Joplin Metro, Home Show, October 2014 by Joplin Metro Magazine

“We’ll lower your current payment or WE will make the next one.”* -Mike McCann General Manager

volume 5

issue 6

october 2014

22 34

ON THE COVER:

6 THE SCENE

10 THE 10-SPOT

38 PROFILE: Peace Church Cemetery

14 Home Show 2014

42 HISTORY: Glossary of History and Architecture

16 The Independent Living Center

46 PROFILE: Angels of the Woods

18 The A.B. McConnell House

48 ARTIST PROFILE: Elizabeth Cosby

22 The Charles Frye Home

50 PROFILE: Rocky Horror Picture Show

26 Calculating the cost of a new room

54 MUSIC TO THE EARS: Thumper

28 Landscaping reminder

56 HEALTH: Breast cancer awareness

30 Five repairs to avoid

58 PROFILE: Maple Leaf Festival and parade in Carthage

32 How to winterize the home

62 TASTE: Stacked

65 THE J LIST 66 THE PARTING SHOT

34 PROFILE: Area caves THE J TEAM EDITOR Kevin McClintock Phone: 417.627.7279 Fax: 417.623.8598 E-Mail: kmcclintock@joplinglobe.com MAGAZINE WRITER Ryan Richardson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brad Belk Michael Coonrod Bobbie Pottorff Amanda Stone

THE JOPLIN GLOBE CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS T. Rob Brown Laurie Sisk Roger Nomer Kristen Stacy Ryan Richardson

PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Mike Beatty Phone: 417.627.7291 Fax: 417.623.8450 E-Mail: mbeatty@joplinglobe.com

SALES MANAGER Janette Cooper Phone: 417.627.7236 Fax: 417.623.8550 E-Mail: jcooper@joplinglobe.com

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Brian Huntley Lindsey Gregory Allison Ezell Michael Duntz Regina Carnahan

EDITOR Carol Stark Phone: 417.627.7278 Fax: 417.623.8598 E-Mail: cstark@joplinglobe.com

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Jack Kaminsky Phone: 417.627.7341 Fax: 417.623.8450 E-Mail: jkaminsky@joplinglobe.com

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Brent A. Powers Phone: 417.627.7233 E-Mail: bpowers@joplinglobe.com

DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES Julie Damer Phone: 417.627.7323 Fax: 417.623.8450 E-Mail: jdamer@joplinglobe.com

COVER DESIGN Lindsey Gregory GRAPHIC DESIGN Publications Press, Inc.

J MAG is a publication of Newspaper Holdings Inc. and is published monthly. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter. The publisher assumes no responsibilty for return of unsolicited materials.

from the editor

My cool house (right)

Kevin McClintock Editor J MAG

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To that end, a big chunk of this magazine has to do with the home, the single most important purchase you’ll likely make in your lifetime. Aside from our main story concerning our J MAG-sponsored “For Your Home Show,” which takes place on Oct. 24-25, we also take a look

Also in this issue, you will read about local artists Elizabeth Cosby, Tricia Courtney and Sallie Divine, historical peeks into Peace Church Cemetery and area spooky caves, an account of a live Rocky Horror Picture Show display by Amanda Stone, a preview of the upcoming Maple Leaf Parade in Carthage, among many other unique stories about life in Joplin and the surrounding communities.

Remember, if you have an interesting idea for a story, or if you know someone who would make a great subject for a feature, don’t hesitate to contact us or leave a message. You can reach me at kmcclintock@joplinglobe.com, by mail at J MAG, 117 E. Fourth St., Joplin, Mo. 64801 or by calling us at 417-627-7279.

Currently, Joplin is a buyer’s market when it comes to buying or selling a home. There’s never been a better time to snatch up your dream home — especially for you first-time home buyers.

at the nonprofit organization some of the proceeds will be donated to, The Independent Living Center. You will also take personal tours of two beautiful Joplin homes, the historic McConnell House as well as the Charles Frye house, courtesy of Ryan Richardson. You’ll find out what these owners had to deal with in converting a historical home into a modern home, without having to whitewash everything about each structure that made them unique.

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his issue of J-MAG, in essence, is all about the home. The comforts of the home. How to buy a home. How to maintain one. How to fix those little annoying broken things in the house or garage. How to make sure you stay on the wife’s good side by checking off and completing each of those pesky honey-do tasks.

the scene

T H E C O L O R DA S H PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN STACY

Heather Owens crosses the finish line with a big smile during the Color Dash 5K held at Landreth Park. The Color Dash is a benefit held annually for the Joplin Humane Society.

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Barry Lienhart crosses the finish line with others in hot pursuit.

Linette and Grace Johnson (left to right) finish the Color Dash 5K holding hands during a recent Saturday.

the scene

C J B U L L D O G S AC T I O N PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURIE SISK

Sophomore defensive back Dominnic Burnett brings down a Springfield Central ball runner during a mid-September contest. The Carl Junction Bulldogs easily won the game, 57-16.

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Joey Dankelson, junior nose guard, celebrates after stuffing a Central runner.

Junior wide receiver Braydon Allen pulls away from three Central defenders during a recent 57-16 rout. The win gave the Bulldogs a 4-0 record on the 2014-15 season.

10-spot Nature’s Bounty By Bobbie Pottorff

Mother Nature’s

Bounty

Need a few hours away from your stress-filled life? Here are 10 places, cities, lakes and nature areas we recommend you visit in order to drink in the beauty of Mother Nature.

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Big Spring Park and Morse Park, Neosho

One of the most spacious parks in the area with a big selection of trees and wooded area is Morse Park. Along with Big Spring Park, both in Neosho, Morse Park epitomizes the beauty of the Ozarks in the fall. There is plenty to do in Morse Park with ball parks, tennis courts, a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Helicopter and lots of play equipment. Big Spring Park is quiet and relaxing and you can sit and daydream for hours enjoying the scenery. When the leaves begin to turn, Big Spring Park and Morse Park are two places you don’t want to miss.

Dogwood Trails, Neosho

Dogwood trees aren’t just beautiful in the spring. During the autumn months, dogwood foliage turns a stunning deep red before falling to the ground. Also in Neosho, dogwoods line the streets and create a stunning path of color. Members of the Neosho Chamber of Commerce can help you find your way along different areas where the dogwoods decorate the streets creating a landscape beautiful enough for a painting.

Wildcat Glades, Joplin

Nicknamed America’s Maple Leaf City, the fall time in Carthage is one of the most beautiful places to be. The beautiful maple tree leaves change into bright colors such as red, orange and yellow. And there are so many fall events. Just travel the city and country streets and enjoy the colorful scenery in this quaint little city in the Four States. “October is a visually stunning time here in Carthage with our many maple trees having reached their full fall color palette,” says Neely Myers with the Carthage Chamber of Commerce.

The City of Carthage

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Situated along the foothills of Shoal Creek and adjacent to some of the last remaining chert glades, Wildcat Glades is a unique habitat found only in this area. Besides being an important place for migratory birds and other wildlife, Wildcat Glades offers a view of the beautiful fall colors like none other. You can wander along the trails and see the fall colors from beneath the gorgeous trees, or you can get high on the old Redings Mill Bridge and see the red, orange and yellow leaves from above.

The City of Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Toni Rose, with the Eureka Springs Chamber, says their City is a wonderful, all-year-round, all-week vacation destination. “Most of the attractions are still open in the fall and the fall foliage is an attraction in itself,” she says. “The views are simply breathtaking.” Throughout the month of October, there are Eagle Watch and Fall Foliage Tours on Beaver Lake. They have expert guides that can take you on a guided tour to see the beautiful scenery. There are also art walks, antique and craft fairs and haunted hay rides.

Grand Lake, Oklahoma

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A short drive to northeast Oklahoma will yield a view of rich, vibrant colors that would make a picture perfect. The best way to get the most from your visit to Grand Lake is to take a tour by boat from Twin Bridges State Park all the way to the Pensacola Dam. You can take a cruise on the Cherokee Queen or rent a boat from any one of the boat rental businesses on the lake. If you want to drive instead of going by boat, there are a number of routes to choose from to see some of the most picturesque locations in Oklahoma. The winding roads that surround the lake will take you to another world of beauty you can usually only find in pictures.

The City of Branson

The rolling hills of southwest Missouri are never more beautiful than during the fall months. And some of the most beautiful views are from the top of the Ozark mountains in Branson. You can take in the beauty at any number of resorts, amusement parks and attractions in the area with fall festivals and events. The rolling hills are filled with trees of every kind showing all the brilliant fall colors that make life in the Ozarks look like a Norman Rockwell painting.

Table Rock Lake

The lake is not only for summertime fun. Nestled deep in the southern Ozarks, Table Rock Lake has some of the most beautiful examples of fall foliage. Oak and hickory trees make the fall colors come to life on Table Rock Lake and create a landscape worth visiting over and over again. Corinne Barnes with the Visitor’s Center says they are a quiet little community and you can enjoy the Dogwood Canyon Hiking and Biking trails and enjoy he peace and quiet in the beauty of nature.

Big Sugar Creek State Park, Pineville

With outstanding views of the oak and pine woodlands, the bluffs that run along the scenic Big Sugar Creek have views like none other. Some of the trees that help create the beautiful fall colors include the redbud, the sugar maple, the yellow poplar, and the sassafras to name just a few. There is a three-mile hiking trail in Big Sugar Creek State Park and you can get a unique view of all of the beautiful trees and landscape from within the 2,000-plus acre park.

