By Jim Hamilton more

Each year, thousands of American veterans, including those in Christian County, Missouri, confront a diagnosis they never anticipated: pleural mesothelioma, an unusual but hostile cancer almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure. In most cases, this issue stemmed from their decades of military service in environments where the use of harmful minerals was widespread and unavoidable. Yet despite growing public awareness, far too many veterans still endure inaccurate diagnoses, as such an illness is frequently mistaken for other common conditions. As a result, mesothelioma is often discovered only when it has progressed to a late stage, where life-saving treatment choices are fewer, and patients’ survival chances are critically low. more

Several times, a song I like becomes an inspiration for a story I write. Many songs, if you really listen to them, are songs about life. more

Sitting in my outdoor swing this warm Sunday afternoon, I am cautioned by thunder rumbling in the south. more

We can say goodbye to another month. Most of us appreciate the rain we got; some got more than others. Things look green. The grass has grown just enough to make us think it is better. more

Christian County residents who wish to contribute to the Pooper Troopers’ Diaper Drive can do so at the Harter House located at 815 W. Kenneth Street in Nixa. The drive, which has a goal of collecting 25,000 diapers to support organizations that help families in need. Harter House in Nixa is one of nine locations across the Ozarks, and the only one in Christian County, where donations are being accepted. more

The Friendship Club is having their September meeting one week late this month because of scheduling. Quilting will be for the afternoon. A new quilt was put in the frames last week. This one is big, but very simple to quilt. more

This past August, I proudly cast my first ballot as a newly registered voter in Missouri. Barely a month later, I find myself watching state leaders dismantle the very representative democracy I believe in. more

Any given Sunday morning, you’ll find me in church. more

Large utilities were big campaign donors to Gov. Kehoe and other Republicans (just Google it). On April 9th, 2025, Governor Kehoe gave them massive rates increase, when he signed SB4 into law, changing how and when Missouri utility companies receive approval for rate increases. SB4 dismantles decades of accepted accounting practices and consumer protection. more

By Francis Skalicky more

If you are a deer hunter or know a deer hunter, did that headline get your full attention? I hope so. For your sake and your family’s, read every word of this. more

Here we are with another half month behind us. I don't know what happens; things don't get finished like they used to. Maybe too much is on the list. more

Though my mother brought me home to live in a chicken house on my grandparents’ farm, I have not always been a farm boy. more

By Jim Hamilton more

By Dale Flippo more

Got my oil changed last week, then dropped in to the Chinese Place on top of the hill in Ozark. Learned they will be closing soon. more

By Larry Whiteley more

By Jim Hamilton more

By Larry Whiteley more

By Gwen Rockwood more

A quality used car can be a good investment but watch out for sketchy sellers and predatory loans. more

By Gwen Rockwood more

I’ve owned 17 pickup trucks in my lifetime, seven of them brand-new. I may someday buy another new one, but it’s not likely. more

It’s the 8th Annual Ranch Rodeo & Bull Ride Weekend at the Stone County Event Center Arena, and for three days, the hills and hollers in Galena will be filled with rodeo action. more