Features

A two-day training this fall will show civic leaders, artists, elected officials, entrepreneurs, business owners and others how the arts can play a role in the community and economic development. “Community Development Academy Explores: Arts & Economic Development,” Sept. 26-27 in Excelsior Springs will look at the arts as a strategy for boosting and diversifying

Master Gardener students have another option to learn. University of Missouri Extension now offers a small-group format for Master Gardeners, says MU Extension horticulture specialist Jim Quinn. Gardeners meet as a group, and MU horticulture specialists or experienced Master Gardeners guide them through videos from the online Master Gardener class. Previously, MU Extension only offered

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander has validated two initiative petitions, one Constitutional and one statutory, relating to tobacco taxes. If passed by the voters, the initiatives would raise the tax on some cigarettes by more than $1.50 a pack. Missourians have previously turned down tobacco tax increases in 2002, 2006 and 2012. The initiative

by Tom Uhlenbrock The legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps’ Company 1713 lives on at Roaring River State Park. The crew worked at the park from 1933 to 1939, constructing 33 buildings, mostly from logs harvested from the hills and stone quarried on site. The centerpiece was a handsome three-story lodge of limestone blocks and

Silver screen icon Bette Davis once famously pronounced “getting old ain’t for sissies.” Caring for yourself or a loved one with age-related health issues is no picnic, either. Of all the health issues you may face as you age, vision problems can be particularly devastating. Yet, a new study reveals that many people still don’t

Who’s eligible for Social Security survivor benefits Dear Savvy Senior Who all is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits? My ex-husband died last year at the age of 59, and I would like to find out if me, or my two kids – ages 13 and 16 – that we had together are eligible for

The National Federation of Independent Business issued a “thank you” on behalf of their 8,500 members to Senator Mike Parson for achieving a perfect 100% voting record in the 2015-16 legislative session on the issues affecting small business such as: · Workers’ compensation reform · Small-business tax reduction · Unemployment benefits reform · Tort Reform

Chicken Nugget Negotiations by Garrett Hawkins Through the rearview mirror, I watched my oldest child, Adelyn, attempt to swap her Happy Meal stuffed hamster for a dachshund that Tate, our 20-month-old, had received with his meal. She smiled sweetly and asked politely, but Tate just stared her down – and screamed when she tried to

by Francis Skalicky Missouri Department of Conservation August’s arrival means many Missourians are beginning to think about the state’s fall hunting opportunities. Unfortunately, along with many law abiding hunters and anglers who will be trekking to the outdoors in the months ahead, there will be some individuals who want to violate Missouri’s game laws. Thus,

MFA Oil Company has acquired select assets of Fuels & Supplies and Jim Woods Marketing, Inc. The sale includes propane operations in northeast Oklahoma and refined fuel/ tank wagon operations in northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma. The purchase represents a major step into refined fuel operations for MFA Oil in the state of Oklahoma. This