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

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