Dear Belle, more

I've figured out the best medicine for a long day at the office isn't found in a bottle — it's found on a lettered two-lane blacktop. There's something about taking the long way home, rolling the windows down and letting the wind blow the day's worries out the window that works better than any other elixir I've found. By the time I pull into my driveway, my blood pressure's a little lower and my attitude's a whole lot better. more

Since being diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome last month, I’ve joined a growing number of those with this red meat allergy. Believed to be caused by a tick bite from the Lone Star tick, it seems that most families in our area have at least one member presently affected. more

When you live next to a wooded lot, you also live next to critters. Over the years, we’ve seen deer, chipmunks, mice, armadillos, coyotes, woodpeckers, rabbits, and some entirely unwelcome snakes. But a few months ago, some of the neighborhood squirrels mistook our house for an Airbnb and moved right on in. more

What was Halloween like in Howell County in the past? more

When browsing for books to check out at the library, I’ve noticed that most boys behave quite differently than most girls. more

Editor’s note: The Quill presents a new monthly column by Laura (Wright) Jones, a former West Plains resident with fond memories of her hometown. The column is presented in a yearlong partnership with Midway Towing with a commitment to elevating local voices. more

As Missouri’s State Treasurer, I’m proud to join people across our state and nation in celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October. This year marks the 80th anniversary of NDEAM — a time to recognize the skills, creativity and determination that people with disabilities bring to the workplace, and to renew our commitment to opportunity for everyone. It is also a chance to thank employers, families, and communities who encourage people with disabilities to achieve their goals and share their talents. more

Service is one of the most beautiful words in the English language. It means giving of yourself for the good of others. Every town needs people who serve — those who donate food, volunteer for cleanup days, or help lead community drives. Yet, as valuable as it is, service alone is not the same as being an engaged neighbor. more

Fall in Missouri means a lot of things — cool mornings, combines rolling through fields and leaves changing colors. It also means football, and on Saturdays, you'll find me at Faurot Field or next to a radio or TV tuned in to the Mizzou Tigers. It's a season full of energy — on the farm, in the community and in the stands. more

Dear Belle, more

As we observe National Newspaper Week Oct. 5 through 11, I am compelled to mention two small town weeklies which remain faithful to the country newspaper tradition. more

If you truly want to stand out in your neighborhood or community, don’t aim for status, flashiness, or power — be a person of peace and a truth teller.  more

Dear Belle, more

We’ve waited 19 long months for this day, and it’s finally in sight!       more

Dear Belle, more

Though my mother brought me home to live in a chicken house on my grandparents’ farm, I have not always been a farm boy. more

Any given Sunday morning you’ll find me in church. more

As Missouri Good Neighbor Week approaches (Sept. 28 through Oct. 4), I am inviting you to do something simple and maybe a little uncomfortable: Turn off your social media. Even better? Delete the app for the week.  more

Our main branch of Texas County Library in Houston will be closing the old building beginning Monday as we prepare to move into the beautiful new building, located next to the Houston post office. Drive by and be amazed — oohs and aahs are permitted! It will open for business in October, and an exact day will be announced at a later date. more