As a proud member of the Class of ‘99, to whom Baz Luhrmann’s musical adaptation of columnist Mary Schmich’s “Wear Sunscreen” piece for the Class of ‘97 in the … more

Well, hey there, stranger! It’s been a couple weeks, how are ya?  Shoot, we’ve had tornados and hail and torrential rains. That sunshine and calm breeze was sure nice last … more

I am writing this editorial at 9:20 p.m. on Thursday with one contact lens in and the other somehow torn straight down the center, landing it in the trash.  It’s getting to be the … more

Someone commented on one of our stories covering Friday night’s tornadoes and severe weather. more

I’ve said in the past, and I’ll most likely end up saying it again, the hardest part of managing expectations is managing my own. But I might have over-managed. more

I firmly believe there's a fortune to be made in televising fifth grade basketball games. If you haven't witnessed one, you're missing out on pure entertainment. The varying heights, speeds and skill levels make for an unpredictable, and often hilarious, game. As a coach for my son's team, I see this firsthand.  more

Agriculture has always been an important part of my life, just like it has been for so many in southeast and south-central Missouri. Growing up, I spent a lot of time on my grandparents’ farm in Salem — the very same one I purchased shortly after college and where I live today. It’s where I put in hours of hard work, discovered my love for agriculture, and made memories I’ll never forget. While the time I spent on my grandparents’ farm gave me valuable experience, nothing prepared me more to be a cattle rancher — and a congressman — than FFA. more

It is with great humility and excitement that I step into the role of Missouri’s 41st secretary of state. My journey from the legislature to this office has given me a deep appreciation for the responsibilities entrusted to us by the people of Missouri. I had the honor of speaking before the Missouri Press Association in our state capitol recently. Now, writing this with just a week on the job, I want to share some reflections and goals as we embark on this journey together. more

New year, new beginnings. Maybe an overdone theme for a monthly column. Yet, here we are, and I promise there is some good stuff. more

The new year is underway, and the countdown to spring has started. There’s typically something to appreciate in each day and season, so I try not to get ahead of myself and wish the calendar away. That said, you’ve heard of “fair weather fishermen?” When the temps hit single digits and the evening darkness blankets the late afternoon, I become more of a fair-weather human! more

Anyone who lives on a gravel road knows what happens when it snows — your road isn't getting bladed until all the blacktops are cleared. This past snowstorm had me holed up at home with my family.  more

Rural communities are seeing a boom in renewable energy development. Whether it’s wind energy or solar energy, communities reap the benefits from increased tax revenues, new job creation and local lease payments. Better yet, communities can unlock additional benefits through Community Benefit Agreements (CBAs). more

Just hours after we officially entered the New Year, an evil terrorist drove a truck down Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens of others. After crashing his vehicle, which was flying an ISIS flag, the terrorist was shot and killed by heroic law enforcement officers who didn’t hesitate to rush toward danger to save countless lives. My heart goes out to the loved ones of the victims of this heinous terror attack. more

Every time I come back from the Missouri Farm Bureau annual meeting at Margaritaville Lake Resort, I reflect on the experience of what it is like when we all come together. While some things like themes, key topics and policy points change each year, a few standard activities provide a nice routine. From the annual pancake breakfast and silent auction, that benefit the MOFB Foundation for Agriculture, to the smiling faces of our staff at the registration tables, it’s nice to be in a familiar place, with familiar faces and have certain things where you expect them to be each year. more

Holiday season. End of year. One year in this new role. Another opportunity for reflection. So, if you’ll indulge me, I’m going to use this space to personally and professionally reflect on 2024.   more

New Year's resolutions come around like clockwork. Every year, folks decide they're going to make big changes: eat healthier, exercise more or finally tackle that overflowing garage. But if you've been around long enough, you know what usually happens. By Valentine's Day, those resolutions are little more than a fond memory.
Oddly enough, one resolution I've yet to hear is a commitment to not change. It seems we're so busy looking for what's broken that we forget some things are just perfect the way they are now.
Take one of my favorite restaurants, Murry's, as an example. My wife and I still make it a point to go there regularly. I've been a fan ever since I could scrape together enough money during college to treat myself to a real meal. The steak sandwich is legendary — just a slice of French bread and a steak so good that most places would charge you double. And don't get me started on the fried green pepper rings or frog legs. I've tried to find something bad on their menu, but it's a losing battle.
A few years back, my friend Mark bought Murry's from the original owners. I was nervous. Would he turn it into one of those fancy places where you need reservations a month in advance? Would my beloved steak sandwich get replaced by some kind of kale-infused tofu dish? Thankfully, Mark kept everything just the way it was. Same great food. Same great service.
Mark understood that when something ain't broken, it doesn't need fixing.
Lately, as I've been hearing about all the new trends in the electric industry, I can't help but think about that valuable lesson. Solar panels, wind turbines and other technologies are the shiny new "resolutions" making the rounds in the energy sector. 
Don't get me wrong — your electric cooperative is always looking at new ways to serve you better. The technology on display at your cooperative is simply mind-boggling. But amidst all this excitement about innovation, electric cooperatives have not lost sight of what matters most: keeping the lights on for you and your family. more

Merry Christmas! It’s that very special time of year where we get together with loved ones and celebrate our longtime family traditions. Christmas is a joyous time, but it can also be stressful — whether it’s driving long hours to visit family, running to the grocery store to pick up a missing ingredient for Grandma’s cookie recipe, or making sure everyone leaves the house on time to get a front row seat in church. more

This time of year brings many fond memories of growing up in rural Missouri, especially at Christmastime. There were family gatherings, decorating Granny’s sugar cookies with icing and making the Advent calendar in anticipation of counting down to Christmas Day. more

I love this time of year, as I get to enjoy so many fun moments with my grandchildren. Whether it is decorating gingerbread houses, baking cookies or attending their school holiday programs, I cherish seeing their eyes light up and the sparkle in their smiles during this season. more

For my wife, Lindsey, Christmas means a warm fire, a hot cup of tea and decorating the Christmas tree together as a family. For me, it's more about last-minute shopping, risking my life on a ladder to hang thousands of Christmas lights, and assembling a dollhouse or basketball hoop at midnight. The one thing we both agree on is that the holidays are all about traditions.  more