Reindeer Games
Vanzant farm brings magic of the North Pole to southern Missouri The magic of the holidays captures kids of all ages — just ask Sara Prescott. The cattlewoman, wife and mother wears another hat one month out of the year. That’s when she, along with husband, Michael,...
Palatable Presents
Sweet treats for holiday giftingPeppermint Bars Brownies: 1 family-size package fudge brownie mix Peppermint Filling: 5 cups powdered sugar 14 tablespoons butter, melted 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract 1/8 teaspoon red food coloring ...
Lighting up the season
Madison care center invites guests in for the holidays Equal parts excitement and relief greet Fannie Miller as she stands in the circle driveway outside of the assisted living facility where she’s worked for a quarter century. She’s standing alongside her longtime...
Handmade with a higher cause
New Florence shop offers decor and more There’s just a little bit of everything going on inside the country craft store. A couple passing by stopped to check out some of the fall decorations and homemade candles that are making way for the upcoming Christmas displays....
A helping hand
There’s no other place I’d rather be than rural Missouri. For me there is something a little special about forgetting to grab the keys from my truck and knowing it will still be there when I get back from lunch or stopping by the feed store to hear about who nailed...
Fred & Red’s
Photos by Sara Schafer and Jim McCarty A step into Fred & Red’s in Joplin is a step back in time. As you enter the unassuming tan diner, you take in the classic decor, neon sign, vintage barstools and wood paneling. Then, suddenly, your senses surrender to one...
Go Nuts
Spiced Pumpkin Carrot Cheesecake Cupcakes 4-ounce box pumpkin quick bread, divided 1 cup carrots, shredded 3 eggs, divided 3/4 cup milk 1/2 cup golden raisins 2 tablespoons canola oil 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice...
Made in Missouri
Fun holiday gift ideas that support your neighbors Small businesses are the backbone of rural Missouri. This holiday season, skip the big-box stores and mega online retailers. Instead, support the businesses that support your communities. Here are just a few ideas to...
The patient photographer
Persistence pays off for wildlife photographer Danny Brown You might walk right past Danny Brown and never know it if you spend any time outdoors in Missouri. He’s likely perched in a chair covered with camouflage netting, patiently waiting for his prey to show up in...
The thrill of the hunt
Harding Gamebird Farm is all about the birds Becky Harding distinctly remembers how brothers Everett and Marvin turned their family farm into a game bird hunting preserve. “He bought a bird dog and he couldn’t find any quail on the farm,” she says of her husband,...