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Dean Baker, at age 77, is living proof that a father’s role can last a lifetime. His son, Jeff Baker, age 47, is living proof that the loving bonds of family can..

Jim Riek has vanished from the KOMU newscast. More likely than not, wherever he is at this moment, there’s a broad smile on his face, reflecting his good-natured approach to life. He’s probably on a..

Some power couples are driven by ambition to make a name for themselves. To rise to the top of their Veterinary Medicine profession. To gather power and prestige. Jimi and Cristi Cook are looking for

Randa Rawlins didn’t intend to make history, but she did. This past January, Rawlins became the 13th president of Shelter Mutual Insurance Company, the first female president in 75 years. In July, when current CEO Matt Moore retires, she…

On Saturdays, the line of shoppers forms early and extends throughout the morning at the Pasta La Fata booth in the Columbia Farmers Market. And for good reason. The delicious Italian cookies and handmade pastas that Shelly La Fata and…

Gloria Gaus Draws on a Lifelong Love to Launch Her Second Act Art Off the Trail, Gloria Gaus’ new studio and art gallery, is — as the name implies — only a few blocks from the Katy Trail in Rocheport. She can be found there on Fridays…

Megan Matthews, known in mid-Missouri as Coach Matthews, likes to help kids drive, whether it’s on the basketball court or behind the wheel. “I’ve been a coach most of my adult life,” she says.

The best time to begin a new position as CEO of a major hospital probably isn’t in the midst of a pandemic. But that didn’t stop Troy Greer from starting work on Sept. 1 as the new CEO of Boone Hospital Center (BHC). Although he’s new to…

Sawdust Studios, located at 2207 Nelwood, just off Route B and Vandiver Drive, is introducing Columbians of all ages and skill levels to the rewards of woodworking in a friendly environment.

Starting as a complete amateur six years ago, Jeff Glenn had no tools, no workshop and no background in woodworking. What he did have was a desire to learn how to craft furniture. And that is exactly what he did — out of oak, cherry and…

During the 35 years that Tim and Toby Rost have been growing their business, they have taken their company from a small mom-and-pop landscape service to a sophisticated cluster of interrelated companies. Visitors to Superior Garden Center,…

Changes are brewing at Camacho Coffee, a roasting and distribution business owned by Jesse Walters and Megan Meier-Walters. The business is expanding and will be moving early this fall to a new location at Copperstone Plaza, behind…

E-bikes (electric bikes) are everywhere. More people are riding them along the streets and trails of Columbia than ever before. But it’s a hidden trend. Spotting an e-bike on the move is tough because e-bikes look just about the same as…

Because I am not a healthcare worker, I am at home, safe. Because I am retired, I do not have to spend time in public settings, possibly exposing myself to the coronavirus. I am appreciative though worried about every person who is working…

Bluetail Medical Group is an unlikely name for a medical practice. And just as its name sets it apart from other more conventionally named groups, so does its focus. At the Columbia clinic, located on West Broadway, the focus is on…

Whether you are looking for diversion on a rainy afternoon or a deeper appreciation of local culture and history, you won’t need to hop on a plane to Chicago or New York for a first-rate museum experience. The best thing about…

Everyone can make a difference in the lives of the people they know and care for. But some people are in a position where they can make a difference in the lives of thousands. Columbia is fortunate to be home to a diverse group of civic,…

A new day and a new terminal are coming for the tens of thousands of people who fly into or out of the Columbia Regional Airport each year. In November, the Columbia City Council unanimously gave its approval for the design/build method of…

Here’s an exercise that can help you learn about yourself without going through years of psychoanalysis. Pick up a pen and paper, and as quickly as possible make a list of things you’d like to do or places you’d like to see before you’re…

Marie Robertson and her twin sister, Maggie Dethrow, are dancing their way through life — with grace and style. Dance is how they’ve made their living. Dance connects them to hundreds of Columbia’s children and adults. And dance is a love…