Frontenac’s “The Dance Pitt” takes home national awards

FRONTENAC, Kan. – The Dance Pitt in Frontenac, Kansas is celebrating some big accomplishments.

The dance team recently went to Branson for a national competition, facing more than a dozen other dance studios. The Dance Pitt won two national titles and a second runner-up national title.

Champion Dasncer Tatum said, “I get to spend time with friends, and I just love dancing because I really get to express how I feel. It’s just very fun.”

The Dance Pitt is also celebrating its 10th year of operations.

Golden Apple Awards recognizes outstanding Joplin teachers

JOPLIN, Mo. – The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Monday night honored Joplin educators with the Golden Apple Awards Program.

More than 80 educators were nominated by students, parents, and co-workers based on their exceptional quality of teaching. The winners are Stephanie Reither of Cecil Floyd Elementary, Cheryl Sieber of North Middle School, Syeda Greenlee of Joplin High School and Kathy Nicodemus of Irving Elementary.

“I owe my mom a debt of gratitude,” said Nicodemus. “She taught for thirty years and I was never going to become a teacher. So I’ve become my mother and I’m a teacher and I love every minute. So I do have to apologize to my mom and say yes, it’s everything you said it would be.”

The Golden Apple Awards are in its 36th year.

Carthage Chamber Awards accepting nominations for businesses and individuals

CARTHAGE, Mo. – The Carthage Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for deserving businesses and community members for its Annual Chamber Awards. Each year the even celebrates the best of Carthage in the following categories: Citizen of the Year, the Spotlight Award, Business of the Year and the Athena Leadership Award.

Citizen of the Year:

The Chamber is asking residents to submit a nominee for Citizen of the Year. The award will be presented to an individual who has had a tremendous impact on the Carthage community.  Persons nominated for this award must:

  • Be a current Carthage resident
  • Actively volunteer with various organizations or events
  • Show pride in Carthage
  • Be highly regarded in the community
  • Contribute to the overall well-being of Carthage
  • Be dedicated to improving the lives of others in Carthage

The Spotlight Award:

All business owners want their facilities to be efficient, attractive, and beneficial to their business’s bottom line, but some business owners invest extra time and effort into their facilities. A very few businesses devote an extraordinary amount of energy and resources. The Chamber of Commerce will recognize one such extraordinary business in January with their annual Spotlight Award. Residents are encouraged to nominate businesses that enhanced the business community in Carthage in 2020 through improvements or expansions to their business location.

Business of the Year Award:

Small businesses make up a huge part of every community’s economy. The same is true for Carthage, and the Chamber of Commerce will thank one exceptional small business when they present the Small Business of the Year Award. Nominations are currently being accepted for this award. Customers, employees and community members are encouraged to nominate businesses for this award. The Small Business of the Year Award will be presented to a local business that has presented a positive image and has been a vibrant entity within the Carthage business community. Recipient must be a Chamber member in good standing and have fewer than 50 employees.

The Athena Leadership Award:

The Athena Leadership Award is presented to one individual (man or woman) each year in recognition of those who support, develop, and honor women leaders and assist women in reaching their full leadership potential.

Past recipients are ineligible for nominations. For a full list of all past recipients, please visit the Chamber at 402 S. Garrison. Contact the Chamber office for a nomination form.  Nominations must be received by 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, 2021 to be considered. For further information about the Carthage Chamber or upcoming Chamber events, contact the Chamber office at 358-2373.