Mia and Wayne Frank, with their daughter, Poppy, are reopening Mary’s Market in downtown Webb City.

Mary's Market celebrates grand reopening

The Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday to celebrate the grand reopening of Mary’s Market.

Mia Frank was looking online for a mirror when she saw an ad for an entire store. She now owns and operates Mary’s Market with her husband, Wayne, and their daughter, Poppy.

Located at 32 S. Main St., Webb City, the store is open typical boutique hours, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The Franks are carrying more men’s clothes and clothing with a western flair. They will continue to carry hot sauces and refill Common Good soaps and laundry detergent.

Items that came with the store are on sale for 40% off.

April Ford named Springfield-Greene County 911 director

April Ford, executive director of Jasper County Emergency Services for 13 years, has been named director of Springfield-Greene County 911.

“We are excited to welcome April to our Springfield leadership team,” said Collin Quigley, deputy city manager. “Our 911 operation is well regarded across the state and we are very happy to have an experienced director come aboard.”

Ford has 26 years of experience in emergency communications, 18 of which have been as an executive director.

She is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, working toward a master’s degree in homeland defense and security and has a criminal justice administration degree from Missouri Southern State University.

Greg Gagnan, a member of the Jasper County Emergency Services Board of Directors, issued a statement acknowledging the organization’s achievements during Ford’s tenure.

Those achievements include strengthened community bonds, especially after the Joplin tornado, technological advancements, professional development for the staff and financial stability.

“The Jasper County Emergency Services Board of Directors sincerely thanks April Ford for her exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community,” says Dagnan.

Ford has also served on the Oronogo Board of Aldermen and the Oronogo Planning and Zoning Board.

Joplin Scottish Rite Cathedral turns 100

Several events are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 21 – 22, to celebrate the Joplin Scottish Rite Cathedral’s 100th year.

Friday, July 21, 2023

• The Styles That Made the Day – a Formal Fashions Exhibit – The weekend of celebrations will begin at 4 p.m. with a vintage formal fashion exhibit featuring dresses, gowns, and men’s formal attire from the turn of the last century presented by Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum and Joplin Historical Society. The display will be in the Cathedral’s beautiful Tea Room on the Main Floor. The exhibit will stay open until 7 p.m.

• Dinner and Theater – Dinner will be in the cathedral dining room, followed by a dramatic presentation of “The Traitor Episode” in the auditorium. The play, performed by members of the Joplin Scottish Rite in full theatrical costumes and scenes, tells the story of Benedict Arnold, who betrayed his country and sought forgiveness and redemption. A limited number of tickets are available for $25 per person by calling (417) 623-3219.

Saturday, July 22, 2023

• At 9 a.m., a Grand Procession of Masons will start the day’s celebrations. In vintage automobiles will be representatives of all appended bodies of Masonry, with honored local, state, and federal elected officials. The procession is in honor of Charles Shifferdecker, a benefactor of the Scottish Rite. The procession route from the Cathedral will go west on Fifth Street, then south on Sergeant Avenue, passing the Scifferdecker House (422 S. Sergeant), then east on Sixth Street and north on Byers Avenue, ending back at the Cathedral. The public is welcome as spectators along the route.

• Car Show – Following the procession, the vintage automobiles will form a car show in a parking lot on the northeast corner of Fifth and Byers Ave. until 4 p.m.

• A Cornerstone Rededication Ceremony conducted by Grand Master Richard W. Kaeser, of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, will begin at 10 a.m. in the auditorium. Following the ceremony will be remarks by various dignitaries, then a short film showing the history and people of the Joplin Scottish Rite.

• 1923 Banquet – At noon, a banquet in the dining room will feature the menu served at the 1923 dedication banquet. The meal cost, $2, is reflective of the 1923 price. The banquet is also open to the public, with limited seating.

• Tours of the Cathedral will be offered beginning at 2 p.m. and available until 4 p.m.

• Kufara Marimba Band will perform in the car show area, starting at 2 p.m.

The Joplin Scottish Rite Cathedral, at 505 S. Byers Ave., was built for $260,000 ($4,639,084 in today’s dollars). For more information, visit the organization’s website.

Ronald McDonald House is 25 years old

Ronald McDonald House of the Four States will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a ribbon cutting and open house at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 27.

The charity invites the public to attend the event at 3402 S. Jackson Ave. in Joplin, which will be hosted in conjunction with the Carl Junction, Joplin, Neosho, and Pittsburg chambers of commerce.

“The ribbon cutting is the kick-off to a year-long celebration of the care and generosity of our volunteers, staff members, and donors, which have allowed our Charity to serve more than 3,550 unduplicated families of seriously ill children being treated at our local hospitals,” said Executive Director Annette Thurston. “These families, coming from 38 states and 2 foreign countries, have called Ronald McDonald House of the Four States home for a total of 35,695 nights.”

Since 1998, 86 unduplicated families from Webb City alone have been supported – physically, mentally, and emotionally – by Ronald McDonald House of the Four States for a total of 766 lodging nights.

To help support the other families that will be served by the organization, visit its website to donate or purchase items on its registries.