Rural Missouri

2 weeks ago | ruralmissouri.org | Caleb Jones

by Caleb Jones|[email protected] you ever go out to the Jones Farm, you’ll see some of the finest corner posts in Moniteau County. While the rest of the fence may need a little work, those old hedge posts have stood the test of time. Around 25 years ago, my brother, Clayton, and I buried those posts deep and pretty straight — and they haven’t moved since. If I had to guess, my grandchildren will still be stringing barbed wire on them to keep the cows from straying.

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.

3 weeks ago | ruralmissouri.org | Paul Newton |Ricki Spargo

by Paul Newton|[email protected] by Paul Newton and Ricki SpargoSpring came in like a lion this year. Electric cooperatives across Missouri spent parts of March and April working to undo the damage Mother Nature left them after tornadoes, storms and flooding ravaged southern Missouri. Electric cooperative lineworkers banded together to work each storm until every co-op member had their power and broadband restored.

3 weeks ago | ruralmissouri.org | Paul Newton |Ricki Spargo

by Paul Newton|[email protected]’ll come for the food, but hang around for so much more at Tin Mill Brewing Co. There’s a pet-friendly patio with yard games and live music. There’s a jukebox in the basement of the old granary while the upstairs is relaxed and features plenty of board games and space for quiet conversation. On the main level, the bar features 20 taps of housemade beer, cider, mixed drinks and more.