Periodical cicadas invade state

Periodical cicadas began invading my life this weekend in Columbia, Mo. Soon most of the state will once again know the swarms of insects that emerge by the billions throughout 15 states, including Missouri.
This grouping, designated Brood 19 by entomologists, last graced us with their presence in 1998 and will once again fill our ears with their love songs that seem more like a shrill shriek to our ears than music.

Read more about their interesting life in Roger Meissen's story.
Listen to their song in this audio story by Debbie Johnson.

The difference between a healthy lawn and a sick one is just a few inches

Mowing the yard can be a pain, but your solution shouldn't be dropping the height of your lawn mower deck.

Brad Fresenburg, a University of Missouri state turfgrass specialist, makes a few recommendations to ensure the health of your lawn throughout the growing season.

Tips that lead to a healthy lawn

Story by Roger Meissen
Audio by Debbie Johnson
Video by Kent Faddis