesy of Roper KIA. Member SIPC
Edward Jones, Brad McIntyre, Financial Advisor
1200 Briarbrook Drive • 417.627.9250
[email protected]
As an Edward Jones advisor, I believe it is my mission to help the
community, businesses and citizens meet their financial goals.
I accomplish this with one-on-one appointments to develop a
strategy and work with you every step of the way. In Carl Junction
since 2005, it is a sincere privilege for Debbie Leggett, my Senior
Branch Office Administrator, and I to serve our community.
24
Footprints & Friends • 26230 Fir Road • Joplin, MO
417.621.0050 • Check us out on Facebook!
We provide a loving environment in which children can learn and
interact with the world around them. Here you will find a nurturing,
educational environment for children ages birth through 12 years.
Our highly qualified teachers and staff are committed to working
within each child’s comfort zone to ensure optimal social,
emotional and educational results. Open Monday through
Friday 6:30 am–6 pm. Like us on Facebook!
Circle T Collectibles • Carl Junction Auction Service
118 S. Main Street • 417.649.6805
www.gailtriplett.net
Circle T Collectibles & Carl Junction Auction Service are locally
owned by W. Gail “Trip” Triplett. Carl Junction Auction Service
conducts consignment auctions, and Circle T Collectibles buys,
sells and trades military items, knives, swords, guns, Native
American artifacts, primitives, sports memorabilia, coins,
jewelry and more. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Bruner Drugs
Jerry Botts RPH
417.649.7021 • 102 S. Main
www.prorx.biz.bruner
Carl Junction’s pharmacy for over 35 years. Quality prescription
service, and medical equipment sales and rental. Are you looking
for a special gift, whether it’s a special occasion or a “just thinking
of you,” surprises and more? We have Yankee Candles too! The
only thing old-fashioned about this pharmacy is the service!
Carl Junction Area
Chamber of Commerce
303 N. Main
417.649.8846
www.carljunctioncc.com
The Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is the area’s
fastest-growing Chamber of Commerce for the fourth year in a
row. Members enjoy great opportunities to exchange leads at
our morning, midday, evening and weekend networking events.
Want to learn more about how the Carl Junction Area Chamber of
Commerce can help you grow your business? Call 417.649.8846.
Randy’s Drive-In
1201 E. Pennell • 417.649.7732
Home of the Bulldog Shake! Celebrating over 21 years in business.
Locally owned and operated. Over 15 sandwiches, entrees
including Spaghetti Red, Frito Pie Deluxe, Chicken Plank or Shrimp
Dinners and more! Salads, ice cream and kids’ menu. Call ahead.
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10 am-9 pm
Gambino’s Pizza
1203 Pennell • 417.649.7979
www.gambinospizza.com
All pizzas are made to order with the freshest ingredients, then
baked to perfection! You will love our delicious pizzas topped with
the traditional homestyle sweet and spicy sauce and a special
blend of 100% mozzarella and provolone cheeses. You’ll find many
pizzas with all food groups to make it convenient to eat well.
Sandwiches, hearty pastas, salads and buttery calzones. Family
dining, carry out and delivery. Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 am8:30 pm, Friday-Saturday, 11 am-9:30 pm.
Bailey’s Eats & Sweets
1200 Briarbrook Drive • 417.781.2944
Bailey’s invites you to come enjoy our mouth watering ribs every
Friday night! We offer a family style dining experience with quality
smoked meats, sandwiches, burgers, and so much more. Bailey’s
offers daily lunch and dinner specials and breakfast on Saturdays
and Sundays. For great food and great service....think Bailey’s. Now
serving beer and wine. Open Monday-Friday 10:30 am-8 pm,
Saturday 6:30 am-8 pm and Sunday 8 am-2 pm.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 25
A Portrait of
Urban Joplin
Blacklist Ink
628 S. Main Street
417.782.2500
Blacklist Ink Tattoo Studio is an upscale, high-end tattoo studio
and art gallery. If it’s your first time, their knowledgeable and
friendly artists will guide you through the entire process, ensuring
your experience will be the best! The staff’s dedication to client
satisfaction is unsurpassed. Browse their portfolios or let one of
the artists help create the perfect art just for you.
Countryside in the City
Florist • Event Planner
Event Venue
422 S. Joplin Ave.
417.781.3719
www.countrysideflowers.biz
Countryside in the City is one of the leading florists in Joplin for
fine, quality roses, flowers, plants and gifts for every occasion. Let
our experienced designers and staff create a one-of-a-kind gift
you will love. We also offer beautiful custom-designed wedding
flower arrangements including wedding bouquets, centerpieces
and boutonnieres. Open Mon-Fri. 8 am-5 pm and Sat. 9 am-1 pm.
Convenient parking
Blue Moon Market
613 S. Main Street
417.553.0826
www.shopatbluemoon.com
Blue Moon Market is a unique shopping venue, “A modern
boutique with a vintage soul.” Find the newest and latest in
clothing, home décor, gourmet food, jewelry and so much more!
Open Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm and Saturday 10 am-5 pm.
26
By Christine Smith
Photo by Rodney Hobart
Spring is finally here, and with it comes several fairs, festivals
and mystery in downtown Joplin.
Are you in the process of planning your wedding? Be sure to
attend the Bride Ride 2 on
March 8. This traveling event begins at the Cosmopolitan
Event Center, then a limo or party bus will take you to several
venues where you can learn about options for your wedding
reception and rehearsal dinner, plus where to find flowers,
decorations and more (there will be over 50 vendors!).
For an intriguing date night, make reservations for the Murder
Mystery Dinner on Friday the 13th at the historic John Wise
Mansion. Last month’s event sold out quickly, so get your
tickets soon!
Everyone’s welcome to celebrate the luck of the Irish at the St.
Patrick’s Festival Street Fair March 14. This family-friendly event
features food, beverages, music, shopping and a kids’ zone,
and is located at Fifth Street and Joplin Avenue.
Third Thursday returns March 19! Stroll along
Main Street and enjoy local artwork, cultural
performances, shopping, food and more. This
event is located in the heart of downtown Joplin
between First and Seventh streets.
Check out more area arts and crafts at the Hip
Handmade Market March 28 at the Amelie and
Roxy event centers. This rapidly-growing event
features over 50 vendors and is Southwest
Missouri’s hippest craft show.
Emerge from your winter dens, reconnect with the
community and rediscover the sights and sounds
of urban Joplin.
By Rose Hansen
Food Enthusiast
PACIFIC RIM
F
or a satisfying meal, stop by Pacific Rim, owned and operated by the
Yen family. They offer an all-you-can-eat buffet, sushi, full menu and
a Mongolian grill. This month, I sat down to chat with Pacific Rim
manager James Yen and Robert Yen, who manages and exclusively owns the
sister restaurant, Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi.
Pacific Rim, with its high ceilings, tall windows and gorgeous red lanterns,
offers casual family dining in an elegant atmosphere for a price that won’t
crush the pocketbook.
The buffet boasts more than 65 items. Diners will find entrée staples like
General Tso chicken, beef and broccoli, fried rice, and a crab rangoon that’s
so enormous, sweet and delightfully crunchy I ended up substituting it for
dessert, though they offer that, too. If Chinese just isn’t your thing, opt for
down-home picks like fried okra and popcorn chicken.
But don’t let the enormous buffet detract from the menu, which might
be Pacific Rim’s most well-guarded secret. “Most people take the buffet
because there’s such a big option. I mean, there’s so many different items!
But people don’t usually look at the menu and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to also
pick this as well,’ so the menu is often overlooked,” says James.
Robert agrees. “They should come in and give it a try at least! We make to
order, so every single thing is fresh—fried rice, soup, egg rolls—all fresh.”
Speaking of fresh, save room for sushi rolls like the California-style or the
more exotic Yam-Yam, which showcases chopped crab. Many rolls I find in
Missouri are so uncharacteristically large that you can’t eat them in one bite,
but Pacific Rim’s portions can be handled by even the clumsiest chopsticks.
Ask for the exclusive sushi menu to browse the 90 items ranging from
sashimi to specialty rolls. Want traditional? Robert recommends yellowtail,
though I love unagi (freshwater eel). No one should die before trying it.
During my visit, Robert fashioned the spectacular Amazing Roll, which
includes salmon, crab, eel sauce and spicy seasonings. Service is fast, as it
should be. Don’t be surprised if you end up parking there, since they offer
seating for six. And order a bottle of sake from the full bar while you’re at it.
But of all their options, the most overlooked might be the Mongolian grill.
Though Tawainese in origin, its name hails from Mongolian soldiers who
cooked their meats on shields over fire, which is why today’s adapted style
comes via Japanese teppanyaki grills. Restaurant-goers build their own
meals from a range of raw meats, vegetables and sauces to season their dish,
then hand it over to the chef.
“Most people do the buffet [and] overlook the Mongolian barbecue,” says
James. “I think it may be a little intimidating not knowing if you’re going
to like it or not, just picking out. People just don’t know what goes well
together.”
No worries. I am the master of Mongolian barbecue. Growing up, my dad
and I stopped at every Mongolian grill in every city we ever visited on three
continents. I know my way around.
To build a great Mongolian grill, pick just one starch, one meat,
lots of vegetables and sauce. For example, Pacific Rim offers
rice (order on the side) or three types of noodles. I vary between
rice and vermicelli, which is a thin rice noodle that won’t turn
mushy under heat and sauce. For meat, pork stays moist and
tender. As for vegetables? The more the better, in my opinion.
In fact, if you avoid Chinese buffets because of the inevitable
calorie dump, Mongolian grill is excellent because it can be so
healthy. Pacific Rim has a terrific selection of crunchy sprouts,
broccoli and cabbage, always staples for me. The sauce: I say go
for it! Soy sauce? Check. Garlic? No brainer. Anything spicy?
Yes and yes. Pacific Rim is cautious not to scare clients away
with heat, so if you like some spice, generously pile on their
Hunan and Hot/Spicy Mongolian Bar-B-Que. Once on the
grill, the cook splashes it with even more house-made Korean
barbecue sauce, which is layered and sweet. The result? A
glistening bowl of heaven.
Pacific Rim seats up to 250 people, is open seven days
a week, and offers a full-bar and private party room.
Their hours are Sunday through Friday, 11 am-9 pm, and
Saturdays until 10 pm. Delivery is available within a threemile radius for a $12 minimum order and $1.50 service fee.
>>> Pacific Rim Asian Bistro is located at 2850 S. Range Line • Joplin, MO • 417.659.8888
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 27
ShowMe Dining Guide
Mythos
1306 S. Range Line • Joplin, MO
417.624.myth • www.mythosjoplin.com
511 N. Range Line • Joplin, MO
417.781.9888 • www.tokyosteakandsushi.com
World-class service that sets the stage for a special dining experience
featuring French, American, Greek and Italian cuisine. Choices
include pasta, chicken, fresh seafood, and hand-cut aged Black
Angus beef. Over 150 wine selections. Complete menu available at
www.mythosjoplin.com. Call for catering or reservations. $-$$$
Enjoy the show as our chefs prepare a delicious Hibachi meal right at your
table! Full menu available with fresh sushi and rolls like our popular Crunchy
Roll or Spider Roll. Great private dining rooms for large parties or families!
Daily lunch and drink specials from 11 am-3 pm. Call for reservations or
questions. $$-$$$
Hours: Lunch 11 am-4 pm • Dinner 4 pm-close
Open Monday-Saturday
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm
Friday and Saturday 11 am-11 pm • Sunday 11 am-9 pm
Big R’s BBQ
1220 E. 15th Street • Joplin, MO
417.781.5959
28
Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi
Stacked Gourmet Grilled Sandwiches
3030 S. Main • Joplin, Mo
417.782.2533 • www.stackedjoplin.com
Big R’s BBQ has been serving quality, smoked meats for over 20 years. “R”
menu ranges from Kickin’ Chicken and hand-cut steaks, flame broiled
to perfection, to sandwiches, salads and more. Half price appetizers on
Tuesday nights. Big R’s is more than just BBQ – “We have the meat you
can’t beat!” $-$$
The best in gourmet grilled sandwiches! Tired of the mundane, meatless
sandwiches dealt out by the big chain sandwich shops? Visit Stacked ...
where the sandwiches are unique and the meat is stacked on! Locally
owned with a hip, modern vibe, Stacked is Joplin’s hottest place for great
food! Call ahead and drive-through. $
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm
Friday and Saturday 11 am-9:30 pm • Closed Sunday
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-8 pm • Closed Sunday
Hackett Hot Wings
520 S. Main • Joplin, MO
417.625.1333 • www. hacketthotwings.com
Red Onion Cafe
4th and Virginia • Joplin, MO
417.623.1004 • www.redonioncafe.com
“The Only Wings Better Are On An Angel.” Offering 13 flavors of wings.
Wet flavors: Beer, Honey, BBQ, Hot & Honey, Mild, Hot, Suicide, & Smokin’
Hot. Dry flavors: Season, Cajun, Lemon Pepper, Jerk, & Greek. We also
offer salads, catfish, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers,
boneless wings and more!!!! (Smoke-free) $-$$
One of Downtown Joplin’s premier restaurants since 1995. For starters
try the Smoked Chicken Dip! Delicious entrees and crisp fresh salads
including David’s Fried Chicken Salad. Sandwiches, pasta, specialties
such as Arkansas Smokehouse Chicken, steaks and delicious desserts!
Extensive beer and wine list. Catering and to-go orders. $-$$
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am to close
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am-11 pm
Crabby’s Seafood Bar and Grill
Caldone’s
815 W. 7th St. • Joplin, MO • 417.206.3474
Catering • Private Parties • Chef at Home
218 S. Main Street • Joplin, MO
417.626.8111 • www.caldones.com
Dine at Crabby’s for a beautiful meal in an elegant, yet approachable finedining experience. Choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, steak and
chops. Enjoy libations from our full bar, including the best Scotch selection
in town. Serving the four states for 10 years! Make your reservations today!
$$-$$$
If you are looking for a wonderful experience, then look no further. Get ready
for an explosion of flavors and beautifully decorated dishes sure to make
you smile. An authentic Italian and Mediterranean restaurant in the heart
of Downtown Joplin on Historic Route 66. Offering full-service catering for
weddings and events. $-$$$
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm • Sunday 11 am-9 pm
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm • Closed Sunday
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 29
ShowMe Dining Guide
Club 1201
Pacific Rim Asian Bistro
Now serving Joplin’s best brunch! Homemade beignets, pastries, biscuits
and gravy, peppered bacon, eggs and parmesan fried potatoes and more!
For lunch, enjoy your favorite appetizers, “out-of-this-world” salads, seasoned
bread and your choice of dressing. Soup du jour, sandwiches from burgers to
apricot turkey and over 30 other choices! We offer a full service catering menu
for private parties, business meetings and special events. $-$$
Experience the flavors of Asia through a wide variety of delicious
Asian dishes, fresh sushi and rolls, and our signature Mongolian BBQ.
Enjoy a Polynesian beverage at our full bar or have a celebration for
up to 60 people in our private party rooms. Authentic Chinese buffet
including dessert from 11 am to 3:30 pm every day for lunch. Dinner
buffet from 3:30 pm until close. $-$$
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-3 pm • Friday 11 am-10 pm
Saturday 3 pm-10 pm • Sunday Brunch 10 am-2 pm
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm
Friday-Saturday 11am-9:30 pm
1201 E. 32nd Street • Joplin, MO
417.626.0032
Golden Corral of Joplin
2415 S. Range Line • Joplin, MO
417.625.1684
Enjoy all-you-can-eat hot and cold buffets, soup and potato bar, bakery
and dessert café and a breakfast buffet (open every weekend until 11 am,
featuring made-to-order omelets and more)! The Triple Fountain Yum is
here! Chocolate, caramel and white chocolate falls. The Great Steak Buffet
offered after 4 pm, Monday-Saturday and after 11 am on Sunday. Party
room, call ahead seating, kids menu and catering. $-$$
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:45 am-8:30 pm • Friday 10:45 am-9:30 pm
Saturday 7:30 am-9:30 pm • Sunday 7:30 am-8:30 pm
30
2850 S. Range Line • Joplin, MO
417.659.8888
Granny Shaffer’s Family Restaurant
2728 N. Range Line or 7th & Illinois • Joplin, MO
417.659.9393 • www.grannyshaffers.com
Enjoy a great cup of freshly roasted coffee. Watch while we roast a
blend! Homemade pies, cobblers, sweetbreads and rolls made from
scratch daily. Serious breakfasts, salads, steaks, seafood, Mexican, pasta
and Dixieland fried chicken or catfish. Ask about our banquet rooms
and catering. “Good Old Fashioned Cooking.” $-$$
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 am-8:30 pm • Sunday 7 am-3 pm
Shawanoe Restaurant
70220 East Hwy 60 • Wyandotte, OK
888.992 SKY1
Casa Montez
2324 S. Range Line • Joplin, MO
417.781.3610
All You Can Eat King Crab Buffet - Every Tuesday from 4 pm-9 pm - $29.99
with crab, $13.99 without crab. Large platters of King Crab with lemons,
butter or cocktail sauce will be served to the tables until you are full! We
guarantee you will not walk away hungry. Shawanoe Restaurant is located
inside Indigo Sky Casino. Hwy 60, West of Seneca, MO. $$-$$$$
Serving authentic Mexican specialties for over 45 years, including
carnitas, fajitas, burrito enchilada style and much more! Lunch fajita
buffet available Monday–Friday 11 am–2 pm. Check for nightly
dinner specials. Full-service cantina offering your favorite drinks and
margaritas. $-$$
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7 am-9 pm
Friday and Saturday 7 am-11 pm
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm
Friday and Saturday 11 am-11 pm • Sunday 11 am-9 pm
What’s
for
Dinner?
Undercliff Grill & Bar
6385 Old Hwy 71 • Joplin, MO (Tipton Ford)
417.623.8382
Come see who’s Under the Cliff! Their specialty burgers are made with Black
Angus ground chuck. Choose from entrees such as 12 oz. steak dinners, beer
battered cob, BBQ country ribs, 22 choices of sandwiches including a steak
sandwich, “Mike’s Dam Good Sandwich” and wraps, Frito chili pies, salads, and
breakfast served every Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 am. Family owned and
operated, groups and catering. Established in 1995. $-$$
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11 am- 9 pm, Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 9 am to 3 pm.
Our readers know!
Find out more about advertising your
restaurant in the 4-states’ favorite Dining
Guide! Call 417.455.9898 or
email [email protected]
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 31
ShowMe Dining Guide
These $ categories are based upon the
average cost of a dinner entree excluding
drinks, desserts, and/or gratuities.
NOTE: Some restaurant entree prices do
not include a’la carte sides or salad.
