I find living in the moment to be such a challenge these days. It requires an amount of focused attention and a conscious effort to detach from distractions that I seem to lack. I have learned in my 43 years, the past has a profound impact on the present. ...

I recently attended a school board meeting where the topic of discussion was “Social Media and Vengeful Actions.” It was alleged a board member made posts on social media that caught the attention of several community members and staff. The board member subsequently apologized for those posts during the meeting, but later posted again to social media stating he felt he deserved an apology from the newspaper for the coverage of that meeting...

Drake Guffey was a freshman at Puxico High School. He loved to hunt and fish. He was one of the coolest kids you would have ever had the privilege to meet in this lifetime. On Sept. 7, 2019, Drake was involved in an ATV accident that cut his young life short. He passed away Sept. 14, 2019...

I would like to briefly touch on the topic of mental health and youth, specifically youth. I feel we are facing a real mental health crisis when it comes to our youth. I read quite frequently in the police reports; juvenile attacked another student in the restrooms, juvenile exposed themselves to a teacher, brought a weapon to school, wrote profanities or threats on the walls, the list goes on...

In today’s fast-paced digital age, where news can be consumed through social media and online platforms, small-town newspapers hold a special place in the hearts of the communities they serve. More than just a source of news, local papers serve as a legacy that keeps the town alive...

Sometimes when I am stuck in a dark place, I console myself by watching old movies I loved as a child. “The Goonies,” “The Great Outdoors” and “The Lost Boys” top the list. Maybe I am reminded of a simpler time or maybe it is just that the familiar is a comfort; I don’t need to guess what happens next. There is certainly comfort in knowing what to expect and having consistency in our daily lives...

I was recently visited by a man at our office, his name I can’t say. He was slightly frail and soft-spoken. He came in to tell me how thankful he was for the resources he had utilized in the area like the Bread Shed and a local church, but more importantly how the people he rented from had not removed him from his home since he had been unable to pay his rent for the past three months...

A recent interview made me realize we never really grow up in our minds. I was interviewing a couple that had been married for close to 60 years. They talked about dancing in the bedroom while blasting a boom box, taking spontaneous trips and how they were still thankful and in awe of the beautiful home and life they had built together. The husband said he didn’t feel old in his mind, “but I look in the mirror and there’s an old man staring back at me.”...

As the chill leaves the air and we retire our winter coats to the back of the closet, this is a reminder to try being a tourist in your hometown for a change. Spring is quickly approaching, the days are growing longer, bees will be buzzing and flowers are soon to be in bloom so this is the perfect time to try it...

On a gorgeous afternoon here in Poplar Bluff I decided to devote a lunch break to taking a nice cathartic cruise. Road trip playlist started, no destination in mind, just a nice peaceful cruise with some good tunes and fresh air. It sounds a little silly maybe, but to me, it’s like therapy. ...

I have recently had the desire to get back to a more natural way of life. The use of herbs, sound and water therapy has been around for many years and have been proven to be effective ways to reduce stress and promote wellness in a natural and holistic way, but for many years these practices have fallen to the wayside...

In life it seems, at one point or another, we all experience great loss or tragedy. These heartaches are the inevitable consequence of our mortality. We cannot erase pain and heartache, we can only fill up the empty spaces that are left and hope it’s enough to soften the burdens we endure...

In a world where everything is automated and instantaneous, we often still run out of time for the things around us that matter most. We have become so used to having everything we want and need at our fingertips, we forget the days when it wasn’t — so much so that we often take the most important things for granted...

He snarled his nose and huffed a bit as he fumbled with his worn leather wallet, slipping it back into the front pocket of his oversized jean overalls. Once upon a time, I am sure they fit, but their faded color tells me they have seen many years of good use, as has the grouchy senior standing before me...

I hope you know how lucky you are to be where you’re at today. To have a job, your health, a roof, a peaceful loving relationship, clothes, dinner on the table, two arms to hug your loved ones, all your teeth to chew and legs to take you where you need to go...

I have had the privilege of meeting RT McCain through the many interviews I have done during my time with the newspaper. McCain has a uniquely positive attitude, combined with a tremendous amount of compassion and understanding for the students he mentors...

Having the opportunity to represent organizations that help the community in so many ways is something that is near and dear to my heart. Interviewing the workers and volunteers of these organizations has given me better insight into the needs of the community...

My oldest child was about 11 or 12 the year I decided to skip Christmas. As a single mom, I gave him all I could, but of course, there were times I could not. One year in particular, he had seemingly become less grateful for the things I had been able to provide, as so many are at this age...

My mother told me many times throughout my life I was far too open about who I was. She would say, “you should leave some things to mystery.” I was always pretty bad at that. I guess I think there is enough mystery in life. I am who I am and I have never felt the need to hide that. I want to be accepted for who and what I truly am. The world will pass judgment either way...

Hey ladies, it doesn’t hurt! Many of us (me) have been led to believe that the mammogram process is terribly painful, preventing us from taking the necessary measures to ensure our own health. My experience was quick and painless and I even got a goodie bag with lots of pink goodies...