Little Roots, Big Harvest: Homesteading Together Combines Tradition, Wellness, and Sustainability

BUTLER, 3/24/2025 – Little Roots, Big Harvest: Homesteading Together is an innovative program designed to blend traditional homesteading practices with modern health and safety techniques. Offering both virtual and in-person workshops, this initiative helps individuals and families create self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyles while emphasizing personal well-being and environmental responsibility.

The program’s workshops cover a wide range of topics, including gardening, raising livestock, food preservation, and creating self-sustaining systems, all with a focus on well-being. In addition to homesteading skills, participants will learn wellness practices such as mindful cooking and holistic nutrition. Each workshop is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to cultivate a thriving, healthy homestead that nourishes both body and earth.

“At Little Roots, Big Harvest, we are committed to teaching valuable homesteading skills while ensuring participants' mental and physical health,” said Sara Bridgewater. “By combining these elements, we hope to help individuals live more connected, sustainable lives and build stronger communities.”

Safety is a key priority for the program, with expert guidance on tool use, food safety, and best practices in sustainable living. Whether participants are learning how to use garden tools safely or how to store food properly, they will leave each session equipped with the skills to implement them with confidence.

Virtual Workshops Open for Registration

While details for the summer in-person workshops will be available soon, a series of virtual workshops is currently open for registration. These online sessions offer flexibility, allowing people from across the country to participate and learn valuable skills in homesteading, sustainability, and wellness. The tentative schedule is listed below. 

Spring and Summer Virtual Workshops:

• April 15th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Vegetable Gardening

• April 22nd (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Berries in the Garden

• May 13th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Introduction to Sheep & Goats

• May 20th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Freezing Produce & Meals

• June 10th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Dairy Safety & Butter Making

• July 8th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Managing Plant Diseases

• August 12th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Introduction to Honeybees and Beekeeping

• September 9th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Greenhouses

• October 14th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Sourdough Bread & Dehydrating

• November 11th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Keeping Chickens for Eggs

• December 9th (Tuesday), 6-7:30PM: Homemade Soap and Cleaning Products

“We’re excited to offer this series of workshops that are accessible to everyone, no matter where they are,” said Sara Bridgewater “From starting a vegetable garden to learning how to manage honeybees, these workshops will help people connect with their homesteading goals, while also promoting well-being through mindful practices.”

Join Us for a Thriving, Sustainable Homestead

The Little Roots, Big Harvest program offers an incredible opportunity to take the first step toward a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your skills, these workshops provide the tools you need to create a thriving homestead that benefits both you and the environment.

For more information and to register for upcoming virtual workshops, visit https://extension.missouri.edu/events/little-roots-big-harvest-homesteading-together. Stay tuned for more details on our in-person workshops coming this summer! Contact Sara Bridgewater at batesco@missouri.edu for any questions. 

About Little Roots, Big Harvest: Homesteading Together

Little Roots, Big Harvest: Homesteading Together is a program that blends traditional homesteading practices with modern health and safety techniques. Through virtual and in-person workshops, participants learn about sustainable living, food production, wellness practices, and self-sufficiency. The program's mission is to create healthier individuals and communities through knowledge, connection, and empowerment.

Media Contact:

Sara Bridgewater
Nutrition and Health Field Specialist
sbridgewater@missouri.edu

660.679.4167 

Little Apple News

 
March 26, 2025

 The Appleton City 2024-2025 Kindergarten Enrollment and Screenings will be held April 9. Call the Elementary Office, 660-476-2161, for an appointment. If your child will be 5 before August 1, now is the time to begin thinking about Kindergarten enrollment requirements. The following items are required for enrollment: immunization records, state issued birth certificate, social security card and proof of residence. Your child can receive the immunizations that are needed to attend Kindergarten anytime on or after his/her fourth birthday. You do not need to wait until age five. They encourage you to have your child fully immunized now and bring the immunization record to school on the day of Kindergarten screening. 

If you have questions regarding required immunizations, please feel free to contact Nikki Piepmeier, School Nurse, at 660-476-2161, option #7.

The next free Diabetic Education Class will be 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 10 at in the Ellett Memorial Hospital Conference Room. Reminder: you do not have to be diabetic to come to the class. 

