Boone Life: Beginnings

COMOPOLO, a Columbia-based bicycle polo organization, held its championships at Cosmopolitan Park last weekend. The event attracted teams from across the country, including newcomers from Lawrence, Kan.

A 14-year veteran billboard installer describes his work above Missouri highways and interstates.

Kiwamu Tanaka and his wife, Yuki, spend their time in antique shops hunting for Fire-King glassware to add to their collection.

Travis Smith of Columbia is a farrier. Farriers help ensure that a horse has a strong foundation. It's physical, demanding work that requires a deep understanding of both iron and horses.

Kindermusik offers classes for infants to improve their language, motor and emotional skills through interacting with music.

A mother of four, Ryan, with the help of her church, plans to unveil Chef Connection in downtown Columbia this week. Ryan has catering experience and is eager for the grand opening.

The League of Women Voters of Missouri will be conducting a study on early voting and no-excuse absentee voting. Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren said the practices could save money and cut down the amount of polling places needed on Election Day.

Since being interested in paranormal activity as a child, Michael McDonald and his team from Kindred Moon Paranormal Society now do research on paranormal activity all over the country.

Artists and performers shared their histories with visitors of the 32nd Annual Heritage Festival. The festival includes period crafts and Native American dances.

Trainer maximizes convenience, minimizes excuses by delivering personal workouts in clients' homes.

Willie Trent has stories about skaters of all ages. Trent's father opened the rink in 1938, and his wife teaches skating lessons there.

A local artist and self-made man, Grant Blackwell travels Columbia's Ninth Street, putting his soul onto paper.

Jerry’s Instrument Repair is a one-man show — Jerry Rowden is the owner, proprietor, accountant, head repairman and customer service representative. Rowden has been working with musical instruments since fifth grade when he began playing trumpet in band.

Sydney Hemwall grows up on a sustainable, organic farm her parents started five years ago in Pierpont.

Kenneth Greene owns Monarch Jewelry, 1019 E. Walnut St., and teaches at William Woods University.

James "Trey" Aldridge III spends the summer selling — and smelling like — hot dogs.

Blowin' Smoke Barbecue became the first-ever People's Choice barbecue contest winner at the Boone County Fair.

After attending an improvisational comedy show, DeeDee Folkerts, a former midwife in Boone County, decided it was time for a career change. Today, she participates in improv comedy, acts in scripted plays and is a founding member of a local theater company.

The 82-year-old has spent most of her life in mid-Missouri. She opened Lucy’s in 1957 with her late husband, Hank.