Empty fields and blackouts
In the early 2000s, the Jones brothers were back-to-back hay hauling champions at the local county fair. After I won, my brother Clayton (in the white T-shirt) felt obligated to try to outdo me. Photo courtesy California Democrat There is nothing more stressful to a...
Pick A Pumpkin Patch
Grab the family and find a pumpkin patch near you this fall Nothing beats a visit to the pumpkin patch as the leaves start to turn. Below is a nonexhaustive list of patches across the state (there are many, many more). Beyond picking the perfect pumpkin, we’ve...
Honey Haven
Harold’s Famous Bee Co. harvests the power of the honeybee On a cold winter day, Harold Gallaher knocked 100 honeybees into a bucket with the sweep of his arm. He tossed on a lid and rushed toward his warm house, with the hope of keeping the cold and unhappy honeybees...
Trailblazing Fox Trotters
Missouri’s horse trots into new territory story by Sarah Joplin and photos by Zach Smith | info@ruralmissouri.coop The first horse trainer ever inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, Geno Middleton, calls it the “horse bug.” He says if you are afflicted,...
Purveyors of Pork
Fiesta Pork & Walnut Tacos 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 pound lean pork tenderloin, trimmed of visible fat and cut into 1/2- to 1-inch thick strips 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder...
Power with a purpose
A candid conversation with Joe Wilkinson, Associated Electric's chief member relations officer For 25 years, Joe Wilkinson has worked for cooperative members at Associated Electric Cooperative, the power generation cooperative for electric cooperatives in Missouri and...
Co-op employees care
After hours, electric co-op people give back to their communities By day they repair lines, balance the books and communicate with members. After hours they volunteer in a host of community activities. When your employer puts great emphasis on Concern for Community,...
Larry’s line art
Laclede Electric lineman makes art from cast-off poles With a wide sweep of his hand, Larry Taylor gestures toward the pile of raw materials in his shop near Hartville. “All of this was headed to the trash,” Larry says. He’s talking about the stack of wood cut from...
Missouri Weird & Wonderful
Reedy Press books celebrate the Missouri you never knew Let’s face it: Missouri is a weird and wonderful state, with natural wonders, peculiar history, eccentric citizens and roadside attractions that rival those found just about anywhere. Since 2004, Reedy Press has...
HoneyBadger
Classic American fare with a memorable twist As soon as the front doors open, the kitchen is a flurry of activity. Hungry customers head to the counter to order one of Nick and Rachel Giacopelli’s creations for lunch. Online orders come in as fast as the couple...