Following tradition, the USD 446 School District held their annual Back to School Bash Thursday evening at the Riverside Park oval. Thanks to the USD 446 Education Foundation, District staff and various other entities, the kids that attended were treated to Bulldog Bag dinners, fun outdoor games and they got to get up close and personal to check out some of Independence’s emergency vehicles. The crowd was also treated to performances by the IHS Cheerleading squad, the IHS Diamond Dogs dance team, Summer Spirit Camp participants and the IHS Marching Bulldog Band.

Sometimes living a healthy lifestyle can feel like an impossible task when combined with all your other responsibilities like working a full-time job, taking care of family and friends or spending time in the gym. Add dealing with an underlying health condition and it may seem almost overwhelming.

Everyone benefits when older adults remain engaged, independent and included. Instead of letting age define their circumstances, older Americans are embracing change, pushing boundaries and transforming their communities through creativity, commitment and service.

Few foods may be as versatile as chicken. There is seemingly no end to the ways to cook and serve chicken, which is even an integral component in soups used to combat the common cold.

With summer winding down and school right around the corner for a lot of kiddos in the area, the Independence Daily Reporter took to social media to see what kind of fun our readers and their families got up to this summer, and our readers did not disappoint!

(BPT) — Technology can make life convenient, especially with mobile phones that help us stay connected on-the-go. Unfortunately, today’s scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it more difficult to spot suspicious emails, calls or texts. But the good news is there are ways to identify the red flags of a potential scam if you know what to look for and understand the right steps to take - or not to take - when you suspect you’re being scammed.

■ 3 stylish safety and mobility products While aging is inevitable, it doesn’t mean you can’t do so with grace and style. For many seniors hoping to look and feel their best, there are plenty of options, from the clothing they wear to products they use every day.

(StatePoint) Hospice is intended to provide comfort and support to patients at the end of their life so that they can experience their remaining time in the best ways possible. Experts say that unfortunately, misconceptions about hospice often lead people to make uninformed decisions at a critical, complex juncture in their lives.

National Root Beer Float Day is celebrated each year on August 6. The day is a great chance to dig into a frosty sensation, but root beer floats are ideal just about any time of year.

One last bash as summer winds down is a great way to send off a season that’s synonymous with recreation and leisure. And end-of-summer soirée also provides an opportunity to get together with friends and family before a new school year begins and families’ schedules fill up.