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The Ozark National Forest covers 1.2 million acres, mostly in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas. “The Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, in northern Arkansas, offer a plethora of Fall Foliage viewing opportunities,” says Tracy Farley. “The mixed hardwood forest includes oak, hickory, gum, maple and a variety of other tree species that add variety to the color palette. Panoramic vistas, rugged cliffs, and crystal clear mountain streams await visitors that frequent one of the six scenic byways that wind across the forest.” Explore your national forest and come see why driving for pleasure is so popular.

Ozark National Forest

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F O R YO U R H O M E S H OW 2 014 BY KEVIN MCCLINTOCK PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER NOMER

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For Your Home Show 14

If you thought last year’s “Home Show” was spectacular, just wait until you experience this year’s show.

ure, we call it a home show but it’s going to be so much more than that. The 2014 J MAG “For Your Home Show” offers much more.

Think of the J MAG “For Your Home Show” as a onestop shop for everything for your home. “Merchants from the Four-State Area will present products for your home,” said Brent Powers, Joplin Globe Advertising Director. “I’m excited that this year’s show offers a diverse mix of local business and service providers.” The J MAG “For Your Home Show” will bring community partners, our advertisers and our readers together. “It allows local residents to learn about and do business with local vendors,” Powers said. “Last year we witnessed attendees getting the hands-on treatment and in some cases deep discussions about their needs and issues. Several local residents commented that they had a better understanding of services and products that are offered by local merchants. This is our primary objective by hosting this event for the community.” Local experts, ranging from home improvement to construction to outdoor landscaping, will be on-hand. Local residents are encouraged to bring notebooks and lots of questions with them. Aside from answers, merchants will present products for the home, both inside and out. There will be information and product samples for your small and large projects. The J MAG “For Your Home Show” will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, on Saturday, Oct. 24 and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Joplin Convention & Trade Center, 3535 Hammons Blvd., which is now operated by Residence Inn by Marriott-Joplin.

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Tickets are $3 per person and are good for both days. A portion of admission proceeds will be donated to the The Independent Living Center. “They do a lot of good for our community,” Powers said. “This organization is dedicated to assisting people with disabilities or chronic health problems allowing them to live more independently.” Thousands of dollars in door prizes will be handed out throughout this two-day event. Before the convention’s conclusion on Saturday, a grand prize will be announced.

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“It’s a Branson vacation package that’s priced at more than $1,000,” Powers said. “Think about that — you pay $3, get a goody bag, answers to questions or at least learn about products and services offered locally. You will also be eligible to win a vacation package valued at more than $1,000. That’s a great deal.” Saving Lives One Storm At A Time

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! We’ll see you there!

www.twistersafe.com • 417.782.1039 • 888.782.1039

cover story

HOME SHOW CHARIT Y BY KEVIN MCCLINTOCK

Independent

The

Living

Center

Inspiring Independence

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ome of the proceeds from the 2014 J MAG “For the Home Show” will go to The Independent Living Center. We wanted to shed some light on this great facility and the folks who work with it. Recently, J MAG chatted with Executive Director Jeff Flowers and Assistant Executive Director Stephanie Brodie to learn more about the kind of services ILC offers to area residents. Here’s what they had to say:

J MAG: Your mission statement is simple - to increase the independence of people with disabilities. But I’m sure it’s anything *but* simple. Tell me how you succeed in doing this? Flower: To achieve our mission, we provide a variety of services geared toward increasing independence for people with disabilities. Our goal at the end of the day is to ensure that the people we serve are better off today than they were yesterday. Our primary service is assisting people through attendant services. We provide options for in-home attendants that allow someone to stay in their own home rather than have to transition to a nursing facility. Studies show that people who live their lives in the community live longer, happier, healthier lives. However,

our service lines have changed as the needs in our community have changed. When we see a gap in service needs, we work to fill that gap either by collaborating with community partners or developing new service lines to ensure that people receive the assistance they need to stay independent. J: When we saw your name initially, I thought most of what you do would be primarily around living skills training. But we were surprised to see you have a broad range of services, from social groups to transportation, from services involving the youth to food pantries. Wow. Are people shocked when they find out just how wide-ranging you guys really are? Brodie: People are very shocked when they find out how holistic our agency truly is. What we hear the most is that people think we are a nursing home. We are about as far away from a nursing home as possible. Our whole goal is to keep people IN the community as active participants. J: What is the Independent Living Philosophy?

J: Anything else you would like to add?

Flowers: Historically, people with disabilities were segregated. They were made to live in institutional settings, were restricted from community access, had minimal employment and educational opportunities, and were essentially second-class citizens. The Independent Living Philosophy stems from the Disability Rights movement of the 1960s. It argues that people with disabilities should be able to dictate how they live their own lives. All of our services follow that model as much as possible. J: You are also “consumer driven” — what does that mean and how might it set you apart from other facilities offering similar services?

Flowers: In addition to our services to our consumers, we strive to be a positive community agency and an excellent employer. We work very diligently to collaborate with partner agencies, helping to be part of community solutions. After the tornado, we allowed staff to dedicate much of their time to disaster recovery, including our Assistant Executive Director who worked for three years as the Vice-Chair of the Long Term Recovery Team. We allow staff to volunteer on various committees both at the local and state level. We help with partner agency fundraisers and events. We have a very low staff turnover, in part because our staff knows at the end of the day they are really impacting people’s lives but also because we work hard to support them as individuals. Brodie: As a nonprofit, 100 percent of income that the center generates goes directly back in to providing services. We are unique in the community because as a nonprofit, we are able to expand services and provide value-added services that many of our for-profit competitors do not provide. All of those services, like transportation, durable medical equipment, home modifications, and social activities help improve the overall quality of life and independence of the people we serve. We are dedicated to our mission and are thankful for the loyalty of our consumers.

J: How long have you been in Joplin? Flowers: In April of 2015, we will celebrate our 20th year as an independent organization. In 1994, we started as a satellite office of the Southwest Center for Independent Living out of Springfield and a year later, we became independent.

Brodie: We have 690 active consumers at this time and we typically assist around 1,500 people on an annual basis. While most of our consumers are long-term, we have many consumers that receive short-term services.

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J: How many people are you helping right now?

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Flowers: Consumer-driven means that the consumer dictates their path in their own life. They set their own goals, they decide how they want to achieve those goals, and we are a conduit to help them become their own version of success. We help them along the way, but they are the one steering. If something seems unrealistic, we help them work through their goals and help them determine the best course, but in the end, it is still their decision, not ours. In addition, as a consumer-driven center for independent living, 51 percent of our staff members and 51 percent of our board of directors must have a disability or chronic health condition. With our staff and board having personal experience with disabilities, we are better able to plan for and work with people that have similar circumstances.

cover story

THE A.B. MCCONNELL HOUSE WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN RICHARDSON

Inside the Home:

The A.B. McConnell Home Restoring a historic home

s co-owner of a business focused on interior decoration, Pam Mense has always paid special attention to details when it comes to homes.

This is especially evident in her lovingly restored home in the Murphysburg district of Joplin. Known as the A.B. McConnell home, at 115 S. Moffet, her two-story, Queen Anne-style home has become an example of a home updated for modern conveniences that also honors the history of homes in the area.

The structure was originally built in 1899, and it came into Mense’s hands in 1997, though the house was not ready for her family to move into. Mense said the home was purchased knowing there was extensive work needing to be done before the house could be restored to its former glory. “It hadn’t been empty for very long when we bought it, but it was in really bad shape when we moved in,” Mense said. “There were cabinets nailed over the windows. The plaster wasn’t in good shape and it needed new wiring and plumbing. We basically had to start fresh in some areas. The shell was there, but it needed a lot of work to get it back to what it is today.”

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While the initial work to the house was daunting, Mense said there was a lot more that could be saved once they realized just how much of the original structure was still usable.

The kitchen remodeling pro cess was a difficult, yet reward ing task in modernization. Mense said that she opted to keep a Quaker look to the cab inets instead of opting for a more modern, arched style of cabinets that has become pop ular. Though the kitchen retains a classic look, it is out fitted with modern convenien ces such as four standalone stove tops built into the cou ntertops.

Wraparound porches were a common feature in Queen Anne houses because it accentuated the asymmetry of the facade. The owners added the back porches to this house in 1910. The second story was most often used for sleeping because the air was better at higher elevations and the height provided privacy.

“It was a lot of critical thinking of how to update the house, but to keep the charm of the home,” Mense said. “The kitchen was a really great exercise in thinking of a different way than normal. A giant stove wouldn’t fit in here, both physically and with the look we were going for. We installed dual stove burners that were separate pieces to install and it gave it a classic look, but with modern functionality.”

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The home he built in 1899 is an excellent example of a Free Classic Queen Anne. Unlike the Spindlework Queen Anne houses, which have gingerbread ornamentation, McConnell preferred classical details such as continuous cornice-line dentils and Doric columns on the wraparound porch.

That restoration also had to meet the needs of her family, as evidence in the rebuilding process of the kitchen, which is an example of manipulating an existing structure to the more modern needs. That thought process was applied to the rest of the home.