KEY
$ - $9 and under
$$ - $10 - $15
$$$ - $15 - $20
$$$$ - $20 & up
BIG R’S BBQ, JOPLIN, MO
1220 E. 15th Street. Big R’s BBQ has been serving quality, smoked meats
for over 20 years. “R” menu ranges from Kickin’ Chicken and hand-cut
steaks, flame broiled to perfection, to sandwiches, salads and more. Big
R’s is more than just BBQ – “We have the meat you can’t beat!” Open
Monday-Thursday, 11 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday, 11 am-9:30 pm.
Closed Sunday. Dine-in or take-out. 417.781.5959. $-$$
CRABBY’S SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL, JOPLIN, MO
815 W. 7th St. Catering--Private Parties--Chef at Home. Dine at Crabby’s
for a beautiful meal in an elegant, yet approachable fine-dining experience.
Choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, steak and chops. Enjoy libations
from our full bar, including the best Scotch selection in town. Serving the four
states for 10 years! Make your reservations today! Open Monday-Saturday 11
am-10 pm, Sunday 11 am-9 pm. 417.206.3474. $$-$$$
GOLDEN CORRAL, JOPLIN, MO
2415 S. Range Line. Enjoy all-you-can-eat hot and cold buffets, soup and
potato bar, bakery and dessert café and a breakfast buffet (open every
weekend until 11 am, featuring made-to-order omelets and more)! The
Triple Fountain Yum is here! Chocolate, caramel and white chocolate falls.
The Great Steak Buffet offered after 4 pm, Monday-Saturday and after
11 am on Sunday. Party room, call ahead seating, kids menu and catering.
417.625.1684. $-$$
CAFÉ ANGELICA, NEOSHO, MO
107 E. Main, south side of the square. Creative salads such as Asian Chicken
Salad and other specialties served every day. Sandwich selections include
Curried Chicken Salad and Heavenly Vegetarian. Old-fashioned Cream of
Potato soup is the best in the area! Dinner menu featuring our AngeliQ Grill
and BBQ menu. Grilled steaks and chops, smoked brisket, pulled pork and
smoked sausages as well as BBQ half-chicken...Great side choices. Private
parties and catering available. Open for lunch 11 am-2 pm, Monday-Friday
and dinner Tuesday-Thursday 5-7:30 pm. 417.451.5727. $-$$
Granny Shaffer’s Family Restaurant, Joplin, MO
2728 N. Range Line or 7th & Illinois. Enjoy a great cup of freshly roasted
coffee. Watch while we roast a blend! Homemade pies, cobblers, sweetbreads
and rolls made from scratch daily. Serious breakfasts, salads, steaks,
seafood, Mexican, pasta and Dixieland fried chicken or catfish. Ask about
our banquet rooms and catering. “Good Old Fashioned Cooking.” MondaySaturday 6 am-8:30 pm and Sunday 7 am-3 pm. www.grannyshaffers.com.
417.659.9393. $-$$
CALDONE’S, JOPLIN, MO
218 S. Main Street. If you are looking for a wonderful experience, then look
no further. Get ready for an explosion of flavors and beautifully decorated
dishes sure to make you smile. An authentic Italian and Mediterranean
restaurant in the heart of Downtown Joplin on Historic Route 66. Offering
full-service catering for weddings and events. Open Monday-Saturday 11
am-10 pm, closed on Sundays. 417.626.8111 www.caldones.com $-$$$
HACKETT HOT WINGS, JOPLIN, MO
520 S. Main. “The Only Wings Better Are On An Angel.” Offering 13 flavors
of wings. Wet flavors: Beer, Honey, BBQ, Hot & Honey, Mild, Hot, Suicide, &
Smokin’ Hot. Dry flavors: Season, Cajun, Lemon Pepper, Jerk, & Greek. We
also offer salads, catfish, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers,
boneless wings and more!!!! (Smoke-free) Open Monday-Saturday 11 am to
close. 417.625.1333. $-$$
CASA MONTEZ, JOPLIN, MO
2324 S. Range Line. Serving authentic Mexican specialties for over 45
years, including carnitas, fajitas, burrito enchilada style and much more!
Lunch fajita buffet available Monday–Friday 11 am–2 pm. Check for nightly
dinner specials. Full-service cantina offering your favorite drinks and
margaritas. Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am11 pm, Sunday 11 am-9 pm. 417.781.3610. $-$$
MCALISTER’S DELI, JOPLIN, MO
2230 S. Range Line. You’ll be greeted by a massive menu filled with
sandwiches, tasty wraps, Paninis, spuds, salads, soups and sweets. You’ll
always have room for a brownie delight, lemon bar or fresh baked cookies.
Everything is made exactly as you like it. Try a glass of McAlister’s famous
Sweet Tea™! Gift cards, catering, to go orders. Sunday-Thursday 10:30 am-10
pm, Friday-Saturday 10:30 am-10:30 pm. WiFi enabled. 417.624.3354. $
CLUB 609, JOPLIN, MO
609 Main Street. “Treat your appetite to a GOURMET DELIGHT served
‘Joplin-style’.” Flavorful specialties for any occasion, featuring salads,
burgers and sandwiches. Delicious entrees – beef, chicken, pork, seafood
and seven “pastabilities!” Offering appetizers, homemade desserts, soup
du jour, beer, wine and mixed drinks. Kids menu available. Kitchen open
Monday-Friday, 11 am-10 pm, Saturday, 11 am-10:30 pm. Bar open later.
417.623.6090. $-$$$
ME’S PLACE, JOPLIN, MO
1203 Broadway. Serving “Love on a Plate” each day. Monday: Skillet Burgers,
Tuesday: Baked Chicken or Chicken & Dumplings, Wednesday: Country Ribs
or Ham & Beans, Thursday: Meatloaf or Salisbury Steak, Friday: Smothered
Pork Chops, Saturday: Boneless Catfish. Lunch and dinner daily, includes two
sides and cornbread. Fourteen sides to choose from. Fried wings available
daily. Kids menu available. Open Monday 11 am-3pm, Tuesday-Saturday.
Lunch 11 am-3 pm, Dinner 5-8 pm. 417.622.0603. $-$$
CLUB 1201, JOPLIN, MO
1201 E. 32nd Street. Now serving Joplin’s best brunch! Homemade
beignets, pastries, biscuits and gravy, peppered bacon, eggs and parmesan
fried potatoes and more! For lunch, enjoy your favorite appetizers, “out-ofthis-world” salads, seasoned bread and your choice of dressing. Soup du
jour, sandwiches from burgers to apricot turkey and over 30 other choices!
We offer a full service catering menu for private parties, business meetings
and special events. Open Monday-Friday. Now serving breakfast 6:3010 am, lunch 11 am-3 pm. Open Saturdays for private parties.
417.626.0032. $-$$
MEXICAN WAY, NEOSHO, MO
1721 La Questa Drive. Home of the King Burrito! Established five years
ago across from the high school football field, and now history continues at
our La Questa Drive location, next to True Value. We continue to serve the
best tasting homemade Mexican specialties: chiles rellenos, chimichangas,
fajitas, tacos and super burritos. Plus everyone’s favorite: pupusas, a
traditional Salvadoran delicacy, and more! Make it your way at Mexican
Way! Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-9 pm, closed Sunday. Follow us on
Facebook 417.455.6985 or 417.455.0058. $-$$
BIG R’S BBQ, JOPLIN, MO
Big R’s BBQ has been serving quality smoked meats for
almost 20 years. “R” menu ranges from hand-cut steaks,
flame broiled to perfection, to sandwiches, salads, and
more. Big R’s is more than just Bar-B-Que – “We have the
meat, you can’t beat!” 1220 E. 15th St.. Joplin, 417-781-5959. $
-uncorked-
-1201-
32
MYTHOS, JOPLIN, MO
1306 S. Range Line. World-class service that sets the stage for a special dining
experience featuring French, American, Greek and Italian cuisine. Choices
include pasta, chicken, fresh seafood, and hand-cut aged Black Angus beef.
Over 150 wine selections. Complete menu available at www.mythosjoplin.com.
Serving lunch 11 am-4 pm, dinner 4 pm-close, Monday-Saturday. For catering or
reservations, call 417.624.MYTH. $-$$$
NORMA’S KITCHEN, NEOSHO, MO
219 E. Main St. Thank you 4-states for voting us best breakfast, best coffee
shop, best menu and best hamburger (Juicy Lucy). Gift card special for you and
your family. $120 gift card for only $80! Hours: 7 am-9 pm seven days a week.
417.455.0414 $-$$
NORMA’S KITCHEN, WEBB CITY, MO
21 S. Main Street. Happy hour every day 2-5 pm, buy one T-bone steak dinner
and get the second one half price, or get any menu meal item $6.49 and up
with purchase of two beverages. Open 6 am-9 pm seven days a week including
holidays. Breakfast served any time. 417.673.2020 $-$$
PACIFIC RIM ASIAN BISTRO, JOPLIN, MO
2850 S. Range Line. Experience the flavors of Asia through a wide variety of
delicious Asian dishes, fresh sushi and rolls, and our signature Mongolian BBQ.
Enjoy a Polynesian beverage at our full bar or have a celebration for up to 60
people in our private party rooms. Authentic Chinese buffet including dessert
from 11 am to 3:30 pm every day for lunch. Dinner buffet from 3:30 pm until
close. Open Sunday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9:30 pm.
417.659.8888. $-$$
RANDY’S DRIVE IN, CARL JUNCTION
1201 E. Pennell. Home of the Bulldog Shake! Celebrating over 21 years in
business. Locally owned and operated. Over 15 sandwiches, entrees including
Spaghetti Red, Frito Pie Deluxe, Chicken Plank or Shrimp Dinners and more!
Salads, ice cream and kids’ menu. Open Monday-Sunday 10 am-9 pm. Call ahead
417.649.7732. $-$$
RED ONION CAFE - CASUAL URBAN DINING, JOPLIN, MO
4th and Virginia. One of Downtown Joplin’s premier restaurants since 1995. For
starters try the Smoked Chicken Dip! Delicious entrees and crisp fresh salads
including David’s Fried Chicken Salad. Sandwiches, pasta, specialties such
as Arkansas Smokehouse Chicken, steaks and delicious desserts! Extensive
beer and wine list. Catering and to-go orders. Monday-Saturday, 11 am-9 pm.
417.623.1004. www.redonioncafe.com $-$$
RED ONION ESPRESSORIA AND COFFEE ESPRESSO BAR, JOPLIN, MO
32nd & Indiana. Serving lunch and dinner along with a full coffee espresso bar.
For starters try the Cucumber Dill Spread or Ranch Chicken Nacho. Delicious
gourmet entrees, salads, soups and sandwiches. A Red Onion favorite is the West
Coast Chicken. Espressoria specialties include Toasted Beef Ravioli. Enjoy a White
Chocolate Latte, Vanilla Bean Frappe’ or Dreamsicle from Joplin’s premiere coffee
espresso bar! Fast, fresh, eat-in or carry-out.Party platters available. MondaySaturday, 11 am-8 pm. 417.781.4999. www.redonionespressoria.com $-$$
RIB CRIB BBQ & GRILL, JOPLIN, MO
2915 E 24th Street. A real family barbecue place featuring real pit championship
smoked meats, burgers, and fish along with traditional sides, salads and
homemade desserts. We feature weekday lunch options and All-You-Can Eat ribs
and sides on Tuesday nights! No reservations required. Catering is our specialty
whether it is 100 or 5000! Hours: Open daily 11 am–10 pm. 417.206.7427
www.ribcrib.com $-$$
SAM’S CELLAR BAR & OVEN, NEOSHO, MO
101 N. Wood St. Under the Historic Neosho Square. Featuring woodfired pizza, a great beer selection and full service bar. Choose from
tasty appetizers including Italian Nachos, Wood-Fired Jumbo Pretzel
or Wolfinbarger’s Wood-Fired Wings. Specialty entrees include Italian
Chicken Breast Salad, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, BBQ Beef Wrap, and
all your favorite wood-fired pizzas. Open 7 days a week, 11 am-close.
417.451.3330. $-$$$
SHAWANOE RESTAURANT, WYANDOTTE, OK
70220 East HWY. 60, All You Can Eat King Crab Buffet - Every Tuesday
from 4 pm-9 pm - $29.99 with crab, $13.99 without crab. Large platters
of King Crab with lemons, butter or cocktail sauce will be served to the
tables until you are full! We guarantee you will not walk away hungry.
Shawanoe Restaurant is located inside Indigo Sky Casino. Open SundayThursday 7 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 7 am-11 pm. 888.992.SKY1.
$$-$$$$
STACKED GOURMET GRILLED SANDWICHES, JOPLIN, MO
3030 S. Main. The best in gourmet grilled sandwiches! Tired of the
mundane, meatless sandwiches dealt out by the big chain sandwich
shops? Visit Stacked ... where the sandwiches are unique and the
meat is stacked on! Locally owned with a hip, modern vibe, Stacked
is Joplin’s hottest place for great food! Call ahead and drive-through.
Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-8 pm Closed Sunday. 417.782.2533.
www.stackedjoplin.com. $
SUZANNE’S NATURAL FOODS, JOPLIN, MO
3106 Connecticut Ave. Eating healthy on-the-go is difficult in
Southwest Missouri. Finally, there’s an option! Suzanne’s Natural
Foods is not just a grocery store anymore. Come in and try our delicious
sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salad bar. It’s okay! All our ingredients
are organic and natural. Worried that healthy food just never tastes as
good? Never fear, our chef has mastered that rare combo of healthy,
homemade, and addictive. Still not convinced? Alright, just come
in for our always popular smoothies and fresh juices, they need no
introduction. Open Monday-Friday 11 am-2 pm. 417.781.0909.
www.suzannes.com. $-$$
TOKYO JAPANESE STEAK & SUSHI, JOPLIN, MO
511 N. Range Line. Enjoy the show as our chefs prepare a delicious
Hibachi meal right at your table! Full menu available with fresh
sushi and rolls like our popular Crunchy Roll or Spider Roll. Great
private dining rooms for large parties or families! Daily lunch and
drink specials from 11 am-3 pm. Open Monday-Thursday 11 am10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am-11 pm, Sunday 11 am-9 pm.
www.tokyosteakandsushi.com. For reservations or questions, call
417.781.9888. $$-$$$
UNDERCLIFF GRILL & BAR, JOPLIN, MO (TIPTON FORD)
6385 Old Hwy 71. Come see who’s Under the Cliff! Their specialty
burgers are made with Black Angus ground chuck. Choose from entrees such as 12 oz. steak dinners, beer battered cob, BBQ country
ribs, 22 choices of sandwiches including a steak sandwich, “Mike’s
Dam Good Sandwich” and wraps, Frito chili pies, salads, and breakfast
served every Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 am. Family owned and
operated, groups and catering. Established in 1995. Open TuesdayFriday 11 am- 9 pm, Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 9 am to 3 pm.
417.623.8382 $-$$
GOLDEN CORRAL, JOPLIN, MO
2415 S. Range Line, 417-625-1684. Enjoy all-you-can-eat Hot
Buffet, Cold Buffet, Soups and Potato Bar, Bakery & Dessert
Café, and Breakfast Buffet until 11am every weekend featuring
made to order omelets and more! The Great Steak Buffet every
night after 4pm Mon-Sat and after11am on Sunday. Savor a
juicy Sirloin Steak hand cut fresh (never frozen) every day. $
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 33
Love
Things We
Ambiance Boutique
513 Main Street
Downtown Joplin
417.781.9990
Come by Ambiance Children’s
Boutique to preview our spring
lines coming in daily! Just in:
popular amber teething necklaces
and amber teething ankle
bracelets. Your teething baby will
love these! We carry personalized
and custom-made Taggies and
quilts, piggy banks and stuffed
animals! Great shower gifts and all
sorts of new spring apparel. This is
the best place to shop for preemies
to grandmas! Come see our new
larger location at 513 Main Street!
Don Davis’ Florist
831 S. Main St. • Downtown Joplin • 417.206.3247
You deserve a springtime reward! Don Davis’ Florist will design
a gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers for your home and gifts.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a special centerpiece for the table!
Don Davis’ Florist is an approved local FTD Florist and a member
of the Teleflora Complete Floral Services. Delivery available. Open
Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:30 pm, and Saturday 9am-1pm.
Dynamite Graphix
423 East 4th St.
Downtown Joplin
417.438.9742
www.dynamitegraphix.com
Dynamite Graphix, your one-stop shop for all your spring and
summer spirit wear. Screen printing, embroidery, signs and
banners. Uniforms, coaches’, moms’ and siblings’ wear for all
schools and teams. Get your blingy T here!
34
RSVPaint-Joplin
420 S. Main St. • Downtown Joplin
417.680.5434 • www.rsvpaint.com
We are celebrating one year of proudly serving Joplin with
the opportunity to Relax, Sip, Visit and Paint. During Third
Thursday we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony and our
open house to view and purchase original artwork created by
our studio artists. Pick up a Third Thursday buy-one-get-one
coupon, too.
Big Red Barn
Vintage Vogue
10 minutes from Joplin • 144 S. Main
Carl Junction, MO • 417.649.7911
www.shopvintagevogue.com
Facebook.com/VintageVogueCarlJunction
“Where Affordable Chic Meets One-of-a-Kind Unique”
Stockist and instructor for Chalk Paint™ Brand Decorative Paint
by Annie Sloan. See what everyone is raving about. No priming
or sanding required. Annie says, “It’s a girl’s paint but BOYS can
use it too!” Specializing in fine vintage furniture, home décor
and unique gifts, jewelry, scarves and bags. Fabulous finds for
you and your home. Just 10 minutes from Joplin.
5089 County Lane 138 • GPS 13625 Elm Road • Carthage, MO
417.358.2432 • www.brbrv.com
Enjoy our sprawling 27-acre RV park nestled amidst a forest of
mature shade trees and beautiful flower planters. Bring your
camera to capture lasting images of colorful butterflies. Small
but comfortable spaces are set aside for tent visitors, and our
over-sized pull through spaces were created for today’s spacious
motor homes with pull behinds. Hot coffee and fresh-baked
muffins are always in supply. Free Wi-Fi and digital cable.
Fair Acres Family YMCA
417.358.1070
2600 S. Grand Ave
Carthage, MO
www.fairacresymca.org
DROP AND GIVE ME 20. Fair Acres Family YMCA Boot Camp is
a fast-paced full-body workout. Missy and Kim will take you
through your paces incorporating cross fit routines, interval
and strength training, plyometrics and intense cardio. Join us
Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:15 am or Monday and
Wednesday at 6:15 pm.
Smith Photography
417.529.0517
www.tsmithphotography.com
Facebook: tsmithphotography
Now is the time to book your spring family photos! Let Smith
Photography share some of your life’s milestones and help
capture those beautiful moments. Proudly serving the Joplin and
surrounding communities for 10 years! Call for questions or to
book your session. Like us on Facebook.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 35
Easter basketS
LLC
36
&places
faces
Rufus Racing Turns Six Years Old
Rufus Racing, LLC hosted the racing season’s kickoff party and Rufus’ sixth birthday January 23. The event was held at the Carl Junction
Community Center. Dinner was catered by Woody’s Smoke House. This was the largest attendance they’ve ever had.
