This month marks one of my favorite editions of Rural Missouri. Every year our members decide what is the best of the best in the Show-Me State. So, I thought I would give you my list of top things in the state as well.  more

Dear Readers, more

Spring has always been one of my favorite times of year. Winter is ending, trees and flowers are coming into bud, and, best of all, baseball season is getting back into swing! For many years, I have traveled to Florida to watch spring training. Of course, I also love explaining to the public what judges do. But I’ve learned, while sports analogies can be helpful for certain judicial concepts, they can’t fully capture the depth of the job of judging. more

After some thought I have decided to bring the This I Remember articles to a close. I have written 115 articles over a two plus years time period. more

Now and then I am reminded that we born after World War II were witnesses to some of the most momentous events of the 20th century. Following are selected events from the Time-Life series,”Our American Century.” more

In my last column, I wrote about one of my friends and her beloved Grandad. Erin Kimbrough supplied me with delightful stories of her grandfather, Larry Williams. If you read Part One in last week’s paper, you probably got the idea that when he was young, you’d call him a livewire or a rascal. Good-natured as could be, but a mastermind of monumental mischief! more

As I sit down to pen this op-ed just two days shy of turning the ripe, old age of 40, I can't shake off a cocktail of emotions that's swirling inside me. Yes, dear reader, the day you are reading this column marks my grand entrance into what society lovingly dubs "middle age," a term that sounds more like a medieval era than a phase of life. And let me tell you, it's an odd feeling. There's this unshakable apprehension, a dollop of denial, and, if I'm being honest, a sprinkle of excitement too. So, grab a slice of cake (metaphorically speaking) and let's dive into the roller coaster that is turning 40. more

Dear Readers, more

To the editor: more

To the editor: more

President Joe Biden frequently says, “Don't tell me what you value. Show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value.” Well, as Biden’s recently released budget proposal for next year makes clear, he is once again doubling down on the very same failed policies that are bankrupting America, waging war on U.S. energy, and fueling the most painful economic crisis in decades. There’s no question that his budget plan is the wrong recipe for America. more

I've yet to hear anyone say they don't like spring. For many, it's the beginning of Planting Season, but it's definitely the beginning of Planning Season for us all. more

Grandpas are special people. My friend, Erin Kimbrough, told me a story once about her Grandad that I thought was really funny. I told her to write down some of her favorite memories of him and I could use them in my storytelling. So, this is the story of Erin and Larry Williams, her hero and Granddad. more

Just a few days ago I poured myself a glass of orange juice, something I seldom do because we seldom have any in the refrigerator unless grandkids are coming to visit. more

Last Friday night, I had Pizza on the brain which led me to Dominos for a 5 topping large pizza for $11.99. I chose pepperoni, sausage, bacon bits, extra cheese and black olives. I had dropped my wife Sue off at Aldi’s, back to Dominos, through the drive through at 5 p.m., ordered, parked the car and went inside for a 25 minute wait. ( no step for a stepper). more

Ah, spring! That magical season where the cold, gray mantle of winter is lifted to reveal the vibrant hues of new life. It's a time of renewal and rejuvenation, not just for nature but also for our spirits... and our homes. Yes, I'm talking about the time-honored tradition of spring cleaning. This practice, so deeply ingrained in cultures around the world, is not just about dusting off shelves and decluttering closets. It's a rich tapestry that weaves together historical customs, psychological renewal, and the universal human desire for fresh starts. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and let's embark on a delightful journey through the history and psychology of spring cleaning. more

To the editor: more

Some buddies and I have a contest called "Dad of the Year." Before you question my parenting skills, let me explain the game. There are no rules, judges or winner. The theory behind "Dad of the Year" is straightforward. Every player steps up and does whatever they can to be an award-winning dad. Making sure your kids brush their teeth, helping with homework, finding that lost toy (or buying a secret replacement) — I mean doing whatever it takes. more

Dear Readers, more

In the economic landscape of the United States, where financial obligations continuously mount, a recent study by CardRates.com has shed light on a concerning phenomenon affecting millions of Americans: the 'stress tipping point.' This critical juncture represents a threshold at which the accumulation of financial burdens escalates into overwhelming stress levels, posing a significant threat to mental well-being. Notably, the study highlights that over half of Missourians are teetering on the brink of this precarious state, signaling an urgent need for interventions and support systems. more