The Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behaviors used to establish power and control over an intimate partner often leading to the threat or use of violence. Abuse is any controlling, hurtful act, work or gesture that injures another’s body or emotions.

It’s a rare thing in these parts when a business celebrates 140 years of continuous operation and in the same location which I think is even more noteworthy. Look no further than Case and Son Insurance in Marion. That business has been on Marion’s main street since 1868 and is in its fifth generation of the Case family.

We congratulate the Case’s and their employees for this remarkable achievement.

I have to pick lint out of the mouse periodically because lately I have been getting sneezing fits in the morning, which causes the need for a Kleenex-like tissue, but because whoever is in charge of inventory at my house is too cheap, I have to use a roll of toilet paper, which sets off a fine powder every time I rip off another square.

Rumors and gossip are as common in small towns as ants at a church picnic—and almost as unhealthy. The latest example were the widely circulating reports last week that immigration issues forced the abrupt closure of a Hillsboro business that happens to be Latino owned and employs several Latino workers. One problem: The issue weren’t related to immigration, and the closure was the voluntary decision of the owner so he could complete some necessary paperwork. Once more, two plus two in small-town math equals five. Wish we could say we were surprised the rumors were wrong. But in this business, where we bother to actually go directly to the the source instead of the coffee shop for our information, the stories we hear initially are almost always groundless or seriously distorted. One day maybe we’ll learn to resist the desire to spread stories that aren’t our business and that we can’t verify. Now, that would be worth talking about! —DR