The sun came out this year for the annual West Plains Chamber of Commerce “Angels of Christmas” Parade which started at 4:00 p.m. The “Angels” serving as the official Grand Marshals leading the Christmas parade were Dr. Morgan, Dr. McGee, Monica Oaks and Glenda Ketner. Our very own Healthcare Angels!
- Dr. Charles Morgan is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist at Ozarks Healthcare’s Cancer Treatment Center. Dr. Morgan has cared for patients at Ozarks Healthcare for 25 years.
- William “Andy” McGee is a board-certified thoracic surgeon at Ozarks Healthcare’s Heart and Lung Center. Dr. McGee also serves as Ozarks Healthcare’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and has been a part of the organization for the past seven years.
- Monica Oaks is a mammogram technologist at Ozarks Healthcare’s Cancer Treatment Center. Monica believes she was called to pursue a career in mammography and is passionate about educating women about the importance of early screenings. Monica has been a part of Ozarks Healthcare for the last 24 years.
- Glenda Kentner is a mammogram technologist at Ozarks Healthcare’s Cancer Treatment Center. Glenda helps conduct approximately 25 mammograms per day at Ozarks Healthcare, which adds up to approximately 4,000 screenings a year. Glenda has been caring for patients at Ozarks Healthcare for the past 27 years.
The Grand Marshals traveled in the Toyota Tacoma that will be raffled off as a fund raiser for the Ozarks Healthcare mobile mammography unit on Christmas Eve. The West Plains High School band, lead by longtime Director Rocky Long, set a festive mood with Christmas music selections. All Bands participating in the parade were sponsored by Ozarks Healthcare, Three C’s Studio & Flower Market and Ramona Heiney- State Farm Insurance.
Entries that chose to be included in the judging process were graded on originality, workmanship and relevance to the theme. The judges’ top picks were:
- The $350 Arlee Home Fashions Overall Grand Prize awarded to Ozarks Healthcare.
- The $300 AirMedCare Network 1st Place Commercial Prize awarded to Southern MO Community Health Center.
- The $200 Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply of West Plains 2nd Place Commercial Prize awarded to Outpost Motorsports.
- The $300 Brown Furniture 1st Place Religious Prize awarded to His Act Drama Team.
- The $200 Don’s Auto Service 2nd Place Religious Prize awarded to China Union Church.
- The $300 West Plains Optimist Club 1st Place Miscellaneous Prize awarded to the 37th Judicial CASA.
- The $200 Community First Banking Company 2nd Place Miscellaneous Prize awarded to MSU-West Plains Agriculture Club.
Chamber Executive Director, Jessica Collins, thanked our long-time volunteers Steve Gleghorn, Kevin Gleghorn, Ramona Heiney, Greg Collins and Bryan Adcock. You all are the glue! Thank you to the parade judges and all of our volunteers, sponsors and contributors. “Their kindness is the reason this event continues to be a wonderful part of the holiday season”, adding, this year’s Parade sponsors also included: Butler Heating & Air, Simmons Bank, Mega Motorsports, Outpost Motorsports, Ozarks Coca-Cola, Penmac Staffing Services, Andy & Judy Ingalsbe, Towne & Country Lighting, West Plains Occupational & Insurance Physicals, Brill Title Company, Southern Bank and Heart of the Ozarks Medical Equipment. Thank you!
Collins thanked everyone at Outpost Motorsports and Mega Motorsports for the use of their off-road vehicles. “It has been a very difficult year with supply chain issues and these businesses came through for us, and we really cannot thank them enough!” Collins also thanked all those who entered floats in the parade and noted; “A special thanks has to go out to the West Plains Police and Fire Departments, all area Emergency Services, the Missouri Highway Patrol, the Howell County Sheriff’s Department and the West Plains City Workers. Their dedication to this event ensures everyone’s safety”. A special shoutout to our good friend Corby Redburn for always staying on top of everything parade related! You rock! “Thank you to ALL of the volunteers working in the parade!”. Collins added “We thank the community for their continued support of this annual event and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!”
