There’s truly nothing like Christmas. It’s a special time of the year where we gather around with family and loved ones and take part in our favorite traditions, whether it’s singing along to beautiful hymns in church, making a cookie recipe passed down through generations, or sitting down at the dinner table for a delicious feast. But the most important thing is to remember why we celebrate this joyous day each year: the birth of Jesus Christ. more

The Willow Springs Tuesday Study Club met at Club 60 in Mtn. Grove on Dec. 5 for its annual Christmas Party. Pauline Cape, Kathleen Carel and Claudia Marvin were the hostesses. Pauline and Claudia beautifully decorated the meeting room at Club 60 with decorations provided by Claudia and Pauline. more

What did I enjoy the most? I watched the Zizzers boys basketball team play Rogersville last Friday night, and on Saturday morning I am remembering and thinking what I enjoy the most. more

I’ve almost always believed in Santa Claus, but I never thought he was real. more

When I was a kid back in Ozarks of the 1960’s, it seemed like Christmas did not start as early as it does now. I don’t remember ever starting the day after Thanksgiving. more

Year after year, as the days shorten and the air chills, a ritual unfolds in many a living room: the annual viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life." This year, I found myself a bit behind schedule, but the moment I settled in to watch, time fell away. Suddenly, I was a child again, back in the 90s, eagerly awaiting the familiar black and white images to flicker across the screen on network TV, an annual tradition as expected as the carols and the tree. more

Editor’s note: This column was first published Dec. 19, 2017. more

And “Whoomp, there it is,” to quote the Tag Team song from the ’90s.   more

To the editor: more

Dear Readers, more

It’s less than two weeks before Christmas Day, and our children’s Christmas books as well as adult Christmas novels and movies are being checked out as quickly as we get them in! A good selection of Christmas books and movies can be found on the endcap displays throughout the library. more

We’ll be going into winter soon, Dec. 21 — maybe sooner if Mother Nature gets impatient. more

This story came from a 98-year-old lady from my church, Ginny. I interviewed Ginny in the nursing home about her favorite Christmas for a booklet we were making. She explained that she was from a large family who never had much, so their Christmases were very simple. Some years were better than others with candy and small gifts. Other years there were no presents for anyone. more

Sam Walton began his business ventures in a Ben Franklin store in Newport, Arkansas and after failing to renew the lease, he was forced out and wound up in Bentonville, Arkansas where it became Walton’s 5 & 10 (cents). Out of that humble beginning Walmart has become a retail giant empire spread through-out the world. more

Alright, let's get real for a second. Have you ever caught yourself doing something totally random when you're stressed out? I have. And it's weirdly specific: I whistle "Swinging On A Star." Yeah, that old Bing Crosby tune. Why? I haven't the foggiest. It's not even in my top 100 Spotify jams. But when the stress hits, my lips just start doing their thing. more

To the editor: more

To the editor: more

Dear Readers, more

To the editor: more

I’ve learned a lot about farming in my 75 years, but most of it I’ve forgotten within the last 10. more