A new Garden Club for Appleton City and surrounding towns will be starting soon. They will incorporate a Welcome Wagon within the Garden Club to welcome new residents. They are looking for anyone who loves to play in the dirt, grow things, make new friends, build relationships and have fun.  If this is you, contact Wanda at 913-526-9029 for more details. A meet and greet will be scheduled soon for any and all that are interested, so let Wanda know if you would like to join them.

The Appleton City UPS Customer Service Desk will be permanently closed as of April 6, 2025.  Pre-packaged, pre-labeled shipments of an appropriate size may be inserted into the nearby drop box.  Packages for pickup will be routed to the nearest UPS Access Point location.  Packages requiring shipping labels or additional packing supplies may be dropped off or serviced at a nearby UPS full-service retail shipping location. 

Children’s Center Casino Night is scheduled for April 5 at the Adrian Optimist Building.  A catered dinner will be from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Casino and mouse races from 7:00 – 9:30.  A raffle and auction will take place after the casino.  The cost is $35 per person. Tickets will be available at the door.  Proceeds benefit Children’s Center serving child abuse victims and their families in Bates, Henry and St. Clair Counties.

Immaculate Conception Church final Lenten Fish Fry Dinners will be served April 4 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall, Montrose. They plan to serve dine-in and carry out. The menu is fried fish, Suzy Q’s, cole saw, corn bread, cookies and a drink. Adults eat for $12, children under 10 for $6. They are serving the best fish around!

The next Meet Me On Main, Second Wednesday Shop and Stroll will be 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. April 9. The following businesses will be participating: Jina's Junque, Rural Roots, 3 Wishes, Red Door Salon, Floral & Boutique, 4th Street Fika, Half Baked Take & Bakery, Bluebird Lounge, Cork & Keg, and A.C.TNR. 

The Appleton City R-2 School Board is seeking applications for an interim School Board member position. The interim term begins April, 2025. If selected, service will begin in April 2025 and will continue until the person elected in the April 2026 election is sworn in. To apply for the interim position, please come in and fill out an application in Central Office. Office hours are Tuesday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Applications are due by Tuesday, April 15, 2025 by 3:00 p.m. Interviews of applicants will be conducted by the Board during an open session board meeting on April 16, 2025. Meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. Applicants must be in attendance. For questions, please contact Central Office at 660-476-2161.

Montrose VFW Post 8820 offers the 2025 Poker Run on April 26. Pre-register now until April 7. $25 due at registration. $10 extra hand. Registration on the day of is 11:30 a.m. till 1:00 p.m. First car leaves out at noon. Proceeds go to building repairs. Contact Jason Brashears 660-492-9894 to pre-register or go to the Montrose VFW 8820 Facebook page.

The AC First Christian Church invites area men to the 2025 Men's Conference, "I Am My Brother's Keeper", Saturday, May 3, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Come be blessed!

The AC Spring City Wide Garage Sale dates will be April 25 and 26. Information regarding permits will be posted at a later date. 

All essays for the DbarJ Quilt etc, Elva Huffman Essay Contest must be received by March 30. They must explain the purpose of your group, how you would use a quilt to earn money for your purpose, and when your event will be happening. You can mail the essay to DbarJ Quilt etc, PO Box 48, Rockville MO 64780, or email it to joyce@dbarjquilts.com. If you want more info call 660-598-2222 or 660-679-1809.

Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for March and April, 2025. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Mar 27-Neurology-Dr. Shoaib, Apr 2 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Vardakis, Apr  3– OB/GYN, Dr. Kallberg, Apr 8 – Rheumatology-Dr. John, Apr 11- Ortho-Dr. Gray, Apr 16 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Apr 17– Podiatry- Dr. Pace, Apr 22- Rheumatology-Dr. John, Apr 23 - Ortho-Dr. Gray , Apr 23 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Apr 24-Neurology- Dr. Shoaib.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 4      Immaculate Conception Church Lenten Fish Fry Dinner 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Hall

April 5      Children’s Center Casino Night at the Adrian Optimist Building

April 9      AC Elementary Kindergarten Roundup

April 10    Free Diabetes Class 4:00 p.m. at Ellett Memorial Hospital

April 12    ACHS Senior Prom

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Obituary - Joyce Elaine Miller

Joyce Elaine Miller, 75, of Nevada passed away at her home on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at her side following a lengthy illness.  She was born on October 22, 1949 in Bolivar, MO to James Burl and Edna Mae (Hembree) Manes.  Joyce was married to Milton R. Larimore and from this marriage their two children were born.  She was later married to Richard Miller and he preceded her in death. 

