There are angels in Sedalia. I am 82. Most young adults give respect to older folks. At Lowes, a young boy carried my bag of dirt to the car, opened my trunk and lifted it in for me. Also, I was vacuuming my car and decided I might wash it and a young gentleman on a yellow Harley-Davidson motorcycle came up and said ‘I will wash your car.’ That means so much and I just wanted to thank those two gentlemen.

(BPT) - Peas, carrots, broccoli and spinach ... some kids love vegetables, but many do not. We know that veggies provide nourishment, especially for growing children, but getting your kids to eat healthier can be a challenge. Luckily, there are plenty of creative ways to increase the amount of veggies in your kids’ diets. Here are five tips to get the little ones in your life to eat - and even enjoy - their vegetables.

The fight over a proposed smoking ban will come to a head on Monday night as the Sedalia City Council votes to approve an ordinance that will prohibit smoking in public areas, including bars and restaurants.

Summertime is filled with fun activities from local festivals to neighborhood parties and vacations. These events always seem to have one thing in common – the wonderful food – which can be difficult to avoid with tasty temptations around every corner. However, by taking advantage of the season’s best fruits and vegetables, you can treat yourself to some delicious dishes that are heavy on flavor, yet still waist-line friendly.

(BPT) - Nothing says summer like dairy products from the number one dairy state, California. From scoops of cold, creamy ice cream to melted cheese atop juicy grilled burgers, dairy and summer menus go together like sweet corn and butter. But nothing spoils the summer fun like spoiled milk, which is why it’s important to know how to store your dairy products – especially in the hotter months.

(BPT) - Looking to throw an all-out summer soiree that is bound to be the talk of the neighborhood? Or maybe just an intimate barbecue with some of your friends? Don’t be afraid to explore new ideas for hosting your summer party, showing off your hosting skills to all your friends.

Menu for June 17 to 21

MONDAY

(StatePoint) Afternoons at the pool, family barbecues, outdoor sports and picnics all mean summertime has arrived. With the change in temperature comes additional exposure to the elements and the attendant skin scrapes, bites and burns.

(BPT) - As awareness of gluten-free diets continues to grow, more people are searching for ways to make their menus delicious, creative and varied while still staying gluten-free. In the past, forgoing gluten was challenging at best and frustrating at worst, due to a lack of available ingredients and products. But that was then. Now, whether it’s gluten intolerance or a goal of healthier eating that drives your meal plans, you can indulge and enjoy great meals from breakfast to dinner (and everything in between).

(BPT) - Summer has arrived and vacation season is underway. With the kids home from school, and family and friends anxious to visit, you can expect the stress of getting your home ready to be in full swing. Here are a few helpful tips that will make you a successful host and give your guests a warm welcome.

(NAPSI)Ribs are a grilling favorite; however, according to the 24th annual Weber GrillWatch Survey, 17 percent of grill owners consider ribs to be the most challenging food to grill.

(NAPSI)—Even though I spend my days in front of the camera, I am still a busy mom of two, always on the lookout for the same things most moms are—new, smart resources to help my family thrive and simplify our everyday routine.

(NAPSI)—These tried-and-true tips can help you travel smart and stress less on your next vacation.

(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.

Cancer fighter. Eye protector. Brain enhancer. Heart defender. To find a food that did all of this, even if it tasted terrible, I’d still choke it down. Probably. Fortunately, God’s green earth is blessed with the fabulously flavored little blue dynamos known as blueberries, and they do all of the above, and more. Soon, they’ll be available aplenty at the Sedalia Area Farmers’ Market, courtesy Anne’s Acres just east of Lincoln.

(BPT) - Few things in life are as special as the unconditional love and loyalty a pet provides. With 78.2 million owned dogs and 86.4 million owned cats in the United States, according to The Humane Society, it’s obvious Americans enjoy having pets. What might not be so apparent is how best to care for them. When it comes to making sure your pet stays healthy and lives as long as possible, what steps can you take?

Year after year, moms and children are faced with the same question: “What are we going to get dad for Father’s Day?”  Finding the right gift can be stressful and the department stores filled sky-high with matching tie and sock combinations are less than helpful.

(BPT) - The last few years have brought record destruction from natural disasters. While disasters such as Hurricane Isaac, Superstorm Sandy or the Oklahoma tornadoes are tragic and unavoidable, there is value in being prepared for the challenges Mother Nature throws our way.

(StatePoint) Many moms-to-be receive advice from well-meaning friends and relatives. Yet there seem to be myths about taking care of teeth and gums -- if dental health is even mentioned at all.

(BPT) - The backyard is more than just a lawn to mow or a place for the pooch to run around. Many homeowners are turning their backyards into an extension of their homes, bringing the indoors outside for additional living space.

With the smell of popcorn and corn dogs in the air, sponsors and guests celebrated the annual kickoff party to the 2013 Missouri State Fair on Thursday at the Lowell Mohler Assembly Hall on the fairgrounds.

(BPT) - Summer snacking is among the most popular of American traditions – right up there with baseball and apple pie. When the sun is shining and the weather is wonderful, we love to feast on our favorite treats at ballgames, picnics and outdoor activities.

(BPT) - When faced with a serious diagnosis such as cancer, many people immediately begin searching for information about their condition. Some go to the library to find published resources about studies, treatments and possible cures; some ask their doctors for additional resources; and many use the Internet to find information that may help answer their questions.

(NAPSI)—For kids, summertime should mean food, friends and fun. For many families fighting to make ends meet, however, summer can mean struggling to stretch tight food budgets even further.