(BPT) - When it comes to simple, low-cost home improvements that can add value and completely change the look of a room, you just can’t beat painting. From giving a room a whole new look to protecting the walls and boosting the value of your home, painting delivers many benefits – all at a fraction of the cost of other improvements.

On May 9, law enforcement officers made the biggest drug seizure in the Sedalia Police Department’s history — a pound of methamphetamine with a street value of approximately $18,000 was found in a residence just a few blocks from the police department.

(BPT) - Indoors or outdoors, your home decor needs some TLC to look its best. Replacing worn or dated furniture or flooring inside your home is considered fairly easy. But when outdoor spaces start to appear shabby, do you decide to live with the tired look because you think freshening the space will be too time-consuming or costly?

(StatePoint) Traveling this season? Whether your dream of the perfect vacation involves sandy beaches, long country drives, cobblestoned streets or endless vineyards, it probably doesn't include nausea.

Do you believe in magic?

(BPT) - Whether you own a cozy cottage or mega mansion, as a homeowner, you likely embrace the outdoor living trend. But when you look at your deck or patio, does it leave something to be desired? By taking a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach, you can affordably create outdoor spaces that enhance the style and functionality of your home, plus add to the overall value of the property.

Normally winding down by this point, tornado season may stick around for a few more weeks and Pettis County residents are being reminded to take necessary precautions should severe weather strike.

(BPT) - As beautiful summer weather gradually makes its appearance across the nation, thoughts turn to summer travel plans. Americans enjoy the fun and relaxation of traveling: 77 percent of domestic trips are for leisure purposes, according to the U.S. Travel Association. If you want to vacation with friends or family, hitting the pavement for a road trip can’t be beat, and with a few money-saving tips and organization tricks, you’ll plan an awesome trip packed with memories.

(BPT) - As you hit the road for this year’s vacation, you may see an increasing number of vehicles on the sides of the highway broken down either with mechanical problems or flat tires. Don’t derail your travel fun by being one of them. A few simple steps will help you avoid being stuck on the side of the road – or at least be prepared in the event it happens.

(StatePoint) Storm season is upon us again, bringing the potential for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and hurricanes through November. Since post-storm cleanup can strain bank accounts, some pre-storm preparation can save homeowners thousands of dollars in damage.

(NAPSI)—If you have a sunny-side-up disposition and like to get whisked away in the kitchen with Eggland’s Best (EB) eggs, then you may have what it takes to become the company’s first honorary Chief Egg Officer (“CEO”). Eggland’s Best is launching a contest to find a “CEO” who has a passion for the brand and an eagerness to get cracking as an EB ambassador.

Our lawns and gardens seem to be all about the “green.” We spend a lot of green on our lawns and gardens – nearly $30 billion a year. We grow a lot of greens – nearly a third of us grow food in our gardens. And many companies now make outdoor gardening products with recycled materials, such as plastics – which contribute to sustainability and make our lawns and gardens a bit greener.

(BPT) - It’s time to make your home’s exterior shine with some added summer curb appeal. You can quickly do the easy stuff – wash your windows, plant annuals, install pathway lights – to spruce things up. But you should also consider those projects you’ve been avoiding.

(NAPSI)—Whether it’s a vacation road trip or your daily commute to work, when the temperatures climb higher on the outside, things are also heating up under the hood of your car.

(NAPSI)—Deciding to re-side your home isn’t a small undertaking but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. You need a keen eye, some research and a game plan. Here are hints that can help:

(BPT) - Feel the need to renovate? If so, you’re not alone. Fifty-three percent of homeowners believe that now is a good time to remodel, according to a recent survey by Houzz.com. When deciding on where the makeover begins, look no farther than the kitchen. Kitchens are a major selling point for homebuyers, so a kitchen remodel is good for the home-selling price. Even if you have no plans to move, the kitchen gets more traffic than any other area of a home and serves as the family hub, so it deserves the attention. To ensure a successful project, keep in mind these kitchen-remodeling tips:

(StatePoint) Buying or selling a home in today’s real estate market? Go about it properly. From home inspections to home improvement, take your advice from leading experts.

(BPT) - It’s a widely known “secret” that family vacations aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be. Traveling can be a costly hassle with too many negatives that overshadow the fun. That's why a growing number of Americans are rediscovering the fun that can be had at home, and taking steps to make their backyards as inviting and enjoyable as any far-off vacation destination.

As a former Boy Scout whose two sons were Scouts (one of whom attained Eagle rank), I must take exception to Richard Parkhurst’s column May 2 (“We read what we want to hear”).

(BPT) - Are you using the Internet as if it’s still the year 2000? If you answered yes, you’ve got some catching up to do. Technology has come a long way in the last 13 years; new shortcuts, alternative products and simple tools available today can help you accomplish tasks faster – saving you time and increasing your efficiency online.

The flag pole leaned over in the winds of heavy opposition of a biased few, but finally the Boy Scouts of America fortified their position as an organization bent on the moral rights and character of today’s youths.

(NAPSI)—Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, and to improving its safety and dependability.

(NAPSI)—Show your love for mom by looking after her health with the gift of heart-smart cooking.

(NAPSI)—A remodeled basement can add comfort and value to a home. In fact, according to Remodeling magazine’s 2013 Cost vs. Value Report, basement remodels are still one of the top remodeling projects and typically consist of about a third of the entire home’s available space.