Oh, those were the days! more

Of the few truly important things in life, kids and livestock have to rank near the top. more

To the editor: more

Well-informed instructors can have a powerful and positive influence on their students. That’s why we created an Educator Toolkit. It’s a shareable online resource for teachers to engage students and educate them on Social Security. more

I had just walked in the door from being at the horse races. Tired and a bit fuzzy headed, I was looking forward to a drowsy Sunday afternoon of watching sports. My wife walked through the door shortly afterward. more

Winter brings planning; spring brings planting, and summer, as is the case this year, brings prayers for rain. With Independence Day upon us, we also offer up prayers of thanks. The past few summers, it seems like there has been a nonstop weight on the minds of farmers and ranchers. In 2020 and 2021, we stared down a global pandemic — and all of the uncertainty that came with it. Last year, the conflict in Ukraine sent input costs through the roof, causing everyone, especially those in the fields, to sharpen their pencils and adjust their bottom lines.  more

When I was a little boy growing up in West Plains in the 1950s, I can still hear my Aunt Rogene say, “Dennis, isn’t it hot?” And keep in mind, not only were we experiencing one of the hottest and driest periods in Howell County — 1952, 1953 and 1954 — but also add to that, we did not have air conditioning in our homes. more

I grew up in a house with cold running water in the kitchen sometimes and an outdoor toilet always. Anywhere I’ve lived since has been a mansion in comparison. more

Well, folks, in case you missed it last Saturday, big changes are afoot at the Quill. more

To the editor: more

June is Pride Month. It’s a time to acknowledge the LGBTQ+ community, and also celebrate diversity, love and respect. On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Obergefell v. Hodges, holding that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in all states. more

“For who hath despised the day of small things? … They are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:10. more

Our truck and car both have cruise control. more

Is your family looking to vacation close to home but wanting to find fun family activities that incorporate various attractions and tours? Are you interested in exploring Missouri’s outdoors and its multiple state parks? Are you into art and history? Perhaps your hobby centers around entertainment, food and drink?  more

A few weeks ago on a Friday afternoon, the Jones family got to travel back in time — not exactly by choice. The chance meeting of my propane tank and a skid-steer resulted in the emptying of my propane supply that would rival Old Faithful.  more

Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears. The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails. more

My second cousin, Grace Willard, had said to me, “Getting old is not for sissies.” more

If all the picnics, barbecues and trips to the park didn’t give it away, summer is now officially in full swing, and for many of us that means getting outside to enjoy the long days and warm weather.   more

We have wrapped up our spring session at the Capitol in Jefferson City. In this report, I’ll be visiting with you about several public safety bills that I worked on this spring. more

Here it is the middle of June, and I’ve yet to wet a line. more