“Because that’s how it’s always been done” is a terrible phrase. Everything about it goes against the grain of improving upon the work for which we are responsible. Innovation is stifled and progress delayed because of such expressions. more

Like many workplaces, we have a kitchen replete with a refrigerator to accommodate both staff and guests with meals, receptions, etc. And like many workplaces, things can remain in the refrigerator beyond their “use by …” date, until one glorious afternoon — usually on a Friday — a staff member clears it all out after multiple warnings before something unearthly grows out of the month-old haddock that might take over the planet. more

It would be hard to write about Willow and not mention Sambo. Sambo had mental disabilities but his influence in the community was insurmountable. He loved sports and traveled with he teams. His energy level far exceeded most adults’. Sambo in Willow and Jack Brackett in West Plains: loved and respected by all. more

Though I've yet to settle on what I want to be when I grow up, I've never wanted to be anyone other than me. more

Social Security works with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to protect you from scams that use Social Security as bait. Section 1140 of the Social Security Act allows OIG to impose severe penalties against anyone who engages in misleading Social Security-related advertising or imposter communications. You can review Section 1140 at www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title11/1140.htm. more

What a triple whammy. more

We're still taking precautions to keep the library sanitized and a healthy place to visit, but we're also moving ahead in making plans for upcoming activities for everyone. This is going to be a great year for our library! more

In 1960, I asked my friend Bill Gordon, “Do you want to go to Willow?” more

From the time they were big enough to make their own beds, my girls always had rooms of their own. more

Until a visitor stopped by the library this week, I had all but forgotten about his family when they lived on JJ, on the edge of Summersville. His family welcomed traveling bicyclists to camp safely in their yard when needing a place to rest for the night, and probably helped to put Summersville on the hospitality map over the years. more

This week at the West Plains Senior Center will be tons of fun. more

The Bailey Family in Willow Springs, my…. What can you say? A lot! more

March 1, here at last — again. more

t's a pretty well-known fact that twins have a special communication with each other, but who knew that twin cats also have some sort of mental telepathy?  more

Sometimes I may check out three different books before one interests me enough to actually finish it. “One Thousand White Women: The Journals Of May Dodd,” by Jim Fergus, is definitely going to be a finisher. Based on an actual historical event but told through fictional diaries, this is the story of a remarkable woman who travels west in 1875 and marries the chief of the Cheyenne nation. more

Today, Feb. 22, we celebrate the birth in 1732 of our nation’s first president, Gen. George Washington, commander of the victorious Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, president of the constitutional convention of 1787 and the man we honor as the father of our country.  more

As your new presiding commissioner, I plan to continue the regular column of news and happenings in Howell County. more

It’s no secret that Joe Biden struggles with the truth. Throughout his career, he’s made up stories and invented facts to help win support for his political agenda. But during his State of the Union address, I was still taken aback by just how many lies he told to mislead the American people into thinking that our nation is in a better place thanks to his administration’s radical agenda. What a bunch of hogwash! Whether it’s the economy, border, energy costs or crime — the state of the union is in crisis and anything but strong. Americans desperately want their leaders to advance policies that will get our nation back on track. But as Biden made clear in his speech, he and the Left are doubling down on crazy. more

The West Plains Zizzers have had a few great coaches over a span of 75 years. There was Jim Peters, Ron Shemwell, Steve Hunter (2019 Missouri Hall of Fame), Trish Knight and Scott Womack, Zizzer girls’ basketball coach for 35 years. more

It’s likely not the first heart-themed celebration that comes to mind in February – that of course goes to Valentine’s Day – but American Heart Month certainly deserves just as much attention as its more popular counterpart.   more