Features

Newspapers still key to building a sense of community

Local newspapers aid in the development of a sense of community in many important ways. It is that sense of community that creates an atmosphere where residents are more willing to work together for solutions, programs and community growth. “A sense of community is vital to a healthy community and is needed to get residents

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Savvy Senior®

How to find and hire a good handyman or contractor Dear Savvy Senior What’s the best way to find a good handyman or tradesman to do some work around the house? I’ve have had some bad luck lately with unprofessional workers who do shoddy work and charge too much. Frustrated Senior Dear Frustrated, Hiring a

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Surprising truth about common menopause misconceptions

Nearly all women will go through menopause at some point in their lives. Often with this comes a loss of intimacy, one of the biggest – yet least discussed – side effects of menopause. While to some this may seem inevitable, menopause does not need to signify the end of a woman’s sex life. In

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What you still don’t know about breast cancer

The topic of breast cancer can feel familiar – from October walks to pink ribbons, Americans know breast cancer. That is, until you or a loved one is diagnosed.  Suddenly, breast cancer moves from a topic that feels championed to a topic that is entirely too new, too unknown and too fresh. Suddenly, there is

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September and October best months for planting daffodils

Fall is a wonderful time in the garden.  While fall marks the end of a growing season, it is just the start for spring bulbs. “Few garden plants give as much pleasure with as little effort as daffodils. They are one of the most vigorous and colorful flowers of spring. They thrive in most soils,

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Savvy Senior®

Cheap cellphone plans for seldom calling senoirs Dear Savvy Senior What are the cheapest cellphone options available to seniors today who only want one for emergency purposes or occasional calls? I have a cellphone now that cost me $30 per month, but I hate paying for something I hardly ever use. Infrequent Caller Dear Infrequent,

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Gardening after 50 is golden with right tools

The right tools and techniques can make gardening after 50 golden, says University of Missouri Extension horticulture specialist Todd Lorenz. Gardening after 50 should not be “trowel and error,” he says. Lorenz and Missouri AgrAbility Program state director Karen Funkenbusch suggest ways gardeners can use ergonomics to prevent muscle and joint pain. Ergonomics is the

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5 ideas for celebrating grandparents and forging deeper bonds with family

There’s no arguing grandparents have special relationships with their grandchildren. Whether they are a couple hours’ drive away or a flight across the country, distance doesn’t dissolve this bond. National Grandparents Day happens every September, but grandparents and families shouldn’t have to limit the celebration to just one day of the year. Here are five

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Missouri Lawmakers Wrap Up 2016 Veto Session

The Missouri Legislature officially wrapped up its annual veto session, which convened at noon on Wednesday. In just 10 hours, Missouri lawmakers successfully overrode 13 of the governor’s vetoes. I am pleased to report one of those was Senate Bill 844, a measure I sponsored. During the 2016 legislative session, I carried multiple proposals to

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Love note from Jeff City

My Fellow Missourians: Veto Session began at “High Noon” on Sept. 14. We spent nine hours combing through legislation that Governor Nixon had vetoed this summer. In the end, out of 20 vetoed bills, we voted to override 13 pieces of legislation. This total includes seven House Bills and six Senate Bills. Highlights on 5

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