A.B. McConnell arrived in Joplin in 1889, and immediately established A. B. McConnell Real Estate Company. He was regarded as the “Dean of Joplin real estate dealers” during his life time. He handled some of the most important and valuable proprieties in the area, including the divvying up of lands that would eventually become the subdivision of Joplin. He also became financially interested in mining operations. He was an active Young Men’s Christian Association member and was instrumental in erecting their first building completed in 1901.

“Even though the shape wasn’t great, there wasn’t a lot of attempts to make things modern. They kept all of the original woodwork and they didn’t paint over it for the most part. There weren’t walls torn out or doors added, which you find in a lot of older homes,” Mense said. “Even the exterior escaped relatively intact by not getting some kind of siding that would not have been period appropriate. It just needed restoration instead of a complete rebuild.”

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A.B. McConnell Home History

A fireplace serves as mantle and centerpie ce to the main entry way into the home via the entra nce room.

After three long years of similar work throughout the three-bedroom home, it was ready to move into, though it wasn’t the first time a member of the Mense family had lived there.

be The main dining room may in m roo c cifi the most period-spe g tin ligh the ile the house. Wh of fixtures aren’t original, most the ng ndi rou the woodwork sur doorframes and ceilings are.

“My husband’s grandfather had owned it for 20 years before he sold it in the 1970s, so you can say it was kind of in the family,” Mense said. “He kept it immaculate during that time, but it was in that transition that things kind of turned out the way they did. I think that had a lot to do with the push to restore it back to the original look.” For 15 years, the family made the historic landmark their home before deciding to put the house up for sale in September. Despite working on parting with the property, Mense said she will always hold a sentimental attachment to it. “I don’t just want anyone to come in and tear it up — I’d be heartbroken if that happened,” Mense said. “I hope that someone finds the same love for this kind of home that we found and they respect the history that it comes with it. I think that is what the attraction to the homes in Murphysburg is all about.”

ner, Mense has r as an interior desig ree ca r he on g lin Cal ur poster bed. bedroom with a fo ter as m r he d tte tfi ou

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A grand, twolevel staircase adorned with glass window a stained leads to the ho me’s second flo or.

The main bath, co mplete with standal one bathtub, provides a comforta ble, relaxing atmos phere.

4th & Maiden Lane 623-2530

cover story

THE CHARLES FRYE HOME WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN RICHARDSON

Inside the Home: The Charles Frye Home Restoring a historic home

here is almost more than meets the eye in older homes throughout of the Murphysburg Historical District in Joplin.

Luckily, Mary Ann Neff found that out once she became a homeowner in the famed historic district when she purchased the Charles Frye Home, at 318 South Sergeant Avenue.

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The home was originally built in 1891 by New York-born mining magnate Charles Frye, and was later sold to Fred Basom, who continued to add on to the home during the 1920s.

The two-story home, complete with finished attic, isn’t the same as the other Queen Anne-style homes that populate the area. Mary Ann bought the home a decade ago and they proceeded to remodel the home as her family moved in. Though the two-story home was in livable condition, Neff said there was a definite focus on putting their own touch to it. “The bones of the house were good when we got it from the bank, but it had been empty for a bit and it had started to show,” Neff said. “The pool was full of mud, the trees were overgrown and covering up the house. There was a lot of tearing up of old carpet

oices make by natural lighting ch ted cen ac gs lin cei ed rk in. Copper-color chen a pleasure to wo Mary Ann Neff’s kit

She wanted to focus on keeping much of the original hardware in place, like light fixtures, sliding doors and the fireplaces that populate each of the home’s four bedrooms. “I did a lot of research myself, but we got lucky in finding people that had connections to the home. I met the granddaughter of the owner of the home in the 1920s who shared pictures of what it was then,” Neff said. “She was happy to see it brought back to life. I feel like by repairing the home and bringing it back up, we made the home happy again.” Bringing the home back to life also included updating the outside of the home, which is considerably bigger than the surrounding properties.

home.

Save on Your Energy Bills! Visit Us at The Home Show October 24th & 25th!!

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“It only took us a few months to get it the way we wanted it,” Neff said. “We weren’t rebuilding whole rooms. There was so much in place that we liked, but it just needed fixing. I consider it part of the upkeep that almost any home needs.”

ds to the second floor of the

Though there was work to be done, Neff said the process was relatively short when compared to the multi-year projects that others in the area have had to undertake.

A massive spiral staircase lea

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and repairing the wood floors. We saw what we wanted to do here and we made it happen.”

Homeowner Mary Ann Neff uses the dining room area to add a touch of color to the home with the use of traditional fall colors.

Having a home that is known in the community is something that Neff doesn’t mind sharing. “When you own a home that is part of history, it isn’t just yours to keep,” Neff said. “We’ve already lost so many homes and our history here, that we can’t be selfish with what we have. We want people to continue to be a part of that.”

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“We have a big, inviting yard and we’ve got that front porch that we can sit on to enjoy it, but we also have an in-ground pool that we can host people at,” Neff said. “There are trees here, landscaping, a working water fountain. It all becomes a complete package that you have to balance when you own a home and it becomes more important when you own a historic house that is constantly on display.”

Much of the original glassw ork 24

in still in place at the house

including several stained gla

ss pieces.

The Neff family takes advantage of the spacious grounds of the home to maintain a pool and a working water display.

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Natural lighting and soft colors play a part in making rooms come alive in the home.

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COST OF A NEW ROOM

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CO T of a New Room

dding a new room to the home can seem like a mind-paralyzing proposition. But it’s not, according to the experts. It’s all about the process of breaking the project down into labor and materials, with the latter referring to construction materials such as lumber, electrical outlets, plumbing fixtures, lighting, etc. It’s paramount that one understands the costs of everything going into the new room, whether it’s an additional bedroom or a second bathroom, before actual construction begins. That way, a family can stay on or within their budget.

Probably the most important aspect of adding on a room is how big will it be. Calculating and deciding upon the square footage is paramount. According to the Home Addition web site, room additions can cost up to 50 percent higher, between $80 and $130 per square foot, before wiring or plumbing is even considered. The services of a an architect may also bump up the cost of the new addition. With these things in mind, it’s why a small bedroom or a halfbath may be better for the budget than a much larger room with all the bells and whistles.

After square footage is hammered out, decide on what fixtures you plan to add to the room. Simply put, the additional cost of plumbing, a bath/shower and a sink will make a bathroom more expensive than, say, a bedroom that doesn’t need such expensive additions. So if the room is going to be a bathroom, it’s key to pick and price fixtures to stay within budget. Maybe a small shower would be better than a more expensive lay-down bathtub, or a sink with low-priced faucet, to help you keep control of the total price tag of the room addition.

Depending on the size of the room (step 1), next you’ll need to figure out the price of the material for the room itself — lumber, paint, flooring and any other structural elements of the new room. Determine how much material you’ll need before construction begins — you don’t want to be left with unused material. Add those costs to any appliances (if the new room is going to be a bathroom or kitchen) to get a rough pricing estimate.

The next step is choosing the right contractor. Like the other steps, a little preliminary footwork will go a long way in helping you come in on or under budget. Before hiring your contractor, understand the labor charges per hour and also ask for references. You should also ask for a written quote on materials. Remember, if a quote is higher than what you can afford or want to spend, you may be able to save money by proving the building materials yourself.

There are always little, additional costs that pop up during any sort of home construction project, things that may have been initially overlooked â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for example, paying for disposal services for cleanup and removal of excess material, for example. Or, as another example, changes in home insurance, utility bills and property taxes due to the new addition.

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LANDSCAPING REMINDER

LANDSCAPING

Reminder

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andscaping is a natural and beautiful way to keep your home cool in summer while reducing energy bills. A well placed tree, shrub or vine can deliver effective shade, act as a windbreak and reduce a homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy bills. Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25 percent of the energy a typical household uses. Research shows that summer day-time air temperatures can be up to six degrees cooler in tree-shaded neighborhoods than in treeless areas. Also, a lattice or trellis with climbing vines or a planter box with trailing vines shades the home while admitting cooling breezes to the shaded area.

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H O M E R E P A I R S T O AV O I D

D I O V A

HOME REPAIRS to

d r a H “ Ho w ” ? e B t I n a C

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hat’s often the first question someone who wants to tackle a project with their own bare hands always says when approaching home repair jobs. And why not? With tips from HGTV and scores of instructional videos on YouTube and other web sites, the Internet has definitely helped bridge the gap between do-it-yourself individuals and getting a repair done correctly. And, without a doubt, tackling a leaky faucet or working on that busted kitchen light switch would save money. It brings smiles to men and women’s faces when they realize they can do a job with their own two hands and don’t have to make that $75 repair call to the plumber or electrician. But hold on to your horses there, guys. Not all repairs should be tackled by the homeowner. While the enthusiasm is appreciated, some jobs are tougher than they look, and one misstep or mishap can not only cause doubling or tripling what a house call to a professional would have cost, it also could lead to injury. Here are five areas best left to the experts.

PLUMBING

It always begins with stains. And how hard can fixing a little leak be? But remember, the very smallest of leaks can lead to thousands of dollars worth of damage if it’s not caught in time, or if a DIY repair goes horrifically long (that trickle of a leak is now a fire hydrant-like gusher). Now, most men and women with basic plumbing skills can usually get by on their own when it comes to swapping shower heads, replacing a faucet or even yanking out a toilet. But when it comes to actually tampering with the plumbing system itself, including water or sewer pipes, it’s best left to the professionals. Working with hot water means copper pipes, which means you need a blow torch. If you’ve never used one, it’s probably not a good time to pick one up and start experimenting.