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1. Leigh Kelley, Stacy Phillips, Josetta Bayless, Bob Brown and
Cathy Brown 2. Jeffery and Joseph Wright 3. Natalie Ware
and Christy Caddy 4. Allison, Michael, and Michaela Nelson
and Blaine Jimerson 5. Back: Sara Cook, Shelby Allen and
Josetta Bayless. Front: Willa Hoenshell and Kris Drake 6. Jill
Overman , Gwen Braddish, Janean Floyd, Amy Wenger, Bobby
Ballard, Jay White, Jodie White and Gary and Linda Wenger
Right: Phillip, Wesley, Ruth, Charlotte and Drew Sawkins
Photos by Tina Smith
3
6
&places
faces
Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce
EXPO 2015
Experience the
1
Over 5,000 people attended the two-day Joplin Area Chamber
of Commerce Business EXPO Jan. 20-21. EXPO is hailed as the
premier annual business-to-business event in the area, with over
200 companies exhibiting. Attendees were entertained by Midwest
Regional Ballet’s aerial demonstrations and strolling magician Kevin
Wade’s magic tricks, and Art Feeds provided an interactive art activity.
A silent auction benefiting the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce
Foundation raised $10,000. GalaxSea Cruises & Tours gave away a trip
to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios on the final
day of EXPO, and the winner was Ron Lawson.
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1. Nancy Blaukat and Trish Rakes, Candy House Gourmet Chocolates 2. Brian Fleming, Modern Home Resurfacing 3. Heather Yates and Abbey
Kitchens, McAlister’s Deli 4. Brandi Rifenberg, Tana Rhoades and Dax Duncan, Golden Corral 5. Dennis Ware, New Aire Fireplace Systems 6. Shelly,
Randy and Chase Kraft, Kraft Insurance 7. Mike Wiggins and Alice Woolsey, Granny Shaffer’s 8. Craig Hardy and Reggie Powers, Sign Designs
9. Teresa Stull and Sherry McConnell, ADC Dental Group 10. Steve Smith, Power Washing Plus 11. Tina Smith, Ray Foreman and Lauren Guthery
12. Steve Brown and Trevor Frerer, Joplin Floor Designs 13. Amy Earp and John Motazedi, SNC2 14. Donnetta and Carlos Rivera, Federal Protection, INC
15. Carter Hulsey and Mike Wakefield, Binky Guy 16. Danny Ross, Real Pro Real Estate Professionals 17. Show Me Team: Tina Smith, Lauren Guthery,
Lee Radcliff, Kristi Tucker, and Sue Dillmon 18. Cheryl Livingston and Mercedes Myers, Legacy Events Right: John Hoffmann, John Emrick-KSNF TV
Photos by Tina Smith
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March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 39
ShowMe
the
big
picture
Powerful Treatment
By Kathleen Swift
Faster, more precise treatment is what
the new top-of class TrueBeam™ linear
accelerator at Freeman Hospital East has
the potential to offer cancer patients. As
a part of the Radiation Oncology Center
opening in spring 2015, the leading-edge
system offers a radically different approach
to treating cancer with image-guided
radiotherapy.
The new system will reduce x-ray exposure
by 25 percent while doing a better job of
protecting healthy tissue and providing
more powerful doses to cancerous tumors.
By pinpointing exactly where cancerous
cells end and healthy cells begin, there is
the potential for substantially improved
treatment outcomes.
Photo by Tina Smith
40
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 41
SMTO
42
Featuring Joplin
SMTO: Connect2Culture (C2C) endeavors to enhance
community through culture. What are the group’s current
efforts to do this?
Wert:
C2C offers support services to 30-plus local
arts organizations and schools, as well as resources
to increase community involvement and audience
development for the arts. C2C has created a website,
www.connect2culture.com, highlighting weekly and
weekend community arts calendars, and we have a
presence on social media options such as Facebook,
Twitter and Instagram. SMTO: What do you find most exciting right now in
Joplin and surrounding communities as far as the arts are
concerned?
Clifford Wert on Connect2Culture
Interview by Kathleen Swift
Photo by Tina Smith
W
hen Clifford Wert was recognized as Joplin’s
Citizen of the Year in 2013, it was due in part
to his work and dedication toward the betterment
of the community. When receiving the award, Wert
said, “Use your passion and use your talent to make
a difference in the community.” Now retired from US
Bank, Wert continues to live by those words, and his
service to the community continues through his work
with Connect2Culture.
Wert confesses he is not an artist or a performer, but
in supporting the artistic endeavors of his wife Pam
and daughters Rachael and Stefany, he experienced
a growing appreciation of the arts. “The arts help to
round oneself out, and there is nothing better than
giving people exposure to new opportunities and
exciting them to new possibilities.”
Wert: We are an evolving organization, and we want
to use common sense strategies and available assets
to help create an all-inclusive arts and entertainment
area in Joplin. In November 2014, C2C and Joplin
Schools agreed to explore the enhancement of the
Performing Arts Center under construction at Joplin
High School. Preliminary plans call for an approximately
23,000-square-foot addition to the planned JHS
Performing Arts Center and upgrades to the currently
planned audio-visual system. Upgrades and the addition
would be funded entirely by private dollars secured by
C2C through donations, grants and other private funding
sources. The addition and system upgrades would
expand educational programming and provide a venue
for a variety of performances such as classic rock, jazz,
dance troupes, opera and national theatrical touring
productions or small Broadway productions. C2C would
fund and manage scheduling these productions.
In December 2014, the Joplin City Council approved
a joint request of C2C, George A. Spiva Center for the
Arts, Pro Musica and Downtown Joplin Alliance in
support of exploring the repurposing of Memorial Hall
as a community cultural arts center. The Center would
be a public-private partnership and include a new
home for George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, a 500seat proscenium performance hall to accommodate Pro
Musica’s annual concert season and other community
performance needs. Plans to redevelop the property
would preserve space honoring veterans as originally
intended. It would also include space for public meetings.
SMTO: What benefits come to the community through
the arts?
Wert: Support for the arts comes back tenfold to
a community and its citizens. An investment in the
arts supports the quality of life of our citizens, the
development of creative thinking and the economic
viability of our communities.
Whether you are painting, dancing, hearing or singing
music, performing in a play or reciting poetry, studies
show the arts have a positive impact, regardless of
a person’s age. The arts create a sense of place in a
community, bringing people together like nothing
else. The arts are a powerful, unifying force that ripples
across the community.
I am most thankful for the opportunity to be a part of
C2C and cast a vision that helps Joplin be all it can be.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 43
SMTO
Featuring Joplin
Community Perspective
on Regional Business
By Kathleen Swift • Photo by Tina Smith
“Our main mission for the
Joplin Regional Business
Journal is to promote
business in the community.”
--Mikell Warren,
Joplin Regional Business Journal
G
reat changes have been taking place
at the Joplin Regional Business Journal.
Larry and Mikell Warren purchased the
business 18 months ago and jumped into
the process of publishing the semi-monthly
journal with both feet.
Learning Curve
“Neither one of us had any prior experience in journalism,”
said Larry. “We own another business, Atlas Risk Management,
which works with businesses to provide employee and tenant
background checks, drug screenings and fingerprint checks, but
we knew nothing about publishing.”
“It was a huge learning curve,” said Mikell. “We didn’t even know
the terminology and had no point of reference for publishing Joplin
Regional Business Journal, but things are going smoothly now.”
New Growth
At the time of the purchase in May 2013, the Joplin Regional
Business Journal had two reporters, but no sales or subscription
staff and was a 16-page magazine. Now, the journal boasts a
staff of eight and is typically 32 pages long. “We are a team, and
Mikell and I, along with our staff, have worked hard to increase
the coverage of business news in the region and keep our stories
and information fresh and relevant to the business community,”
said Larry.
44
The Community
“Our main mission for the Joplin Regional Business Journal is to promote
business in the community,” said Mikell. “As small-business owners
ourselves, we have great empathy with small businesses and try to help
them get a leg up with short stories profiling their businesses. We help
all businesses make connections to each other and to what is happening
in the business community. Joplin is a medium-sized community with a
small-town feel. ”
Larry commented that one way they serve the business community is
through the publication of transactions such as deeds, mortgages and
bankruptcies. “For many of our subscribers, that is the section they go to
first. It helps businesses in sales, particularly.”
The couple is committed to being a part of the business communities they
cover in the journal. Larry notes that to do that, they are active members
in the chambers of commerce in Joplin, Carthage, Carl Junction, Neosho,
Webb City and Pittsburg.
The publication continues to expand its coverage area. Now serving
regional business communities in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas,
the Warrens have made a digital copy of the Joplin Regional Business
Journal available to subscribers the Friday before the print edition comes
out. “I don’t think print will ever go away,” said Larry. “I think people
still like to sit with a cup of coffee and feel the printed page while they
read. But we know that sometimes a digital edition can be helpful, too.
“We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the positive reception we have
received from the business community. We are locally owned, and we
look forward to continuing to build relationships within the community.
We are open to input from business owners as to how we can serve them
better because that is the mission of the Joplin Regional Business Journal.”
Leslie Simpson Knows Joplin
By Christine Smith
L
eslie Simpson grew up surrounded by modern furniture
in a 1960s home in Forrest City, Arkansas. So how did
this transplant become one of the most knowledgeable and
dedicated leaders in the efforts to preserve Joplin’s history and
architecture?
It all began after a visit to the Joplin Museum Complex shortly
after she and her husband Dale moved to Joplin in 1979.
There, she saw photos of what Joplin looked like, with its
beautiful historic buildings downtown (like the Connor and
the Keystone) and Electric Park (Schifferdecker’s amusement
park). Something inside her stirred. “I just felt angry and
cheated that we’d move to this wonderful town and all those
things were gone and I never got to see them.”
Her interest in Joplin’s history and architecture quickly grew.
Around the time she began working as the director of the
Post Memorial Art Reference Library, the city was pursuing
the idea of a historic preservation commission, so she eagerly
volunteered for it. The commission did a survey of all the
historic buildings downtown, and that’s when Simpson began
compiling many files now housed at the Post Library.
When Simpson researched the history of her own home, she
discovered it was owned by Jesse Osborne, who served as
Joplin’s mayor five times before retiring. He was coaxed out of
retirement in order to oppose a candidate who was running on
the Ku Klux Klan ticket. His supporters knew Osborne would
surely get elected, and they didn’t want to take the chance a
Klan member would become their city’s new mayor. Osborne
did win the election but died in office.
Simpson has shared her research in the books she’s written.
“From Lincoln Logs to Lego Blocks: How Joplin Was Built”
traces Joplin’s history through architecture, from the early log
cabins on Joplin Creek (Lincoln logs) to contemporary modular
housing (Lego blocks).
“Now and Then and Again: Joplin Historic Architecture” is
based on a slideshow Simpson used to present to civic groups
in town to show them photos of existing buildings, followed by
photos of what was on the same spots beforehand.
Photo of Leslie Simpson
by Tina Smith.
Historic photos from
the Joplin Public Library
Digitized Collection
One photo in this book shows Barbee Park, a horseracing track
that opened in 1872. After a fire in 1909, the land was then
developed for residences, yet evidence of the track remains.
The outline of the track can be traced by looping around from
17th to 19th streets, from Maiden Lane to the alley between
Porter and Harlem. “I used to know somebody who lived over
there,” said Simpson. “She had some of the foundation of the
grandstand in her backyard - some of the footings.”
“Joplin (Postcard History)” is Simpson’s most recent book, and it’s a
compilation of the digitized collection of historic postcards housed at the
Post Library. One postcard in this book shows a photo of the interior of
Dutch’s Top Hat Cocktail Lounge (1818 West Seventh Street) around 1950,
with its revolving bar in the whimsical Carnival Room. Simpson’s tireless efforts to preserve the history of her adopted city have
not gone unnoticed; former Joplin Mayor Gary Shaw proclaimed May 19,
2008 as “Leslie Simpson Day.”
Yet Simpson longs for just one thing more - for someone to give new life
to the dilapidated Union Depot building. “I can’t die until I see it restored.”
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 45
Joplin Business
Promotion
Spotlights
Bicycle Specialists • 1202 S. Range Line Road, #2 • 417.781.1664 • www.bicyclespecialists.com
For 60 years, Bicycle Specialists has offered the best products and services to clients from
around the Four States. In business since 1955, Bicycle Specialists is the oldest bike shop in the
Four-State Area, and 2015 marks the 60th anniversary. Keep on the lookout for special events
and deals during the year! Bicycle Specialists offers precision fit services, which allows all riders
to achieve accurate riding form and performance. The benefits of precision fit services are rider
comfort, power and body safety. Using measurements and recommendations for the rider,
60
Years
each bike can be custom fit and adjusted. Come to Bicycle Specialists and check out the oldtime feel of single-speed cruisers, three-speed cruisers and the new pedal-assist bicycles from
Electra. These bikes feature an easy-to-use pedal-assist system that provides amazing power
when you need it.
Kraft Insurance Services
2701 Bird Avenue • 417.624.6565 • www.kraft-ins.com
2015 marks the 90th year in business in Joplin. Licensed in 11 states, it’s truly amazing
that Kraft Insurance Services has been providing quality personal and business
insurance to clients since 1925. Randy said, “We’re rewarded by our career choice when
we are able to take a client who has struggled with a problem and empower them with
the strategies to solve it.” Randy and his team strive to live by the Platinum Rule: treat
others better than you would like to be treated. Their commitment to service comes in
finding the delicate balance that creates a win for their clients and the companies they
represent. Randy said, “It’s the right mix of coverage, price and relationship.”
Witness your baby’s image for the first time while your family members watch. If you are an expectant mother and anxious to get a glimpse of your new creation, 3D4D Imaging Center
can make it happen. You will see your baby’s activities inside the womb, which is difficult or impossible to
identify with traditional scanning. And the baby’s gender can be determined at only 16 weeks.
3D4D Imaging Center
1027 South Main St., Ste. 311
Gryphon Building
417.206.4535
3d4dimagingcenter.com
Owner Karalee Laney, celebrating her 5th year in business, a registered medical sonographer, performs
each ultrasound and has a reputation for providing excellent service. Although not intended to replace
physician-ordered ultrasounds, 3D4D has found its place in providing a service that is sometimes more
timely and enables the whole family to enjoy the experience. For all other diagnostic scans, 3D4D also has
a board certified radiologist on staff. Prices and appointment information can be obtained by calling 417.206.4523, and appointments can also
be booked online at 3d4dimaginingcenter.com. Celebrating five years in business!
PowerWashing Plus, LLC • 417.291.0549 • [email protected]
www.cleanmakeover.com • www.facebook.com/powerwashingplus
Your home or business deserves a clean makeover! From power washing to wood and concrete restoration,
PowerWashing Plus cleans, protects and beautifies any outdoor surface to look like new again. Over the
past decade, PowerWashing Plus has become the number one preferred surface restoration company
in the four states and is proud to have been selected exclusively to serve events such as ABC’s Extreme
Home Makeover Joplin and The Color Run of Springfield, Mo. PowerWashing Plus specializes in applying
certified solutions that meet or exceed all performance standards in the surface restoration industry.
Services include pressure washing, concrete cleaning, wood restoration and roof cleaning, along with
many industrial services. Contact us for your complimentary consultation today!
46
Joplin Business
Promotion
Spotlights
Gunlock Heating & Air, Inc. 9515 Foliage Road • Joplin: 417.624.5203 • Carthage: 417.358.2339 • Neosho: 417.451.9100
Gunlock Heating & Air, Inc., is a locally-owned and operated family business since 1985, now
celebrating 30 years serving the Joplin area. Gunlock Heating & Air has seen the growth and
expansion of technology in home and business comfort and efficiency beginning with basic
furnaces and air conditioners to the innovations in geo-thermal heat pumps, radiant floor heat, WiFi
thermostats, zoning and safety and efficiency checks. In 2011, Gunlock Heating & Air introduced
duct cleaning with the restoration goal of cleaning the air in homes and businesses in the tornadoravaged area. Duct cleaning has since continued as a regular service with our customers.
We invite you to celebrate with us March 26 at 3 p.m. for the area chambers’ ribbon cutting and
reception. Call 417.624.5203 today to R.S.V.P and schedule your air and comfort analysis!
Abundant Shine Inc. • 1027 S. Main St., Ste. 315 • Joplin MO • 417.317.3786 • [email protected]
Real Cleaning You Can Count On With a Reputation That is Spotless
From commercial janitorial, new construction, power washing, floor restoration and excellence in
residential cleaning, Abundant Shine Inc. delivers a true white-glove service. With over 25 years
of experience, Abundant Shine’s background-checked, bonded, insured and well-trained cleaning
technicians meet all their customers’ cleaning needs. Each cleaning professional is certified in
sanitation methods and the handling of blood-borne pathogens, making Abundant Shine Inc. the
choice for your doctors’ or dentists’ offices. Communication is the key. Abundant Shine Inc. is so
confident you will be completely satisfied with its services that it backs its work with a 100 percent
guarantee. Using 85 percent green products, no job is too big or too small.
“Cleaning You Can Count On”
Our guiding principles: Place God first in all we do, be a blessing to people, trust God to meet our
needs and strive for excellence.
Shoal Creek Interiors • 4032 Gateway Drive • 417.782.3854
www.ShoalCreekInteriors.com • www.SmellAwaySolutuionsofSouthWestMO.com
Shoal Creek Interiors is locally owned and operated and has been serving the 4-state
area since 1989. Choose from a premium selection of carpet, hardwood, stone, tile,
vinyl, and laminate flooring. Shoal Creek Interiors provides both commercial and
residential flooring services with full service expert installation. We are now offering
a smoke and pet odor treatment in a 100-square-mile radius of Joplin, MO. Smell
Away is the best pet odor and stain eliminator on the market and comes with a 100%
guarantee to work. Smell Away Solutions is tough on odors but gentle on the earth.
Call today for a free estimate!
Ronald McDonald House of
the Four States
Helping
Provide
Comfort & Care
Because Healing Happens Together
3402 S. Jackson, Joplin
417-624-CARE(2273)
www.rmhjoplin.org
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 47
48
Photo from the Joplin Public Library Digitized Collection.
The Future of a Landmark Joplin Building
J
oplin’s Memorial Hall, located at the corner of Eighth and Wall, might
be getting a facelift in the near future, or the old structure might not be
here at all this time next year. Originally erected in 1923 as a memorial
to area men and women who served in the armed forces, the building has also
been used as a community center and a venue for musical concerts, circus
performances and other attractions over the years. However, city officials
have puzzled in recent years over what to do with the deteriorating structure,
especially since citizens voted down a proposal in 2010 to move the Joplin
Museum Complex there. Now a possible solution may be on the horizon.
