Recently while rearranging and enjoying old cookbooks, I ran onto a large, heavy magazine-type book dated 1981 and sponsored by active merchants in West Plains at that time, few of which are still in business. more

Social Security helps you secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools that support you throughout life’s journey. If you don’t have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits on your own record, you may be able to receive benefits on your spouse’s record. more

It’s no secret that President Joe Biden and Washington Democrats have a spending problem. In a matter of just two years, they spent a record-breaking $10 trillion on ridiculous things like welfare for the wealthy and handouts to radical environmentalists. After maxing out our nation’s credit card far sooner than anyone expected, they had the nerve to demand Republicans give them a blank check debt limit increase so they can continue wasting trillions of dollars to advance their radical agenda. Are you kidding me? more

My daughter Susan was back home visiting from Colorado recently. more

Now that the kickoffs have taken place at all Texas County Branches, let the Summer Reading Programs begin! "All Together Now: Building Our Community With Kindness" is the perfect theme for this year's program. Deadline for signing up for children 3-12 years of age is Thursday. more

As Americans, we are incredibly fortunate to live in the freest nation in the world. But America wouldn’t be the nation it is today without the countless sacrifices of our military men and women. more

My writing this week may appear to be a little convoluted. more

Hopefully, this will be the last apology I will need to make for a while (wishful thinking!). more

The vacant gaze of boy soldiers stares off the page. more

Capitol Report
Standing with our men and women in blue more

Father's Day may be June 18 this year but to all of the people who hold the title of dad, every day is special. Nothing makes a more profound change in a man than becoming a father. In fact, some would say fatherhood is a journey that leads boys on a path to becoming men.  more

On Memorial Day, our nation honors military service members who have given their lives for our country. Families, friends and communities pause to remember the many great sacrifices of our military and ensure their legacy lives on in the freedoms we all enjoy. We recognize these heroes who, in President Lincoln’s words, “gave the last full measure of devotion.” more

The Willow Springs Tuesday Study Club met at Club 60 in Mtn. Grove on May 16, 2023, for its annual Spring Party, closing its 97th season. Hostesses for the day were Jean Biehl, Pauline Cape, Kathleen Carel and Claudia Marvin. more

We are so excited that our Annual Cowboy Roundup is 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. this Saturday. Haylee Brawley will be there with her horse, Husker, to show the little cowpokes her barrel racing and roping skills, Gene Simeroth will be teaching hands-on rope-making, a contest for the cutest little cowboy and cowgirl will send a couple of cuties home with money in their pockets, an easy cowboy line dance or two will be taught, hot dogs and chips will be served up at the chuckwagon and every little visitor will receive a red bandana, mustache and deputy badge from Friends of the Summersville Library. Hope to see you there! more

Years ago I helped families in the Ozarks and Southern Appalachian Mountains make money from their forests by harvesting timber in sustainable ways and increasing the amount of carbon those forests could pull out of the atmosphere. more

President Joe Biden is getting closer and closer to making America the only nation in the world without borders. more

It’s never too early to start planning for retirement and our online tools can help. Go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount to access your personal my Social Security account to get an estimate of your retirement benefits based on your earnings record. Once you have an account, you can use our Plan for Retirement tool to see how your benefits can change at different ages. Don’t have a personal my Social Security account? You can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. more

The Willow Springs Tuesday Study Club met May 2 at the charming country home of Claudia Marvin for the final business meeting of the club’s 97th season. Claudia was the hostess for the day and was assisted by Jean Biehl. more

The West Plains hospital started in 1919 with Dr. R.E. Hogan, who bought the old West Plains College property on East Main Street, east from the downtown square, probably less than one mile. more

I’ve heard enough about the “good ol’ days” of a half a century or more ago. more