Different isn’t the same thing as wrong more

Adopt don’t shop. We have all heard that logo and I admit, I am an advocate for searching the pounds and sanctuaries for a dog in need of love. In fact, I can only think of one pup my family bought in an actual pet store. She is still alive today at a whopping 17 years old; she has diabetes and is blind, but we wouldn’t trade her for anything. more

My apologies to my unknown relatives in Canada for the unpleasant political winds emanating from below our border. more

It didn’t take long for me to get enough winter after the ice and cold weather that enveloped the Ozarks in early January. more

Valentine’s Day more

A battle for the aged more

All January long, I’ve been mentioning (okay, “whining”) that the month is a dead zone for new movie releases. So it makes sense that the biggest release of the month would be one that opened on the very last day (Friday the 31 st ) before making most of its money in February. With an estimated $36 million in its first three days, “Dog Man” is already the biggest new movie of 2025. And its success isn’t just commercial, the joyful film also gets my first recommendation of the year. It’s a chilly recommendation, appropriate for January I suppose, but a recommendation nonetheless. more

When a Coke was a nickel more

Give me a minute. I'll think of it. more

You probably do not realize this but someone is watching you. It may be your child or grandchild, other family members, friends, or neighbors. Maybe someone you don’t even know. more

Today is National Puzzle Day more

It's been an eventful year in Polk County. The walk down memory lane begins on page A4. more

My mom and I love to play games and we tend to get a bit obsessive about them, playing almost daily, before we putter out and need a new form of entertainment. more

Since two new releases made about $11 million each at the domestic box office this past weekend, and since I don’t have much to say about either movie, I’ve decided to throw them both a quick review. more

Few sounds in winter are more unwelcome than that of a pitchfork scraping the hay loft floor. more

The Young at Art class from the Bolivar Senior Center will host an art exhibit to honor the late Helen Sharp, who lived in Bolivar for more than three decades. The reception will be on Jan. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The senior center is located at 1850 W. Broadway. more

In the quietness of the early morning, he sat staring out the window at the first winter snow. The thermometer out the window showed that the temperature was in the mid-teens again, as it had been for several mornings lately. At least it was not windy and causing single-digit wind chills. What happened to global warming? more

There is a YouTube channel called “Well, I Never” that discusses a wide variety of topics. It often focuses on British stories, such as old murder cases, weird history, and things that make you say, “Well, I never!” more

I thought it peculiar when I first read a recent auto crash report in the local paper that the names of the people involved were omitted. more

As most mothers are regarding their children, my mother is proud of me. I hear it all the time and, of course, it is wonderful that my mom likes to tell me this. more

Hello there, I'm Cletus. I was found roaming. I'm around 10 years old and look to be a Plott Hound/Heeler mix but the shelter doesn't know for sure. I've been around the block a few times and seen a thing or two. I'm an old soul, calm as a summer breeze. I enjoy slow walks, sunbathing, and a good belly rub. I'm all about companionship and taking it easy. I'm a friend who'll be by your side, a steady presence to brighten your days. If you're looking for a faithful friend with a gentle spirit, I'm your guy. more

Happy New Year! Here we are at the time of year when lots of people make resolutions to strive forever the next year. There’s the usual ones of exercising more and eating less that typically top the list, but maybe you’re considering starting to recycle. If so, YAY! This would be a great time to start because you can begin your recycling journey at the new location. Among the attributes of this new facility is the fact that you can now unload your items inside the building. There is also someone there to assist you and/or answer questions. It appears they are indeed off to a great start! more

As in seasons past, our home was a family gathering place for kids and kin this holiday season. Putting on the mantle of Grandpa, I again cooked the turkey, dressing, and sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner, while our daughters provided desserts, salads, and other fare. more

I love Christmas. Like a little child, I look forward to it and begin planning right after Halloween. By then I have usually bought a gift or two, or at least know what I am getting people. Then, of course, my gift list gets longer and longer as the day approaches because, especially for my mom, I just keep finding things they “just have to have!” more