In early December of last year, the City Council approved a joint request of
Connect2Culture, George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Pro Musica and the
Downtown Joplin Alliance to explore turning Memorial Hall into a community
cultural arts center.
The proposed center would be a public-private partnership that would include
a new home for the Spiva Center for the Arts and a 500-seat performance hall
to accommodate Pro Musica’s annual concert season and to serve as a venue
for other community performances and touring acts. Any plan to redevelop the
Memorial Hall property would also include spaces for public meetings and
assemblies in the spirit of the original ordinance for the site, and the building
would continue its mission of honoring veterans and preserving veterans’
memorials currently located there.
One option under consideration is to retain Memorial Hall’s current shell and
make the necessary additions and renovations to facilitate the proposed uses
for the building, while the other option is to raze the building and construct a
new one on the same site. The first step of the exploration effort approved in
December by the City Council was to secure the necessary funding of $65,000
to hire the architectural firms of Corner Greer and Associates of Joplin and
Westlake Reed Leskosky of New York to develop pre-schematic designs
By Larry Wood
and renderings for the two options. Connect2Culture
announced in early January that the goal of obtaining the
$65,000 in contributions and pledges had already been
achieved. Donations came from businesses, individuals and
foundations, with the lead contribution coming from the
Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri (CFSWM)
in the amount of $48,000. “We’re pleased to be able to
support this study to evaluate an important historic structure
in our city,” says CFSWM president Stephanie Howard.
“To have raised the necessary funds in a month’s time, from
multiple sources, and to formally engage the architects
speaks to the positive momentum for the cultural efforts
in our community,” says Clifford Wert, vice president and
treasurer for Connect2Culture. “We are extremely grateful
to the CFSWM for its full support of our grant application.”
“The Board, staff and volunteers of Spiva Center for the Arts
are excitedly looking forward to the results of the Memorial
Hall studies,” says Kerstin Landwer, president of George
A. Spiva Center for the Arts. “They represent an important
step forward, not only for the arts in our community, but
also for the future of a landmark Joplin building.”
“The Downtown Joplin Alliance highly values this project
and recognizes the integral role Memorial Hall plays in
the quality of our downtown and what it means to our
community,” adds Brent Baker, president of the Downtown
Joplin Alliance. “We look forward to the next phase in the
life of the Hall as we continue to rejuvenate the downtown.”
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 49
SMTO
Featuring Joplin
Photos by Francene Woods Johnson
Mixing It Up in Joplin:
Superheroes
vs. Villains
By Kathleen Swift
Pow! Bam! Here they come! The Second Annual
Superheroes vs. Villains 5k and 1 mile Fun Run is about
to hit the street in Joplin. Contestants will gather in
front of Joplin City Hall for this year’s costumed race
on Saturday morning, March 28 at 8:00. Ashleigh
Teeter, owner of Starlit Running Company, expects
250 racers to fill the streets that morning.
“The city and Joplin Police Department are working with us to close Main
Street to vehicle traffic between 2nd and 7th streets for the race. This is
the same area that is used for the Third Thursday gathering,” said Teeter.
There will be a DJ and music to add to the fun for the chip- timed event.
“Instant Karma will be open that morning and will have a small, themed
breakfast menu available. Contestants get a free drink, and the winners
will get a free dinner from Instant Karma. Rock City Skirts is providing
a 10 percent discount for Superheroes vs. Villains runners. They will
also be providing the overall female winner with a running skirt of her
choice. If you’ve never taken a look at their skirts, you should. They have
a line of superhero skirts as well as villain skirts that would be perfect
for the March 28 race!” added Teeter. Additionally, all runners will get a
superheroes tote bag that can be used again and again.
Recently, more and more races are themed. “People are really excited
about the theme. In October we held a themed night run, Twilight Thriller,
and had good feedback from the participants. We think the morning race
theme of Superheroes vs. Villains will be just as much fun,” said Teeter.
“The course is relatively flat, and, of course, we will be running on the
city street. For the 5k run, the course will be L-shaped, starting in front of
City Hall, turning left on 2nd Street, proceeding to Tyler and back again.
There are seven age categories for the competition: kids under 12, 13-18,
50
“We think the
morning race theme
of Superheroes vs.
Villains will be just as
much fun.”
--Ashleigh Teeter,
owner Starlit Running Company
19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and older. In each age division
there will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place female winner and a 1st, 2nd
and 3rd place male winner,” said Teeter.
Recently, Teeter and her husband Toby have launched a new
website, www.localraces.com, where runners and cyclists can
find out about upcoming races and register for the ones in which
they want to participate. “It’s a great place to discover local rides
and runs all at a single website,” said Teeter. Those interested in
participating in the Superheroes vs. Villains 5k and 1 mile Fun
Run can find registration information on the website.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 51
SMTO
Featuring Joplin
the foundation of a strong defensive team that with
a few more pieces we feel will thrive in this league.
“Joe Becker Stadium has a few quirks that gives
us an advantage as the home team in the field. The
hill in left field immediately comes to mind. Hitting
is another area we feel we have the pieces to be
successful. We will be looking for a couple more big
hitters to round out the middle of the lineup, but we
feel comfortable with what we have.”
Regardless of how many wins and losses or whether
year one culminates being crowned league champs,
Shawn Suarez really wants residents of Joplin
and all of Southwest Missouri, Southeast Kansas,
Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas to get
comfortable with cheering for the Blasters.
Play Ball!
Joplin Blasters Pro Baseball Team
“Probably the biggest key for us to be successful
this season is for the fan support in the Four States
community to be strong,” Shawn Suarez suggested.
“We need to establish a strong home field advantage,
and that starts with our fans.
By Don Lowe
A
s the Joplin Blasters get set for their inaugural season of professional baseball
in a couple of months, there’s plenty to be excited about all across the entire
organization.
Shawn Suarez, general manager and co-owner, provided early perspective, along with
Gabriel Suarez, on how this team is coming together as it looks to opening night May
21.
“Right now we have a lot of experience on our roster,” Shawn Suarez said. “We have
players who have played multiple years of professional baseball and know what needs
to be done to succeed.
“We have some arms (pitchers) who have been overlooked in the past, but that are very
live and hungry. Our offense still needs a couple of big hitters, but we have a strong
foundation with the bat and with the glove defensively.”
While there’s certainly a lot of work to be done as far as finalizing a complete team,
let alone figuring out an everyday lineup, Shawn Suarez did mention a few individuals
likely to make a splash for manager Carlos Lezcano’s Blasters.
“Some key players right now are outfielder Oscar Mesa, who is a strong lead-off
candidate and hit .327 in our league last year,” Shawn Suarez noted. “Infielder Austin
Gallagher is a former top prospect of the Los Angeles Dodgers who is looking to have
a bounce-back year.
“Left-handed pitcher Anthony Ferrara spent multiple seasons with the Springfield (St.
Louis) Cardinals.”
Lezcano seems to be a solid choice in leading Joplin’s debut season. Shawn Suarez says
of Lezcano, “He is a former Major League Baseball outfielder with the Chicago Cubs,
and he has spent 21 years as a professional manager. He has amassed over 1,000 wins in
affiliated baseball, most recently with the San Diego Padres A+ affiliate.”
Ultimately, the Blasters will turn their full attention toward trying to claim a South
Division title and striving to bring home the American Association of Independent
Professional Baseball league championship.
“Success in our league comes down to pitching and defense,” Shawn Suarez assured.
“The old saying that you can never have too much pitching definitely rings true. We are
very confident that we will be able to identify the pitchers who can get the job done and
keep us competitive.
“Defense is the second key component of a successful team. You can have great
pitching, but if there is no one behind him to catch the ball, you are in trouble. We have
52
“We will do everything to make sure we are an
exciting experience both on the field and in the
stands. But, we need those fans to come out to games
and support us.”
There’s no doubt Shawn Suarez is passionate about
a brand of baseball that will provide a great deal
of excitement across a broad regional locale. And
considering the interest in pro baseball all around
this area, it seems likely the Blasters will draw
plenty of interest.
So, let’s play ball!
FAST FACTS:
Joplin Blasters Professional Baseball Team
Front Office Leadership: Matt LaBranche,
executive vice president/business operations;
Shawn Suarez, executive vice president/general
manager; and Gabriel Suarez, chief executive
officer
Organization: American Association of
Independent Professional Baseball
League/Divisions: Total of 13 teams in the
league, with three divisions
South Division: Consists of the Joplin Blasters,
Wichita Wingnuts, Amarillo Thunderheads,
Grand Prairie Airhogs and Laredo Lemurs
Schedule: Joplin plays 100 regular-season
games with 50 home-playing dates
Post-Season Format: Three division winners
and one wild card entrant play series to
determine overall champion
Regular-Season Opener: Host Wichita
Wingnuts Thursday, May 21, at Joe Becker
Stadium
Season Tickets: Anyone interested in
purchasing season tickets may call 417.437.6105
or visit joplinblasters.com
Students Love Joplin
Students from four area schools say
“Happy Birthday, Joplin!”
James Nguyen -
McAuley Catholic High School • 12th Grade
Another year has passed for the great city of Joplin. Once again as citizens of Joplin, Missouri, we
celebrate the birth of our historic city for the 142nd year.
Many historical events have happened since the birth of our city back in 1873. The city of Joplin was
named after the founder of the first Methodist congregation in the area, Reverend Harris Joplin. This
historical city was known for mining lead and zinc in the good old days. Travelers came and went
through Joplin in the time when Route 66 was mainly used to get from east coast to west coast.
The most recent event that occurred in a city full of rich history was a day that will live in infamy, May
22, 2011. One of the deadliest tornadoes in the nation happened on that day, leaving behind the
destruction of many homes, schools, churches, parks, and businesses. It was not a crisis felt only by the
city of Joplin; it was also felt by the entire country. Volunteers from all over the United States came to
Joplin and contributed to the rebuilding process. Despite everything that has happened to this city, the
community united together and never lost hope. Many homes and businesses have been rebuilt over
the past couple of years.
Since Joplin’s last birthday celebration, the city has been blessed with many new things. Minor league baseball is coming to Joplin with the
creation the Joplin Blasters, whose season is set to start this upcoming May. Students at Joplin High School began classes in their new facility for
the 2014-2015 academic year. Mercy Hospital opened up their new facility a couple of weeks ago to serve the patients of Joplin.
Happy birthday to this great city, Joplin, Missouri. May this year bring the citizens of Joplin many blessings.
Megan Freitas - McAuley Catholic High School • 12th Grade
March 23 is the birthday for Joplin, Missouri. In 2015, Joplin is officially 142 years old. 175 years ago,
Reverend Harris G. Joplin settled upon the banks of a river, which he appropriately named Joplin Creek
Valley. However, the city of Joplin was not founded until nearly 30 years after this.
Reverend Joplin may have settled in 1840, but it took 30 more years before the well-known miners
came to the area. The miners heard that there was lead in the river and set up their camps in 1871. On
the east side of the valley, John C. Cox, a native resident, set up the plans for a city there. Meanwhile, on
the other side of the valley, Carthage resident Patrick Murphy claimed the area there and called the city
Murphysburg. The two joined together in 1873 under the name of the City of Joplin.
The city began to grow in the 20th century. It was during this time that Carnegie Library and Electric
Theatre, later named Fox Theatre, were built. During the Great Depression, the famous duo Bonnie
and Clyde made their way through Joplin, robbing various businesses. This ended in a shoot-out and
they had to flee town, leaving behind several possessions, including the camera that held the famous
photos of the two.
This time period was a time of great development for little Joplin. It was during this time that more
memorable buildings, such as Fred and Red’s Diner, the Scottish Rite Cathedral, and the Frisco Depot,
were built. Also in this time frame, after World War II, the main road in Joplin became part of the famous
Route 66.
Joplin has gone through many ups and downs in all of its years in existence in Southwest Missouri. One that most will remember will be the
2011 tornado in May. This blow was one of the biggest that Joplin had experienced. However, this tragedy did not keep Joplin down for long
and now, in 2015, most of the buildings that were destroyed are now standing again, including Mercy Hospital and Joplin High School.
So on this day, we remember all the past experiences of Joplin. The good times and the bad times have shaped this city to how it is now, both
physically and emotionally. Joplin is wished a very happy 142 years and good tidings for 142 more.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 53
Students Love Joplin
“Happy Birthday, Joplin!”
Madison Imre Szell - St. Peter Middle School • 8th Grade
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! …”
The birthday song has been sung at every birthday celebration across America. In Joplin this year
the celebration is a bit different, but the purpose remains the same. This March, Joplin, Missouri’s
residents will celebrate its 142nd birthday.
The town of Joplin was named after Reverend Harris Joplin. Years before the establishment of
the town of Joplin, Reverend Joplin settled in the area. He founded the area’s first Methodist
congregation, and church services were held in his home. The town of Joplin was established in 1873.
It was first known for lead mining, but zinc mining caused its expansion. Zinc prices fell dramatically
after World War II, stopping this growth. However, after the construction of Route 66, the town
attracted more travelers. In fact, Route 66, the legendary Bobby Troup song, includes the town name
in its lyrics: “Joplin, Missouri.”
Joplin and its residents provide a home for every person that comes its way seeking a place and
purpose. There are all types of religions, ethnicities, and ages to be found here. Joplin is the perfect
embodiment of the “melting pot” picture of the United States. After living in several places, my family
and I have finally found a place to call home. Happy birthday, Joplin!
Sources: History of Joplin; City of Joplin; http://joplinmo.org/history; 2/5/15. Missouri Legends: Joplin-A Lead Mining
Haven; Legends of America; http://legends ofAmerica.com/mo-joplin.html; 2/5/15. Debborah Moss; Joplin Hideout; Debez
Graphics; http://debez.com/joplinhideout/history.html; 2/5/15
Johanna Damaso - St. Peter Middle School • 8th Grade
Joplin started as a small town by a creek. John C. Cox laid out plans for the town in 1871, naming
it after his friend, Reverend Harris G. Joplin. Joplin started blossoming when miners migrated
to the town, searching for profitable ores. There was such an abundance of lead and zinc that it
supported Joplin’s economy for over seven years. The miners played a large influential role in the
town’s growth. Joplin was once a rowdy town painted with saloons and lined with dance halls.
Sadly, after World War I, the mining industry declined due to the unearthing of richer ore pockets
in Oklahoma. In 1926, however, Joplin was decorated with a new road; Route 66 started snaking
through the town. Joplin has sheltered many, including the infamous Bonnie and Clyde in 1933.
Joplin’s colorful past has paved the road to its beautiful future.
Although Cox did not get to see what became of his town, I believe that he would be proud of
how much it has grown. Joplin’s suburban setting, friendly community, and beautiful scenery
welcome people to the city year-round. Joplin, flaunting eight different lakes and numerous
streams, is filled with attractions that keep people coming back for more, from the beautiful
Grand Falls, to the historical Fox Theater, to the Spiva Center for the Arts. Although Joplin suffered
a devastating tornado in 2011, we have recovered with gusto. Joplin, decorated with murals and
friendly faces, is the home of over 20 schools, 130 churches, and multiple local businesses.
“Joplin’s Past, Present, & Future.” Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. <http://www.joplincc.com/joplinhistory.html>.
February 5, 2015. “About.” Historic Joplin. <http://www.historicjoplin.org/?page id=2>. February 5, 2015.
54
Brooke Taylor - St. Mary Elementary School • 5th Grade
When you go down Main Street, it is hard to imagine that once it was just a field. Today we are celebrating
the 142nd birthday of Joplin. Imagine all the way back when it was just grass and a few buildings. Now it is
a busy town with a population of over 50,789. Joplin has been through thick and thin, between tornadoes
and floods. I am excited to run through the history of Joplin.
In 1873 this town was established. Thanks to the mining use of lead and zinc, Joplin’s wealth expanded
drastically. Joplin was named after Reverend Harris Joplin, a European settler.
On May 22, 2011, Joplin was struck by an EF-5 tornado. This was the cause of 158 deaths and over 900
injuries. As you can see, many people were hurt in this tornado. We lost a lot of the population of Joplin.
It was hard to lose these people, but everybody had a lot of courage to stand up and keep fighting. In the
process of the tornado, the St. John’s Medical Center was hit. That is when my dad was called, and we were
transferred over to the temporary hospital, Mercy. And the new hospital is going to open this March.
Living in Joplin has been a fun experience. I have meet amazing friends and had amazing opportunities.
I cannot believe that the new St. Mary’s school and church have already opened. Even if you were not in
the way of the tornado or nobody you knew was hurt, you were still somehow affected by it. Joplin has
very much improved from 2010, to now. Now, Joplin is still not sunny side perfect. We still have tornadoes
and floods, but no place is ever perfect. Everybody still has fear and some still have broken hearts from our
loved ones now gone. But together, we can make Joplin an even better town.
Kayleigh Teeter - St. Mary Elementary School • 5th Grade
Joplin is made of people who stick together and overcome obstacles that are put before it.
In Joplin, mining was a great thing. It laid the foundation to what our city is today.
It all started when several miners found large amounts of lead in the ground, creating a Midwest
boomtown. As the area grew, John C. Cox decided to name the town Joplin, in honor of his friend Harris
Joplin, a Methodist reverend. Over the years, more than 500 million tons of lead and zinc ore were pulled
out of the ground.
After World War II the ore sales went down due to falling demand and prices for lead. As mining stopped,
we had to move on to different types of business to keep the town going. Over the years the town moved
from mining to such business as trucking companies, hospitals, and manufacturing. From there our city
continued to grow.
A recent obstacle that added to our history was when a tornado hit us on May 22, 2011. It was
heartbreaking to see our town get destroyed. We lost a lot of homes, schools, churches, businesses and a
hospital. It was a sad time for our town.
But we didn’t just give up, we put our faith in God and gave each other a helping hand to rebuild our city. Almost all of the things lost in the storm
have come back. We are not only rebuilding but growing our community.
I am so happy we live in a town like Joplin. Whenever we fall into bad times we pull together to make our city better. No matter what happens
Joplin sticks together as a family does.
Will Glover - St. Mary Elementary School • 5th Grade
I was kind of surprised to be asked to contribute to this “Happy birthday, Joplin” article because I just
moved with my family from Tulsa to Joplin last June. In those eight months, I have really liked living here.
My mom showed me an article from Movoto.com that ranked Joplin as the seventh friendliest small city in
America and I agree with that status. The article looked at crime rates, religious organizations per capita,
farmers markets and high fives (just kidding).
