What's Inside This Issue:

The Miracle of Love
The week before Mother's day 2005 had been great. Everything had gone smoothly with a family barbecue and get-togethers, and even a surprise Mother's Day gift-a concrete birdbath lugged home by my three grown children Melissa, Chris and Rob. There were no warnings or ominous thunderings that the fabric of our family would be forever changed, that our faith would be challenged and our hearts wounded.

Pioneering on the Prairie - Clinton's Historic Past
Clinton, Missouri has come a long way from its initial platting in 1837 to the thriving and growing population of today. The Henry County seat is located at the junction of Highways 7 & 13, near the Grand River Branch of Truman Lake. With the nearby lake-related recreation, the inviting appeal of the town's unique personality and its comfortable Midwest hospitality, it's easy to understand why Clinton is a favorite destination of many Truman Lake area visitors. The fact that Clinton has a number of active community betterment efforts and organizations, along with a superior level of participation and volunteerism from area residents and businesses, won the town national recognition in 2000 with the All American City Award.

Scott Shots-Casting for Summertime Cats
I'm not the least bit ashamed to admit that I have a lifelong passion for catfish and, by extension, for catfishing. In fact, with the exception of hand fishing ­ which is illegal in Missouri anyway, I've never tried a method for persuading a catfish to climb into a boat or onto the bank that I didn't enjoy. But be that as it may, this column isn't about catfishing methods I enjoy; it's about one easy-to-master catfishing tactic that you will enjoy making an adjunct to or the primary purpose of your next visit to the Lake of the Ozarks or Truman Reservoir. I choose to call it "casting for summertime cats," because the summer season will be upon us when you pick up this magazine. However, casting for cats works just as well in the spring and the fall.

Marion Lucas is Going 4 It
Missouri State Fair's new director has more experience and knowledge about the ins and outs of putting on the glitz at the fairgrounds than most. See why.

Spotlight on Business
Stepping over the threshold at Washington Street Gallery is like walking through Pamela Hasty's dream. This devoted entrepreneur envisioned such a venture long before it became reality.

Warsaw's Jubilee Days

More. . .