The island of Sicily, which lies to the southwest of Italy, has been the recipient of more spooky tales and fables than almost any other place on the planet. more

At one time Latin was the language commonly used for science and literature. In the 1700’s, Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, produced a standardized way of naming living things, including plants. He used Latin and a bit of Greek in the system. Although Latin is no longer a common world language, Linnaeus’s system of naming, with modifications, is still in use today and can provide valuable information for gardeners everywhere. more

When you live next to a wooded lot, you also live next to critters. Over the years, we’ve seen deer, chipmunks, mice, armadillos, coyotes, woodpeckers, rabbits, and some entirely unwelcome snakes. But a few months ago, some of the neighborhood squirrels mistook our house for an Airbnb and moved right on in. more

On Oct. 13, the United States Navy threw a birthday party on its 250th anniversary. As a proud Navy veteran, I lifted a glass in its honor. more

Concerns on flock cameras Dear Editor, I have lived in Warrensburg for several years, and I am concerned about the Flock Cameras the city is wanting to install throughout the city. My … more

Dear Editor, On February 27, 1951, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was ratified. Section 1 plainly states, “No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than … more

In honor of Hallowen, we should talk about that ugly, four-lettered F-word — fear. I’m not proud of it, but fear and I spend a lot of time together. It’s the longest, most toxic relationship I’ve ever been in, yet here I am — still trying to break it off. more

Our need for wisdom is universal. Though we like to think we are pretty smart, let’s face it, we don’t know it all. We grow wise, not on our own, but with input from the wisdom of others – from our parents and friends, through literature, through experience, and of course, through the rich treasure of the Bible. more

As the government shutdown lingers into its 20th days, funds for federally backed programs have begun to dwindle. more

How did you feel when you heard of Charlie Kirk’s assassination? What has your experience been in discussing it with others? Many of you may believe that we are living in the last days. If so, the Bible tells us that evil is going to increase in the latter days. We need to have a practical response to the evil we know exists and will increase in the future. Our response should be biblically based, Christ centered. We should start by asking, “How does God see evil and feel about it? What does God do about evil and those who live in it?” God’s responses are always perfect because He knows everything and is never fooled about anything. You and I cannot claim either. So, let’s think about how we, as followers of Jesus are to respond to evil.  more

There can be no question that the latter part of the year is party time. more

There are two types of people – people who like to dance and people who would rather have their eyebrows removed with a rotary sander. more

Warrensburg couples—and those from neighboring communities—are invited to a special two-day event that promises to inspire, encourage, and strengthen marriages. more

This past couple of days, I’ve watched women of all ages, all income levels, all ethnicities, walk around a huge building dedicated specifically to the disease they share – breast cancer. more

Don't be afraid to speak  more

I don't know how old I was when my parents let me answer our family's phone, but I was younger than most. In the early 1980s, my dad was a landscaper and tree trimmer, so our house phone was also his business line. Missing a call often meant missing a customer. more

As we grow and move through life, we often ask big questions about God and the world around us. “Who is God?” we wonder. In the Biblical book of Deuteronomy, we read “The Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Here we find that the very essence and nature of God is to care for the poor. more

Embracing 4-H more

This is the time of year when the fall season is at its most beautiful and is marked by the tree leaves presenting us with beautiful colors. more

Gardens are living and change either by intent or by accident. They are not stagnant and do not remain as they are in a photograph. Plants grow; plants die. Wind removes trees and weather is always impacting the environment. The gardening season is winding down and although mums, asters, greens, and root crops enjoy the cooler temperatures, most plants in the garden are preparing for the winter. What is a gardener to do this time of year? Take time to review the year in the garden by looking at the past, present, and future. more