The May 22nd tornado proved what a strong community Joplin is and how resilient the people are to
bounce back from devastation in such a short amount of time. It seems like everyone really cares about
each other and the community. No matter what happens they are always there for one another ready
to lend a helping hand. The article mentioned how this sense of community and friendliness spread
throughout the country because so many donated time and resources to rebuild the city.
The article also ranked Joplin as the fourth highest for number of religious organizations per capita, which
was the highest ranking in the top 10 cities featured. My family and I moved to Joplin for this reason. We
are Catholic, and my parents wanted us to have an affordable Catholic education. My older brother attends
St. Peter’s middle school and my sister and I attend St. Mary’s elementary. We didn’t know anyone when we
moved here but everyone welcomed us and made us feel like we had known them for years. We couldn’t be
happier with our school and church communities.
My family and I believe we are truly blest to have moved to such a wonderful and friendly city. Joplin is our
home and we love it here. Happy birthday, Joplin!
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 55
Students Love Joplin
“Happy Birthday, Joplin!”
James Calandro -
College Heights Christian School • 8th grade
Joplin’s birthday reminds me of the thick, rich history of this fine town and my own personal
history as well. To begin, Joplin was named after the Reverend Harris Joplin who was a
Methodist preacher. Established in 1873, it grew in population due to the prosperity created
by the mining business centered on lead and zinc. Also, a very famous event in Joplin’s history
was the shootout of April 13, 1933. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow rented an apartment as
a hideout on April 1, and it ended in a shootout with the police on April 13. My own history
started when I was born on July fourth two-thousand one in the Freeman Hospital system;
and ever since then, I have grown up in a great community and a great environment as well.
I enjoy partaking in outdoor adventures like the time my brother and I went into our church’s
backland and discovered a lake where we often fish. One time on a kayak trip on Shoal Creek
it was getting too dark to kayak, so we plucked a few ears of corn off of the bank and pulled
up to a sandbar. A couple was camping there and let us cook our corn on their fire while we
told stories to each other. Other times, my brothers and I ride bikes from Carthage to South
Joplin on the Ruby Jack and Frisco trails. Drivers are usually very courteous to us on the
section from Oronogo to the head of the Frisco Trail. My family has eleven members, and
Joplin has something to entertain us all. From repelling to kayaking to hiking to shopping
to dining, the list of things to do goes on and on. Joplin has grown in community spirit and
industry and has a small town feel combined with a big-city life, and I am glad to celebrate
this wonderful town’s one-hundred and forty-second birthday.
Abbi Hardy -
College Heights Christian School • 11th grade
My favorite things about Joplin are that the community is involved in promoting art, that
there are many churches worshipping God, and that the people are incredible. I love walking
down Main Street and looking at all of the beautiful buildings. My favorite part of Main
Street is every third Thursday’s Art Walk. I think it is amazing that our town celebrates art and
fellowship within the community.
Another favorite part about this community is that there are so many churches to spread
God’s word. I am amazed by the ways God is moving the community to work together and
help make Joplin great! I have loved growing up here.
In my own life, my mom has told me stories of how the old Freeman Hospital used to be right
up the street from my house and was the personal home of John W. Freeman. The hospital
itself was created in honor of his late son Orley. In 1975, Freeman Hospital moved to the
outskirts of Joplin. The land for the hospital was donated by Joplin businessman Myron
McIntosh and today is known as Freeman Hospital West, which is the hospital where I was
born. I am thankful to Mr. Freeman for opening his home to those in need of a doctor so
many years ago. Joplin really has many incredible people who are products of this awesome
community. Happy birthday Joplin! Thanks to all the wonderful things and people in this
town which makes this a great community.
56
Katie Barnett -
College Heights Christian School • 11th grade
One hundred and forty two years of the great city of Joplin, Missouri. There’s no place like it.
With a big town feel and a small town community, it holds all the greatness that people past
and present have invested in to it. From starting out as just a simple mining town, it turned
into a place anyone would be proud to call home. Joplin bears the community and people
that everyone strives to be. One hundred and forty two years of hardships and unthinkable
circumstances have made this town what it is. Joplin has triumphed over incredible hurdles,
such as the 2011 tornado. The horrors that it endured only made it and its community stronger
in the end, and brought its greatest success. In the aftermath of that devastating tornado, one
can see just how magnificent and close-knit the Joplin community has become. Everyone
pulled through, encouraged each another, and lent a helping hand to those who needed it
most. This city bounced back, better than ever before. This, I believe, is Joplin’s most significant
triumph in its 142 years, and I am ever more proud to call it my home.
Proud of our past – shaping our future.
Kayley Ball - College Heights Christian School • 6th grade
Joplin’s 142nd birthday is a big deal for me. When I moved here from Columbia, Missouri,
in 2011, Joplin provided my family and me a safe community to live in, a wonderful
Christian school to attend, and an excellent hospital for my dad to work at. After moving
here, I was so grateful for Joplin’s safe community. Many communities and cities are
plagued with violence and unrest, but Joplin really is a peaceful place to grow up. In
addition, Joplin also provided my brother and me College Heights Christian School to
attend. I went to a Christian school in Columbia, but it was not the caliber of College
Heights. College Heights has really given me the tools I need to grow in my Christian
faith. Joplin also offered my dad a job at Freeman Health System. The main reason we
moved to Joplin, in fact, was because of my dad’s job. My dad loves working at Joplin’s
only locally-owned hospital, and he takes pride in taking care of Joplin’s residents. I am
extremely happy that it worked out. Residents of Joplin are always helping each other
in times of need. For example, when the tornado hit Joplin nearly four years ago, it
destroyed a lot of businesses, buildings, and homes. We actually moved to the Joplin area
five days after the tornado happened, and I was able to see how much Joplin’s residents
take care of and support each other in their time of need. Another example of the
people of Joplin’s kindness happens every week at my school. At our Chapel service every
Thursday, a sixth grade through senior student receives an award called “Cougar of the Week” for an act of service he or she did. That shows
that College Heights strives to foster servant leaders in our world. Therefore, Joplin’s 142nd birthday means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to
spend another year in this amazing town!
2015 Events Schedule
March 9-13
March 12
March 16-20
March 23 & 26
March 24
Missions Week
Elementary Spring Music Concert
Spring Break
Southwest Missouri Mind Games Competition
Middle School Scholar’s Bowl Competition
April 8
April 11
April 17
April 18
Spring Blood Drive
Junior/Senior Banquet
Grandparent’s Day
High School Scholar’s Bowl District Competition
May 11
May 12
May 17
Spring Vocal Concert
Instrumental Spring Concert
Graduation
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 57
SMTO
Featuring Joplin
Joplin Crusaders
By Don Lowe
Photos Courtesy Joplin Crusaders
Semi-Pro Football Team Strives to Repeat As National Champions
S
o, just what will the Joplin Crusaders semi-professional football
team do for an encore after going 14-0 a year ago and winning
a national championship, while also claiming their seventh Central
States Football League title?
Whether the Crusaders will be able to duplicate their sensational 2014 season or not, they’ve set a standard
of excellence for winning that is expected here year after year.
“We all get a little nervous (at the start of a new season),” said Sam Sturgis, who handles marketing duties
for the organization and also plays wide receiver. “You never know what to expect. As far as if we are going
to be able to repeat, we have a level of expectation.
“But, everyone else is getting better. The level of competition is getting better and better.”
Really, though, there simply isn’t a program that’s been consistently better than the Crusaders throughout
their entire 14-year history. “We’re one of the oldest semi-professional football teams in the country,” Sturgis noted. “And, to have the
winning record we have is unheard of, really. We’re playing (teams) in bigger cities, and Joplin is just a
blip on the map (in comparison). “Our record is 141-16 in 14 years, which is a little more than one loss (per season). The last three seasons
(40-1) we’ve only lost one ball game. And, we’ve won 27 straight games.” As Joplin looks to continue its successful ways in 2015, many of the same cast of characters will be suiting
up again this spring and summer. 58
Offensively, key personnel include quarterback Steven Hamilton
(6-0, 225), along with running backs Joey Ballard (5-9, 210) and
Heath Baker (5-9, 175). Wide receivers Daniel Thompson (5-11, 185)
and Shannon Crawford (5-10, 185) should also figure prominently.
As for the defense, players who are likely to be major factors in ’15
are Antwan Dyer (6-2, 225), Tevin Gibson (6-0, 205), Jordan Highley
(6-2, 235), Jonathon Nash (6-4, 210) and Justin Williams (6-0, 245).
Likewise, on the defensive side, Walter Coleman (5-10, 185), Ramon
Bonner (6-0, 185) and Clevon Williams (6-0, 195) will be counted on
heavily.
“As far as keeping players year in and year out, we do retain a lot
of them,” Sturgis said. “After winning back-to-back (Central States)
championships and then winning the national title, we had about 10
guys that decided to retire after going out on top.”
Joplin began its quest to stay on top again this year against the visiting
Kansas Pokes Feb. 28.
The Crusaders’ 11-game regular-season slate will continue through
May 30, and they’ll play a total of six home games.
Just before the season was set to get underway, Sturgis emphasized
that these defending national champions remain as hungry as ever to
keep on winning.
“We’re definitely looking forward to it,” Sturgis assured. “A lot of
the guys have been hitting the gym, and they are in better shape than
they’ve ever been. We’re not complacent.”
It’s obvious there’s no complacency with this bunch. Instead, the
Crusaders simply remain focused on playing at a championship level
virtually every year.
Quite honestly, it will probably be surprising if Joplin isn’t among the
best once again and ultimately celebrating with yet another title.
FAST FACTS
Joplin Crusaders
Semi-Professional Football Team
Head Coach:
David Pitts
Home Stadium:
Missouri Southern State University’s
Fred G. Hughes Stadium
Upcoming Games:
Host River Valley Reckoning March 7; at
Arkansas Raptors (Clarksville, Ark.) March
14; host Arkansas Raging Ducks March 21
History:
Seven-time Central States Football League
champions, three-time league runners-up
and 10-time division champs
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 59
SMTO
Good Living Décor
Your House...
RBAN Industrial Design
A trend in design that is really catching on—the urban-industrial look
or vintage industrial look—is inspired by the 19th and 20th century
manufacturing era. This design incorporates function and style inspired
by the working people who used everyday objects to build their own
furniture and incorporated exposed brick walls, machinery parts, worn
wood floors and practical items into their everyday living.
60
Urban industrial design uses found or worn objects such as old
reclaimed wood flooring to make shelving or an old chest of
drawers turned into a vanity for a bathroom. Furniture that will
be used in this design might contain metal doors rather than wood
doors, metal wheels instead of feet or casters and even pulleys or
exposed machinery parts instead of the traditional pulls. Reclaimed
wood, such as pallets, could be cut down and sanded and stained or
white washed for an urban, industrial feel for a coffee or side table
or used on the wall as a wall treatment.
Exposed shelving with metal or wooden shelves and metal supports
would fit perfectly in this style, as would stainless steel countertops
and vintage appliances. Ceilings with exposed wood beams would
create the look of an old manufacturing building that was often
turned into apartments. Butcher block counters and painted cabinets
along with worn wood flooring could also finish the look of an
urban kitchen.
Common elements of this design are salvaged factory parts, worn
wood furniture pieces and metal items worn over time and with
a rich patina to their finish. Metal chairs and metal framed tables
would be perfect in this design, as would metal pieces of artwork,
such as old clock pieces or metal fence pieces. Lamps with exposed
bulbs and pendants made from metal, many with exposed wires and
sharp lines, are perfect for this design as well.
To soften this look, add pillows and upholstered pieces in solid
colors to provide a contrast to the heavy metal pieces of furniture.
Old worn books and china pieces would look perfect on the shelves
and an accent piece or two is really all you need so you don’t detract
from the statement of the furniture in the room.
The urban industrial style is perfect for your patio or deck. Reclaim
old wheels and use them as sides for an outdoor bench. Old stone
grinding wheels can be stacked on top of one another for an
interesting side table or just as a design element. Vintage signs such
as those used at old gas stations or diners can be hung on the wall
for nostalgic urban industrial art outside or inside.
The urban industrial style gives us a feeling of nostalgia and
reminds us of the hard work our ancestors put in to bring about
the industrial age or manufacturing age that has allowed us to have
what we have today. Think about incorporating a vintage industrial
piece of furniture or artwork into your design!
Photo provided by John Howsmon, Scott Rice Steelcase Dealer.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 61
Green
Thumb
Article and photos by Rose Hansen
In Praise Of The Weird And Wonderful
March can be a long and hateful month for outdoor gardens. Weather
bounces between extremes. Our poor plants know not what to do. Was last
week’s frost the final frost, or is another one coming? Regardless of what the
almanac proclaims, my shivering marigolds beg to differ.
62
But in one cultivated corner of my house, a tiny
Eden persists: the kitchen window. Until I get
a greenhouse, this will have to do. Between
the kitchen sink and the glass that separates us
from the tail end of winter stands one pretty pot
of utilitarian herbs, but that’s where purpose
and functionality ends.
Alongside are three succulent pots whose
tenacity rivals something out of The Lost
World, a lovely planter of microgreens, various
terrariums with air plants and a bonsai tree that
fits in the palm of my hand. Both sets of plants
require minimal but finicky care. They must
be soaked for approximately 30 minutes once
a week, and then placed in neighborhoods that
keep them out of prolonged direct sunlight.
homes, those that are miniature or exotic, make
us seem like better, more interesting people.
They have the power to transform.
There’s something cunning and unplantlike,
dare I say human, in a plant’s determination to
survive. Consider just their evolved genius for
seducing us, fumbling and flawed human beings,
into caring for them to the point of infatuation!
The habit of collecting living things is ultimately
the pursuit of a kind of unattainable love affair,
and there is no guarantee that if we get them
they won’t die or change. You might even love
them too much; you might love them to death,
literally—too much water, too much tending.
But such is love. Such is life.
In the terrariums, air plants (tillandsia) survive
without roots or soil as if by magic. My bonsai
is a small, charming miracle. Its roots have
carved courses into the heart of a chunk of
lava rock and found a home there. Unlike the
standard houseplant, these particular plants
seem intelligent because they are intelligent.
Much to the delight of every flight attendant
and neighboring passenger, I carried that bonsai
back from Honolulu on a travel trek that took
us through Los Angeles, Las Vegas and DallasFort Worth. In the way a polite service dog
attracts attention, the bonsai earned friendly
inquiries and curious gazes. Even TSA agents
were actually pleasant.
This was all new to me. I don’t consider myself
to be particularly approachable; I have what
friends call “an angry neutral face.” So be it.
That face has protected me from catcalls and
unwelcome attention in bars. It keeps activists
on street corners from asking me to sign
petitions.
But the plant-driven attention? This was new.
And pleasant. Plants, it turns out, particularly
those that live within the walls of our own
JOIN THE FRENZY
Browse a beautiful, local selection of
air plants at the Joplin Greenhouse
and The Marketplace,
2820 E. 32nd St. 9 am to 6:30 pm.
To have a Hawaiian dwarf schefflera
lava bonsai delivered to your front
door, visit: www.fukubonsai.com
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 63
5th Annual
Nature Photography Contest Winners
By Kathleen Swift
Natural Winner
1st
Place
Sometimes opportunities unexpectedly present themselves.
That is what happened to Russell Kinerson one day
last June. “I had driven to the Wildcat Glades Conservation &
Audubon Center after dinner that evening, as I so often do. It is
a great place to walk and photograph birds and flowers. I had
just pulled in, and there was the mockingbird with an insect
in its mouth. I rolled down the window, grabbed my camera
and took several shots,” recalls Kinerson, this year’s first-place
winner of the 5th Annual Show Me The Ozarks Wildcat Glades
Conservation and Audubon Center photography contest.
Kinerson admits with a laugh that he did have the photography
contest in mind as he snapped the photo he calls ”To Feed a
Mockingbird.” Photography is often on his mind. In 2014,
his photo of a butterfly on a zinnia won honorable mention
in the contest, and in 2013, one of his photos was awarded
second place.
To photograph the mockingbird in such detail, Kinerson used
a Nikon D800E with an 80-400 mm lens. Kinerson calls it an
incredible camera with a great lens perfect for photographing
wildlife and for portraiture. But his wife, Michele, had the eye
for a winner. “I was sorting through my selections to choose
which photos to enter. I asked Michele to help me narrow my
choices from six to three. She pointed to the mockingbird and
said, ‘That’s a winner.’ I’ve learned through the years to listen to
my wife!” Kinerson says.
Russell Kinerson
2nd
Place
The outdoors has been a part of Kinerson’s life since he grew
up on a farm in northern Vermont. “Nature and the outdoors
is just part of my heart and soul,” he says. They are also part of
a career that includes a Ph.D. in forest ecology, a professorship
at the University of New Hampshire, and a 30-year career as an
environmental scientist for the US Environmental Protection
Agency in Washington, DC.
Now Kinerson spends part of his time volunteering at the Wildcat
Glades Conservation & Audubon Center. He also intends to
continue to extend and improve his photography skills. “Since
I retired, I have been able to explore the art of photography
more. I like learning new things. Learning something new is
happiness to me, so I plan to continue to learn all I can about
photography and enjoy the open countryside while I do.”
Madelaine Giebler
Kevin Bowman
64
3rd
Place
Kids
Contest
Winner
Here’s Looking at You
The bullfrog in Ashlyn Henderson’s photo seems to be
eyeing us and speaking to us. Ashlyn, this year’s Kids Contest
winner of the 5th Annual Show Me the Ozarks Wildcat Glades
Conservation and Audubon Center photography contest,
says that is why she likes photographing wildlife. “Animals are
interesting to photograph because they have lots of character.”
A sophomore at Galena High School, Ashlyn has a great deal
of experience photographing wildlife. She first picked up a
camera for serious photography when she was in sixth grade.
Influenced by her aunt Kathy, a professional photographer, she
has used her Canon Rebel camera to photograph all kinds of
animals including eagles, foxes, deer, zoo animals and once, a
bear she met on a trail in Colorado. Most people’s first thought
when meeting a bear on the trail might be to high-tail it out of
there, but Ashlyn grabbed her camera and took a photograph.
“I like to take my camera and go out in our woods, to the park
or Grandpa’s farm and take photos,” said Ashlyn.
Ashlyn Henderson
Kids
Contest
Honorable
Mention
Paige Mason
Ashlyn has experienced previous success with her
photography. “Two summers ago,” said Suzette Henderson,
Ashlyn’s mother, “she was invited to display her photos at
Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center for a
month. She has also displayed her photos at Schermerhorn
Park.” Ashlyn is currently expanding her photography skills to
include portrait photography, but will continue to photograph
wildlife. She said, “I plan to frame the bullfrog photo and hang
it in my bedroom.”
