Features

12 reasons people get depressed at holiday time

Prioritize to reduce stress For many people, “the most wonderful time of the year” is actually really difficult. There’s just something about the holidays that seems to tap into all our inner woes and stresses. According to a survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), almost half of all women (44 percent) and a third

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Leadership 101: Grow accountability

While some people respond with trepidation when they hear the word “accountability,” it is a core trait that is foundational to good leadership, according to Dr. Pam Duitsman, county engagement specialist in community economic development with University of Missouri Extension. “I once received some excellent advice from a supervisor when I found myself in a

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BBB winter travel reservations

When the weather outside is frightful, many people have visions of sunshine and crystal clear water in mind. Maybe you’ve been browsing travel websites for months, in search of the perfect destination. Or you may be tempted to check out a travel special from an email or mailer; however, finding the right accommodations, transportation and

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Workforce analytics can help employers overcome challenges

University of Missouri Extension is a critical labor market intermediary in leading local workforce solutions. MU Extension is at the center of workforce development and works with businesses and communities to identify key stakeholders, facilitate collaboration, and support data-driven decisions.   Leading the efforts in southwest Missouri is Dr. Amy Patillo, a labor and workforce

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Get a Norfolk Island Pine for the holidays

by Pat Miller, University of Missouri Agronomy Specialist If you don’t have time or space for a large Christmas tree, consider a Norfolk Island pine.  According to Pat Miller, University Extension Agronomy Specialist, these house plants are readily available around the holidays.  Some may come already decorated or you can add your own small ornaments,

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Love note from Jeff City

Greetings, My Fellow Missourians On Tuesday, I went to Jefferson City to attend the State Tax Commission Public Hearing. The discussion was on the Agricultural Land Productivity Values for 2021-2022 Assessment Cycle. Every two years the Missouri State Tax Commission reviews Ag land to make changes, up or down based on a 10-15 year overview,

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A shotgun marriage? Ethanol and old outboard boat engines

Ever since E10 gasoline (gas containing 10% ethanol) became widely available several years ago, the nation’s largest recreational boat owners group, BoatUS, has received hundreds of calls and emails complaining about boat engine problems. The majority of complaints concern older outboard motors, those made before about 1990. BoatUS’ Seaworthy magazine asked Mercury Marine’s Ed Alyanak

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Warm-season grasses provide forage, wildlife habitat

Richard Asbill wants cattle and wildlife to benefit from warm-season grasses on his southwestern Missouri farm. Asbill, the superintendent of the Cassville R-IV School District and a former agriculture teacher, is one of the first participants in the NRCS + MU Grasslands Project. The project is a collaboration between the University of Missouri and the

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Love note from Jeff City

Greetings, My Fellow Missourians Last Friday I attended the monthly Osceola Chamber Luncheon. I made a brief announcement of my plans to file legislation to honor Dr. Charles Bourland by naming the bridge on 13 Highway that crosses the Osage River arm of Truman Lake in his memory. Dr. Bourland worked for NASA at the

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