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Back to School Once Again

Welcome to September! The weather could be starting to change, making us all

excited for cozy sweaters and crackling fires, or it might be just as hot as it was in

the thick of summer. You never know with September.

Our September issue features the winners of the 16th Annual Cutest Pet Contest.

Our judges had the difficult task of choosing just a few winners, when we all know,

as pet lovers, every pet is the cutest. I’m glad I wasn’t a judge because there’s no

way I could have chosen just a few winners. Thank you to those who submitted their

pets’ pictures. The entry fees helped us raise funds for animals at the Joplin Humane

Society and Faithful Friends Animal Advocates.

In addition to the pet contest winners, you’ll find an article about a local 16-year-old

dog-training phenom and TikTok star, you’ll read about the Joplin Humane Society’s

annual fundraising gala and learn about a local woman’s efforts to collect pet food

donations for those struggling to feed their four-legged companions.

This issue is also full of stories from Barry and Lawrence counties. I normally don’t

mention a specific article, but the story behind “Evan’s Voice: A Legacy of Protection

and Awareness” on page 60 did something to my heart, both as a human being

and as a parent. Evan Boettler, a 16-year-old Aurora High School student, fell victim

to online extortion earlier this year. Out of his parents’ sorrow emerged Evan’s

Voice, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of online

extortion and advocating for the safety of children everywhere.

The Exeter Corn Maze once again opens this month to draw crowds looking for fall

fun, and Pierce City hosts its annual fall festival as a way to showcase local artists

and its community. Monett and Aurora are also in the spotlight with stories of

downtown revitalization, amazing educators and residents who impacted their

communities.

I hope you have a fun September enjoying the Friday Night Lights and preparing for

the eventual change of seasons. And I’m curious, are you Team Pumpkin Spice or

Team Apple Cinnamon? Forget politics. These are the real issues of the day.

Sincerely,

 Wendy Brunner, Publisher/Editor 

[email protected] 

P.O. Box 3325 • Joplin, MO 64803 

844.417.SMTO (7686)