Connecting the People, Places, Businesses and Culture of the Ozarks for more than 23 years

Since 2001, Show Me The Ozarks Magazine has showcased what makes the four-states such a fantastic place to live, work, play and visit.

We continue to celebrate with you, our loyal readers and advertisers, all that makes our region exceptional. The sights and the sounds. The parks and the trails. The dining. The shopping. The sports and the theatre. The nightlife and the day trips. The rich heritage and the promising future.

Show Me The Ozarks Magazine promises to provide you with the highest possible level of quality, integrity and professionalism possible. If you have a story that you’d like to share with our readers, or if you have comments, questions or suggestions, we would like to hear from you!

Northeast Oklahoma, a Mentor and a Mentee, and a 9-year-old Champion 

Welcome to summer! In our June issue, we feature Northeast Oklahoma, an area known for summer activity. We’ll stroll down memory lane to Lavern’s Wedding Chapel in Miami, learn about a roadside oddity near Winganon and meet 9-year-old Quinley Inman, a barrel racing champion from Ketchum.    

As I’m writing this letter, we just got through a day of major storm warnings. I always chuckle how everyone talks about KOAM Chief Meteorologist Doug Heady like we’re all on a first-name basis with him. “Doug said if we’re in this circle, we can go to bed now,” or “Doug said he’s pretty concerned about the weather tomorrow.” No one asks, “Doug who?” We all know. Thanks to Doug’s willingness in 2011 to mentor a young weather fan from San Diego, the path to then 13-year-old Chad Crilley’s career in meteorology was paved. Read about Doug and Chad’s journey starting on page 54.  

Doug and Chad’s story got me to thinking about the mentors in my life. I don’t think they set out to be my mentors, but however it happened, my life and career are better because of their efforts. If you have the chance to mentor someone in any way, I hope you’ll do it. And if you don’t feel like you’re mentor material, try to become a mentee. Never stop learning and asking questions. You’ll be all the richer for it. 

There are so many more pages of this issue that are filled with great reads. Be sure to peruse the pages while you’re enjoying your summer, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen! 

Sincerely,

 Wendy Brunner, Publisher/Editor 

[email protected] 

P.O. Box 3325 • Joplin, MO 64803 

844.417.SMTO (7686)