ELECTRICAL REPAIRS ELECTRICAL REPAIRS Like plumbing, you may be able to pull off changing a light switch or installing a ceiling fan (have you seen the hilarious Modern Family episode about that?), but anything above that requires a call to the professionals. Why? Because any project, no matter how small, dealing with electricity can be dangerous, and even fatal. Larger projects, such as extending or replacing circuits, should only be done by professionals who have been certified in such work and have trained for it. And think of this — one wrong move could burn your house down, or a shock could result in injury, a long hospital stay, or even death.

ASBESTOS REMOVAL Because Asbestos is toxic, it was been banned from all structures back in 1989 by the Environmental Protection Agency. But because it was used for years as a substance resistant to heat and electricity in many older homes, it is still found in abundance. If you buy an older home and find that it is still being used as insulation up in the attic or between the walls, don’t try to remove it yourself. Asbestos poses dangers of toxicity, and there are laws in place that govern the proper way the stuff can be removed from a home, since it can also pose a danger to those in close proximity of your home, such as your neighbors. Don’t think twice about this fix-it up — call a professional.

ROOFING REPAIRS If you ever want to see how tricky a roof can be, just pop in “Christmas Vacation” and watch Chevy Chase struggle his way up and down a roof. Yeah, the bad thing about roofs is that humans can fall of them quiet easily, often injuring themselves. Getting up and down a steep roof, with tools in hand, can be a tricky proposition, and one quick slip is all it takes. Now, if you live in a home with a flat roof or one that has a less-than-20 degree slope, you should be able to hand such tasks as washing the leaves from the gutter or nailing in some loose shingles. Just never do these tasks when you’re home alone; you want someone out there spotting the ladder for you, with a mobile phone at the ready in case you do happen to slip over the edge. And if you try to tackle a repair that’s too tough for you, you may wind up causing a leaky roof and expensive water damage to interior rooms.

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Homeowners lay awake a night worrying about something going wrong with their gas appliances, whether if it’s a stove or a hot water heater. Because each of these are complicated machines, tinkering with one thing may lead to something more important breaking, and then you’re in a world of a hurt. Some homeowners feel like a hot water heater replacement is something they can handle (think of Walter White in Breaking Bad), but usually accidents can happen. Like water, gas will always find a way out, and a gas leak is no trivial thing. So what might turn out to be a simple fix-it-up with a stove may end up causing carbon monoxide poisoning. Remember, 400 people annually die from such poisoning in the United States each year.

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GAS APPLIANCE REPAIRS

cover story

W I N T E R I Z E YO U R H O M E

Ways to

INTERIZE

Your Home

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t doesn’t take much to get your home ready for Old Man Winter. A single weekend is all you need to properly winterize your home.

• Before you turn on that furnace for the first time this winter, have an HVAC professional come check it out and give it a tune-up. A furnace inspection will set you back $100 or more, but the energy savings and your family’s safety is well worth the investment. • While the HVAC man is at your house inspecting your furnace, have him do the same to your heating ducts. Studies have shown that up to 60 percent of heated air escapes from ducts before making it to the vents. That’s a lot of money leaking out of your pocket.

• If you have any tree branches hanging near your roof, windows, or driveways, trim them back. Snow and ice will weigh them down and possibly cause them to break. The additional sunlight through the windows will help, and your cats will love it. • On every ceiling fan there’s a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of the blades. Switch it so your ceiling fan rotates clockwise. That will push warm air down and force it to recirculate throughout the room. • According to the U.S. Department of Energy, drafts can waste up to 30 percent of a home’s energy use. If you find a leak underneath your door, put a draft snake across the bottom of it. A simple rolled up bath towel will also work. If you have leaks near your windows, get some weather-resistant caulk and caulk them from the outside.

safe, check the batteries on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change them if needed. • Clogged gutters can lead to the formation of ice dams on your roof. Ice dams occur when water backs up and freezes near the edge of the roof. The ice continues to build up and eventually forms “dams” that block the path of melted snow from your roof. Water starts pooling in mini reservoirs and begins to seep into your house, causing water damage. To prevent ice dams, clean out the dead leaves and other gunk in your gutters so water can drain freely.

• A dirty filter impedes air flow, reduces efficiency and could even cause a fire in an extreme case. You might consider replacing your disposable filters with reusable electrostatic or electronic ones. • Storm doors and windows can increase energy efficiency in your home by 45 percent. Federal tax credits are available to help offset the cost of purchasing them.

• Winter sees an uptick in the number of home fires and cases of carbon monoxide poisoning because people are running their furnaces and boilers overtime in order to keep warm. To keep your family

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• Insulating your pipes reduces heat loss and can raise hot water temperatures delivered through your pipes, which allows you to reduce the heat on your boiler. That will save you money on your gas bill.

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• Simply adding more fiberglass insulation in your attic can boost the energy efficiency in your home. You need a minimum of 12 inches of insulation in your attic. If your insulation falls short, just add another layer of the pink or yellow itchy stuff.

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A R E A C AV E S

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BY KEVIN MCCLINTOCK

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CARTHAGE UNDERGROUND (JASPER COUNTY) Carthage Underground is a collection of marble quarries in Carthage, Missouri, most of which are presently owned by Americold Logistics. They currently hold 43 million square feet of the quarry, much of which is occupied by warehouses or factories, primarily for food production. The total area of Carthage Underground is difficult to trace, but it has been rumored to stretch out as far as Joplin, 20 miles away. It is frequently visited by Urban Explorers due to the decrepit abandoned quarries mixed seamlessly with working underground factories and warehouses. Many of the local industries rely heavily upon the facilities to store foodstuffs there. It is also oddly present with an ecosystem of its own, with underground lakes hosting turtles, fish and various other species. This could be seen as remarkable given that the quarries were utterly devoid of life before the mining industry.

BELLEVILLE CAVE, OR CLAN CAVE (JASPER COUNTY) Between 1915 and 1925, caves in Jasper, Newton and Greene counties became the meeting places for the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). In 1924, the Springfield Klan purchased Knox Cave northwest of the city, which was the site of an underground nightclub. For six years, the Klan used the cave as a “temple.” Unable to meet mortgage payments, the Klan eventually lost the cave. It later became the show cave Fantastic Caverns. In Newton County, the Klan made use of Jolly Cave in the upper reaches of Capps Creek near its junction with Shoal Creek in the eastern part of the county. Jolly Cave is one large room about 200 feet long, 40 to 60 feet wide, and 10 to 20 feet high with a clay floor. And for a time, the Klan used a cave north of Joplin, located on the south bank of Turkey Creek, halfway between Lone Elm and Schifferdecker Roads, according to David Cunningham in the story published in the Joplin Souvenir Album. The KKK regularly held meetings in the cave during the 1920s, when the group enjoyed a brief surge in popularity.

ABBOTT CAVE (NEWTON COUNTY) A marker found inside Neosho’s Big Spring Park talks about the history of a cave that has fueled the imaginations of Neosho residents for decades. Somewhere in the park, buried from sight, many believe there is a cave filled with Civil War artifacts. Well, there’s no “believing.” There was a cave in the area that was opened to the public for years; in fact, it was a community fixture until it was closed in 1894. Many believe the cave — some geologists believe the cave rivals Carlsbad Caverns in size — was a weapons and storage depot for both the Union and Confederate forces during the war. The problem today is that nobody knows where the entrance to the cave is located at. Back in 2002, a Southwest Missouri State University geologist used a gravity meter to help locate the cave, and a large cavern was found near the east side of Central Elementary School’s playground area. Inside the park is a Grecian-style wadding pool. Many people believe the cave’s entrance lies somewhere behind this pool, but has long since been covered up by the expansion of the town.

TYLER’S CARPET OF NEOSHO

• Carpet • Vinyl • Hardwood • • Area Rugs • Laminate Flooring • • Ceramic Tile • For Rent Host Dry Carpet Cleaner

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Residential • Commercial

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Missouri cave map

SCHERMERHORN CAVE (CHEROKEE COUNTY, KANSAS) The Galena, Kansas area is the only area where the Ozark Plateau falls within Kansas boundaries (the Kansas Ozarks). The cave is a nearly half-mile long and wasn’t completely mapped until 1986. To that end, Schermerhorn Cave is considered the most biologically diverse cave found in Kansas. The cave is used by bats like eastern pipistrelle and gray myotis. Big brown, and red bats live in the area. There are only a few caves but this one is developed to the entrance, complete with a trail and viewing platform for the impressive cave portal at the foot of a cliff. There is a local lure, that Jesse James hid in the cave entrance.

417-451-2712

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MOTHER NATURE’S CRACK (NEWTON COUNTY) Located near the Wildcat Glades Audubon Center, one of the nature trails will take you to the top of, or below, the “Mother Nature’s Crack,” which is the world’s highest chert cliff. This area is famed for rock climbing enthusiasts.

