June 2019

Building Business

Construction activity traditionally swings into high gear each spring, as freezing temperatures ease up and the ground thaws. So, it’s a great time to check in with Columbia builders and developers about the state of the local industry. In May, Inside Columbia Publisher Fred Parry hosted a CEO Roundtable at Zimmer Radio and Marketing Group […]

Gary Ward

On the way to his third-floor office, Gary Ward steps with an even, determined pace across the star-patterned floor tiles of Jesse Hall. It’s 8 a.m., and he has just finished his morning workout. His day started three hours earlier as he answered some emails and texts at home. In another 13 hours, he’ll put […]

John Ott Builds the Future from Columbia’s Past

John Ott is giving a new life to a Columbia building that housed an old funeral home. Located on the corner of Ninth and Walnut streets, Parker Funeral Home is being transformed into an events center with seating for 450 people and standing room for receptions of as many as 600. Ott will add the […]

Power Bars

If eating healthfully is your primary goal, granola bars might not be the best choice. Most store-bought granola bars and so-called protein snack bars are sugar-loaded candy bars disguised as healthy snacks. Nevertheless, almost all my clients — especially those who are always on the move — will request that I help them choose “healthier” […]

Girl Power

After searching through the entire store for T-shirts for Clara, her physical and fearless toddler, KOMU morning news anchor Megan Judy was frustrated: All of the shirts for girls featured princesses, unicorns and glitter, none of which reflected Clara’s personality. “I naively said, ‘Let’s make some shirts,’ ” recalls Megan’s husband, Cliff Judy. Less than […]

Farmhouse Living

A classic and timeless place with enough space to accommodate a growing family is what came to mind when college sweethearts Sarah and Tommy Purk envisioned their ideal home. In April 2018, the couple’s vision became reality as they embarked on the experience of building a house on three acres of land in south Columbia. […]

Getaway to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park has long been a mid-Missouri gem. For Columbia residents, and those who visit the city, the scenic park offers plenty of outdoor fun from hiking and mountain biking to cave exploring and wildflower spotting. The namesake of the park is a massive, tree-topped limestone rock bridge that was separated from […]

5 Places to Get Your Feet Wet

Summer’s here and the livin’ is easy. It’s also hot and humid. Definitely time to get your feet — not to mention the rest of your body — nice and wet. To this end, we’ve scouted five bodies of water within easy driving distance of Columbia where you can chill out and cool off. Lake […]

Table Rock Lake

Something unusual happens at Table Rock Lake and Indian Point Marina in January: People show up in their swimsuits, eager to get in the lake’s frigid waters. Of course, they first put on wetsuits and don oxygen tanks and other scuba gear, but indeed, Table Rock Lake is a popular destination in the Midwest for […]

Just Relax

Lets face it, between juggling a professional career, kids, social life and personal needs, it comes as no surprise that many individuals suffer from unmanaged stress, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, and frequently feel like underachievers. Studies have shown that stress can not only affect one’s mood but can also lead to weight […]

Hog Heaven

Have you ever eaten a sandwich that is as big as your head? If you have had a pork tenderloin sandwich, you have come close. The tenderloin sandwich was created in Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington, Indiana in 1904. It subsequently grew in popularity throughout Iowa and Missouri. It is a fabulous sandwich, but like many […]

Sun-Sational Accessories

Every outfit needs the perfect accessory, and nothing says summer like a spark of color. So, put away those dark and drab pieces and replace them with bold, dynamic colors that are perfect for warm weather. Consider topping off your look with a light and airy straw hat that keeps the sun off and keeps […]

Take off In Style

Mother-daughter duo Diahann and Briley Bieser are ready for fun in the sun with these stylish pieces. There’s no need to overpack. Mix and match key basics to create multiple outfits for different vacation occasions. featured image, from left: Gianni Bini navy sundress with buttons Dillard’s $129, Round Beach Gold Bali handwoven purse Dillard’s $85, […]