10 steps to protect your identity this holiday season
MEXICO, Mo. – Don’t let an identity thief steal the sparkle out of your holiday season.Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information and uses it without permission. It can damage your finances, credit history and reputation. “Identity theft can wreck your life,” says University of Missouri Extension family financial education specialist Virgil Woolridge.
Holidays can be lonely for some
MACON, Mo. – Upcoming gatherings can be a sad reminder of who’s not home for the holidays this year.Merriment of the season sometimes highlights loneliness and loss of a loved one through death, illness, distance or broken relationship, said Jeremiah Terrell, University of Missouri Extension human development and family studies specialist. For many, there’s nothing worse than feeling alone in a crowd of laughing friends and relatives.
Beware of post-holiday scams
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Increasing use of social media creates opportunities for thieves to rob you during the post-holiday season, says University of Missouri Extension Law Enforcement Training Institute director John Worden.Facebook swap shop pages and Craigslist ads bustle with items for sale. Sellers tempt you with phrases like “got two for Christmas, selling extra for cheap” or “child didn’t like.”
Toxic poinsettias a myth
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Although scientific studies have declared the poinsettia harmless, the plant still has a questionable reputation regarding its safety, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist.“It’s a myth that poinsettias are toxic,” said David Trinklein.
Deck the halls with proper caution
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For many, the holiday season would not be complete without evergreens, holly, mistletoe and other traditional plants adorning their homes. But it’s important to exercise care with some of these plants since we want the holidays to be happy and safe, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.
Homegrown small business ready to scale and diversify, Hannibal Machine - Hannibal, MO
From wielding a broom to welding metal art, Scott Haycraft grew from a youngster helping around the shop to a skilled machinist and part-owner of Hannibal Machine in Hannibal, Missouri.
Plan to kill toxic perilla mint this spring or summer
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist Eldon Cole said he received a report recently of cows in southwestern Missouri being killed by perilla mint, a toxic plant. Cole urges producers to plan to destroy the annual plant in pastures next spring or summer. Broadleaf pasture herbicides, applied April through June before seed set, provide control when applied at the correct rate, he says.
Founders Fund helps ensure Osher@Mizzou’s future vitality
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Missouri (Osher@Mizzou) has announced the establishment of an endowed Founders Fund — a step that will help ensure the long-term vitality of this University of Missouri Extension program that provides educational, cultural and social opportunities for learners ages 50 and over.
Wesley Tucker named first recipient of new Brown Professional Development Award
Farm families count Wesley Tucker among Missouri's best resources for help with intergenerational farm transfer and succession issues. Tucker, a University of Missouri Extension field specialist in agriculture business and policy, also is recognized nationally as an expert on the economics of forage livestock systems.
Properly Fitted Bike Helmet Key to Reducing Injuries
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Bicycles remain a popular holiday gift purchase but the gift would be incomplete without a bicycle helmet according to Willa Williams, 4-H youth specialist in Greene County with University of Missouri Extension and a League Cycling Instructor. “When people are thinking about buying bicycles this holiday, remember to include a bicycle helmet,” said Williams. “All bike riders should wear bicycle helmets.”
Garden strengthens community across differences
NOEL, Mo. – Food is a bridge that brings people together. That conviction was the seed for a garden that now flourishes on what was once a rocky hillside plot in Noel, a town of 1,800 in the southwest corner of Missouri.
From friendship bracelets to order fulfillment and beyond: One entrepreneur’s journey, Court Street Custom Fulfillment - Fulton, MO
Some people are born entrepreneurs. Beth Snyder is among them.
Humility is Key Attribute for Best Leaders According to Current Research
OZARK, Mo. – Superheroes may not be powered by humility, but great leaders are, according to Dr. Pam Duitsman, a county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension. “Many would not readily associate the quality of humility with strong leadership. We usually think of attributes like being strong, bold, confident, and decisive,” said Duitsman. “But a growing body of research is showing that humility is a key attribute…
Sweet potato a recent guest at Thanksgiving
COLUMBIA, Mo. –Though sweet potato is one of the most widely served side dishes at Thanksgiving dinner today, it probably wasn’t on the menu at the first Thanksgiving in 1621, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.According to an account by Plymouth settler Edward Winslow, waterfowl, venison and seafood dominated the meal. He also mentions corn. “Everything else at the three-day feast is speculative,”…
Tigers United: Mascots set aside rivalries to help save relatives in the wild
Missouri families and educators! Truman has something important to share with you. As any loyal fan knows, Mizzou’s mascot, Truman, is a Bengal tiger. Sadly, the number of tigers in the wild has declined sharply over the last century. Today, there are fewer than 4,000 tigers left worldwide!
Why we no longer neighbor
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Many Americans recognize that relationships with neighbors are different today than 20 or 30 years ago. One study from the Harvard Medical School shows that 50 years ago, neighboring was talked about in terms of social relationships, but today it is spoken of in terms of etiquette. Specifically, things like "be quiet and leave me alone."
Missouri SBDC receives grant to help businesses in underserved communities
The Missouri Small Business Development Centers received a $125,000 award for specialized training, business counseling and technical assistance for R&D-focused small businesses under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program.
Missouri SBDC receives grant to help underserved communities succeed with the Small Business Innovation Research Program
MISSOURI – The Missouri SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) was awarded $125,000 for specialized training, business counseling, and technical assistance for research and development (R&D)-focused small businesses under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program.
Small business set to not only elevate but skyrocket, Schempp Wholesale - St. Joseph, MO
After working in the equipment rental industry for more than 20 years, during many of which he was a travelling sales representative, Phil Duane decided to strike out on his own.
'Leaf' it to nature for compost and nutrients
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Some gardeners take a hands-off approach to leaves. But leaves left on lawns can pack down into a tight mat, preventing sunlight from reaching the grass, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Leaves also trap and hold moisture, which increases the potential for disease.However, tree leaves can be a valuable asset to gardeners who want to start a compost pile or add nutrients to lawns,…
The Cherry Company, Kansas City, MO
Thalia Cherry started working with the Missouri SBDC at UMKC in 2016 and continues to work with her business coach to help her business grow. Check out our latest client highlight video to learn more about Thalia's entrepreneurial journey.
Branson Airport, Hollister, MO
The Branson Airport started working with the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University in 2020 to learn more about various programs to help them navigate the pandemic impacts on travel. Check out this latest video and hear how working with the SBDC helped them.
Good News Brewing, Defiance, MO
Good News Brewery has grown amidst the pandemic. They find opportunities and reach out to the Missouri SBDC at EDC of St. Charles County. Check out this latest video and hear how working with the SBDC helped them.
Lone Star Physiques, Kirkville, MO
Stephanie McGrew is the owner of Lone Star Physiques in Kirksville, MO. Check out our latest client highlight video to learn about Stephanie's relationship with the Missouri SBDC in Northeast Region and more about her rural, personal fitness business.
Holidays require special planning by caregivers
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As the holidays approach, family caregivers face stressful challenges.November is National Family Caregivers Month, which recognizes relatives who give assistance to adults with chronic or disabling conditions. It’s a good time for caregivers to set expectations for the upcoming holidays, says Karen Funkenbusch, health and safety specialist for University of Missouri Extension.