It was one of those random conversations spurred by a bit on the news about population growth: Benton County, Arkansas, has experienced phenomenal growth. more

The unmistakable, all too familiar sound came from outside the living room window, on the west side of the fence where the yard and pasture meet. At first, I sat in my designated recliner at my boyfriend’s house, listening to the complaint of his residential killdeer giving an earful to whoever was wandering too close to her nest. After her chirps became more incessant and, in my mind, panicked, I jumped up and quickly made my way outside to the area where she created her nest. “Be careful, don’t slip, it’s wet outside,” I heard Tom, my boyfriend, yell as I bolted out the door. I didn’t care if I was being dramatic. I had a soft spot for this bossy little bird and the treasures she was guarding. Unfortunately, she hasn’t had the guidance of a top-notch real estate agent espousing, “location, location, location,” for she picked the least optimal spot to lay down her nest - on the rocky driveway inside the cow pasture. more

The Matilda Polk Campbell chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, will hold its monthly meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Open Hearts United Methodist Church, Bolivar. more

Writer says goodbye to true blue companion more

Spring turkey season has begun and, alas, you haven’t harvested a bird yet. more

I told myself I wouldn’t write this column, but Angela just won’t let go, nor would I wish it so. This is for all who mourn Angelas of their own: more

Church folks are my parents’ type of people and they are, to my surprise, a sometimes cheeky group to be around. There are four specifically that, when joined by my parents, form a group of six who tend to hang out quite a bit. They have monthly game days, go on excursions to antique shops or hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and gather for occasional holidays when the rest of their families aren’t coming out to visit. They have always been exceedingly kind to me, even extending invitations to join their game festivities or visit for holiday meals when my parents were out of town. more

Sunshine Bowls and Bakery more

Due to the Elections on April 2, the Aldermen meeting was moved from its usual Tuesday to Thursday evening. The session began with the approval of the elections followed by the swearing-in ceremony for the four Aldermen elected at the beginning of April. more

How to beat the “I don’t wanna” beast into submission more

Good news, armchair critics: Young people can still write compelling and coherent prose and poetry with exceptional candor and grammatical skill. more

No matter how much is written about how beneficial black snakes are to humans, these rodent-eating reptiles will always be at the top of many people’s fear lists. more