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We must not let go

There are a lot of conversations/writings about the surge of AI technology in today's society. Let it be noted right away that I'm not a fan of this technology. Yes, I have a bunch to learn about it, and my feelings are maybe a bit immature at this time. However, I'm a proponent of individual thinking based on primary research. That research and thinking connects each of us as a human being. I believe AI, as neat as it can be, reduces our human connections. Rather than going into a library to dig through historic and current information (Yes, that can be done online, too). AI wants ...

Ask a Trooper

Question: In my community and on my daily commute I encounter two roundabouts each morning, others that I work with will encounter three roundabouts in less than five minutes. Please use your platform to remind drivers how to safely and properly use a roundabout. I see, almost on a daily basis, drivers physically stop their vehicle for other drivers that have not even entered the roundabout. They'll allow multiple vehicles to traverse the roundabout before they even attempt to enter the roundabout. This creates a very dangerous situation as my assumption is that the vehicle will slow to ...

New downtown merchant dealing his cards

I remember not too long ago on my way home home from the Independent office each evening walking past the RLC office building on Fifth Street and noticing lots of activity. People walking in and out of the entrance on many evenings. I could see through the windows along the suite occupied by ...

Our doors always open to veterans

When you look at the calendar, it seems like time is flying — not only in weeks and months, but definitely in years. This September will mark twenty-five years since the terrorist attacks on 9/11, a day that reshaped our nation and the lives of countless service members and families. In our work serving veterans in this area, the passing of time becomes very real. We are still meeting a surprising number of Vietnam Veterans who have either not been to the office for many years or have never stepped into the VA system at all. It amazes us because so much help is available, and it ...

Graduation: A time for well chosen words of wisdom

Under normal daily circumstances most people aren’t inclined to give advice because they don’t want to seem like a “know it all”. The graduation season in May is often an exception to the rule, especially for people my age and older. We enjoy seeing grandchildren of relatives and close friends take an important step toward being an adult. We want to help them in a small way. For that reason we will sometimes say a few words about our own experiences in life, things we’ve learned over the years. There’s a scene from the 1967 movie The Graduate in which a graduation ...

A Vesta Boy – Dave Hansvick – Family farms and Vesta winters

We have been learning about Marshall’s David Hansvick, the second of three children of Dottie (Penske) Hansvick and John Hansvick. Dave grew up in the small town of Vesta. His family lived on the edge of Vesta, but both parents came from immigrant, farming families. The Hansvicks originated ...