(NAPSI)—If you’ve ever thought about taking steps to prepare for a possible disaster, you’re not alone. Nationally, some 8 million Americans are doing some “prepping” to protect their families in case something bad comes their way.

(BPT) - Americans are falling in love with Mother Nature all over again, which could be why ownership of boats and recreational vehicles is more popular than ever. If you own a boat or RV, do you use it frequently, or is it sitting in your driveway? It’s time to get the most out of it, and with a few simple ideas, you’ll be able to hit the road and create some wonderful family memories.

It’s never too early to make your summer travel plans. DreamPlanGo, the popular website and social community devoted to bringing travelers vacation ideas and trip inspiration, surveyed a cross-section of Americans and found some interesting answers to that age-old question, “What are you doing this summer?”

Pettis County R-V FFA member Jordann Gregory received the Missouri Youth in Agriculture Scholarship from Youth in Agriculture Committee members during the 85th Missouri FFA Convention in Columbia. From left are Wayne Yokley, Youth in Agriculture committee chairman; Jordann Gregory and Mark Wolfe, Missouri State Fair director.

Pettis Co R-V School District will conduct a screening on May 2 for all children who will be entering kindergarten in the 2013-14 school year.

(NAPSI)—Technology continues to make road trips better. USB power adapters for all our gadgets, thermoelectric coolers for food and beverages, and affordable cameras that can withstand being dropped in the parking lot or dunked in the pool are helping to keep travelers comfortable and connected.

Like many products and pursuits that have developed over the decades, recreational vehicles have come a long way from the tow-a-longs of the early to mid-20th century. Before motorized recreational vehicles hit the road, pulling a trailer behind your car or truck – loaded with food, sleeping and cooking gear – was the best way to get you and your family out of the city and into nature for a long weekend.

Country Bumpkin Catering LLC has evolved since its inception 12 years ago. It has experienced personal losses, moved to a new building, reached a major goal and has plans for the future.

(BPT) - That time of year is almost here - pro football championship Sunday. According to the National Chicken Council’s 2012 Wing Report, the big game is the second biggest eating holiday after Thanksgiving. With the big game comes big prep and cleanup.

(BPT) - Whether it’s traveling during the holidays or commuting to and from work, Americans spend a lot of time in their vehicles – almost 540 hours a year according to a Roland Berger study. With so much time spent behind the wheel, it’s worth it to invest in the top gadgets to make your ride safer and more comfortable.

Above the din, Erica Sims called out: “What number are we on?”

I visited your beautiful city as part of the Escapade Rally being held at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. It is such a clean and pretty town, but the people are what impressed me the most.

Bob and Molly Pinner caught the RV bug in 1999 and, until recently, were happy to travel the country meeting new people and sightseeing. Now, however, it’s a little harder to leave home.

Five military veterans from the Long Road Home Project, who have made it their mission to bike more than 4,200 miles across the country, made a stop here, Sept. 4-6.

Devann Gregory, a member of the Pettis County R-V FFA Chapter in Hughesville, will receive the American FFA Degree at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

District                                                        2011     2012

For the second consecutive year, Sedalia School District 200 received all 14 possible points in the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Annual Performance Report.

While city and county sales tax numbers are down, there’s no need to panic yet. That’s the message officials are sending after a second quarter report showed numbers down significantly when compared to previous years.

With Tuesday’s early afternoon sun in full force, Doug Crow ambled up to Chuck Manley, BMW Motorcycle Owners of America International Rally chairman, and offered a brief serenade.

Sedalia’s “Summer of Opportunity” continues next week, and it is important for residents to realize a couple of key facts:

As a visitor to your city, I have been impressed with the people I have met and the businesses. That is, until I wanted to buy $10 worth of quarters with a $20 bill (U.S. currency). It seems that your banks do not make change unless one has an account at the bank.