Hot Stone has ‘quite the artist’ serving pizza

Pizza server and amateur sign painter Makenna Hawkins outlines her design for her employer, Hot Stone Pizza.

Hot Stone has 'quite the artist' serving pizza

September 6, 2023

Makenna Hawkins paints the border on her sign.

Painting the Cardinal-infused pizzeria sign at one of Webb City’s busiest intersections is progressing – on days when it’s not so dang hot. Painting signs isn’t Makenna Hawkins’ job. She’s a junior at Webb City High School. And she’s a server at the pizzeria.

Jim and Kayla Weatherford, owners of Hot Stone Pizzeria, at Broadway and Madison Street, had talked for awhile about doing something with the blank south wall of their building.

Jim says Kayla heard Makenna was “quite the artist,” and they came up with the plan.

“We’re super pumped to have a little flair on the building.”

Free Rock Stock concert this weekend

This weekend’s Rock Stock will be the final event of the Joplin 150th Celebration. The two-day music festival at Landreth Park will reunite local bandmates and honor the performances that have left lasting memories in the hearts of many.

Friday night will feature 90s and modern hits from the reunited members of the Ben Miller Band, Vagabond Grove, Town House Fire and Toto JoJo.

Then, on Saturday night, the 70s and 80s will be remembered by Smoot Mahuti, Southern Fried, Larry Smith Group, and Encore with Hank Rotten.

In addition to live entertainment, there will be a beer garden, an opportunity for the public to meet with area not-for-profit organizations, and a selection of local food truck cuisine. Food trucks and exhibitors will open at 3 p.m. each day, with the bands playing from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Lawn chair and blanket seating. Free and open to the public.

To see what else is going on, visit the Connect2Culture website.

Ride in a hot-air balloon to help NALA

An event featuring hot air balloon rides will be held by NALA Adult Literacy Friday, Sept. 15, at Missouri Southern State University.

The third annual Literacy Liftoff will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the soccer fields, on the south side of the campus.

NALA invites the community to come and enjoy an evening of fun and relaxation while learning about the literacy related resources available!

Rides on tethered hot air balloons (weather permitting) will be offered for a suggested donation of $5 per person.

There will be food trucks, games, music, and opportunities to win raffle baskets. More than 15 partner agencies will have information available about their programs and services.

Alba all-school reunion set for Oct. 7

The Alba all school reunion will be held from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at Harry S Truman Elementary School (Hwy 96 & D Hwy). Park on the North Side and use the North door.

All who attended Alba School are encouraged to attend. “You didn’t have to graduate from Alba to attend,” says Jeanette Silvey. “It will be fun – catch up with old friends!”

Chicken Annie’s boxed lunches will be available.

Sparklight now taking applications for federal discount program

Sparklight, the internet provider in Webb City and Carterville, announces that it is participating in the Federal Communication Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program.

Eligible customers can save as much as $30 per month. Both current and new customers are welcome to apply.

The first step is to qualify for the discount on the FCC website, “Save on your internet bill.”

Household size income limits to qualify are: 1-person, $29,160; 2-person, $39,440; 3-person, $49,720; 4-person, $60,000. Beyond that, add $10,280 for each additional person.

Applicants can also qualify if they participate in other government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid and WIC.

Pizza server and amateur sign painter Makenna Hawkins outlines her design for her employer, Hot Stone Pizza.