“Because that’s how it’s always been done” is a terrible phrase. Everything about it goes against the grain of improving upon the work for which we are responsible. Innovation is stifled and progress delayed because of such expressions. more

Like many workplaces, we have a kitchen replete with a refrigerator to accommodate both staff and guests with meals, receptions, etc. And like many workplaces, things can remain in the refrigerator beyond their “use by …” date, until one glorious afternoon — usually on a Friday — a staff member clears it all out after multiple warnings before something unearthly grows out of the month-old haddock that might take over the planet. more

It would be hard to write about Willow and not mention Sambo. Sambo had mental disabilities but his influence in the community was insurmountable. He loved sports and traveled with he teams. His energy level far exceeded most adults’. Sambo in Willow and Jack Brackett in West Plains: loved and respected by all. more

Though I've yet to settle on what I want to be when I grow up, I've never wanted to be anyone other than me. more

Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. You can review Section 1140 at www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title11/1140.htm. more

The majority party in the Missouri Senate began the 2023 legislative session determined to tackle tough issues. Few topics have received more attention this year than the contentious issues involving transgender youth. This week, the Senate advanced two bills addressing these concerns. One bill protects children from irreversible medical treatments for gender dysphoria, while the other ensures fair competition for female student athletes.   more

As the legendary college football coach Lou Holtz once said, “How you respond to the challenge in the second half will determine what you become after the game, whether you are a winner or a loser.” more

I never know what I'm going to find when my brother shoots me a text. Recently it was a photo of a spittoon at the Bates County Courthouse. It made me chuckle for a lot of reasons. I knew right away he was in the middle of a trial back in God's country. more

There’s nothing quite like the hum of Capitol Hill during springtime. Members of Congress are debating, the iconic cherry blossom trees are beginning to bloom, and D.C. is alive with activity from school groups and engaged advocates from all across the country. more

What a triple whammy. more

We're still taking precautions to keep the library sanitized and a healthy place to visit, but we're also moving ahead in making plans for upcoming activities for everyone. This is going to be a great year for our library! more

Late in February, House Republicans took an important step in our efforts to hold President Joe Biden accountable for his wasteful spending that is fueling the worst spike in prices in a generation. With the support of 59 Democrats, the House came together to pass my Reduce Exacerbated Inflation Negatively Impacting the Nation (REIN IN) Inflation Act. That’s right — even House Democrats are sounding the alarm over Biden’s out-of-control spending. more

Recently a group email to my local volunteer fire department members included a message forwarded from the township clerk: A property owner wanted the fire department to be aware that her home is vacant and, if there's a fire at that address, that a search for occupants should not be necessary. It was a thoughtful and much-appreciated gesture from someone who knows other people could be putting their lives on the line if they didn't have that information.  more

In 1960, I asked my friend Bill Gordon, “Do you want to go to Willow?” more

From the time they were big enough to make their own beds, my girls always had rooms of their own. more

Until a visitor stopped by the library this week, I had all but forgotten about his family when they lived on JJ, on the edge of Summersville. His family welcomed traveling bicyclists to camp safely in their yard when needing a place to rest for the night, and probably helped to put Summersville on the hospitality map over the years. more

This week at the West Plains Senior Center will be tons of fun. more

Farm Bureau hosts or promotes many noteworthy events throughout the year. more

To the editor: more

The Bailey Family in Willow Springs, my…. What can you say? A lot! more