Woodrow Wilson won reelection as president in 1916 with the slogan, “He kept us out of war”—even as bloody world war raged in Europe. Less than four months into his second term, Wilson changed his mind: “The world must be made safe for democracy.” Four days later, Congress voted to declare war on Germany. With those eight words, Wilson left […]

I have never been to a sporting event where I had to go home because of lightning. In fact, when I was in high school or college I don’t believe there was any protocol for lightning shutting down activities. One time when we played Augusta in football at the old Memorial football field, the game was called at the half […]

Right before a trip to Lake of the Ozarks over Labor Day weekend, I sat at the pediatrician’s office with kiddo No. 3. His ears hurt, and I wanted to get them checked before we spent a weekend solely dedicated to being in and around water. The appointment was scheduled easily enough, and in a whirlwind exit, I pulled into […]

As parents, we tend to think we’ve seen it all. From projectile spit-ups to teenage pranks, diaper blow-outs to drivers’ ed, it sure feels like we’ve been there, done that, got the T-shirt. And heck, even if we don’t have a clue, we know that we need to act like we’ve seen it all, since kids are experts at finding […]

I have to admit, I kind of went off the rails this week. Just stay with me on this one, but I decided to try a flavor combination I’ve only had while snacking or attending a barbecue—except this time it was in cupcake form. Sometimes I find myself going down a Pinterest rabbit hole and find all kinds of strange […]

Once again, the communities of Hills­boro and Marion will have an opportunity to put their best feet forward as thousands of guests come our way Saturday to take part in the Hillsboro Arts & Crafts Fair and Marion’s Art in the Park. These two events require an amazing investment of energy—both by event organizers and the many volunteers who assist. […]

If you are like me, I think of things I am going to tell my wife, and then when it comes time, I can’t remember it. I had two things on my mind last week, but when it came time to spill it out, I couldn’t. But there’s still hope. As time goes by, things will trigger the memory and […]

Some random thoughts as summer turns to fall: Suddenly, women have broken into the field of meteorology. Have you noticed that every local channel now has a “weatherwoman”? Though the males still appear to be clearly in charge of the staff, the women have stormed the set, so to speak. Though hurricanes are definitely nothing to smile about, you have […]

by John Schlageck Kansas Farm Bureau I love to eat. Like millions of fellow Americans there’s nothing better than food grown and produced on this nation’s farms and ranches. I’ll eat a thick, choice rib-eye steak hot off the grill any time. Make sure it has all the fixings—baked potatoes, steamed green beans, salad, fresh bread and a chilled gin […]

“Quod minimum, minimum est, Sed in minimo fidelem esse, magnum est.” (What is a little thing is just a little thing. But to be faithful in a little thing is a great thing.) —St. Augustine, translation by Msgr. Charles Pope Jeans either fit or they don’t. Like a lot of things. This was proven to me by a column I […]