Missouri was home for the first stretch of Route 66 to ever be paved, but Route 66 changed lives for many people all across the country.   more

His name is Boone. He lives in the house alone that he and his wife built many years ago. Their kids and grandkids live in other states. They are busy with their own lives. more

When I checked Facebook on Sunday, there were some good pictures of David and Lance at the Chicago Bull Ride. They have some great bulls, but there is a lot of time on the road. Rodeos are one of my favorite sports since we spent so much time at those during the time of raising my family. Those memories just keep adding up. more

If you’ve noticed an abundance of blue shirts in Springfield this month or have seen the news about the Go Blue Community Kickoff held on April 9th, you’ve seen a community uniting for a vital cause. April is NationalChild Abuse Prevention Month, and while the color blue is a powerful symbol, the real work happens when that awareness turns into action. more

I remember the day vividly in my mind. I was eight years old and walking around Grandpa and Grandma’s farm. I had been shooting my BB gun at a piece of old, rusted tin hanging on a fence post.  more

I was sad to hear of the passing of Bob Boles, who was raised in Chadwick years ago. I heard that someone had run into his house with a car. I knew his parents quite well and was involved in several community activities with his mother, Ida. What an awful way to go. more

Once was a time when catchin’ crawdads was about as much fun as this 10-year-old boy and his little brother could have. more

I once had a few acres of trees and brush I called “my woods.” more

Mythology tends to mirror many things. The story of Icarus parallels the future of a recently discovered comet. Both figures travel, one in the sky and one in space. One flew to escape prison, while the other will try to escape the Sun. Both are controlled by gravity. more

Another month gone. What did each of us get finished that we started? My list is still not done. Oh well, there is always another day to work on that list. Oh, don't stress! more

The Southern Missouri Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 152 is calling on residents of Christian County to vote NO on Senate Bill 3 in the upcoming April 7, 2026 Election, citing serious concerns about the bill’s potential impact on fire districts and the safety of the community. more

The Southern Missouri Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 152 is calling on residents of Christian County to vote NO on Senate Bill 3 in the upcoming April 7, 2026 Election, citing serious concerns about the bill’s potential impact on fire districts and the safety of the community. more

After thirty years of supporting the County recycling program the county commission has decided to call it quits. It's not making any money. I didn't know the county was in business to more

I am voting for Dr Cindy Baker and Amber Bryant for service on the Ozark Schools Board of Education. more

On April 7, 2026, Ozark voters have an important opportunity to strengthen local self-government by voting YES on the Ozark Charter (home rule) ballot measure. A city charter is a locally written “constitution” that lays out how our city government is organized and how it operates—tailored to Ozark’s needs instead of a one-size-fits-all set of state rules for fourth-class cities. Yes, Ozark is treated as a fourth-class according to the state’s legislature. A charter changes that. more

When someone says, “We’re here to lower your taxes,” hold onto your wallet and be careful what you wish for. more

A few weeks ago, when we experienced winter-like temperatures for a couple of days, I was adding wood to the stove in our room, which has lots of windows. I call it our nature room because we enjoy looking out to see birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, deer, and turkeys in our backyard. more

I am sorry that the news didn't go through the last two weeks. There were several things I needed to share with my friends. more

Dear Residents of Ozark, more

I met Tom and Julie at church several weeks ago. Someone told them I write about the outdoors. They said they were not very outdoorsy, but were thinking about trying it to see if they liked it. I told them that the outdoor world was created by God and can help change their lives, just like He can.  more

Written nearly a half-century ago while I lived in a small house on a large hillside lot just south of the newspaper office, this essay is an absolutely true account of my protracted war with a ground hog. It is reprinted faithfully about my frustrations at the time. more

I want to clarify and correct my interview with Steve Chapman, the editor for the Headliner. more

An Ozarks river is a mystery. more

Gravel bars on rivers and creeks are special to me. They have been a part of my life. I have skipped rocks, gone swimming, fished, camped, read books, and taken some really great naps on gravel bars. more

Hello Senator Mike Moon and Representative Jamie Ray Gragg, more