Becca Snell said, “Of course,” when asked by a friend on the Webb City Farmers Market Board if she would paint a mural on the red shed that’s just north of the pavilion. “I live in Webb City, and I love this market. It was an automatic yes,” said Becca.
Becca’s business is Bec’s Creating. She’s volunteering her services to the market, but you can give her a financial thumbs up by contributing to her tip can. You can see more of her work on Facebook and Instagram.
Market manager Roen Procter hopes customers will want to take selfies in front of the mural… and everywhere else in the market.
The Jasper County Republican Central Committee invites the public to attend the 2026 Candidate Forum on Thursday, July 23, at the Carthage Water and Electric Community Room, 627 W. Centennial Avenue.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the forum beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m.
The forum will provide voters with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking statewide, county and local offices. All Republican candidates with contested primary races have been invited to participate, giving attendees the chance to learn more about each candidate’s qualifications, priorities, and vision before casting their ballots.
In addition to candidate presentations, attendees will hear informational presentations on the constitutional amendments that will be on the Aug. 4 ballot.
The Missouri Department of Transportation is conducting a study of the existing route between I-49 at Carthage and where MO 249 meets I-44 the possibility of upgrading it to interstate standards.
You can go online for more information and to take part in a new survey. Two public meetings about the study are also scheduled. They will be held open-house style:
• 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Carthage Water & Electric Plant Community Room, 627 W. Centennial Avenue.
• 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at the Joplin Public Library Community Room, 1901 E. 20th St.
The study also includes the proposed Joplin West Corridor from the roundabout north of Carl Junction to I-44 near the Oklahoma border.
Nursing mothers, soon-to-be mothers and their support systems are invited to an event designed to bring resources and encouragement to those who are breastfeeding or plan to do so.
Chi Chi Mamas, a longstanding support group formed under the Joplin Health Department’s WIC division, will host its annual Breastfeeding Celebration event Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Joplin Public Library. The event will run from 10 a.m. to noon, and brings medical partners, support agencies and businesses together to provide education and resources to women navigating breastfeeding.
Newly released data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 89% of Missouri mothers with newborns did initiate breastfeeding, with just 27 percent still breastfeeding exclusively as their child reached six months of age. The CDC promotes breastfeeding as the “best source of nutrition for most infants,” and to support this recommendation, groups like the Chi Chi Mamas help women navigate the health and societal challenges that can come along with the practice.
In addition to this event, the Chi Chi Mamas support group meets quarterly at the Joplin Health Department.
For more information on the event or to learn more about Chi Chi Mamas, call (417) 623-1928 ext. 1763.
Citizens interested in learning more about what it takes to serve as a police officer have an opportunity to learn firsthand through the Joplin Police Department’s upcoming 2026 Citizens Police Academy.
The 14-week program, which has been offered by the City for more than 20 years, begins this year on July 30. It will be held each Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m. at the Joplin Police Department, located at 303 E. 3rd.
This hands-on, interactive program gives civilians a behind-the-scenes look at the realities of working in law enforcement. Participants are exposed to topics and scenarios ranging from crime scene investigations, narcotics investigations, vehicle stops, SWAT operations and equipment, use of force concepts, building clearing, DWI enforcement, an introduction to the K9 unit, and more. The class location varies depending on each week’s topic.
The Citizens Policy Academy will finish with a closing ceremony and dinner on Oct. 29.
The academy is limited to 25 participants. Applicants must be 21 years or older and must pass a background check.
Participation in the Citizens Police Academy is free. Applying is available online. Or paper applications can also be picked up at the front desk of the Joplin Police Department. The deadline to apply is July 29.
For more information, contact Officer Lacey Baxter at lbaxter@joplinmo.org or (417) 623-3131 ext. 1632.