BLUFF DWELLER’S CAVE (MCDONALD COUNTY) This show cave located at 954 Highway 59 in Noel, Missouri, was formed by channels of water flowing through the limestone. It is 12,000 years old. The cave was discovered in 1925. Only 50 percent of the cave is developed, the remaining areas are preserved for wildlife. Noted areas are cave corals and a rimstone pool, one of the largest found in the state. Admission for the 45-minute tour is $12 for adults and $6 for kids under 11 years of age.

OPEN 8-6 MON-FRI 8-1 SAT. 737 W. Harmony • Neosho, MO

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P E AC E C H U RC H C E M E T E RY

A rather eerie look at Jasper Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest cemetery from the back looking forward to the main entryway.

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY KEVIN MCCLINTOCK

Peace Church

Cemetery

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A Corner of Joplin That Time Has Forgotten

A relatively new sign located to the side of the main vehicle entrance leading into this old, neglected cemetery.

One of the tallest markers found in Peace Church Cemetery, it is surrounded by a protective fence long broken.

Despite attempts to clean up the place, the abandoned cemetery has been marred by neglect, vandalism, midnight parties and even solitary grave robbers searching for buried treasure. This led to coffins collapsing beneath the soil and shattered headstones. Even in the height of the afternoon, when the place is devoid of shadow, this place has an eerie stillness to it. “There is a sad feeling there,” said Lisa Livingston-Martin, local author and co-team leader of Paranormal Science Lab. “You always hate to see an unkept cemetery. “It is a very important part of Joplin’s history.” Here are some facts about this beautiful, peaceful cemetery:

• The very first burial took place in 1830, LivingstonMartin said.

• Peace County contains 800 marked graves, the final resting-place for Jasper County’s earliest residents. At least 50 stones memorialize infants, while scores of others identify Civil War veterans.

Over the past few years, volunteers by the dozens have spent a combined 500 hours cleaning up the cemetery following years of neglect and abuse. A controlled fire of prairie grass back in February didn’t help matters much when it caused the cemetery’s walls surrounding some of the family plots to collapse.

• Because it was not platted, no grave plots were sold and burial records were never kept. It became what is known as a “paupers field,” where poor people indiscriminately dug holes for their deceased loved ones. Because of that, it is believed bodies have been buried atop bodies. • Many graves were never marked at all, or were marked with such things as chunks of broken concrete, hoe handles, even rusty bed springs.

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eace Church Cemetery — one of Jasper County’s oldest cemeteries and also, allegedly, its most haunted — has been transformed in 2014.

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While many of the graves lie forgotten, some gravestones even broken and scattered in the weeds, the man buried here is remembered by a faded American flag.

• Peace Church Cemetery dates back to before the Civil War. Members of a Baptist church organized it in about 1840, which they named Peace Church. It originally nestled among 20 wooded acres, three-quarters of a mile from Turkey Creek. The church was burned a long time ago. Today, the cemetery belongs to those who buried in it.

• Over the years, reports have circulated about strange sounds, voices and eerie lights that have been heard and seen in the cemetery. Numerous paranormal groups have walked the grounds in the dead of night, trying to contact or find evidence of the supernatural. Wrote David E. Harkins in his book, “Haunted Graveyards of the Ozarks,” — “On my first visit to peace Church Cemetery, I was very shocked and saddened to see such a grand old cemetery forgotten in time to succumb to the elements and vandals. What is even more shocking to me is the fact that this cemetery is located in plain view on a very busy highway with thousands of people whizzing by in their vehicles every day, going about their lives, and they don’t even give the place a second glance. Could one reason for the paranormal occurrences at Peace Church be due to all the souls interred there falling from human memory, with no connection to any living persons?”

• Evidence of grave digging activity — where people search a grave’s body either for loot or to actually capture pieces or all of the buried remains — was captured in the mid-1980s when Joplin-based photographer Robert Potts published a photograph of shoveled dirt and an open hole next to a marker the day after Halloween. • Members of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the area allegedly held meetings inside the cemetery at night. • A dark entity, of supernatural origins, allegedly claims the back tree line at the back of the cemetery as its domain. • People hold supernatural or satanic rituals inside the cemetery in the dead of night; a local paranormal group found a homemade Quija board in the summer of 2012.

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Many of the standing gravestones hold remains of men and women and children born during the 1800s.

A private family lot still surrounded by a working metal gate and fencing.

• It is believed the cemetery holds a mass burial site of some of the dead — Union, Confederate, or maybe both — that resulted from the Rader Farm massacre that took place on May 18, 1863. On that day, a Confederate guerilla unit of roughly 70 men ambushed a Union foraging party collecting corn at the Rader Farm, which was located less than a mile from Peace Church Cemetery. Fifteen members of the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry along with three white soldiers from the 2nd Kansas Volunteer artillery Battery were killed by Confederate forces. The massacre lasted all but 10 minutes. Read our history section in this issue to learn more about the massacre. • Peace Cemetery’s most famous tenant is also one of the area’s most hated. Twenty-one-year-old Billy Cook rests in an unmarked located inside the cemetery. The Joplin man was executed in early 1952 inside the Sam Quentin gas chamber and brought back to his home for burial after he went on a deranged, 22-day murderous spree that left seven people dead, including a family of five from Illinois. He killed the family inside their car on Jan. 2, 1950, near 32nd Street on Maiden Lane in Joplin. Among the victims were three children, ages three, five and seven. Cook also killed the Mosser’s family dog in cold blood. The bodies of Carl and Thelma Mosser and their three children, Ronald, Gary and Pamela, were dragged and dumped into a Joplin mine shaft in the northwest part of town, near the 2100 block of West Fourth Street.

This is the mineshaft where the five members of the Mosser family (and the family dog) were dumped by Billy Cook after murdering them on the other side of Joplin in 1950.

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Many of the markers, some just inches in length and height, have been nearly overcome by nature. Here, a husband and wife, both born in the late 1800s, stand the mark of time at the edge of the cemetery’s main path.

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• The graveside service for Billy Cook was conducted under the cover of darkness. It was officiated by Reverend Dow Booe of Galena and lasted all but 10 minutes. According to Joplin Globe reporter Gerald Wallace, the service was held at night, “with the aid of flashlights and lanterns,” before 15 people. “Funeral cortege, consisting of four cars and hearse, moves to burial place over back roads,” the sub-headlines read. Just as the graveside rites ended, Wallace wrote in his story, “the cry of a small child could be heard in the chill of the night air.”

history

THE JOPLIN MUSEUM COMPLEX E x p l o r i n g t h e p a s t s i n c e 19 31 WRITTEN BY BRAD BELK PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEVIN MCCLINTOCK

GLOSSARY of History &

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Architecture

L AL THE FEDER & BUILDING SE U COURTHO

ocated at 302 Joplin Avenue, this historic building has a robust and beautiful façade. James K. Taylor designed this impressive, $150,000 neoclassical revival style building which utilizes both Federal and Renaissance embellishments. Completed in 1904, the three-story structure employs Ionic capitals, limestone corner quoins and is topped with a stately balustrade. Much of the decorative pieces were made of local Carthage limestone. For nearly 60 years, the building housed Joplin’s main post office. Today the building is being wellmaintained by the Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area serving Jasper, Barton, Newton and McDonald counties.

Festoon

carved, molded or painted garland of fruit, flowers or leaves suspended between two points in a curve, the 30foot Ionic columns located on the first floor at Joplin City Hall are accentuated with a festive festoon of grapes and swag.

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rick walls are laid out in a variety of ways. An ordinary brick wall can take on a new personality by placing the bricks in different formations. The Flemish Bond consists of alternate headers and stretchers in each course. The headers are always placed over the center of the stretchers on the course below. A local example of this type can be found in Webb City on the second floor faรงade at 1 South Main. This historic site was formerly occupied by the Grand Opera House during the late 19th Century. That 600-seat theater was purchased by the Joplin Brewing Company in 1902. They converted it into a 30-room hotel known as the Middlewest Hotel. Today, the building has been richly renovated with executive offices and luxury apartments. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

he April Fiesta days were one of the most sensational outdoor downtown events in the history of Joplin. This multi-day event, which began in 1935, was a tremendous success from the very beginning. During the first year, The Joplin Globe estimated crowds to be around 50,000 to 60,000. Obviously, many of the people came from the tri-state district. Each year, the event offered parades with elaborately decorated floats and marching bands. Free concerts, movies and contests were well received for those experiencing the consequences of the Great Depression. The annual event continued to grow, bringing thousands of people into the commercial district. The last mega celebration was held in 1941. Missouri Governor Forrest C. Donnell rode inside an open car while wearing a cowboy hat. To give a sense of the magnitude of the event, his chauffeur was recorded in The Joplin Globe stating the Main Street crowd was the largest he had ever witnessed, even when compared to the Chicago National Convention.

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Flemish Bond

FIESTA

First Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment

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n May 18, 1863, a detachment of about 40 Federal soldiers, primarily African-American troops of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment, slipped into Southwest Missouri foraging for corn at the Rader farm near the modern-day intersection of Peace Church Road and Fountain Road. (The 1st Kansas unit had made American military history in Bates County the previous year as the first black troops to fight for the Union cause.) At Rader’s farm, the Union soldiers were suddenly overrun by Southern sympathizers, led by Major Thomas Livingston and nearly 70 of his Jasper County partisans. The Federals were defeated and 18 of them were killed, with several of the black troops shot while trying to surrender. Major Livingston’s men captured five wagons, 30 mules and a good supply of guns and ammunition. The following day, vengeful troops from the Union’s regiment’s camp at Fort Blair in Baxter Springs, Kansas arrived at the Rader farm with a large detachment of infantry and a unit of cavalry. Although Livingston’s band eluded this force, the village of Sherwood, located about three miles northwest of the Rader farm near the modern-day intersection of JJ Highway and Fir Road, was put to the torch and never rebuilt. Thus, members of the 1st Kansas Colored Infantry Regiment, the town of Sherwood, as well as the Rader farm, were added to the long and bloody casualty list during the Civil War that tore apart Southwest Missouri.