Honorable
Mentions
Ann Butts
Rion Huffman
Fan Favorite
Kevin Bowman
Angela Langer-Heltzel
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 65
5th Annual
Nature Photography Contest
Hayley Sirmon
entries
Russell Kinerson
Ann Butts
Brandon VanDalsem
Brandon VanDalsem
Ann Butts
Mike Ritzman
Travis Smith
Travis Smith
Katherine Spigarelli
Ashlyn Henderson
Jill Campbell
Rion Huffman
Ashlyn Henderson
66
Katherine Spigarelli
Ashlyn Henderson
Kevin Bowman
Kevin Bowman
Mike Ritzman
Dennis Conrow
Karen Garver
Katherine Spigarelli
Mike Ritzman
Karen Garver
Dennis Conrow
Karen Garver
Russell Kinerson
Madelaine Giebler
Paige Mason
Julie Krueger
Mary Margaret Flanigan
Rion Huffman
Steve Snyder
Dennis Conrow
Camden Huffman
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 67
SMTO
Featuring Webb City
Cruise Night
By Larry Wood
In Webb City
W
ebb City’s Route 66 Cruise Night, a car show featuring
classics, antiques and more, kicks off this year on April 11,
from 5-8 p.m. on Broadway in downtown Webb City. Held the
second Saturday of each month from April to September, Cruise
Night draws entrants from all over the Four-State area of Missouri,
Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, and approximately 60 to 80 cars
are on display each month. “All kinds of cars are welcome to Cruise
Night,” says Gwen Allen, director of membership for the Webb City
Chamber of Commerce, primary sponsor of the event. Some of the
favorite entries from last year, Gwen says, were restored pick-up
trucks, like the 1950 Chevy pickup owned by Ron Darby, which is
shown in one of the photos accompanying this article.
Registration for Cruise Night is free, and goodies are offered to the
first 50 people to register. Trophies are presented to the winners in
the various categories, and drawings for door prizes, given out to
participants, are also held during the event.
You don’t have to enter a car, though, to get in on the fun. The event
attracts several hundred spectators each month who come just to
appreciate the classic vehicles and enjoy the feel-good atmosphere.
A DJ plays music, and games are staged throughout the festivities
for kids or anyone else who wants to participate. Prizes are offered
to the winners.
Although Route 66 Cruise Night has been around for many years,
the Webb City Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with local
businesses, has been sponsoring it for the past five years. The main
business sponsor that has kept the Webb City Cruise Night going and
made the event so successful for the past several years, according
to Gwen, is X-Treme Powersports in Webb City, owned by Shane
Burns. “They have been in business selling cars in Webb City since
1997,” she says, “and they were named Webb City Business Leader
of the Year in 2011. They also provide the cars for our dignitaries
during our “Paint the Town Red” Homecoming Parade. Shane, his
family and employees love what they do and love the community
that supports them.
“Route 66 Cruise Night is a feel-good, nostalgic event that people
seem to enjoy,” Gwen adds, “and we like to bring people downtown.
It’s good for the restaurants and other businesses and good for the
whole Webb City community.”
68
It’s April, so It’s
Springtime
on Broadway
By Kathleen Swift
“Springtime on Broadway gets bigger and better each year,”
said Erin Turner, economic and community development
coordinator for Webb City. “This is our seventh annual
celebration, and it is a stellar event for the community.”
The event kicks off Friday, April 10, and continues through Saturday, April 11, in downtown
Webb City. Although the event is billed as Springtime on Broadway, the festivities spill
over onto Main Street. Vendors and crafts can be found on Main Street while Broadway
hosts the entertainment, food and the carnival. The two days are packed with something
for everyone. On Friday, Route 66 Swing Band will open the music event followed by
headliner band Con-Fuzion. Enjoy the music of The Rebecca Hawkins Project, Stowaway
Gypsy and Redeemed on Saturday. These local bands will provide all kinds of music from
classic country to covers of current hits.
“...many
sponsors help the
event continue to
blossom.”
--Erin Turner, Economic and Community
Development Coordinator for Webb City.
Additional entertainment will be presented by Pinocchio School of Dance and the various
musical groups from the Webb City schools. “All of these groups are very popular with
the crowd,” said Turner. “We are also considering adding an open-mic where people who
have submitted the songs they would like to sing can take the stage and show off their
talent.
“Seven years ago the celebration was first sponsored by the Webb City Lions Club,”
said Turner. “The idea was to celebrate spring and bring the community together in our
downtown. After the Lions Club dissolved, a core group wanted to continue the festival.
Now known as the Old Urban Downtown Committee, the group, along with the Webb City
Chamber of Commerce and many sponsors, help the event continue to blossom. Blevins
Asphalt Construction Company has stepped up for the second year as entertainment
sponsors. X-treme PowerSports is another major sponsor along with Crowder College of
Webb City, US Bank and others.”
Each year Springtime on Broadway has added new events, and this year is no exception.
The Elks club and Missouri Eagle are sponsoring A Taste of Summer at Springtime on
Broadway. Event goers 21 or older can purchase a pre-paid ticket for $5 that grants them
entrance into a 45-minute tasting event of the new tastes of summer. Ticket holders
also receive a souvenir cup and one free drink in the beer garden. Tickets for this event
are limited and can be purchased by calling the Webb City Chamber of Commerce at
417.673.1154.
The Treasure Hunt is also new this year. “One of our citizens is opening up his historic
building on Main Street next to the other vendor tent for the Treasure Hunt. Here we will
have antiques, shabby chic décor and flea market items,” said Turner.
Profits from the event go to improve the downtown area. Past improvements include trees,
trash cans and the historic lamp posts. Turner says businesses can purchase seasonal lamp
post banners during the festival at three for the price of two. For information on tickets,
events and vendors, email Erin Turner at [email protected].
Save the date!!
April 10-11
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 69
“We hope people will
choose to spend their
leisure time here rather
than anyplace else.”
—Tom Reeder,
Webb City Parks and Recreation Director
Photo by Tina Smith
70
Fresh Air and Fun
T
By Kathleen Swift
om Reeder has found his calling and his passion
in his work as Webb City Parks and Recreation
director. For Reeder, director is more than a title. “I
don’t work a day in my life because I love what I do!”
That passion has driven his leadership for the last six
years and, along with Mayor John Biggs and the Parks
and Recreation Board, has brought new vision to the
Webb City parks.
“Several years ago, I owned 4 Seasons Landscaping. Mayor Biggs wanted to
be proactive in cleaning up and landscaping our city parks and approached
me about leading that effort. Five years ago I went back to school and earned
my BS in Parks and Recreation Management. That has been beneficial for
me and for the city,” said Reeder. His learning had real purpose as he applied
his new knowledge to the parks system. “Our goal is to build a parks and
recreation system that fills the wants and needs of our citizens. We hope
people will choose to spend their leisure time here rather than anyplace else.”
The largest project Reeder is currently overseeing is taking place at King Jack
Park. “We are working with the EPA to reclaim 23 acres of an old mining area
at the front of the park. When the clean-up is complete, we plan to create
a common area with picnic tables, pavilions and benches for everyone to
use,” Reeder explained. “But we are planning that area so that a festival area
overlays the common area. Our design is intentional so that, for instance,
electrical pedestals are placed where vendors or musical events might be set
up. We will be able to host an unlimited number of events such as carnivals
or concerts. Because the area is designed for both events and a common area,
the transformation between the two can happen quickly.”
The lakes at King Jack Park are being joined, and that process is close
to completion. Fed by a well, the water level in the new lake will remain
constant. The dual-purpose lake will be stocked by the Parks and Recreation
Department, so it will be considered a private lake. That means no fishing
license will be required. “We want everyone to be able to fish and enjoy the
lake, and stocking it ourselves makes that possible,” said Reeder. Although
fishing will be allowed, for the first few years the policy will be catch and
release until the population of fish reaches a healthy proportion. Small humanpowered watercraft may also be used on the lake, making it the perfect place
to kayak or canoe.
Reeder’s vision reaches into the Webb City neighborhoods, too. “While
the EPA has been working in King Jack Park, we have been renovating our
neighborhood parks. Each park has its own personality. We try to fit the park
to the neighborhood,” said Reeder. Some parks host skate ramps, others
tennis courts, but each park is designed to enhance the lives of the people
who live in Webb City. “Seeing children playing in our parks and enjoying
themselves is what I call success.”
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 71
Webb City
B u s i n ess S p o t l i g h t s
Burpo Family Chiropractic
Liz’s Tax Service
1632 S. Madison Ave., Suite B
417.388.7554
26 S. Main Street
417.673.5555
Burpo Family Chiropractic – Dr. Hailey Burpo, Chiropractic Physician
Elizabeth Crane has helped people resolve their tax problems
offers treatment services for the entire family. Treating patients of all
and get rid of their tax headaches for the last 12 years. Let Liz
ages: during pregnancy, through childhood and adulthood. Sports
tackle your basic tax filing or more complex tax resolutions and
physicals for area athletes of all ages…Go Cardinals! Walk-ins or
hard-to-solve cases. She will make sure you get every possible
appointments.
penny back from your taxes as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The choice of a chiropractor is an important decision and should not be
Liz has helped people who haven’t filed in years. Find her on
solely based upon advertisement.
Facebook for important updates from the IRS and quick access
to tax knowledge all year long. Please call 417.388.7554 with tax
questions or to make an appointment.
Webb City Medicine Shoppe
BEI Bill’s Electrical Contractors
1107 S. Madison Suite A
417.673.4909
1716 Falcon Rd • 417.624.6660
www.beijoplin.com
The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy is more than another pharmacy.
Bill’s Electric has provided excellent service to the four state area
Not only will your prescription be available in a prompt manner but
since 1959. When Dale Wilson took over in 1985, he continued the
it will be filled by a pharmacist who cares. The Medicine Shoppe
same tradition. Now with three locations, BEI continues to provide
prides themselves on knowing their customers’ unique needs.
additional value for clients, the community and opportunities for
Come by today to receive care for your unique healthcare needs.
employees.
72
Shelter Insurance®
Stephen Thomas, agent
1630 S. Madison
417.673.1975
Shelterinsurance.com/StephenThomas
[email protected]
Centennial Park is made up of more than 300 city-owned
acres and is located just north of the Interstate 249 and
Highway 171 intersection, and is just seconds away from
Webb City’s nationally recognized Downtown Historic
District. Interested retail, hotel, restaurant and service
In January 2008, Stephen Thomas took over the family business. Jimmy
Thomas, Stephen’s dad, had been in the insurance business since 1956.
Stephen is proud to serve the Webb City community. Give him a call or stop
by and he will be glad to help you find the right coverage at the right price.
“We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter.”
companies that want to be a part of the growing and thriving
communities within Southwest Missouri can contact the City
of Webb City at 417.673.4651.
Bruner Pharmacy
Roderique Insurance Agency, LLC
Bruner Pharmacy
Pam Drake
108 N. Main Street • 417.673.1242
Downtown Webb City
417.673.4663
Bruner Pharmacy, proudly serving Webb City since 1986. Full
Roderique Insurance is an independent agency celebrating 70 years
service pharmacy includes a drive-through Rx window and full time
in business, and a family owned, third generation insurance agency
pharmacist, David Hudson, RPH. Bruner Pharmacy has a large gift
established in 1945. They offer auto, life, home, business, health and
selection & collectibles including Fenton glassware, purses, candles,
more! For experience, competitive rates and personal service, give
jewelry and cards for every occasion. Open Monday–Friday 9 am–
Pam Drake a call or email [email protected].
6 pm and Saturday 9 am-4 pm.
Webb City Gringos
1401 South Madison Street • 417.673.3001
Locally owned and operated by Chris and Anissa Parrish, Webb City
Gringos has served the area since 1993. Gringos is not your typical fast food
restaurant. They are known for their large portions. They also have daily
specials including two crispy tacos and taco salads. They now serve freshbrewed brown sugar tea by the glass or the gallon! Located across from
Walmart in Webb City. “Like” them on Facebook!
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 73
74
&places
faces
Heart of the Matter Women’s Health Luncheon
Freeman Health System hosted the Heart of the Matter Women’s Health luncheon at the Amelie Event Center February 5. Guests enjoyed
a delicious meal catered by Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill, giveaways and door prizes. The presenters were cardiac specialists John Cox, DO,
DACC, C. Ryan Longnecker, MD, FACC, FSCAI and Cathy Banes, DNP, ARPN-C, CHFN. This was a packed house!
1
2
4
7
3
5
6
8
1. Jeania French and Melinda Brown 2. Lorna Stover,
Beverly Rahmeier, Jan Brown and Beverly Poplin
3. Jane Ann Turner, Carol Stone and Sharon Koons
4. Debbie Farmer, Glenda Wade and Kristi Seibert
5. Laura Dobbs and Cindy Atteberry 6. Lee Radcliff
and Eden Elliott 7. Charlie Brown, Lee Radcliff and
David Smith 8. Dollie Gates, Sharon Kay Bretches,
Linda Massey and Louise Reed Left: Paula Baker,
Freeman Health System President & CEO; Ryan
Longnecker, MD; Vickie Cox; John Cox, DO, FACC;
and Catherine Banes, FNP Right: Pat Center, Kathy
Wilkerson and Bonnie Adams
Photos by Tina Smith
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 75
When we’re
treating
cancer,
we’re really
treating
people.
Congratulations to the team of the Via Christi
Cancer Center for achieving full accreditation
from the American College of Surgeons
Commission on Cancer. Accreditation is the
seal of approval for cancer programs from the
American College of Surgeons and formally
acknowledges Via Christi’s commitment to
providing high-quality cancer care to our
community and patients. The Via Christi Cancer
Center is the only cancer center in the entire
Four State area to receive all 8 commendations
from the ACOS. By making the advanced
treatments you need available
close to home, the Via Christi
Cancer Center is here for every
patient, every time.
76
Every Friday: Grief Counseling, 11 am-3 pm, St. Philip’s Episcopal
Church, 706 S. Byers. Free. No appointment necessary.
Galena, KS
March 3: Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, meets the first Tuesday of
each month, 6 pm, Premier Surgical Institute,1619 W. 7th St. Dr. Kido,
a fellowship trained surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and
bariatric surgery, and his nurse and success story Lori, are providing
free weight-loss surgery seminars at Premier Surgical Institute. The
seminars are designed to welcome and inform members of the FourState Area interested in learning about – or already considering –
surgery as an option for weight loss treatment.
Dr. Kido has an impressive record of patient weight loss results. He
offers a caring approach to improve patients’ overall health and helps
those suffering from the physical, emotional, medical and financial
consequences of being overweight, as well as provides a solution
for the many who are simply frustrated with unsuccessful efforts to
lose weight or maintain weight loss. No reservations are necessary to
attend the free seminars, which are open to the public.
Premier Surgical Institute was built upon Ortho Four States’ mission
to restore patients’ quality of life and unique vision to create a
comprehensive, compassionate and affordable world-class place of
healing and innovative wellness experience. The resort-like comforts
of Premier Surgical Institute provide a relaxing and comfortable
setting for those attending the seminars.
March 11 & 25: Grief Support Group, meets every second and fourth
Wednesday of each month, 11 am-12:30 pm, Hospice Compassus, 2650 E.
32nd St., Suite 100. Call 417.623.8272.
March 17: Brain Injury Support Group, meets every third Tuesday, 121:30 pm, Independent Living Center, 2639 E. 34th. Call 417.659.8086 or
visit www.ilcenter.org.
March 26: Joplin Ostomy Support Group, meets the fourth Tuesday
of each month, 7 pm, Freeman Business Center, 3200 McClelland, back
entrance. Speaker, refreshments. Call Jackie Strobl at 417.849.7814.
Freeman Health System
March 2: Breast Cancer Support Group, 4-6 pm, All Aboard Ice Cream,
102 Castle. Call 417.347.2662.
March 3: IHOP Pancake Day- CMN Hospitals, 7 am-10 pm, IHOP, 2117
S. Range Line Rd. Enjoy a free short stack of pancakes as IHOP “flips” for
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and, in turn, make a donation to
your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Call 417.347.6639.
March 3: Autism Support Group, 6-8 pm, Bill & Virginia Leffen Center,
3230 Wisconsin Ave. Call 417.347.7850.
March 5: Sibling Class, 6:30 pm. This class will help your other child or
children adapt to changes that will occur when a new brother or sister
arrives in your home. One-night class lasts for one hour and is open to
children 3-12 years of age. Bring a doll or stuffed animal about the size
of a baby to class. $5 per child. Call 417.347.6667.
For more information about Dr. Kido’s seminars or the various insurance
plans accepted for his weight loss procedures, please contact Lori at
620.232.9000.
March 9: Prenatal Class, 8 am-3:30 pm, Freeman West Meeting Room
1W. Prepares mothers and their labor coaches for childbirth. $35 per
couple. Registration is required. Call 417.347.6667.
Parsons, KS
March 10: Free Blood Pressure Checks, 7:30-8:30 am, Northpark Mall
food court, 101 N. Range Line Road. Call Screen Team, 417.347.4448.
Every Thursday: Menu Planning 101, 12 pm or 5:15 pm, Upscale
Country Furnishings. Learn to eat better, feel better and save money.
Call 620.423.0450.
March 10: Alzheimer’s Support Group, 6-7 pm, Freeman East
Conference Room 4E. Call 417.347.5876
March 12: Grief Companions Support Group meets the second
Thursday of each month, 6 pm, Elm Haven West. Enter through north
door. Call 620.704.1110.
Via Christi Hospital - Pittsburg, KS
March 10: Breast Cancer Support Group, 3:30 pm, Cancer Center
conference room. Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Call
620.235.7516.
March 25: Cancer Support Group, 3 pm, Cancer Center conference
room. Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. Call 620.235.7900.
Mercy McCune-Brooks Hospital Carthage, MO
March 3-24: Monday and Tuesday Grief Support Group. Every
Monday 1:30-2:30 pm; every Tuesday 6:30-7:30 pm. Free; registration
is appreciated. Materials provided. Call Chaplain Galen Snodgrass,
417.359.2636.
March 16: Four States Stroke Support Group, 4-5 pm, meets every
third Monday of each month. Byers Avenue United Methodist Church.
For more information, contact [email protected].
March 11: Cancer Support Group, 2 pm, Freeman Cancer Institute
Downstairs Conference Room. Call 417.347.4029.
March 14: March O’ the Kidney, 8-10 am, Northpark Mall, 101 N. Range
Line Rd. One-mile walk hosted by Freeman Dialysis Center. $10 per walker.
Call 417.347.1111.
March 16: Diabetes Type 2 Support Group, 4:30-5:30 pm, Freeman
Women’s Center Conference Room, 1532 W. 32nd St. Call 417.347.5700.
March 17: Bariatric Support Group, 5-6 pm, Freeman Women’s Center
Conference Room, 1532 W. 32nd. Call 417.347.1111.
March 17: Sleep Apnea Support Group, 6-7 pm, Freeman Health
Essentials, 1130 E. 32nd St. Roundtable discussion with a sleep therapist.
Call 417.347.7400.
