In regards to whether or not Sedalia should put in a smoking ban through-out the city, I’d simply say: Look at Columbia. In 1995 and 1996, Columbia voted on and implemented a smoking ban citywide that affected many bars, lounges and restaurants. The decision was such a debacle that many business shut down for lack of patronage. Now Sedalia isn’t as big nor as thriving as Columbia and we’ve lost a lot of businesses in recent years for just economic reasons. Just because there’s a CVS Pharmacy coming to town, we shouldn’t begin to act like Sedalia can afford to lose the business from the smokers. After all, if nonsmokers want to go where there’s a known history of cigarette smoke, that’s their own dumb fault, isn’t it? When 33.7 percent of the polled respondents don’t want the ban, then we should think that they represent 33.7 percent of this city’s economy, and what business wants to loose $34 cents from every dollar they earn? Can we say “Out of business?”

(StatePoint) These days, it can be an uphill battle for small business owners. Even with all the makings of success -- a great product or service, the right location, good equipment and a loyal staff -- gaining customers in today’s world spells new technical challenges and new costs.

(BPT) - Location, location, location – it’s an adage real estate professionals live by, but it can also play an important role in an individual’s career success upon graduation from college.

"Go big or go home." It's a popular sports chant that's found its way into numerous other aspects of American life. But when it comes to home decor, going big at home may not seem like an option, especially if your budget is less than grand.

(BPT) - In this economy, taking on a kitchen remodel can be a scary proposition. You’re probably asking yourself plenty of questions. How drastically should you change the room? Do you need to hire a professional? Can you still recoup money spent on remodeling if you sell the house?

“ The first academic alum honorees have all their pictures in the showcases at the original Smith-Cotton High School.Will they be put in the new high school? And I mean the original honorees.”

One of a small number of things the majority of anglers agree upon is that their sport is constrained — to say nothing of cursed — by nature’s penchant for extremes.

(NAPSI)—Just as car owners have to pay attention to keep their tires in good shape, farmers also need to keep farm equipment tires in mind. Brand, price and convenience may play a part when you look to buy tires, but a farmer’s tire choice is much more involved. Selecting the right tire for a tractor, harvester or grain cart can have a lasting effect on a farm’s productivity and the environment in general.

Fresh off his first full session of the Missouri General Assembly, Dean Dohrman hopes his story will help inspire State Fair Community College students to remain committed to their goals.

(BPT) - After watching the stock market soar to record highs over the first four months of the year, many investors are wondering if they should make changes to their investment portfolios. Perhaps - but not because of what the stock market has done. Investment decisions based on short-term market moves are often short-sighted. A better approach is to stick to a long-term strategy built on proven investment fundamentals, and aligned with your goals and objectives. Here are six simple steps from Thrivent Financial that can help put your financial plan on the right track.

(NAPSI)—A recent national survey found that only one in six U.S. drivers is “tire smart” when it comes to checking tire pressure-a quick and simple step that can optimize vehicle safety and fuel economy and helps tires last longer.

(NAPSI)—Investing a little time and effort to make sure your tires are road worthy can pay dividends when it comes to safety. Experts say the first step is to make sure your tires are properly inflated.

(NAPSI)—Shopping for a new baby should be fun and exciting. However, sometimes it can turn into a daunting experience. A targeted baby registry can alleviate the guesswork for friends and family, help you get just what you need and avoid unwanted or duplicate items. To get the most mileage out of your registry, “Do just as much homework as if you were paying the tab yourself,” says Sandra Gordon, one of the nation’s leading baby product experts and author of the new book “Save a Bundle: 50+ Ways to Save Big on Baby Gear.”

Dukes & Boots will host a fundraiser this week for the victims of the EF5 tornado that hit Moore, Okla. on Monday.

Students who plan to participate in any MSHSAA-related activities in the 2013-14 school year are invited to get a free physical from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the auditorium at Smith-Cotton Junior High School.

(NewsUSA) - According to recent reports, Warren Buffet has identified energy deregulation as the next big financial opportunity to reverberate around the country. Similarly, former GE Chairman Jack Welch described deregulation as "the next biggest thing since the Internet."

(BPT) - As college students graduate and begin the job search, their career decisions won’t be driven by the same factors that drove their parents’ decisions. While baby boomers tended to focus on the vertical climb to find job happiness, today’s graduates and professionals want meaningful and challenging work that satisfies them personally.

Valedictorian Zach Wolf solved a Rubik’s cube on stage Saturday at the Smith-Cotton High School Class of 2013 graduation ceremony. It was a metaphor for the complex puzzles students have to solve en route to getting that diploma.

The goals for this year’s Relay for Life of Pettis County may be lower than in previous years, but the enthusiasm surrounding the event has not dwindled.

You’d swear by this week’s edition of the Sedline that the potential public smoking ban is the most important topic of contention in the collected history of the Queen City of the Prairies. In the history books they will talk about the great cigarette war — the first shots could be fired right here in our backyard.

An ambitious partnership is taking shape in Warsaw and proponents hope the planned Harbor Village project will be a boon to Benton County residents as well as the local economy.

Company officials predicted a bright future for Schuyler, Neb.-based QC Supply during Thursday’s announcement that the company plans to open a distribution center in Sedalia.

(NAPSI)—Just because gas prices go up, that doesn’t mean your driving has to go down.