Mining the Past

Flotation

lotation is a milling separation process in which sulfide ore particles are treated in a way to make them adhere to air bubbles, causing them to float to the top of the cell where they can be captured and scraped off. The waste rock reacts differently by not adhering to the air bubbles and conversely remains at the bottom of the compartment.

Fuses

ohn W. Freeman, like most other hard workers, was affiliated with lead and zinc mining, dabbling in a variety of jobs. Freeman and a group of men leased some land from Patrick Murphy in Belleville, and began searching for rich veins of ore. In 1885, while working the South St. Louis Mine, he started a machine shop in the engine room. As business expanded, so did his operations, culminating in the establishment of Freeman Foundry and Machine Works. The Freeman Foundry manufactured various types of machinery for all phases of lead and zinc mining. His foundry perfected the Freeman hoist, which was exported to other mining communities throughout the world. The Freeman hoist was a powerful machine that lowered and raised the ore buckets.

n addition to establishing Freeman Hospital and Freeman Foundry, John W. Freeman created a housing addition known as Freeman Grove. Freeman was a real estate developer and for many years owned property in Newton County. He owned numerous acres west of Main Street just inside the county line. In 1925, he built his family residence at 3224 Wall. At the time, this new residential district was called Freeman Grove. The housing development flourished and later became known as Oak Ridge. Two structures have particular historical significance in this neighborhood. They include the unique Lustron Home located at 3534 Oak Ridge and the infamous garage apartment at 34th street. The Lustron house is made entirely of prefabricated steel. All of the 3,000 parts of the home were manufactured at a former Columbus, Ohio, World War II aircraft plant. As a wedding gift for his daughter, Lois, Joplin resident William Markwardt purchased the houses in 1948. Markwardt is

noteworthy as the owner of Markwardt’s Quality Bakers, a charter member of the Joplin Kiwanis Club, president of the Joplin Chamber of Commerce, past exalted ruler of the Joplin Elks Lodge, president of the Mo-Kan Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, recipient of the Chamber’s Outstanding Citizen Award as well as his name for a city street. On April 1, 1933, Paul Freeman, a son of John’s, rented the limestone garage apartment to two out-of-town ladies and a gentleman. Paul was unaware that he had just rented the apartment to Bonnie Parker and Buck and Blanche Barrow. The three, along with William Jones and Clyde Barrow, stayed at the two bedroom apartment peaceably until the late afternoon of April 13. That dramatically changed when the outlaws opened fire on police officers gathered outside. Hence, Bonnie and Clyde’s reign of terror had left its indelible mark on Joplin.

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Freeman Grove

Freeman Foundry

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hese are fabric tubes containing a combustible powder used to ignite the blasting caps. It is important to note, especially dealing with explosives, the burning rate of the fuse. The length of the fuse coupled with the timing of the fuse’s burning rate determined how much time would elapse before the explosion. A deadly repercussion could occur when underestimating the time between when the fuse was lit and the moment of explosion.

artist spotlight ELIZABETH COSBY

WRITTEN BY KEVIN MCCLINTOCK

Artist Spotlight... “Art is an exploration of the soul; therefore, creating art is a personal experience of that exploration; an experience which inspires and serves in the lives of others.” — Elizabeth Cosby

lizabeth Cosby is an art teacher for the Carl Junction school district for nine years. In her capacity, she’s learned to mix her artistic talents with a little bit of home decoration ingenuity. We recently hooked up with this talented artist to learn more about ways to decorate a home on the cheap, but to do so with a definite artistic flair.

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Elizabeth Cosby

Artist/teacher combines artistic talent with homespun practicality

J MAG — On the cheap — I think those are key words here, because people want (or need) cheap alternatives to decorating a home. Have you always gone the creative way when it comes to situations like this? Elizabeth Cosby — As a single mom and an art teacher, I have always relied on my ability to think outside of the box and come up with solutions on or under a dime. Since the interest of Pinterest, I have been able to search and advance my horizon by looking at examples of other creative ideas. Being resourceful on any budget is the key to stretching the everyday dollar. J — I’ve been told that you found a discarded chair, spray painted it a funky color, re-padded the seat and, viola, you have a brand new chair that’s definitely a talking point for guests inside your home. Can you tell me a bit more about that?

EC — I did find a chair in the trash while attending some garage sales. I don’t like to take things from the curb because some of the times it is trash, which is why it’s at the curb — but like life, sometimes you can find treasures. Like that saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” So, when I saw the chair and looked it over, I thought it was something I could improve and use in my house. I had been looking for a chair to sit at my make-up table. I purchased some fabric to cover the seat, which was $2 and then some spray paint for around $3. I wanted a bold color and something to stand out in my room so I went with a deep red. I used wood glue that I already had to secure some of the chair. I used the nails that were already in the chair to keep the new cover in place over the pad. I then used my staple gun for extra support.

Wall Art J — Were you surprised by how cheap these projects were, and how little work there was involved in piecing them together? EC — As an art teacher, I am used to showing my students how to create art by using the resources around them. Not everything has to cost (a lot of money) and some items can easily be recycled into something new. So I took what I taught and put it into practice!

Jewelry Holder

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J — Tell me about your artistic work as a professional? EC — My artistic work can be best described by what is written in the artist statement I wrote: “Art is an exploration of the soul; therefore, creating art is a personal experience of that exploration; an experience which inspires and serves in the lives of others.” I enjoy working with acrylic paint and working with large scale canvases. I consider teaching an art form as well, and I enjoy being both inventive and resourceful with the budget and materials that I have.

J — What are some other items that you’ve repurposed or are wanting to give it a fresh artistic once-over? EC — Another project I enjoyed doing was my jewelry holder. I took a wire trash can from the dollar store and turned it upside down and placed it on an old, tall vase. I glued the pieces together and now I use it to hang my earrings.

J — Has the chair and other items been conversation starters among family, friends and visitors? EC — Everyone who has seen the jewelry holder has inquired how I put it together and mentioned how cute it was. I have had others ask me to make them one. The chair was liked by many and my family loves what I did with the chair so much that they glance twice now at items that are thrown out or about to be thrown out.

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Repurposed Chair

J — What tips would you give to others who may want to duplicate what you’ve done? EC — If you have a need, look around and see what is old and unwanted and think about how you can turn it into a new purpose. Also, duplicate away! I think life is about sharing and giving. Knowledge and creativity should be both encourage and nurtured.

1 mile south of I-44 between Diamond & Carthage, MO

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PERFECT HALLOWEEN FUN WRITTEN BY AMANDA STONE PHOTOGRAPHED BY T. ROB BROWN

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW

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Alive in Webb City

Jesse Van da Griff, member of The RKO Floor Show, impersonates Tim Curry’s famous character on a stage with the 1970s cult classic playing on the screen above.

to the right, with your hands on your hips,

you bring your knees in tight... Let’s do the time warp again.”

Rocky Horror Picture Show

The risqué rock-musical tribute to old horror and science fiction films developed a cult following in 1976, after audience members began coming to the movie regularly, shouting lines back at the screen and dressing up in Rocky Horror garb. Shadowcast, a live performance where actors recreate what is happening on the screen, became commonplace during showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The shadowcast is based strongly on ritual, with callbacks from the audience being nearly as scripted as the movie itself. “The actors who performed RHPS were amazing and the audience interactions made a entertaining environment,” said Joplin high school student Sarah Adams, who attended the 10 p.m. Saturday show for her first-ever viewing. Audience members generally know what to expect from a shadowcast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. If not, the unassuming first-timers will be labeled Rocky Horror “virgins” and could be initiated. V’s may be painted on their faces and good-natured public humiliation will ensue, which happened to Adams and others with the big V on their cheeks. Rocky Horror virgins can follow along with the rest of the audience to know when to use props and callbacks.

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the left, and then a step

Webb City’s Route 66 Theater satisfies local fans of the cult classic by showing the film with a live monthly performance.

“It’s just a jump to

he Rocky Horror Picture Show has been titillating audiences for nearly 40 years.

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Rocky Horror Picture Show fans (from left) Kassi Downard (Magenta and Trixie) of Joplin, Jesse Van da Griff (Dr. Frank-n-Furter) of Webb City and Stevie Ross (Trixie and Columbia) of Webb City perform on a stage as the movie plays behind them during a recent Saturday night show.

Audience members, as part of the unique live show for Rocky Horror, hoists newspapers over their heads during a rainy weather scene with Sarah Kuster of Webb City portraying Janet.

Some of the things Adams saw during the show, which was run by RKO Floor Show, the Webb City Rocky Horror shadowcast, included: • Before the show started, two girls got on the stage and threw candy to the audience; • Each show has a theme. Due to the “Talk Like a Pirate” national day, many patrons dressed up in pirate costumes, and the costumes the people in the floor show wore corresponded with that theme;

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“At first, the community wasn’t exactly sure what we were doing. All they knew was (that) it was a live show. We had a great turnout and we have loyal groupies who continue to come each month and support us,” said RKO Floor Show director Aly Presser.

