Taxpayer dollars better spent benefiting constituency, not playing politics more

Summer temperatures are finally starting to taper off and combines are rolling across Missouri’s fields. From corn and soybeans to rice and cotton, this harvest will mark the end of an extremely turbulent growing season for farmers. more

The hummingbirds’ reign over our backyard feeders is coming to an end as the time for their southern migration draws near, but keep the feeders filled for a while longer. Just when we think we’ve seen the last hummer of the season, a traveler from the north will stop in for refueling. more

My faith assures me we are all wonderfully made by and in the image of God, and in that we are all the same; but my education tells me we are each imbued with the DNA of generations of our ancestors, and in that we are each unique. Who we are or will become is further shaped by our world and experiences even before we leave the womb, foreshadowing the formative influences we are subject to throughout our lives. more

A few months ago, I wrote about the ridiculous overreach of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which is rolling out a plan to force companies to collect and publish information about their “climate-related risks.” The new rule could force farmers and ranchers to keep track of every bit of carbon used to produce anything they grow or raise — an impossible task. more

The Saturday evening dinner and play on behalf of the 37th Judicial CASA was enjoyed by an almost full house. $16,500 was raised on behalf of the children that CASA advocates for. The CASA Board of Directors and I want to express our appreciation to the many people who made the fundraising such a success. more

“Life is but a dream, or so it seems.” more

As another year was added to my age last week, another page is added to my story. I thank everyone who has had role in that story, including everyone I see in the library daily. more

My faith assures me we are all wonderfully made by and in the image of God, and in that we are all the same; but my education tells me we are each imbued with the DNA of generations of our ancestors, and in that we are each unique. Who we are or will become is further shaped by our world and experiences even before we leave the womb, foreshadowing the formative influences we are subject to throughout our lives. more

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” — Unknown more

I have been sitting on this column for three weeks. The beginning of the school year is always a busy time, not just here at the Quill, but at home, too. more

Howdy friends and neighbors! more

To the editor: After 277 days of deliberation, Southern Appeals Court Judges Goodman, Bates and Francis are telling Missourians not to look at the entire trial court transcript and the laws which … more

To the editor: “Thunder is good, thunder is impressive, but it is lightning that does the work.”- Mark Twain.  There’s not a better quote to summarize the good folks of … more

On Tuesday, I was one of more than 20% of Howell county who participated in a fundamental act that defines us as Americans: I voted. It is a point of patriotic pride for me that I can say I have … more

“The man that saved the town is the same man that saved a nation.” However humble was he.  “Whose team is my 6-year-old son Tracy on?” the dad … more

Next month I will have been a Dallas Countian for 65 years, arriving with my folks in Sheridan Township in August 1957. Exactly 21 years later I came to Buffalo to become editor of the Buffalo … more

Our Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading Program will soon be over for the summer. Ms. Kathie held the last craft on Monday, Missouri Department of Conservation will be our special presenter on … more

On my wrist is a faded bracelet made out of recycled plastic bottles that reads, “Progress not perfection.” I bought this gift for myself a little over a year ago to remind myself that … more

To the editor:     I read Mr. Vokac's letter in which he attempted to discredit my assessment of the January 6th committee. I stand by my original statements that the … more