Hawthorne Road blacktop

Apparently, the Jasper County Road District has recently resurfaced Hawthorne Road.

Ownership of Simpson Funeral Home passes to third generation

Amanda and Austin Simpson

Austin Simpson, along with his wife, Amanda, have taken ownership of Simpson Funeral Home from Austin’s parents, Hal and Stefanie Simpson, with a sale finalized in August 2022.

Austin confirms his commitment to continue the legacy instilled by his late grandfather, Jack C Simpson. “Our legacy in serving families in the midst of grief and loss will continue under the strong footings set generations before me. We will strive to dignify lives well-lived by our friends and neighbors. 

“As the longest-standing family owned and operated firm in our area, our staff and I will be industry leaders in quality and care for all.”

The company maintains two locations, in Webb City and Carl Junction, each fully staffed and able to handle a wide variety of needs, from cremation, to burial, and pre-arranged funerals.

Plans are underway for the expansion and modernization of Simpson Funeral Home.

“We are the first funeral home in the area to offer fully-online planned cremation and burial plans,” Austin says. 

Other plans include the renovating both facilities, and expanding services overall.

Melissa Annis named state Realtor Salesperson of the Year

 

Melissa Annis

Melissa Annis, of Webb City, has been named the Missouri Realtors Salesperson of the Year.

This award is given annually based on demonstrated commitment to ethics and cooperation, activity within local, state and national Realtor organizations, advanced education and professional designations, community service, and sales volume. Annis was presented with the award on Wednesday, Sept. 21, during the Missouri Realtors Fall Business Conference.

Serving as a licensed Realtor for 21 years, Annis has proven her dedication to the real estate profession by volunteering her time to numerous boards and committees, including her current service as a state legislative coordinator and state director for Missouri Realtors. She also serves as chair of the commercial output group and vice chair of the commercial forms committee. In 2013, Annis served as president of the Ozark Gateway Association of Realtors.

Annis continues to give back to her community by volunteering each year to help multiple charities through KW Red Day. She has been a member of the Webb City Planning and Zoning Commission for the past five years.

Webb City market places 162nd nationwide out of 2,000 farmers markets

Votes tabulated in the 14th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration reveal that the Webb City Farmers Market is the 162nd favorite nationwide.

More than 10 million farmers market supporters weighed on which markets are best.

The Overland Park, Kan., and Columbia, Mo., markets took first and second place, respectively.

Karen Scott, of Oakwoods Farm, the president of the Webb City Farmers Market Board of Directors, notes that the local market placed sixth in Missouri and 47th in the Midwest.

Although Webb City didn’t win a cash prize, she said she’s unwilling to give up her claim that “we have the best customers.”

The contest is run by the American Farmland Trust and Farmers Market Coalition.

LAUREN THOMPSON PHOTOS

Respectful Carterville Students of the Month for September

Carterville Elementary students have been learning to be respectful by: treating others nicely, following the rules, keeping my hands to myself, speaking calmly, and being accountable.

Many students earned their respectful car to place on the Road to Great Character, but those pictured here stood out in particular. 

September Students of the Month:

(FRONT) Thea Marshall, Gabby Aguilar.

(MIDDLE) Luca Germiniani, Dayton Stout, Olivia Burgi, Nolan Hilburn, Braxton Johnson.

(BACK) Ellyot Goodson, Emilio Medina, Danovin Johnson, Cade Cranford, Colby Tandy, Colt Hughes, Brook Stewart, Dawson Hinderliter and Adleigh Humphrey.

(RIGHT) Riah Thurlo