Features

by Phill Brooks This summer was one of Missouri government’s most unusual for a time when state government usually slows down. It began when Gov. Eric Grietens called two special sessions in a row — one to work on utility breaks for smelting plants and the other for anti-abortion bills. There have not been two

Statewide campaign urges proper safety restraints for children. Do you know if your child is in the right safety seat? While they may be old enough, they still may not weigh enough, or be tall enough to buckle up and skip the booster or car seat. National Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 17-23. The

by Rebecca French Smith If I never see another Japanese beetle it will be too soon. Working with Mother Nature this summer in the garden has not been easy. In addition to weed pressure, we had our first major run-in with this horrible pest. While I’ve heard it prefers ornamental trees and shrubs, apparently it

The fall beauty, aster, gets its name from the ancient Greek word for star. And a bright and shining star it is, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Asters’ petite, daisy-like flowers burst with bloom when other flowers fade. It comes in rare true blue, coveted by gardeners, as well as vibrant pinks

You probably go to great lengths during the school year to ensure your child has the right equipment — pens, notebooks, clothing — to make it through the day. “Proper nutrition is a key ingredient for school success because it fuels brain cells and gives your child the energy and nutrients he or she needs

by Eric Bohl Living in Missouri, it’s not often that the leader of the free world comes to town.  There’s nothing quite like the buzz that surrounds a Presidential visit.  When President Trump landed in Springfield on Wednesday to kick off his tax reform pitch, fast food restaurant marquees welcomed him and encouraged him to

How to help seniors addicted to opioids Dear Savvy Senior I’m worried about my 72-year-old mother who has been taking the opioid medication Vicodin for her hip and back pain for more than a year. I fear she’s becoming addicted to the drug but I don’t know what to do. Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, The

The rotator cuff is one of the most important parts of the shoulder, as it consists of muscles and tendons that hold the shoulder in place and allow the body to lift the arm and reach for items. Unfortunately, rotator cuff injuries are the most common source of shoulder pain and disability, affecting more than

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