March 17: Breastfeeding Class, 6:30-8:30 pm, Freeman West Meeting
Room 1W, 1102 W. 32nd St. Covers basic breastfeeding techniques such as
positioning, latching and assessing adequate intake, as well as pumping
and going back to work. $15. Call 417.347.6667.
March 19: Stroke Support Group, 4-5 pm, Freeman Support Center,
2206 E. 32nd St. Call 417.347.1234.
March 24: Diabetes Support Group, 4-5 pm, meets every fourth
Tuesday of each month, Carthage Public Library, 612 S. Garrison. For
more information, call 417.359.1359.
March 28: Freeman Advantage Tea, 9-11:30 am, Business Center
Conference Room, 3220 McClelland Blvd. Annual health screening; open to
the public. Call 417.347.5837 or visit www.freemanhealth.com/advantage.
Joplin, MO
Mercy Hospital
Every Monday: Tips for Living a Healthy Life, 10 am-12 pm, South
YMCA, 3404 W. McIntosh Circle. Free; registration required. Call
417.625.2492.
Every Monday: Parkinson’s Support Group, 2 pm, SWMO Community
Alliance Conference Room, 2914 E. 32nd St. Call Nancy, 417.623.5560.
Every day: 12-Step Recovery Meetings, Alano Club, 1800 E. 30th.
Call 417.623.9645.
Every Wednesday: Free Blood Pressure Screening, 9 am-12 pm,
St. John’s Medical Equipment Store, 3120 S. Main, Suite 10. Call
417.627.8424.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 77
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Health
DENTAL X-RAYS:
WHO
NEEDS ‘EM? Dr. Johnny Maravich
A
Dentures & Dental Services
Every Thursday: Free Blood Pressure
Screenings, 10-11 am, Mercy Hospital Lobby.
Call 417.627.8424.
March 7: Community Open House, 10 am-4 pm,
New Mercy Hospital, 100 Mercy Way. Ceremony
and tours. Call 417.625.2260.
better way to ask that question would be to say it with a positive attitude and a smile
on your face. If you are reading this article, have a head and neck, then the answer
to that question is: YOU. You need dental x-rays. Why, when and how often are the
next questions that need to be answered. March 22: 1st Patient Move-in Day, 6 am. Old
campus closes/new campus opens. Patients will
be moved into the new hospital and services on
St. John’s Blvd. will shut down.
In every line of work there are certain tools or instruments necessary to properly complete
the job. A construction worker needs a hammer, a physician needs a stethoscope and an
accountant needs an adding machine. A dentist’s instruments include mirror, explorer,
the dreaded “drill” we call a hand piece, and yes…x-rays. I have heard endless excuses
from patients over my 15 years in dental practice regarding why they do not need any
x-rays: “X-rays are too expensive,” “My teeth have been gone for 20 years,” “X-rays cause
cancer,” and my personal favorite, “My doctor said I don’t need any more x-rays.” These
are just excuses, not valid reasons to decline an x-ray.
Mercy Auxiliary-Call 417.625.2262
You wouldn’t have your contractor build a house without a hammer, or your accountant
do your taxes without an adding machine or computer. So why in the world would you
ever want your dentist to try to treat your oral health without one of his most valuable
diagnostic tools? Dental x-rays provide very important information to dentists about your
oral health. X-rays are used to find tooth decay. Everybody knows that. But did you know
dental x-rays are used to find and diagnose many other dental problems? Dental x-rays are
used to find tiny areas of tooth decay that cannot be seen with the naked eye, to determine
bone loss from periodontal disease, to see any unerupted or congenitally missing teeth,
to detect growth problems, to visualize effects of trauma to your head and neck, and to
recognize TMJ issues. Finding and diagnosing these issues early can often save you time,
money and future pain and suffering. Each year in October, you’ll notice something different about many of the team uniforms,
especially in the NFL. What is it you ask? The color pink. This is to bring awareness about
breast cancer and to emphasize the benefit of finding it early, and to search for a cure. You
won’t find any national teams wearing a special color to bring awareness to oral cancer. Oral
cancer is another reason dental x-rays are necessary. Over 40,000 patients are diagnosed
with oral cancer every year. The five-year survival rate of those is around 60-65 percent,
and one person dies from oral cancer every hour of the day, 24/7/365. While oral cancer is
not rare, its awareness is nothing close to that of breast, colon or even prostate cancer. Your
physician recommends a Pap smear, mammogram, colonoscopy or prostate exam and no
one bats an eye. “I’ll take it, give me two if you want, I don’t want cancer!” But when the
dentist says, “Let’s take an x-ray,” we get defensive and the excuses begin to flow like the
soft relaxing sounds from Kenny G‘s saxophone. Just like preventive medical procedures
can save our life with early detection, so, too, can the dental x-ray we are so reluctant to get. Mechanically separated chicken, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, and yellow #5 are found in
foods we eat. If you can’t pronounce it and/or don’t know what it is, then you probably don’t
want it in your body. In the dental world we have things like ameloblastoma, odontogenic
keratocyst, osteosarcoma and central giant cell granuloma. These are difficult to say and
spell, and you do not want them, either. They are cysts, tumors and cancers found in the
jaw. Many of these lack physical findings, and the development of lesions confined inside
the jaw bone makes x-rays absolutely necessary for diagnosis. Many who survive from the
above lesions can have severe facial disfigurement or difficulties eating and speaking. If
these are found early, the patient can be treated with far fewer post-surgical issues. An oral cancer screening includes a visual exam of the soft and hard tissues of the head
and neck to find surface lesions and changes, and dental x-rays. These x-rays are a vital,
safe tool your dentist needs to view what is under the surface that cannot be seen with the
naked eye. Your dentist will determine what type and how often x-rays are needed. So see
your dentist on a regular basis. Get an oral cancer screening. And if the dentist says, “Let’s
get an x-ray,” have your concerns, but smile for the camera because that x-ray could very
well save your life. 78
March 3: Volunteer Recruitment Fair, 2 pm,
Mercy Hospital Conference Center, 100 Mercy
Way, Conference Center. Sponsored by Mercy
Auxiliary. Mercy Gift Shop
Through March 22: Gift Shop Sale, 9 am-5 pm.
Inventory reduction sale to get ready to move
into the new gift shop. New discounts every
week! Call 417.625.2260.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
For information on NAMI, call 417.781.6264 or visit
www.namijoplin.org. Meetings held at the NAMI
building located at 219 W. 2nd St. in Joplin.
Every Monday: NAMI Basics, 6-8:30 pm. A new
signature education program for parents and
caregivers of children and adolescents living with
mental illnesses.
Every Tuesday: NAMI Connection Support
Group, 6:30-8 pm.
Every Tuesday: Self Injury Support Group,
5-6 pm.
Every Tuesday:
6:30-8 pm.
Family
Support
Group,
Every Wednesday: Dual Diagnosis Support
Group, 2:30-3:30 pm.
Every Wednesday: Post 5/22 Stress Counseling
Sessions, 10 am.
Every Thursday: Family to Family Class, 6:308:30 pm. For family or caregivers of individuals
with severe mental illnesses. Includes current
information about most major mental illnesses;
information about medications, side effects and
strategies for medication adherence; developing
strategies for handling crises and relapse;
focusing on care for the caregiver.
March 2: Asperger’s Support for Parents/
Adolescents meets the first Monday of each
month, 6:30 pm.
Barton County Memorial Hospital - Lamar, MO
March 3: Caregiver Support Group for
Memory Loss, 6-7 pm, Barton County Memorial
Hospital Board Room. Call 417.681.5100.
March 7 & 28: Blood pressure checks, Senior
Center, 306 W. 11th St. Call 417.682.3881.
Neosho, MO
INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center, Miami, OK
March 17: Remember Me Group meets the third Tuesday of
each month, 4-5 pm, 400 Lyon Drive. Create a scrapbook with
education about dementia. Must RSVP. Call 417.451.2544.
Every Tuesday: Free blood pressure and glucose screenings provided
by INTEGRIS Regency Home Care and Hospice. First Tuesday: Commerce
Nutrition Center, 10:30-11:30 am. Second Tuesday: Nine Tribes Tower, 1011 am. Third Tuesday: Miami Senior Center, 10-11 am. Fourth Tuesday:
INTEGRIS Baptist Village, 9-10 am.
Nevada Regional Medical Center Nevada, MO
March 5: Lunch and Learn, 12-1 pm, Healthy Nevada Innovation
Center. Stress management presented by Carol Roberts and Susie
Platt. Call 417.448.3801.
March 10 & 12: Childbirth Class, 6-8 pm, Medical Arts building
3rd floor classroom. Call 417.448.3801.
March 13 & 14: Take-home colon screening kits, 12-4 pm. Pick
up at NRMC information desk. Call 417.448.3801.
March 14: Take-home colon screening kits, 8 am-12 pm,
Medical Arts Building 3rd floor classroom. Call 417.448.3801.
March 3: Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the first Tuesday of each
month, 11 am, Generations 4th floor visiting room. Call 918.542.3391.
March 5: Autism Support Group meets the first Thursday of each month,
5:30 pm, Miami First Baptist Church Fellowship Center, 24 S. Street SW, with
Dr. Alan Carnahan. Call 918.919.0148.
Mercy Maude Norton Mobile Mammography Unit Schedule for March
March 3: 9 am-4 pm, Mercy Clinic, Oswego, KS
March 4: 10 am-2 pm, Walgreens, 20th and Range Line, Joplin, MO
INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center, Grove, OK
March 5: 8 am-4 pm, Mercy Hospital, Columbus, KS
March 12: Diabetes Support Group meets the second Thursday
of each month, 12:30 pm, INTEGRIS Grand Lake Diabetes Center,
1310 S. Main. Call 918.786.1801.
March 10: 10 am-2 pm, Wal-Mart, 15th St., Joplin, MO
March 12: Low Vision Support Group meets the second
Thursday of each month, 9:30 am, Honey Creek Retirement
Village, 200 Har-Ber Road. Call 918.786.2223.
March 11: 8 am-noon, Ortho 4 States, Galena, KS
March 12: 8 am-4 pm, Mercy Hospital, Columbus, KS
March 17: 9 am-noon, Dr. Hill Clinic, Southwest City, MO
March 18: 10 am-2 pm, City Pointe, Webb City, MO
Miami, OK
March 19: 8 am-4 pm, Mercy Hospital, Columbus, KS
March 10 & 24: Depression Support Group meets the second
and fourth Tuesday of each month, 2 pm, Northeastern Tribal
Health System Conference Room, 2301 Eight Tribes Trail. Call
918.675.2093.
March 24: 10 am-2 pm, Dollar General Store, Diamond, MO
March 12: Caregivers Support Group meets the second
Thursday of each month, 11 am, Parish Hall, All Saints Episcopal
Church. Call 918.542.3662. Open to the public.
March 31: 10 am-2 pm, Walgreens, Neosho, MO
March 25: 9 am-noon, Arma Clinic, Arma, KS
March 26: 8 am-4 pm, Mercy Hospital, Columbus, KS
Schedule an appointment by calling 620.429.2545 or walk on.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 79
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Health
Colorectal Cancer -
?
What is it
C
By Atman Shah, MD
Medical Oncologist, Freeman Cancer Institute
olorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer of the
gastrointestinal (GI) tract that involves
parts of the (large intestine) colon and/
or rectum. CRC is the third most common cancer
diagnosed in both men and women in the United
States. According to the American Cancer Society’s
estimates, there will be about 93,000 new cases of
colon cancer and 40,000 new cases of rectal cancer
in 2015. Interestingly, CRC is the third-leading cause
of death from any cancer. However, in the United
States, death rates have declined progressively since
the 1980s, likely due to early detection and more
effective treatments.
recommends screening for colorectal cancer beginning at
age 50 years and continuing until age 75 years.
Usually after a colonoscopy is done at age 50, if no
abnormalities are found, a subsequent colonoscopy is
recommended after 10 years. The reason for this is because
when a precancerous colorectal polyp is found, it takes about
10 to 15 years for it to transform into a more malignant form.
Hereditary cancers have drastically different screening ages
and frequency. For example, a patient with Lynch syndrome
needs colonoscopies every 1 to 2 years, and the screening
age can be as young as age 25. In addition, they may require
screening for other cancers as well. It is therefore important
to seek genetic counselling in families with affected
individuals.
What lifestyle factors impact this type of cancer
Colorectal cancer is influenced by environmental and hereditary factors. There
are several factors that are known to increase the likelihood of developing
colorectal polyps (pre-cancerous lesions) or colorectal cancer.
• A diet high in processed foods or red meats can increase the cancer risk.
A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains seems to decrease the
risk of cancer.
• Other risks include physical inactivity, obesity and smoking. Heavy
alcohol use (>2 drinks/day in men or >1 drink/day for women) has also
been linked with colorectal cancer.
• Age is an important risk factor. The incidence of colorectal cancer starts
to increase between ages 40 and 50.
There are also hereditary conditions that are associated with a very high risk
of developing colorectal cancer. Conditions such as familial adenomatous
polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome are the most common genetic
conditions. It is important to have genetic counselling for all close family
members when an affected family member is diagnosed with such conditions.
Fortunately, these type of conditions account for less than 5 percent of all
colorectal cancers.
Colonoscopies
Colonoscopies are done to screen for colorectal polyps or to catch a colorectal
cancer at an earlier stage. It is believed screening colonoscopies is one reason
the incidence of CRC has declined. The U.S. Preventive Services task force
80
Treatment and recovery
Treatment for colorectal cancer can consist of surgery,
chemotherapy/immunotherapy and/or radiation. A medical
oncologist/hematologist plays a critical role in formulating a
treatment plan and its sequence based on the initial stage at
diagnosis of a cancer.
Usually, cancers localized to the colon are treated initially by
surgery. Surgery, in most cases, is followed by chemotherapy
to eradicate micrometastases or tumor cells left behind that
are too small to detect. Radiation therapy is commonly used
concurrently with chemotherapy in rectal cancers.
Advanced colorectal cancers have multiple chemotherapy
and immunotherapy options. Monoclonal antibodies are
proteins and a form of immunotherapy. These targeted
treatments are available depending on the genetics of the
individual’s cancer. Personalized treatment regimens are
recommended by an oncologist.
Advances in treatments in the last 5 to 10 years have resulted
in improving overall survival in cancer patients.
The Relationship Between
Substance Abuse and Poverty
Insight
Into Substance Use Disorder
relationships, illegitimacy, dropping out of school, high arrest
rates, high incidence of mental disorders, poor physical health and
high mortality rates.
By Bridget Bauer
When that happens, drug addicts enter the cycle of poverty.
From alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/poverty-and-substanceabuse: “The cycle of poverty is a phenomenon where people
become entrenched into poverty due to a number of different
factors. Family experience, lack of education, limited access to
employment and health care all contribute to this destructive cycle.
Poverty may commence in generations before the existing one,
and the role models set up people to continue to live in this way.
Without outside intervention to give people access to education
and employment, the cycle may continue for generations.
W
hile poverty may not cause drug abuse and drug abuse may
not cause poverty, a correlation exists between the two
circumstances.
Research suggests a strong association between those who live
in poverty and social isolation and the abuse of drugs. From an
article posted on June 27, 2013 in Drug Addiction, Drug Rehab
Programs by Darryl Fujihara: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
approximately one out of every six (48 million) Americans is living
in poverty, and 3.7 million of those in poverty are in need of treatment
for drug or alcohol addiction, but less than a quarter of those actually
get the treatment they need. This is first of all because many of these
people don’t know about treatment options, and many others don’t
have access to a support system to help get them into rehab.”
Teddy Steen, executive director of Ascent Recovery Residences,
has seen first-hand the connection between poverty and drug abuse.
A recovering addict, she said a time existed when she lived in
substandard housing and dire circumstances. At some point, some
addicts lose all their resources and may become homeless and live in
places that are below the socio-economic status they were raised in.
“There is a high correlation,” Steen said. “We get a lot of people who
are living in poverty but wouldn’t be in poverty in they weren’t drug
addicts.”
While poverty doesn’t single-handedly cause drug abuse, many of
the factors that define poverty and are associated with the poor also
are risk factors for drug abuse. Some of those identifiers include
low-status and low-skilled jobs, unstable family and interpersonal
“I think a lot of it goes hand-in-hand,” Steen said. “I don’t think
drug abuse causes poverty or vice versa. They are very closely
connected in that a drug addict can enter poverty by using their
resources unwisely and getting into that pattern of thought.”
“With regard to addiction, there is some evidence to suggest that
those in the cycle of poverty who also suffer from substance abuse
problems have a significantly more difficult time breaking the
cycle and removing themselves from this harmful life than those
who are not poor. Additionally, if parents suffer from addiction
to drugs or alcohol, their children may have a higher risk of also
suffering from this disease.”
Difficulty gaining access to rehabilitation programs is another
reason why drug addicts remain in poverty. Again from
alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/poverty-and-substance-abuse:
“For people with adequate money or health insurance, and time
available, there are a multitude of private drug and alcohol
treatment centers that can be afforded. For those who do not have
the resources available to them, treatments and detoxification can
be difficult to find and to utilize. Public health services are often
at capacity with long waiting times for treatment. Additionally,
family responsibilities may mean that they are unable to attend
a treatment facility because they are unable to afford care for
children, parents or other relatives.”
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 81
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Narcolepsy needs a sleep study to be done to
differentiate it from sleep apnea. It is marked by
daytime somnolence and by falling asleep easily all the
time - really the opposite of insomnia - with the feeling
of sleepiness as if there was insomnia. Health
There are other sleep problems that lead to sleepiness in
the daytime that a sleep study can diagnose, behavioral
issues with sleep behaviors, a sleep partner will notice
and complain of, and a sleep specialist can evaluate
properly in the sleep lab, which may give daytime
sleepiness.
Sleep,
Sweet Sleep
By Kimberly Wood, MD
W
e hear about sleep problems of all kinds. What kinds do you need to get a
sleep study for and when might you need medication, and when may your
medication be the problem?
Disordered sleep happens to us all from time to time but insomnia or the inability to
sleep is for some of us a chronic and miserable problem. There are sleep disorders of timing of sleep called circadian disorders where the
general amount of sleep may be close to normal, but the timing of the sleep onset and
waking are off.
