Sara Schafer

3 weeks ago | ruralmissouri.org | Sara Schafer

by Sara Schafer|[email protected] shelves explode with color — rows of artillery shells, sparklers, smoke bombs, parachutes and fountains are waiting for a match and the ultimate small-town celebration. American flags, streamers and hand-drawn signs spackle nearly every inch of wall space. Amid the fireworks stand’s sensory overload, smooth jazz hums through the speakers. Each armed with brushes and paints, two brothers create magic on canvas.

3 weeks ago | ruralmissouri.org | Sara Schafer

by Sara Schafer|[email protected], rumble, rumble … boom! “Ahhhhh!” screams Cat, as he watches the thunderstorm rage outside and his house turns dark. “We’re doomed!”“Don’t worry, our electric cooperative will have the power back on very soon,” said Duck. “What’s an electric cooperative?” asked Cat.

4 weeks ago | ruralmissouri.org | Sara Schafer

by Sara Schafer|[email protected]. That’s how Jacob Underwood found his 18-month-old daughter’s books when he went to wake her from her nap. She was already awake and had quietly destroyed another one of her board books. As the father of four daughters, Jacob knew traditional books would never win the war against emerging toddler teeth and constantly busy hands. So, he and his wife, Markie, put their heads together.

1 month ago | ruralmissouri.org | Sara Schafer

by Sara Schafer|[email protected] the precision of a chemist and the patience of a preacher, Charles Spencer approaches the rotating machine filled with shimmering liquid gold. He carefully ladles out just the right amount of chocolate — heated precisely to 86.8 degrees. He pours the chocolate into a charming bunny mold, which is held tightly together by three binder clips.

Jan 9, 2025 | agweb.com | Chip Flory |Michelle Rook |Tyne Morgan |Sara Schafer