Joyce grew up in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School in 1967.  She worked for 30 years at Key Work Clothes in Nevada and later for fifteen years at Walmart until her retirement. She lived in Nevada all of her adult life. Joyce loved her family dearly, especially spending time with her kids, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She enjoyed her trips to the casino, making floral arrangements, and especially enjoyed Halloween and dressing up in disguise.

Survivors include her children, Russell Larimore (Shauna), Nevada, and Trillie Larimore, Nevada; three grandchildren, Justin Larimore, Kendra Cragg (Matt), and Ashley Hodge (Dakota); three great-grandchildren, Lilah, Lathaniel, and Brennley; a brother, Jim Manes, Clinton; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Carol Manes.

Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 29th  at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Good Shepherd Hospice c/o Ferry Funeral Home. 

Today's forecast, severe weather possible later this week

The #1 Thing That Affects Your Diabetes Risk

Although several factors increase diabetes risk, obesity may have the biggest impact.

Did you know that millions of people are at risk for type 2 diabetes, and many don’t even know it? While a variety of factors can raise your chances of getting this condition, one stands out as the biggest culprit: obesity.

Here’s some information about why obesity plays such a huge role in the development of type 2 diabetes—and what you can do to lower your risk.

Why Does Obesity Matter So Much?

Obesity doesn’t just affect how you look or feel—it has a big impact on how your body works. When you carry extra weight, especially around your belly, your cells can’t use insulin as well. Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells. When this process doesn’t work properly, your blood sugar levels go up, and over time, this can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Research shows that people who are obese are up to 80 times more likely to develop diabetes than those with a healthy weight. That’s a staggering number! The good news? Losing even a small amount of weight—just 5% to 10% of your body weight—can make a big difference.

How Can You Tell If You’re at Risk?

One simple way to check your risk is to look at your body mass index (BMI). A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. You can calculate your BMI online or ask your doctor to help you. Another red flag is a large waistline. For women, a waist size of 35 inches or more may indicate a higher risk for diabetes. For men, it’s 40 inches or more.

If you’re concerned about your weight, talk to your doctor or take a diabetes risk test online. It’s quick, easy and free.

Other Risk Factors to Keep in Mind

While obesity is the biggest risk factor for diabetes, it’s not the only one. Here are some others that can raise your chances of developing the disease:

• Family history: If a close relative has diabetes, your risk is higher.
• Age: The risk goes up as you get older, especially after 45.
• Activity level: Being inactive can increase your chances.
• Diet: Eating too many sugary or processed foods can up your risk.
• Race/ethnicity: Certain ethnicities, including African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans and Native Americans, are at higher risk.

What Can You Do About It?

The best way to lower your diabetes risk is to make small, sustainable changes to your lifestyle. Here are a few tips:

1. Lose weight: Aim for a healthy weight by eating balanced meals and controlling portion sizes.
2. Stay active: Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Walking, swimming and biking are great options.
3. Eat smart: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Cut back on sugary drinks and snacks.
4. Get regular check-ups: Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your blood sugar and overall health.

Obesity may be the biggest risk factor for diabetes, but it’s also something you can work on. By making small changes, you can lower your diabetes risk and improve your overall health.

Courtesy Bates County Memorial Hospital

Tuesday ball scores

To be updated as more scores become available 

Baseball 

Archie 12
Appleton City 4

Louisburg 7
Harrisonville 6

Midway 4
Lakeland 1

Softball

Midway 5
Lakeland 2

One in custody following bizarre knife incident at Oak Hill cemetery

Yesterday evening at approximately 6:15pm Butler Officers responded to Oak Hill Cemetery in reference to a person being chased by a man brandishing a knife. The man brandishing a knife was identified as Branden Quigg.

The victim was able to maintain a safe distance away from Quigg until Officers arrived and took Quigg into custody without incident. A knife was also recovered from Quigg during the arrest.

On October 22, 2024 Branden Quigg was arrested and charged with two counts of Assault 2nd Degree, two counts of Domestic Assault 2nd Degree, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Quigg was assigned a bond amount of $100,000 Cash Only and remained in custody until December 16, 2024 when he was granted a signature bond by Judge Highley.

Formal charges are pending.

Courtesy Butler Police Department