Dear Readers, more

May is an exciting time of year. Students and teachers are wrapping up the school year, and summer vacation is approaching. more

We celebrate National Women’s Health Week from May 12 through 18. more

In an exciting development for aspiring writers and community storytellers, the West Plains Daily Quill has announced an open call for a new columnist to join our beloved weekly feature on the Local Voices page. This opportunity, appearing in every Wednesday edition of the newspaper, represents a significant platform for locals to share their insights, stories, and reflections on a wide array of topics ranging from local history to modern-day culture. more

While April is known as the month that brings May flowers, it’s during the month of May that we set aside time to honor those who died in active military service, usually by placing flowers @ gravesites. Whether we call it Decoration Day or Memorial Day now, it’s always been a reverent day of remembrance in the Ozarks. more

My mother never made cinnamon rolls for breakfast or an apple pie for supper, leastways none that I can recall. more

A good buddy of mine, Bob McCosh, spends his weekends screaming down a dragstrip going 200 mph. I asked him once what it takes to compete. He said dedication, a great team and a reliable car. If any of these are missing you won't be taking home that checkered flag. more

Among my varied duties as a judge of the Supreme Court of Missouri, I frequently speak with groups — from elementary students to senior citizens — explaining how our courts function. It’s my favorite part of my job, and one I share with judges from throughout the state who participate in our civic education committee’s work to help connect Missourians with their courts! more

Dear Readers, more

It’s kind of a bittersweet thing, Memorial Day. Sure, it’s a three-day weekend, barbecues, and local parades. But at its heart, it’s about remembering those we’ve lost, particularly the ones who fought for our freedoms. And there’s this whole tradition—maybe your family does it too—of going out to cemeteries and decking out graves with flags, flowers, and all that jazz. Except, here’s the kicker, it looks like this tradition might be on its way out. more

I read some of the most interesting bits of history in a cookbook this week. That’s right, a cookbook: “Missouri Back Road Restaurant Recipes: A Cookbook & Restaurant Guide” by Anita Musgrove. more

All a telephone was good for when I was a boy was talking to people beyond earshot. more

Last week, I had intended to write about a book written by my relative and long-time Ozarker, more

Dear Readers, more

The Oxford Dictionary defines a dream as “a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal.” Six simple words, yet they hold the potential to ignite innovation, progress and personal growth. It’s the belief in possibilities beyond the realm of the ordinary, the courage to envision the future, and the relentless pursuit of those aspirations. In a world where innovation thrives on bold ideas, embracing the power of dreaming big is not just a luxury but rather a necessity for achieving the extraordinary.  more

If humming is a sure sign of happiness, we have some very happy children creating Lego masterpieces as I write my column this Saturday morning. The lovely harmony created by one family reminds me of bees buzzing in a flowerbed! more

It was one of those random conversations spurred by a bit on the news about population growth: Benton County, Arkansas, has experienced phenomenal growth. more

This week, I’d like to feature a book called “2 Good 2 Be 4Gotten” by Dr. Max Decker. Written in 2012, the author of this book, Max, was my Cousin Twice Removed (my Grandpa’s first cousin.) His mother, Gladys Martin Decker, was a sister to Katie Martin Patillo (my great grandmother.) My second great-grandparents were Richard Cowden Martin and Tennessee James Martin. more

Last weekend, as the pulsing beats and eclectic vibes of Coachella's second weekend filled the air of Palm Desert, many of us found ourselves far from the action, yet deeply connected thanks to the wonders of technology. There I was, sprawled on my couch, streaming the festival live on YouTube, a makeshift festival-goer in the digital age. more

Hello readers, more