Features

Kindergarten is an important developmental year for children because they will face many challenges and risk falling behind if they are not successful early in the year. Now, University of Missouri College of Education researchers have developed a one-item readiness test that can accurately predict kindergarteners’ success in school. Melissa Stormont, a professor of special

The Cedar County MU Extension Council Meeting took place on Monday, Sept. 12 at the Cedar County Memorial Hospital Health Complex in Stockton. Chairwoman Nedra Fox called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and Maranda Spangler, vice chairwoman, took meeting minutes in absence of council secretary Kelly Hendricks. Roll call was taken. Present was:

Acting State Budget Director Dan Haug announced that 2016 fiscal year-to-date net general revenue collections increased 3.6 percent compared to 2015, from $2.10 billion last year to $2.17 billion this year. Net general revenue collections for September 2016 increased by 5.8 percent compared to those for September 2015, from $842.1 million to $891.1 million. Gross

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

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

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

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

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,

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,

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