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• The floor show acted out the movie in front of the screen. Sometimes, the antics on the stage, Adams said, was more entertaining than what was going on up on the movie screen.

• The RKO Floor Show sold prop bags beforehand so patrons could throw props; and,

The RKO Floor Show has been performing each third Saturday inside the downtown Webb City theater since February.

Presser created Webb City’s RKO Floor Show after noticing the popularity of The Rocky Horror Picture Show when played at various area locations during the Halloween season. Presser was part of a shadowcast in her hometown in Ohio, and knew what it would take to get the show going locally. “The owners of the theater are huge fans and supporters. Even before our first show, the community was talking about us and asking when our first show was,” Presser said. The RKO Floor Show’s cast is made up of Rocky Horror fans from the community. Some cast members are studying theater, while others are simply diehard fans. “Everyone is part of the show and the energy feels like you’re performing with us. I’ve had at least three people after the show come up to me and ask to join the cast,” said Presser. Audience participation is key to the success of the Rocky Horror Shadowcast. The audience is used as a prop, with interaction being essential to pulling off a rousing good show. Hardcore fans often bring their own props, which could include anything from rice, toast, newspaper and water to confetti, bells and playing cards. For the less prepared moviegoers, prop bags are available in the lobby of the Route 66 Theater for $3. Proceeds from the prop bags go toward funding better costumes and props.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is rated R, and the callbacks reflect that. Profanity, sex and gender-bending are par-for-thecourse and are essential to the composition of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The RKO Floor Show is not for the faint of heart. Webb City’s shadowcast adds some personal touches to the show. “The callbacks range from celebrity news to local news. I guarantee you, you’ll leave with your sides hurting from laughing so hard,” said Presser.

“This show is a place where you can dress up in whatever and be yourself, no judgment,” said Presser. Other than the usual sequins and fishnets, Webb City’s RKO Floor Show occasionally will add a theme to the performance. The next show, which will be held on Oct. 18, will have a Star Wars theme and promises to be over the top with campy science fiction fun. A special Halloween performance is scheduled for Nov. 1. There will be a costume contest, with a mystery prize for the winner.

The audience is always encouraged to come to the shows in costume.

“A Well Planned service warms the soul and illuminates the memory.” • Making some simple decisions in advance ensures all of the details of a funeral will be carried out exactly as intended. Family members won’t be left wondering or making guesses as to what was wanted.

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It’s Something To Do For Your Family

r o r r Ho y k Roc re Show u Pict

• We make preplanning in advance easy and convenient.

Ashley Long (left), playing Brad, and Sarah Kuster, playing Janet act out a scene from the Rocky Horror Picture Show inside the Webb City Movie Theater on Route 66.

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• Advance planning also gives you peace of mind and saves your family from the pressure of making emotional decisions at a difficult time. If you have ever had to arrange a funeral under emotional stress, then you understand how helpful preplanning can be.

music to the ears THUMPER

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN RICHARDSON

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he thing about the members of the band Thumper is that they are the kind of guys that you don’t take home to meet the parents.

the past year. But underneath that dirty veneer shines one of the brightest gems, waiting to burst up to become a player in the local music scene.

They are the type of guys you see hanging out on smoker’s corner in high school. Leighton Warren, Karl Skinner, Ben Williams and Tony Dunaway, they are the guys sitting at the far end of a dive bar, straight shooting cheap whiskey with home-rolled cigarettes dangling from their lips.

J MAG — You and Karl were both known as solo artists and that’s what your reputation was built on. So how did a band come out you two? There isn’t a lot of crossover between you two.

There is a layer of grime on them that is as dirty as their own brand of blues-rock they’ve brought to the Joplin scene in

Leighton Warren — Karl hounded me down for about three years. I was always in other bands, had some other stuff going on. He kind of kept on me about it, but I finally decided on giving it a go and we really connected. We had an instant

vibe that was going on between us. When we started, it was just us with a drum machine in a band called Thrashhammer. We gelled on level of 80s metal, we enjoyed the over the top element. We had such a weird idea that started and they just matured into what it is now. J — You guys just really kicked off this year right as Thumper right? But you guys are already playing with some of the bigger names in the regional scene. LW — We started in February, actually. We had been a band for about two weeks at that point. Even with that quick formation, there wasn’t too much nerves

of our own stuff that we’ve had for a while. It is a bit of Frankenstein’ing stuff together from our own stuff. Everyone writes their own stuff in the band, but we do it together. It comes from a lot of jamming in the living room. If it keeps coming back up, it usually sticks. It also helps to have a good memory and realize where something will fit that the other wrote.

LW — Those influences that come through, like Led Zeppelin. They were the first jam band, when you think about it and we incorporate that. They can do

J — So how does the songwriting process work for you two? It sounds like there are a lot of sounds that you both draw from. LW — Its riffing and pulling in some

J — Catching your last few shows, your influences have come out a bit more than when you guys started. There is a lot going on there. We definitely see some funk layered over a lot of blues and ‘70s rock.

LW — We’ve got some self-recorded, home demo type of stuff that we have been making for people. I wouldn’t even call it an EP yet. Its home recorded stuff and we want to keep the sound that way. We want a minimum set up and we want to keep it done like that because what we record and what we play out are different. We are a live band. We don’t want that slick studio sound. Karl and I have done the multi-track, big recording stuff before. That’s not this band. We’re a serious band, but we’ve also taken a music career seriously before. It’s a breath of fresh air to be able to just play and to think of only playing. If we are having fun, then it translates to the people in the audience. That’s the way we want to reach them. At the end of the day, we just want to have a blast.

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going into those first shows. Karl and I have that history together, we play off of each other really well. That goes a long way. We just had something special there once everything fired off together.

those long form blues and just rock out so hard to it. But there is Motown in it for me, a little Cat Stevens, but there is a lot of my dad in there. He did some folksy stuff. There is some Creedence. For Karl, there is some Ween there and some Captain Beefheart. He loves some old jazz. We don’t stick to one thing or one sound and it kind of shows. I think it is a mix of those sounds, but also their ethos. You got to get a balance of the technical aspects, but also the ability to play right in the moment.

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J — When is an album coming? Or is that even a consideration when paired with how new the band is? Have you hit your stride enough to even consider going that route?

health

B r e as t C a n c e r A wa r e n e ss Written BY Amanda Stone Photography by t. Rob Brown and Roger Nomer

Pink Breast cancer awareness is everywhere

Sharon Clark (left)

Sharon Clark pulls double duty as the president of HOPE 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation while working full-time as the Carl Junction Postmaster. Clark was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987, and uterine cancer in 1982. She knows what it takes to be a survivor. “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was embarrassing and shameful to talk openly about it. Pink is everywhere now and everyone knows what it symbolizes. Pink made it okay to fight openly,” said Clark. She has become the face of local breast cancer awareness. She doesn’t mind being recognizable if that’s what it takes to remind women to perform self-exams and to schedule their mammograms. Breast cancer found in early stages is the easiest to treat.

Clark helped put the Carl Junction Post Office on the map last

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ince the early 1990s, pink has been the international symbol of breast cancer awareness, support and research. October is breast cancer awareness month, but local volunteers utilize pink to raise awareness all year long.

year by selling more breast cancer stamps than any other post office in the nation. Their goal this year is to maintain their status as number one. “Many people say they don’t have much use for stamps, but I encourage them to think outside the box. Stamps make a great wedding gift, are always appreciated by older folks and are a useful donation to cancer foundations for mailing invoices,” said Clark.

HOPE 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation’s goal is to raise awareness, provide support, offer education and instill hope to those affected by breast cancer locally. HOPE 4 You donates funds raised to local hospitals to provide mammograms and to The Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, or BCFO. BCFO offers non-medical financial assistance to patients in current treatment for breast cancer. Depending on financial need, BCFO provides support with gas, car and utility payments, rent or mortgage and other necessities. BCFO hosts multiple “Think Pink” events throughout the year such as Cruisin’ for Cleavage, which is a poker run on October 18th and a Boobapalooza Silent Auction on Oct. 25 to be held at Coyote’s Adobe Café in Springfield. Check bcfo.org for a complete calendar of events. Clark relies on volunteers, local support and lots of pink to raise awareness and ultimately, funds. Carl Junction goes pink in October with their “Paint the Town” event. Pink lights and pink ribbons will adorn the town throughout the month. Swing for Pink, a charity golf tournament, and Race 4 HOPE, a 5K run, are events held earlier in the year that benefit HOPE 4 You.

Carl Junction’s Spinning Wheels from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 25. Both events benefit Carl Junction C.A.R.E.S (Cancer Awareness Research Education Support). There will also be a “Breast Cancer Smack Down,” put on by Carl Junction C.A.R.E.S. and the Global Wrestling Federation present. This pro wrestling match will take place on Oct. 18 at the Carl Junction High School Gymnasium. Join Mr. Saturday night, Justin Elijah and all of your favorite pro-wrestlers to raise money for breast cancer-related expenses for local women. Panera Bread makes pink ribbon bagels during the month of October, with 25 cents from each bagel sold going to HOPE 4 You.

