Humorous Mother’s Day cartoon: a worn dad in a Superman costume carries a baby and a color swatch board while sweeping; mom sits relaxed in a chair with wine and cupcake.
Four smiling people posing for a selfie in a home kitchen with wooden cabinets and blue storage bins on the counter behind them.
Stacy Lortz (left). – Spencer Lortz photo
Stacy Lortz honored for preparing 160 meals for the Ronald McDonald House

Stacy Lortz, of Webb City, is the Volunteer of the Month at the Ronald McDonald House.

Twenty-three years ago, Stacy saw firsthand how meaningful the Ronald McDonald House is for families with children in the NICU.

At the end of 2024, she stepped up to meet a need – committing to serve as a monthly meal donor, starting January 2025. With the help of her family, she provided around 160 meals this past year and continues to serve every last Sunday of the month.

Even more special, Stacy has inspired a love of serving others in her children along the way.

In her day job, she’s the director of finance and data management for the Webb City R-7 School District.

Go on a bird walk Saturday in the Cardinal Valley wetlands

Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day Saturday with a guided bird walk through the beautiful Cardinal Valley Wetlands.

The walk will be guided by members of the Friends of Cardinal Valley organization. It is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. and end at 10 a.m.

Participants can expect to “enjoy local birds, spring sights and good company,” according to Amera Wild, of the organization.

To join the walk, park at the trailhead adjacent to the Webb City recycling center on North Madison Street.

Route 66 Crusin Carterville event planned for May 30

The Carterville Park Committee and the City of Carterville are planning a new event, the Route 66 Crusin Carterville Celebration on Saturday, May 30.

There will be a car show, food trucks, The Mixtapes and Left of Center performing in concert, family activities and fireworks to end the evening.

Activities will include face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses, and Princesses of Southeast Kansas.

Free Spring Rock Show set for May 15-17

The Tri-State Gem and Mineral Society will hold its annual Spring Rock Show during the weekend of May 15 – 17. Attendees can browse bead jewelry, learn to identify local minerals, take part in rock swaps, shop for gems, watch demonstrations, and enter to win door prizes.

The Rock Show is a free event and will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16. On Sunday, the show’s hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

It will be held at the Joplin History and Mineral Museum, 504 Schifferdecker Avenue, within Schifferdecker Park.

The event is presented by Tri-State Gem & Mineral Society and the Joplin Parks and Recreation Department. For more information, contact the museum at (417) 623-1180 or joplinmuseum@gmail.com.