This past weekend, it felt like Christmas took me by the hand and led me on a whirlwind tour of everything that makes this season special. more

To the editor: 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

Just like millions of Americans, I’m incredibly relieved that soon we will once again have a leader in the White House who will fight to make our border secure. President-elect Donald Trump will waste no time enacting the policies we need to bring an end to the worst border crisis in American history. He is working around the clock to ensure his administration is ready on day one to begin the process of making our border secure and our communities safe again. more

It is the first day of December as I take pen and paper in hand. more

Over the past few years, education in Missouri has undergone a quiet but seismic shift. What’s most interesting about this change is that it’s happening outside of schools. more

Government programs are not known for moving at a rapid pace. Often, work in the public policy sector is laborious and time-consuming, sometimes taking decades to make significant progress. more

With November begins the busiest shopping season of the year. We’re familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but let’s not overlook Small Business Saturday — a day dedicated to supporting the businesses that keep our communities vibrant and unique. On this day, shop small and make an impact close to home by supporting the shops, services, and makers in our own backyards. more

This week, I had the distinct privilege of sitting down with a local legend — Joe Spears, who just turned 100 years old. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to have a century of life packed into one conversation, I can tell you: It’s a little bit like getting the most fascinating history lesson of your life, with a side of charm and wit. more

With Saint Nick’s annual visit approaching and winter’s cold starting to settle in, I can imagine some folks hoping to find warm fur caps, gloves or coats under the Christmas tree. more

It was a typical Thanksgiving with warm sunshine but a bite in the air. Aproned women chatted together as they busily worked to prepare the huge meal, while menfolk were engaged in guy-talk as they waited to be called to dinner. Laughter was heard from the children as they played. more

To the editor: more

To the editor: more

Ever since I was a young kid, Thanksgiving is something I’ve always looked forward to. It’s a cherished time where we catch up with family, sit down for a delicious meal, and reflect on what we’re grateful for. It’s a tradition that has been celebrated by generation after generation of Americans. more

It’s almost time for Sweets & Reads! The Friends of the Summersville Library’s annual Bake & Book Sale is scheduled to be held during library hours from Dec. 2 through 7, with the Bake Sale kicking it off at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2. more

Some just-nippy mornings it wafts on the air as lightly as the fragrance of apple blossoms in spring. more

The act of writing, particularly a weekly column, is a curious dance between inspiration and obligation. It's a balancing act that requires a delicate touch, a constant negotiation between the creative spirit and the demands of the deadline. more

This time of year is often called football season. Others may call it sweater weather and pumpkin spice latte time. I can almost get on board with those descriptions, but for farmers it’s harvest and calving season. On my farm near Harrisonville, it’s also peak agritourism season, when folks venture to the farm to pick their pumpkins, take photos, build memories and learn about agriculture. more

As we celebrate Veterans Day this month, I reflect on the many veterans who have touched my life.  more