Life on the farm ended in 1943.  Grandpa Luther passed away on the 26th of April, 1943. Vera's mother and daddy decided to sell the farm and move back to Seattle. They had visited the … more

Someone commented on one of our stories covering Friday night’s tornadoes and severe weather. more

I am digressing again. This time will be the last because this story is nearing its close. more

I knew my way around cows when I boy on the farm. I never worried one might hurt me, though all had dangerous-looking horns. more

I’ve said in the past, and I’ll most likely end up saying it again, the hardest part of managing expectations is managing my own. But I might have over-managed. more

I took advantage of the snow cover and light north wind recently to burn a brush pile. more

I’m going to exercise my previously claimed right to digress again with a story about the girls’ Uncle John, their daddy’s older brother. more

Though it’s too early for most garden work, warmer temps and sunshine have coaxed many of us outside to get our yards and gardens ready for planting. Fresh air and sunshine may be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to controlling these virusrs going around! more

Every single one of us has bias. It’s human nature. We are predisposed to seek out things that affirm and align with our views on the world. more

For much of American history, a strong sense of civic membership has been a defining feature of life in towns and cities. People did not just live in a place; they were active participants in their communities. They attended town meetings, joined local groups, and worked together to make their neighborhoods better. more

The Smotherman family participated in the man get-togethers which small-town country folks did at that time, late 1930s, 1940, ’41, ’42, ’43. There were gatherings at Deepwater School called pie suppers. Women would bake their best pies to bring; then, the pies would be auctioned off. The money raised was spent to help support the school. more

My apologies to my unknown relatives in Canada for the unpleasant political winds emanating from below our border. more

It was a Saturday night in Downtown West Plains. February 22. more

I am 44 years old this month and I have what is likely an impacted wisdom tooth. Isn’t that supposed to be a problem for 20-somethings? How did I end up in this position? more

Growing up in a small town, I knew my neighbors. I rode bikes and played wiffle ball with my neighbors. I went to church and school with my neighbors. I even went to a neighbor's house to eat chocolate chip cookies when I got in trouble at home. That was because my grandparents were one of my neighbors! more

It didn’t take long for me to get enough winter after the ice and cold weather that enveloped the Ozarks in early January. more

Where did the Smotherman sisters go to school, and how did they get there? more

As I write this on Feb. 22, I realize it’s George Washington’s birthday and regret it’s not honored as it was when I was growing up. Back “in my day,” Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays were federal holidays on Feb. 12 and Feb. 22, respectively. more

One of my favorite parts of being a reporter was — and still is when I get the chance — asking questions and waiting, listening for the answer. more

John Maxwell’s “The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader” offers valuable leadership lessons that apply not just in businesses or organizations but also in neighborhoods. Last week, I shared qualities 1-11 and how they can enhance community engagement and leadership. This week, I continue with qualities 12-21, exploring how they can help build stronger, more connected neighborhoods. more