Will ethanol help?
By JOSH FLORY of the Tribune’s staff 
JEFFERSON CITY — For a nation struggling with addiction, alcohol might seem like an unusual cure.

Athletic Achievement
By G.J. McCARTHY of the Tribune’s staff 
Robert Kissee was barely breaking a sweat after bench- pressing a few hundred pounds. In fact, he was already looking forward to the next event.

THIS WEEK IN LOCAL HISTORY
Columbia schools tax levy handed board a rare loss
By BILL CLARK
Columbia voters handed Columbia Public Schools its first ballot loss in 19 years, defeating a proposal that would have resulted in an 8 percent tax levy increase.

HAPPY TAILS TIPS
Make certain your pet gets the proper exercise
By SUSAN HATFIELD
Summer is here, so grab that leash and enjoy the outdoors with your dog. There are many trails and dog parks you can visit to get fit with Fido. Before beginning any exercise regimen with your dog, make sure you check with your personal physician for clearance. Also check with your vet to make sure your dog doesn’t have any underlying medical problems that would prevent him from enjoying your outside time together.

TRAVEL

DAY TRIPS
Bluebirds, beef ribs and beer
By RAY SPECKMAN
It began innocuously enough. The new patio covering already showed signs of wind damage, and a fourth family of sparrows occupied the bluebird house.

VENTURE BOUND
Fountain of Youth keeps older memories flowing
By WAYNE ANDERSON
My wife, Carla, and I are at the age when a drink from the Fountain of Youth sounds like a good idea. We were recently in St. Augustine, Fla., where the fountain has been doing a good business since Ponce de Leon first drank from it in 1513.

Sole U.S. tea plantation welcomes guests
WADMALAW ISLAND, S.C. (AP) - Green-yellow tea plants reach into the distance at the Charleston Tea Plantation as a green harvester slowly makes its way down one row, gently cutting the youngest leaves from atop the bushes to make them into American Classic tea.

Low-fare Megabus delivers in style
By PHIL MARTY of the Chicago Tribune
ON THE ROAD - Gregory Ford was sitting outside, enjoying the sun and checking out his cell phone during a 30-minute food stop at a TravelAmerica truck stop near Zionsville, Ind., 20 minutes north of Indianapolis.