We’ve waited all year for this annual event at the Summersville Branch Library! more

At the beginning of the year, I like to take some time to look over our web and social media stats to see which of our stories got the most attention. more

Holiday season. End of year. One year in this new role. Another opportunity for reflection. So, if you’ll indulge me, I’m going to use this space to personally and professionally reflect on 2024.   more

New Year's resolutions come around like clockwork. Every year, folks decide they're going to make big changes: eat healthier, exercise more or finally tackle that overflowing garage. But if you've been around long enough, you know what usually happens. By Valentine's Day, those resolutions are little more than a fond memory.
Oddly enough, one resolution I've yet to hear is a commitment to not change. It seems we're so busy looking for what's broken that we forget some things are just perfect the way they are now.
Take one of my favorite restaurants, Murry's, as an example. My wife and I still make it a point to go there regularly. I've been a fan ever since I could scrape together enough money during college to treat myself to a real meal. The steak sandwich is legendary — just a slice of French bread and a steak so good that most places would charge you double. And don't get me started on the fried green pepper rings or frog legs. I've tried to find something bad on their menu, but it's a losing battle.
A few years back, my friend Mark bought Murry's from the original owners. I was nervous. Would he turn it into one of those fancy places where you need reservations a month in advance? Would my beloved steak sandwich get replaced by some kind of kale-infused tofu dish? Thankfully, Mark kept everything just the way it was. Same great food. Same great service.
Mark understood that when something ain't broken, it doesn't need fixing.
Lately, as I've been hearing about all the new trends in the electric industry, I can't help but think about that valuable lesson. Solar panels, wind turbines and other technologies are the shiny new "resolutions" making the rounds in the energy sector. 
Don't get me wrong — your electric cooperative is always looking at new ways to serve you better. The technology on display at your cooperative is simply mind-boggling. But amidst all this excitement about innovation, electric cooperatives have not lost sight of what matters most: keeping the lights on for you and your family. more

You all may know me as a newspaper lady — a hat I proudly wear — but you might not know my love for newsprint goes far beyond the joy I derive from curating, writing and editing the content that fills each newspaper’s pages. more

It’s Monday morning as I sit at my desk, a cup of freshly percolated hazelnut coffee within arm’s reach. It’s brewed in my trusty 1960s Corningware percolator, a relic that seems to make coffee taste better simply because it’s been around so long. There’s something timeless about the gentle bubbling and the rich aroma that fills the room — a comforting prelude to the reflections that come with the season. By the time you read this, Christmas will have passed, and I hope yours was filled with love, warmth, and a little bit of magic. more

Let's sneak one more recipe in before the year ends, it's a gift from me to you.  more

Earlier this week my kids beat me at poker. No money changed hands, other than colored plastic chips. But the bragging rights will last a while, at least until next December. Our college-aged kids taught us how to play Texas Hold ‘em this year. We ordered cheap pizza and listened to Kenny Rogers sing “The Gambler” while we played. more

I like old things. more

Many years ago, my wife and I had a friend who came home to find her husband had passed away on their front porch. Their house was on a busy street, and we often wondered how many people might have seen him lying there but didn’t stop to help. This story reflects a troubling trend — people passing by without noticing or caring about  someone in need. more

Merry Christmas! It’s that very special time of year where we get together with loved ones and celebrate our longtime family traditions. Christmas is a joyous time, but it can also be stressful — whether it’s driving long hours to visit family, running to the grocery store to pick up a missing ingredient for Grandma’s cookie recipe, or making sure everyone leaves the house on time to get a front row seat in church. more

This time of year brings many fond memories of growing up in rural Missouri, especially at Christmastime. There were family gatherings, decorating Granny’s sugar cookies with icing and making the Advent calendar in anticipation of counting down to Christmas Day. more

How many of you remember the days when "It’s A Wonderful Life" aired on primetime network television every December? It was practically the unofficial kickoff to the Christmas season, like a beacon calling us to gather around the television with family. There was no DVR, no streaming services, no instant access to any movie at any time. And yet, I can’t help but think that made it all the more special. more

Yes, that was Mrs. Claus in the library on Saturday! No, she wasn't checking out books, but she was reading books to our young visitors and answering their many questions about Santa, his reindeer and the elves. After Christmas crafts and cookies, Mrs. Claus was on her way to meet Santa but promised to come visit us again next year. more

“For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11) more

I love this time of year, as I get to enjoy so many fun moments with my grandchildren. Whether it is decorating gingerbread houses, baking cookies or attending their school holiday programs, I cherish seeing their eyes light up and the sparkle in their smiles during this season. more

To the editor: more

It’s not often that Santa’s “better half” has time to come to the library this close to Christmas, but Mrs. Claus will be paying our branch a special visit from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday! more

Did you know that the day I write this, the 8th of December, is National Gingerbread House Day? There seems to be a day for everything and I don't keep up, but let's be festive and celebrate this one. more

I have come again into the woods on a December evening. more