Expert's Corner

Head Scab in Wheat Can Affect Quality

By Lamont Neal on Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Wheat harvest produced average or higher than average yields this year for most farmers.  Reports of 60 to 75 bushels of wheat produced per acre were typical.  Test weights of wheat were also reported to be satisfactory for many producers.

 
However, another report of a wheat fungal disease was common this year to impact the market price... Read More...

Are municipal bonds right for you?

By Rick Henly on Monday, July 26th, 2010

Tax season “officially” ended on April 15. Yet you can explore tax-smart investment opportunities all year round. And when you’re looking at the fixed-income side of your portfolio, you may want to consider two possibilities: municipal bonds and Build America Bonds.

You’ve probably heard of municipal bonds, but you may not be familiar with how they work... Read More...

Hot dogs in the summertime

By Rick Henly on Friday, July 16th, 2010

As the temperature rises we’re warned to take precautions to prevent both humans and their pets from overheating.  Those warnings do not mean neither of you should leave the house, but be responsible for yourself and your pets.  

You may enjoy taking your dog with you in the car while you travel or do errands, after all he loves to go! During warm weather, the inside of your car can reach 120° in a matter of minutes, in fact less than 5-minutes! Dogs do not perspire like humans... Read More...

Uninvited guests may appear in summer

By Ed Farris on Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Outdoor activities with family and friends are often special times in the summer.  Folks invest time and money to plan and prepare for social events.  Sometimes pests such as bees and wasps also show up at these gatherings along with the invited guests.

There are a number of ground bees and wasps that will often burrow in areas nearby buildings or ponds... Read More...

Consider multi-generational needs

By Rick Henly on Monday, July 12th, 2010

If you’re a member of Generation X — the age group born between 1963 and 1981 — you may well be in the busiest time of your life. You’re probably in the early to middle stages of your career, for one thing, and if you have children, they’re likely still at home. Yet despite the hectic nature of your days, you still have to look after the financial concerns of your children, yourself and possibly even your parents... Read More...

Help for Gardeners Raising tomatoes

By Ed Farris on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

The tomato is often mentioned as the most popular vegetable grown by gardeners in the United States.  Folks who raise them look forward to eating that first tomato picked off the vine every year. 

It is important to watch tomato plants throughout the season to learn what diseases and/or disorders might be affecting them... Read More...

Is it Really a Behavior Problem?

By Rick Henly on Monday, July 5th, 2010

Recently a man called and scheduled a private in-home training session for his dog.  He needed help modifying a particular behavior problem he was having with his dog.  I entered the house to discover his Boston Terrier on the table eating from a plate and I thought, “That must be why I’m here... Read More...

When to repair... when to buy...

By Ronald Montoya on Monday, July 5th, 2010

By Ronald Montoya, Consumer Advice Associate

Something goes wrong with your car and you're faced with another high repair bill... Read More...

Don't mask the problem of back pain

By Rick Henly on Monday, July 5th, 2010

With all of the medication that's available over the counter, and with the press of time, it's all too common that people 'treat' their back pain - or pain in the neck, shoulder, other joints or headache - with a tablet.  In the long run, you're not doing yourself a favor.  Treating a symptom, but not the cause, could put you in jeopardy... Read More...

Declare your own financial independence

By Rick Henly on Monday, June 28th, 2010

The Fourth of July is almost upon us. To commemorate Independence Day,we shoot off fireworks, attend picnics and maybe even walk in parades. While it might not be as dramatic, another celebration of freedom should eventually play a big role in your life — specifically, your personal Financial Independence Day... Read More...

Growers Encouraged To Scout For Pests

By Ed Farris on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Walking across corn or soybean fields on a hot and humid day will soon make you sweaty and tired.  Farmers know that it is important to look closely to learn about plant population, disease and pest problems.  Checking fields to inspect growing crops involves more than just viewing them from an air-conditioned vehicle... Read More...

Cataracts: A natural part of aging

By Rick Henly on Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in adults 55 and over.  A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye.  This lens, located behind the iris, works just like the lens of a camera - focusing light images on the retina, which sends images to the brain.  The human lens can become so clouded it prevents light and images from reaching the retina... Read More...

Reader looking for dog training

By Rick Henly on Monday, June 7th, 2010

This week’s article is in response to a Huntington resident reader.

Q:  “I read your newspaper article and wanted to ask a couple questions and find out some info about getting some dog training.

My sister's family has a dog and I help take care of it part-time.  I know she has some hunting dog in her (blue something? and a black lab, I think)... Read More...

Boost your savings and investments

By Rick Henly on Monday, May 31st, 2010

You’ve finished paying your children’s college bills. Maybe you’ve even paid off your mortgage. So now that you’re in your “empty nest” years, you don’t have to worry about where the money is going, right? In reality, you may be caring for aging parents and possibly even dealing with “boomerang” kids returning home... Read More...

Household poisons for dogs

By Rick Henly on Thursday, May 27th, 2010

There are many things in your home that are safe for you but can be fatal for your dog.  According to the ASPCA these are the most commonly ingested toxins for dogs.

Ibuprofen, the familiar pain reliever used by many is very toxic to dogs and cats.  It erodes the lining of the stomach and can cause renal failure and it may only take one or two doses to damage the intestinal tract of a small dog or cat... Read More...