Panera Bread, 2401 E. 32nd, makes pink ribbon bagels during the month of October, with 25 cents from each bagel sold going to HOPE 4 You. This will be the eighth year that Joplin’s Panera Bread has participated in the pink ribbon bagel event, with over $32,500 being donated. On Oct. 15, 100 percent of pink ribbon bagel sales will go to HOPE 4 You. The Ozark Nursery of Joplin, 5361 N. Main, is hosting a pink pumpkin event throughout October. One hundred percent of the profits from pink pumpkins will go to HOPE 4 You. “We’re excited about the pink pumpkin event. It will be a fun way for us to give back to the community,” said Ozark Nursery owner Gayl Navarro.

Upcoming pink events include a Zumba to Show You CARE, from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 18, at the Carl Junction High School Gymnasium, and a Skateathon at

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“Parents of the players helped get this going and they do most of the footwork. We have had so much support from our community in volleyball, we just wanted to do something to give back,” said Coach Sarah Wall. The team also hosts a pancake feed in May, with proceeds going to Pink Night.

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The Carl Junction High School volleyball team has become one of the leading fund raisers for HOPE 4 You. The team hosts an annual “pink night” early in October, selling pink shirts, pink hair extensions, raffle tickets for donated items and the pink game ball.

profile

M A P L E L E A F PA R A D E WRITTEN BY BOBBIE POTTORFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY T. ROB BROWN

Maple

Leaf Parade

Mother Nature Inspired

t began in the late 1960s as a marching band competition. Since then, every year, the City of Carthage welcomes more than 60,000 visitors to the annual Maple Leaf Festival. It got its name from Mother Nature, and every year, residents and visitors are surrounded by an array of glorious fall colors.

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Work ramping up on area’s largest community parade

“October is a visually stunning time here in Carthage, with our many maple trees having reached their full fall color palette,” says Neely Myers, who serves as membership director for the Carthage Chamber of Commerce. “And Carthage is a unique crossroad of architecture, history, art and inspiration.

“We are excited to celebrate with this year’s theme, ‘Crossroads of America,’” Myers continues, “and we anticipate a fantastic parade with classic favorites and exciting new entries.” The theme was submitted by Powers Museum Director Michele Hansford. “This could fit anything transportation related, highways, crossroads of history, music, community — just about anything.” This is the 48th year for the festival, and Myers says everyone is looking forward to seeing how the creative and talented parade entrants, sponsors and event organizers embody the 2014 theme. Each year, a call goes out in March for theme ideas. Once the theme is chosen, artwork is solicited to accompany it. This year’s winning entry, by Crystal Manning, is a design using artwork created by the founder of Precious Moments, Samuel J. Butcher. It depicts a young man and lady traveling Route 66 through Carthage, set against a background of the Jasper County Courthouse and the State of Missouri. “We are lucky to have a fantastic committee of dedicated and passionate community members,” says Myers. “Each committee member takes a tremendous amount of pride in making their event a fun and memorable addition to the community’s festival experience.”

“People come back year after year for lots of reasons,” says Myers. “We’ve come a long way from the early days.”

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The parade, the largest and longest, begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, and ends around noon. The parade route begins on the Historic Carthage Square and ends at the Carthage Middle School.

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Although estimates place the festival crowd between 60,000 and 75,000, Myers says it still feels like a hometown festival.

In addition to the parade, people come back year after year for family and class reunions, handmade arts and crafts, delicious festival food, or any one of the many accompanying events that the festival offers. Mary Jo Little, festival liaison for the Chamber, says every year they print more and more of the Spanish language brochures and

have fewer left over at the end. This shows the growing Hispanic population settling inside Carthage. “We want to include all members of our community,” says Little. “And we feel comfortable printing so many of the Spanish brochures and fewer of those in English because of the trend for people to find events and information online.” Aside from the parade, there are numerous events scheduled throughout the day to entertain young and young at heart, including Willie Arthur Smith’s Marching Cobras, an art & crafts festival, car show, quilt show, food vendors and live entertainment.

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The rest of the festival is filled with a variety of activities including a 5K/10K run, beauty pageants, baby and toddler contests, dog show and dog skill competition, gospel sing, and a lip-syncing competition.

And if there is anything you missed this year, don’t worry, because at 48 years of age, the festival shows no signs of slowing down. Myers says that basically, “in short, when your community boasts beautiful, historically significant architecture, a sizable roster of supremely talented artists and artisans, and a wide array of available venues in which to showcase local talent and beauty, it’s a perfect marriage of inspiration and art of all kinds.”

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taste

S TAC K E D WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY RYAN RICHARDSON

: Built on Family, Joplin Tastes

f you were from out of town, you would think that Stacked was some kind of Midwestern chain restaurant. From the shiny exterior, professional signage and comprehensive menu, Stacked has a lot going for it that bigger chains have spent years trying to build. But in their first year of operation, owners Christina HigdonWallace and husband Jason Wallace have carved out a restaurant built on local tastes and produce and even a little bit of live music while keeping their eyes on being an anchor business in the flourishing south of Joplin.

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“I think it was a combination of looking at the food truck craze that has been really popular on the west coast and finding a way that we could make it fit here,” Jason said. “You won’t see food trucks here in Joplin because of ordinances and the lack of foot traffic, but there isn’t a reason that you can’t have quality sandwiches like that. It caught our eye and we translated that to a restaurant.”

Building on sandwich favorites like pulled pork, thinly-sliced steak and the venerable Philly cheesesteak selections that other sandwich shops incorporate, they filled out their menu choices with dishes centered around portabella mushrooms and macaroni made with real gouda cheese. With unique tastes like that, it would be easy to make the traditional sandwich shop work, the pair took it a step further by investing in local growers and meats cooked on site to give their menu that extra zing.

Owners Christina Higdon-Wallace and Jason Wallace, with son Alex have all put in time to grow the business in the first year of operation.

“We go to get peppers, tomatoes from the local farmers markets,” Christina said. “Some of our hotter stuff comes from home garden peppers that we have been experimenting with. You can get so many slightly different tastes just by buying local and we see that as supporting local while we are also growing. We like giving that attention to detail a local spin.”

“We want to see Main Street not just be five or six blocks in one area,” Christina said. “We want it to be packed from one end of town to the other. We don’t want it to be necessarily Range Line, but we want to see it continue to grow with local businesses reinvesting in Joplin.”

To complement those unique, local tastes, they have incorporated a selection of regional micro brewed beer and a variety of sodas from St. Louis-based drink maker Fitz’s.

Christina added that seeing Stacked take off with some success in the first year, gives her hope for other businesses, which she said she is hopeful to see.

“When we moved in here, it wasn’t much on this end of the town. We didn’t have many other businesses. This building didn’t exist after the tornado,” Jason said. “But we knew it was a position for the future. We are still gearing up for increased hours as the people come back to the residential areas here and with the hospital opening up, we are going to see a new crowd. We are excited about that.”

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While it is typical for a newly-established restaurant to experience slow growth during the first years of operation, Jason said he was surprised they found their groove early. He credits that to the rebuilding efforts in the years following the May 22, 2011 tornado.

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“We like giving the people who come in more variety in their drinks instead of just the normal fountain drinks,” Jason said. “We’ve got the beers like Mother’s and Core Brewing. We’re root beer fans so we started stocking Fitz’s. It comes down to unique choices and again, we’ve found that it works for us more than thought it would. We don’t want to be the same as everyone else. We want to take risks like that.”

e g a h t r a C p sho i r u o s s i M

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The

List:

hether you’ve seen it or not, believe in it or not, the mystery surrounding the mysterious Spooklight has prevailed for more than a century.

Here are five facts about this mysterious glowing light.

The Spooklight is named aft er the small Missouri town of Ho rnet, although in reality, a vast ma jority of the sights and videotape d instances of this phenomenon has been visi ble from inside the Oklahoma border and lookin g to the west.

The Spooklight is commonly described as a single ball of light or a tight grouping of lights. Although the description of the light is similar to that of other visual phenomena witnessed throughout the world, the term “Spooklight” when standing alone generally refers to this specific case. Numerous legends exist that attempt to describe the origin of the Spooklight, one of which involves the ghosts of two young Native American lovers looking for each other.

During the 1960s, there was a general store in Hornet that gave out information about the light to sightseers. It included a “Spooklight Museum.” There have also been various establishments along the Missouri-Oklahoma state line that served a similar function, but they have since closed. During the 1960s and 1970s, the roads where the Spooklight usually appears were often packed with parked vehicles and people hoping to get a glimpse of the mysterious light. Sadly, with the advent of cable television and the Internet, few have the time or inclination to drive out into the woods to see the strange ball of light.

While many dismiss the Spooklight as headlights from vehicles passing on Interstate 44 or either E 50 or E 40 roads, others dismiss this, since stories of the light were being circulated long before the automobile and the combustible engine were invented.

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Experts say the best chances for spotting the light occur after dark when parked on Oklahoma East 50 Road, four miles south of the three state junction of Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma in Ottawa County, Oklahoma and looking to the west. You must sit very silently — usually without speaking, for the light to appear. It usually appears as a blue or white color, but also yellow, red or orange.

parting shot SPOOKY MOON

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PHOTOGRAPH BY T. ROB BROWN

A full Moon bleeds its white shine down on Southwest Missouri.