America’s students were some of the most heavily impacted people by the pandemic and subsequent restrictions.

I spend almost as much time at the Lincoln County Justice Center pulling probable cause statements as I do at my own apartment.

I forget how old I am sometimes.

Every October, America comes together to observe National Breast Cancer Awareness month to bring light to prevention and show our support for the families this disease has touched. Unfortunately, the chances are high that we all know someone or a family who has been affected by breast cancer…

Over the last year since finally getting the chance to attend sporting events in Lincoln County, things have become clear for me.

One of the toughest lessons a grandparent learns is how to become a seat-filler at birthday parties for their grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Your role is to be one of the older relatives whose only duty is to just BE THERE.

What if I told you that every time you write a check, swipe your credit card, or deposit money into your bank account you had to report it to government? If I said you are no longer allowed to buy your children clothes, order a meal, or loan a loved one money without notifying the IRS? If yo…

So. I’m standing in line, snaking along the path between cattle guards at a popular burger place. There are droves of customers on either side of me and as I idly scan the faces of the herd, I notice something scary. Twilight Zone-y. The scratching of catgut on violin strings fills my heart …

This week, the House worked on reauthorizing the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

In 18 months of writing in Lincoln County, I’m getting used to people agreeing and disagreeing with what I write.

It would make my life a little easier. I knew it would, but I resisted doing it for a decade or more.

This week, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing entitled, “National Small Business Week: Celebrating our Main Street Champions” where we heard from business owners from all over the country.

It’s ironic I’m writing this 28 years ago to the day I stood on the gold-painted footprints welcoming me to hell, I mean, Marine Corps Recruit Depot – Parris Island.

It must be especially difficult to step up to the pulpit lately. Living a Godly life in today’s world is a formidable task, and a minister has always been held to a higher standard that demands more than is humanly possible.

Troy, Mo. - When I originally sat down to write this, I had three, third-person sentences. My name, education, where I am from and a bonus “fun” sentence where I mentioned my hobbies. Admittedly, it wasn’t an overly friendly or approachable way to introduce myself to you all. 

Sept. 11th, 2001 was one of the most consequential days in American memory.

Not too long ago, I received an e-mail because of my praise of the work District 41 Rep. Randy Pietzman has been tirelessly doing over the last few years in trying to stop sex offenders in Lincoln County.

Step outside on a late September afternoon and you hear the sounds of a million voices singing about life. It is at once raucous and soothing; rhythmic and staccato. Close your eyes and feel the electricity that surges through the air in a music as primal as any noise on earth.

Last week I shared my views on the disastrous and heartbreaking situation in Afghanistan. Only moments after the bulletin was sent, we learned that a family here in the Third District lost their son in the attacks at the Kabul airport. Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz lost his life in his pursui…

Voltaire once said, “to the living, we owe respect, but to the dead, we owe only the truth.”

Ah. The changing seasons. We had our first refreshingly cool evening in ages; the temperature outside dipped into the blessed 60s.

It’s the most wonderful time of year.

My brothers decided to have their friend, John Graham, over to spend the night. I was 12 or 13, and he was my first crush. They spent all afternoon in the back yard, and after supper they slunk to my brothers’ bedroom to guffaw and make rude noises. Nasty, mouth-covering-hand snickers oozed …

Summer is winding down, and after a fun-filled few months of family trips, camps, summer jobs, and spending a little extra time together, it is time for Missouri students to return to school. Back-to-school season is always an exciting time of year. School sports start back up, the kids get …

I’m almost certain everyone was inconvenienced in some way by construction on Cherry Street in Troy knocking out everyone’s Internet connection for half a day a couple of weeks ago.