cars and their people
Photographer Curtis Almeter brings us this set of local portraits celebrating big personalities and their automotive extensions.
Originally featured In the print edition of the Joplin Toad, issue 5, spring/summer 2022.
All photographs and interviews by Curtis Almeter.
People interest me. I’ll admit it, I’m a people watcher.
When I’m grabbing a few things at the store or filling up the tank at the local Casey’s, it’s not uncommon for me to notice the people around me. Occasionally, when I’m seated next to a window at a restaurant or coffee shop, I’ll notice people walking out toward the parking lot, and I’ll try to guess which vehicle they climb into. Sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m way off. Regardless, I find the human/car dyad fascinating.
As it so happens, the Joplin area has loads of interesting and fascinating cars and people to accompany them.
Jason Bonnow with his 2009 Monster Truck “Wheels of Freedom.”
The giant all-American monster is powered by a 454 big block Chevy engine that makes over 500 horsepower. The chassis sits on 5-ton military axles and 66-inch-tall mud tires. Each tire weighs up to 900 pounds. This particular truck was designed to work events by offering passengers short thrill rides around a dirt loop throughout the day. Jason travels around the country with his truck working various events. He and his family also operate a food truck called “Bearly Wrapped.”
Amanda and Linus Mehrens with a 2010 Honda Odyssey.
The Mehrens family made the decision to go with a van once children came onto the scene. “We also really enjoy having it for road trips,” Amanda says. “We can put the seats down in the back or fill it with a bunch of stuff.” The Mehrens family are residents of Joplin and Amanda teaches at College Heights Christian School.
Chase Tyner with his 1971 Honda CT70.
“It’s been in the family since 1974,” Chase says. His grandfather bought it for his mom when she was 9 years old. It sat in his grandmother’s garage for years until recently he decided to bring it back to life. “I just put a new carb on it and got it running again,” he says. “I’m about to do a full restoration. I’m not afraid to dive headfirst into a project when it comes to vehicles.”
Michael Angelo with his 2007 Toyota Solara fully covered in a historic Route 66 themed wrap.
“Four years ago, I took a six-week trip from Chicago to L.A. along U.S. Route 66 with my best friend,” Michael says. “Before we left for the trip, I wrapped the car in images of Route 66. It was the nicest trip of my life.” Since retired, Michael spent 30 years working in an Alzheimer's unit as a head nurse. He used to play music for his elderly patients, and they would rock out to it. He currently lives in Baxter Springs, Kan.
Melanie Wamble with her 2017 Dodge Challenger nicknamed “Bruiser” for the black and blue color combination.
Melanie grew up going to car shows with her father, and shares his love for fast cars. Melanie plays drums and sings in a rockabilly band called Brutally Frank and is the owner of Blackthorn Pizza and Pub.
Steven Brunson with his fully electric 2020 Tesla Model 3.
Steven says the thing he finds most interesting about the Tesla isn’t even the fact that it’s electric. For him, what defines a Tesla is the driving experience. “Even after having my car for over a year now, I’m still excited to get into it and drive it … it’s a really unique experience,” he says. A common hurdle most people must overcome when switching to an electric vehicle is concern over the range [driving distance that the battery will cover]. "Range anxiety is real, but you learn to get used to it,” he admits. Aside from that, there are only a few smaller things to which he needed to adapt. “I could never go back.”
Jason Vickers with his 1947 International KB6.
“I basically started with the KB6 body and decided I wanted to put it on a different chassis, so I got an 85 Chevy chassis,” he says. “I put everything over on it. It’s got a stock 350 with a turbo 400 transmission. After that I just dressed it out to look like a semi … it’s like a Frankenstein semi.” The truck also utilizes two beer kegs that serve as functioning gas tanks on each side. A welder by trade, Jason pieced together the creation over a two-year time period.
Tyler DeGonia with his 2020 RAM 2500 pickup with a Cummings 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel engine.
Tyler DeGonia with his 2020 RAM 2500 pickup with a Cummings 6.7-liter Turbo Diesel engine. The 6.5-inch lift, 24x14-inch rims and 37-inch tires are just the beginning of what Tyler has in store for his truck. Tyler’s philosophy is hard work and dedication are the key to having the things you want in life. Tyler is 22 years old and was born and raised in Diamond, Mo.
Dan Cooper and his basset hound “Rusty” with a 2017 Indian Vintage motorcycle
The Vintage edition is a newer bike with styling reminiscent of that of earlier models. Dan and Rusty have traveled as far as South Dakota together, with Rusty riding shotgun in the sidecar. However, the duo can more often be seen cruising around Joplin. “I like to take Rusty to coffee shops because they are usually more dog-friendly and they give him a pup cup of whip cream,” says Dan. Rusty and Dan are residents of Neosho, Mo.
Dakotah Questelle with his 2013 diesel powered Volkswagen Jetta
Dakotah Questelle, a self-professed “car guy” with his 2013 diesel powered Volkswagen Jetta, and the modest list of modifications that goes with it. Some of these mods include: 19-inch aftermarket rims, a full air-ride suspension, JL audio sound system and LED lighting. Dakotah says he doesn’t remember a time when he wasn’t into cars. “In kindergarten when I was four or five years old, they had us make a book. The book I made was about cars,” he says. The Jetta is just one of several vehicles Dakotah owns and customizes. He’s a regular at the car shows and tries to catch all the local cruise nights. “The car scene seems to be coming back in Joplin,” he says.
A portion of this feature can be viewed in glorious print, in our spring/summer Joplin Toad issue 5 magazine issue. You can pick up your copy for $12 at one of our sales locations:
The Clay Cup (Neosho)
Spiva Center for the Arts
Zinc Coffee
Bearded Lady Coffee
Joplin Avenue Coffee
Greenhouse Coffee
Chaos Brewery
contributors:
Curtis Almeter
Curtis is a socially awkward people person who dreams of living as a hermit in the mountains. He has a deeply cynical side and has recently started stretching before doing anything physically active.
He and his wife are the proud owners of two wieners dogs and enjoy going outside and not coming back in until the next day.
Curtis uses his beard to cover up his weak jawline. Also, he has a knack for photography.
@eigref
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Kayla Monteleone
Designer and art director
“An artist never really finishes his work; he merely abandons it.” -Paul Valéry
@kaylamonteleone
@design.and.effect
monteleonestudios.com