Health + Wellness

Sole to Soul

Exploring the Power of Reflexology through Judith Wakefield’s Gifted Hands Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor Healing can take many forms, but for Judith Wakefield, owner of Sole to Soul Massage Therapy in Farmington, it has never been a job—she was born to help others. Long before she learned the intricate maps of the feet and the pathways of the body’s energy, she felt something deeper stirring in her. “My personal life is grounded in thankfulness, overflowing with...

Health + Wellness

The Sound of Connection

How Kelli Kernon Listens To The Heartland Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor When you sit with Kelli Kernon, you quickly understand that hearing, to her, is more than a sense, it’s how we stay connected to the people we love. It’s the sound of a grandchild’s laughter, a whispered joke or the way a spouse calls your name at the end of a long day. Hearing is the pathway to relationships and connection. To lose it, she says, quietly unravels the parts of life that make us...

Health + Wellness

Page Pilates

Reforming Farmington’s Fitness Industry Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor When Page Pilates opened its doors in Festus on July 7, 2025, it wasn’t simply the launch of a new fitness studio—it was the start of something deeply personal, intentional, and community-centered. For founder Danielle Page, Pilates had served as a bridge back to herself. After welcoming her second child, she found her body feeling foreign—exhausted, disconnected, and out of alignment. She began...

Food + Beverage

Build the Perfect Hot Cocoa Bar

A How-To with Amy from A Cup Full of Sass Article by Amy Tinnin from acupfullofsass.com | Photography by Ashley Michele Photography Creating a Hot Cocoa Bar is a way to bring a little holiday magic into your home, and it’s easier than you might think. Kids love it, and it’s perfect for indoor winter days. I always loved setting one up during the holidays when my kids were younger. Perfect for parties or just because. Creating memories like this is what it's all about.  Start with what you...

Local Services

The Gift of Giving Back

An Inside Look at One of America’s Largest Acts of Holiday Generosity Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor When retired police officer George Cobb started St. Francois County’s Shop With a Cop program back in 1992, his goal was simple—to show children that police officers are the good guys. That they’re helpers, protectors, and people they can turn to when the world feels unkind. What began with a few deputies and 56 children has grown into one of the largest Shop With a...

Education

US Tool Bridges the Gap

How The Industry & Education Partnership Gives Students a Pathway to Purpose Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor Nearly a decade ago, leaders at US Tool Group realized something was missing—not in their business, but in their community. Local students were graduating without ever discovering the kinds of hands-on careers being built right in their own backyard. That epiphany became the starting point for something extraordinary. Tony Myers and Plant Manager Denny Bouse...

Life + Culture

Digging Deep to Live Well

The Living Well Project Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor, Amanda Durbin Across the globe, about 2.2 billion people still live without access to safely‑managed water services; meaning water that is on‑premises, available when needed, and free from contamination. In many remote villages, families walk miles each day to fetch water from streams, puddles, or hand-dug holes in the ground – water that is often contaminated and dangerous. This crisis doesn’t just impact...

Food + Beverage

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Another Recipe from Amy Tinnin - A Cup Full of Sass Article by Amy Tinnin acupfullofsass.com | Photography by Ashley Michele Photography Pumpkin pie remains a seasonal favorite, but if you're looking for a twist on this holiday must-have, try this easy Pumpkin Dump Cake. It makes it to our Thanksgiving table every year. It shares the same flavors but with a buttery, crisp topping, and it comes together with pantry staples. We like to serve it warm with ice cream and caramel or add a dollop of...

Local Services

More Than a Mission

How United Way of St. Francois County is Transforming Compassion Into Action Across the Parkland Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor In Saint Francois County, needs often look similar to anywhere else in the country – an empty pantry, a past-due bill, a senior choosing between medicine and groceries. The United Way of St. Francois County exists to meet those basic human needs right here at home. Board president Mark Toti puts it simply: “Our goal is to help with the...

Education

Hunger Hides at Home

How Farmington School District fights food insecurity, one backpack at a time Article by Kayle Nephew | Photography by Stephanie Zaricor On Friday afternoons, as the Farmington R-7 buses pull away, most children are already dreaming of sleepovers, family dinners, or lazy weekends at home. But for nearly 200 students in the Farmington School District, the weekend doesn’t promise joy. It promises hunger. These are the children who wonder if there will be anything to eat before Monday morning...