The delayed sleep cycle, like that of the adolescent who is wakeful all night and
then sleeps late into the morning or midday, is one circadian disorder. The advanced
sleep cycle of the very elderly (or depressed) is another example, but occurs when
sleep onset is very early in the evening and when waking is very early in the morning
(6 pm to 3 am). This is contrasted to the disrupted circadian rhythm of the Alzheimer’s
patient who may sleep or be wakeful at random times day or night and may not get
full and adequate sleep time. This type of disruption is due to the degeneration of
the brain and the subsequent difficulty in ordering the behavior. Jet lag is a more
temporary form of disrupted circadian rhythm. Shift work and swing shifts are like jet lag, induced circadian disorders imposed
by nocturnal employment. Unfortunately life seldom allows full daytime sleep for
these delayed sleepers so they are in reality sleep deprived, and suffer somnolence,
cognitive impairment and emotional stress. These types of sleep issues do not need a
sleep study and don’t usually require medication. Those who are on shift benefit from
blacked-out rooms to sleep in with soft noise to block out daytime noise. Their doctors
may help them with their sleep from time to time or medicate them for alertness at
work if needed. Obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime somnolence and feeling tired and nonrestored after sleep but doesn’t usually have delayed onset to sleep or waking without
return to sleep. There may be multiple waking episodes without recall of waking
or brief waking. The sleepiness and cognitive difficulties of sleep deprivation are
present, but the high risks of coronary heart disease and arrhythmia are also present. It
is the increased risks associated with the strain on the system from the drop in oxygen
that occurs with this sleep disorder that puts such a high priority on diagnosing and
treating it. This is the type of sleep disorder that requires a sleep study, and you know
you need it by the snoring that is a part of the obstruction but more importantly by the
breathing pauses that a sleep partner will hear. 82
The garden variety, most common sleep disorders
do not need a sleep lab evaluation. These are the
insomnias. They include difficulty with sleep onset
and sleep maintenance. Sleep onset issues are thought
to relate to anxiety, but they are also related to the
circadian center in the brain that shuts the brain down
to sleep. Sleep onset is complicated by pain, and as
we age, restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome
is a dysfunction of the nervous system that sends a
nerve signal, akin to static, that is felt as discomfort,
relieved by movement and makes it very difficult to
relax and sleep. Many of the medications intended
for sleep or anxiety actually increase the restless
leg sensation and interfere with sleep further. These
include tricyclic and SNRI type antidepressants and
antihistamines like the Benadryl in the pm medicines
for sleep. Other medications can give muscle aches,
cough or distracting side effects that keep you from
relaxing. Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine stimulate you
to prevent or make sleep difficult. There are many
sleep aids to induce sleep - ranging from melatonin and
herbal teas, to prescription tranquilizers, hypnotics,
and antidepressants. Many of the sleep agents once
commonly used freely are on the “Beers list” of drugs
to avoid, so your doctor is going to encourage you to
try the herbal alternatives.
The sleep maintenance problem can also be difficult.
You might go easily to sleep but the brain wakes after
one sleep cycle or so (usually after three to four hours
sleeping) and then you wake to find it impossible
to return to sleep. This is thought to be related to
depression, and is a common occurrence after “a
nightcap” bedtime alcohol drink, as the secondary
alcohol effect is wakeful.
There are no sleep aids that really work for sleep
maintenance on an as-needed basis, but there are good
things to try. The best go-back-to-sleep remedy is a
simple Tylenol. There are muscle relaxers with shortterm effects that can be used, such as tizanidine. The
best initial approach is to be sure the depression
has been ideally medicated as depression must be
considered for this problem.
Naps when kept to half an hour can keep the brain
sharper when low on sleep and restore the body and
refresh without feeling like you needed more. The key
is getting to the relaxed state without the deep sleep
cycle that may take too much time to cycle out of to
full awareness. Planning ahead for a nap or catching
up from behind on sleep either way works to limit the
damage from lack of sleep.
Sleep, sweet sleep; it eases your pain and rests us from
our cares, give us plenty and we live longer, think more
clearly and feel much happier. Sweet dreams!
New
Tools
for Evaluating and Monitoring
Concussions
related concussions are “associated with elevated levels of blood
biochemical markers of injury to the central nervous system.” The
researchers wanted to see if plasma levels of these biomarkers could
help predict when it was safe for concussed players to return to play.
They found that concussions sustained by the hockey players were
associated with acute axonal and astroglial injury, which can be
monitored with blood biomarkers. The concussed players underwent
repeated blood sampling, and the researchers discovered that the
players had increased levels of the axonal injury biomarker total tau
By Billie Holladay Skelley, RN, MS
I
n soccer, it may be heading the ball
that causes the problem. In ice hockey,
it can be a powerful body check, or in
football, a particularly forceful tackle. No
matter how it happens and in whatever
sport, concussions are serious injuries and a
growing international concern. Lately, this
concern has received a great deal of media
attention, especially in regard to injured
professional athletes, because traumatic
brain injuries can cause serious short-term
and long-term problems. Concussions,
however, can happen to anyone in any age
group during any activity that precipitates
a physical blow or impact to the head.
Sometimes individuals lose consciousness
after a concussion, but many people do not.
Concussion-related symptoms vary, but
they can be physical, cognitive, emotional
or sleep-related. Symptoms can include
headache, nausea, dizziness and confusion.
Some individuals also experience blurred
vision, difficulty concentrating, trouble
remembering, irritability and poor sleep.
For some, the symptoms occur immediately and quickly disappear, but
for others, the symptoms can begin weeks later and last for months.
Doctors usually recommend rest from physical and mental activities
following a concussion, but there is no specific drug or curative
medicine to treat these injuries. Healthcare providers often advise
athletes in general not to return to their sport following a concussion
until they are symptom-free, but specific counseling of individual
athletes regarding when they are ready to play again can be confusing.
As subjective clinically-defined entities, concussions can at times
be difficult to diagnosis. Because symptoms are so variable in their
occurrence and duration, it can also be difficult to assess healing and
to determine when an injured patient can safely return to athletic or
other activities. Objective measures that could indicate when brain
damage has occurred, its severity and when former activities could
safely be resumed would greatly aid healthcare providers. Fortunately,
researchers are trying to identify and develop such tools.
In a recent article in JAMA Neurology, “Blood Biomarkers for
Brain Injury in Concussed Professional Ice Hockey Players,”
researchers describe how they studied professional ice hockey
players in the Swedish Hockey League to determine whether sports-
and the astroglial injury biomarker S-100 calcium-binding protein
B compared to their preseason values. The highest concentrations
of these biomarkers were measured immediately after a concussion,
and the levels decreased during the players’ rehabilitation period.
“We hope that this method will be developed into a clinical tool for
club physicians and others in sports medicine, and is used as a basis
for the decision on how long the player should rest after a blow to
the head,” states Dr. Henrik Zetterberg, a co-author of the study, in
a related Science Daily article, “Blood Test Identifies Brain Damage
from Concussion in Ice Hockey.” Dr. Zetterberg also noted, “It could
even be used in general in emergency medical care to diagnose brain
damage from concussions regardless of how they happened.”
Having such blood tests as clinical tools in their medical arsenal
would help clinicians in diagnosing concussions and in assessing
their severity. Objective biomarker blood levels could help them
monitor how well a concussed patient is healing. They could also
provide an improved basis for making decisions regarding when it is
safe for a concussed athlete to return to his or her sport.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 83
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Health
or biopsy precancerous or cancerous lesions.
Any person between the ages of 50-75 years
should have a screening colonoscopy since
the risk of colon cancer is highest in this age
group. Anyone with a history of ulcerative
colitis or Crohn’s disease or who has a direct
family member who has had colorectal cancer
should speak with their doctor about screening
at an earlier age. Anyone with blood in the
stool, a change in bowel habits, a feeling like
your bowel does not empty, weight loss or
persistent abdominal discomfort who has not
had a colonoscopy should speak with their
doctor about screening if appropriate.
What do I do if I am diagnosed with
colorectal cancer?
Colorectal Cancer,
What You Should Know
A
By Samir Dalia, MD
Mercy Clinic Oncology and Hematology
s we enter spring, the month of March has been designated
as colorectal cancer (cancers of the colon and rectum)
awareness month. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of
cancer deaths in both males and females in the United States and
accounts for more than 50,000 deaths a year. There are around
150,000 new diagnoses of colorectal cancer in the United States
each year, making it one of the most common cancers. There are
things you can do to lessen your chance of developing colorectal
cancer and many advances in treatment that can improve quality
of life for those who develop it.
What can I change to reduce my risk of developing colorectal cancer?
Although the risk of colon cancer increases as one gets older, especially after age 50, there
are things you can do in order to try to lessen the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Studies suggest a diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk
of developing colorectal cancer, and eating a well-balanced diet, which includes fruits and
vegetables, may be beneficial. Increasing physical activity is beneficial for multiple healthrelated problems and may also reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. As with other
cancers, smoking may increase your risk, so we recommend patients try to quit smoking.
People who have a history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are at increased risk of
the disease and should speak to their doctor about colorectal cancer screening at an early
age. People who have an immediate family member (parent, sibling, child) who have had
colorectal cancer are also at increased risk and should speak to their doctor about screening.
How and when should I get screened?
Screening is an essential way to prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing
precancerous polyps. Although there are other screening methods for colon cancer, including
stool testing and CT scans of the colon, the most common and recommended screening tool
for colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a test where a camera can directly
visualize the majority of the rectum and colon in order to screen for polyps and remove
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If you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer,
your doctor will send you to an oncologist
(cancer treatment doctor) and to a surgeon
who has experience with colorectal cancer
surgery. If the colon cancer can be removed,
that is the ideal treatment and can be curative
alone in early-stage colorectal cancer. In
colorectal cancer that has spread into the
surrounding lymph nodes, surgery followed
by chemotherapy and/or radiation is used to
limit the disease for recurring. In patients who
already have disease outside the colon to other
organs (metastatic disease), chemotherapy is
mainly used to control symptoms, improve
quality of life and improve longevity.
What are some new treatments in
advanced colorectal cancer?
With recent advances in research in colorectal
cancer, there are many new agents that can be
used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal
cancer. Every day we are learning more about
how to better make treatment decisions based
on disease biology and are creating treatments
with fewer side effects and complications.
While most therapies in colorectal cancer
continue to be chemotherapy, most patients
today have fewer side effects and a better
quality of life while on therapy than those
who were treated 20 years ago. When you see
a medical oncologist, he or she will use the
stage of your disease, the disease biology and
your current health status to tailor a treatment
plan to provide you with the most benefit
while trying to limit side effects.
As our new cancer center opens later this
month at the new Mercy Joplin, located at
100 Mercy Way, we will be able to provide
you with comprehensive care for colorectal
cancer, from screening to surgery to
medical and radiation treatments. We
know being diagnosed with cancer is
difficult, and we are available and ready
to guide you through the process if you
need us. To find a Mercy physician, call our
Doctor Finder line at 417.625.2000.
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 85
The Great
OUTDOORS
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Crappie anglers are faced with two choices: live bait or lures, and that
choice is important if you want to catch fish because crappie can be
some of the most finicky fish with regards to not only bait selection
but also the color of that bait selection. It can make a big difference in
going home with a cooler full of good eating crappie or going home
empty handed.
You can usually base your choice off of the water temperature where
you are fishing. If the water is warm, jigs and lures should be tried first.
When the water is still cold, a live minnow is your best bet.
As for color, the color of the water should help make your choice.
Usually, if the water is muddy looking, go with bright colors like
yellow, red, pink and even white. In clear waters, go with colors like
black, green and brown.
DOING YOUR HOMEWORK
Scout for turkeys intensively before the season opens, but don’t start
too early. If you scout long before the season, the birds might still be
flocked up in winter areas. Concentrate your efforts on the last few
weeks before the season opens after birds have scattered and gobblers
have begun staking out their spring territory. If you locate a gobbler
at this point, he should still be in that general area when the season
opens.
Locate gobblers before the season by listening for birds calling at
dawn. Drive old logging roads or walk ridges, using locator calls such
as owl, predator, crow and even gobbler calls. If you use a hen call, do
so sparingly, and don’t lure a bird so close that it might see you.
Pinpoint as many toms as possible so if someone is hunting where you
plan to go on the opener, you can change locations and hunt another
gobbler.
Photo by Asia Sansalone
2013 Nature Photography contest
Turkeys won’t always be where you have seen them before. You
have to get out there and find the general area where they are and do
your homework.
GET READY FOR THE HUMMINGBIRDS
Hummingbirds feed 5-8 times per hour. Their diet is made up of a
variety of food sources like nectar-producing flowers, tree sap and
insects, including spiders.
Feeders filled with 3 parts water to 1 part sugar can help attract
hummingbirds. This simple sugar water solution is just as attractive
to hummingbirds as natural nectar sources.
There are many types of hummingbird feeders to choose from,
and birds that dislike one specific shape or size of feeder may be
attracted to another. Use a variety of feeders spread throughout your
yard to attract the most hummingbirds.
Placing feeders in an area free from breezes and out of direct sunlight
minimizes spilled nectar and helps keep it from spoiling. To help the
birds find your feeders, place them near nectar-producing flowers.
Bees, wasps and ants find nectar solutions just as irresistible as
hummingbirds do, but you can minimize annoying insects by
choosing feeders with built in insect guards or traps. Avoid feeders
with yellow ports because yellow is attractive to bees and wasps and
it makes no difference to the hummingbird.
BASS BITES
Here are a few bass fishing tips, or bass bites as I like to call them,
to maybe help you when bass fishing this year.
If you see a large bass swipe and miss your lure, immediately toss
a different lure back in the same place. Plastic worms, hard or soft
jerk baits, suspended minnow plugs and other slow-moving lures
are the best.
Try a large triple-wing buzz bait around cover on cloudy days when
the water is warm and the surface is calm and unrippled.
Troll with deep-diving plugs in deep water. Use big-lipped divers
that will dig along the bottom. Slowly troll with 60 to 100 feet of
line out. Pay special attention to channels, humps and shoals.
Remember that small lakes that are not heavily pressured tend to
be very good bets for catching large bass because the fish are more
accessible throughout the season.
NECKING AND SPAWNING
Anywhere a lake or river necks down or narrows and has moving
water is always worth trying. These areas usually contain plankton
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that small fish feed on, and where you find small
fish you find big fish that like to feed on them. Light
penetration is also a lot less in these areas, and that can
cause more fish movement.
Another thing to remember is that sometimes prespawn fish like bass, walleye and crappie frequently
move shallow under certain weather conditions prior
to spawning. Structures like weed beds adjacent to
spawning grounds can be staging areas for pre-spawn
fish. Also, shallow humps or ridges near spawning
grounds are good places to try.
MUSHROOM TROUT
5 (3/4 lb) trout
1/2 cup olive oil
5 cloves garlic, chopped
Fresh ground black pepper
Salt
1/2-3/4 lb fresh mushrooms
1/4-1/2 cup butter
4 tablespoons fine, dry breadcrumbs
4 green onions, sliced
2 fresh lemons (or lemon concentrate)
2 tablespoons minced parsley
To cook trout, wash and dry the fish inside and out and coat sides with
a little olive oil.
Slice mushrooms and place half in the bottom of a shallow baking dish.
Salt and pepper fish, inside and out, to taste and place in dish on top
of mushrooms. Sprinkle bread crumbs over fish along with the minced
parsley, chopped garlic and the green onion.
Melt butter; add to olive oil and the juice of 2 lemons. Pour slowly over
fish, saving about half of the mixture.
Photo by Michelle Blackford
2013 Nature Photography contest
DID YOU KNOW?
• Did you know some lipsticks contain fish
scales?
• Did you know lightning strikes the earth
6,000 times every minute?
• Did you know dragonflies have six legs
but can’t walk?
• Did you know a woodpecker’s tongue can
wrap around its head twice?
• Did you know armadillos have four babies
at a time and are all the same sex?
• Did you also know armadillos can walk
underwater?
Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees or until they are tender and bread
crumbs are light brown. Fish are done when the meat flakes easily.
Just before the fish are done, sauté 1-2 minutes the remaining
mushrooms in the sauce that is left and pour over top after placing trout
on a plate.
NATURE QUOTE
“In every walk with nature
one receives far more than
he seeks.”
--John Muir
March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 87
A Naturalist Voice
A Happy Ending with a
Touch of Class
Field notes and photos by Jeff Cantrell
I
was 10 when I participated in my first guided
hike, and it just so happened to be in amazing
Yellowstone. My folks are national park enthusiasts
and my mom’s mission this trip was to grant her
young conservationist the gift of a rare wildlife
experience.
When we think of wildlife, endangered species stories frequently
emerge, and they have a gloom and doom undertone to them.
Biologists strategize on how to reverse the decline of the population
while the nature-loving communities offer support any way they can
contribute. So, unfortunately, when the subject regarding threatened
species comes up, we are prepared for a grim outcome.
However, there are stories of celebration and good news all around
us. Missouri is full of “comeback kids.” The Missouri Department of
Conservation has accomplished incredible undertakings in restoring
populations of rare animals. Today’s plentiful white-tailed deer, giant
Canada geese, otters and paddlefish are just a few of the department’s
victories. We are thankful for the Missouri Prairie Foundation and
The Nature Conservancy that saved rare parcels of Missouri, which
harbor some of most species-rich habitats in North America. Joint
ventures of state wildlife agencies, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service,
volunteer groups and non-profit organizations are responsible for
cleaner rivers, healthier air and numerous wildlife species that know
no borders.
One of these species of wildlife naïve of state lines is one of the most
elegant looking, yet toughest, critters I know. I first saw them in the
misty waters of the Yellowstone River and now, several years later
and a few state borders in-between, swans are in the Show Me The
Ozarks region.
The trumpeter swan is the largest of North American waterfowl
and surely one of the most stunning. The trumpeters, to me, simply
symbolize all that is graceful and stylish in nature. A swimming swan
resembles an ice skater’s refined glide, and their reflection appears to
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pursue the bird on a blue or silver mirror. The adults are a crisp bright
white, while the juvenile’s plumage matches the winter sky. They
are a true conservation success story recovering from brutal market
hunting for their skin, feathers and meat. Quill feathered pens were a
favorite instrument of John James Audubon to tailor the groundwork
sketches for his celebrated bird paintings. The swan feathers inflated
pillows and mattresses for the aristocrats and colonists to rest well
and dream of the promises of a fresh America. The trumpeter swan
contributed a great deal to our pioneer heritage, and we find their
presence carved on furniture, printed on currency notes, in Native
American culture and much more.
They emerge from a population of fewer than 70 trumpeters in all
of Canada and the lower 48 states. They rode the conservation/
preservation wave of early conservation laws and the collapse of
plume hunters and feather fashions. Heroes like Teddy Roosevelt,
George Melendez Wright and William Hornaday were in their corner.
Today, our area benefits from captive conservation breeding flocks
of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It is fortunate the birds don’t
recognize state borders, and so we benefit from trumpeter swans
vacationing here during the winter. After being completely absent, I
have now witnessed them steadily increase in our area every single
winter these past 20 years. Their occurrence restores their place in
our culture and history; they certainly glide across our view with a
wonderful sense of style. The story of the trumpeter swan is a real
conservation story. I love happy endings, especially when they have
a touch of class.
I look forward to seeing you on the trail. - Jeff