Social Security is at the forefront of keeping your online data secure, but you play a vital role in safeguarding your personal information too. Scammers commonly target people who are looking for Social Security program and benefit information. You might receive an advertisement in the mail, ...

Have you seen that really bright star popping out and dazzling the southeast Marshall sky after sunset? It’s hard to miss! It’s actually Jupiter, the biggest by far planet in our solar system. It’s basically a big ball of hydrogen and helium gas with a diameter of around 88,000 miles, ...

I never knew when it would happen … or how often. It was rarely in the morning, but sometimes in the afternoon and frequently in the evening when all of a sudden … BOOM! Now, this was July 4th in the 1970s in Missouri. The sound of fireworks exploding overhead throughout the day, and ...

“So what park are you and Ross visiting this weekend?” is the question I’m often asked. That’s what I get when I focus my columns on our Saturday adventures in the park du jour. We’ve hit a majority of the county, regional, and state parks in a 100+ mile radius, but I’m sure ...

There was a time, not too long ago, when a young lad was asked to read the entire chapter of First Corinthians to the assembly. Somehow reading the chapter to the audience wasn’t as daunting as trying to understand the meaning of the chapter and he asked his mother to explain some of the ...

The book “Birdie,” by Eileen Spinelli, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Grand Rapids, Mich., c 2019, was a delight to read and it took me back to when I was 12 years old. That’s how old Roberta Briggs is. Birds are one of her main interests. Observing and studying them is a comfort ...

Topwater fishing is synonymous with the start of summer. While the tactics and lures vary, an explosive take of a bait off the surface of the water is about as thrilling as the culmination of a July firework show. While topwater fishing may not be the best way to catch bass, it sure is one of ...

One of the pleasantest perks of being an author is occasionally being asked to speak at gatherings. The author and his wife are treated to a nice meal prior to the speaking engagement and, depending on the location of the venue, might even enjoy an overnight stay at a quality hotel. The only ...

Whenever new ideas are mentioned, the possibility that it might amount to failure automatically starts to take root in the back of most listeners’ minds. It’s almost inevitable. It’s unusual to have a situation where everyone likes a new concept so much and so immediately that they all ...

Early stargazing in July is always a wonderful time. Even though you can’t get started until late in the evening you can catch the wonderful heavenly show without freezing! Stargazing this July is extra special because Saturn and Jupiter, the biggest planets in our solar system, have joined ...

Spring is on the way. For many of us, the increasingly longer days and warmer weather signify a chance to tidy up and start fresh. If you enjoy the ritual of spring cleaning, why not take time to spruce up your finances as well? The following list is a great place to start: 1. Your goals. If ...

Do you like oddities? Here’s an oddity: The number 243 is a prime number, divisible by three. Thursday, our country will celebrate its 243rd Independence Day, dating back to 1776. It’s genuinely a Prime Independence Day. Here’s another oddity: A week before we celebrate that Prime ...

The social news or gossip columns in the old newspapers are always fascinating to read. A special section in the newspaper was devoted to the social media of the day. The whereabouts of local people and events were often featured in these columns. Here are a few from the Marshall ...

What would life be without surprises? Allow me an answer: without surprises to periodically enlighten us, life would be, well, kind of boring. The other day it was cloudy and dreary like so many of our days have been lately. A group of us were worried that a planned outdoor event would be ...

As my buddy John and I drifted over the transition area of mud, rock and gnarled tree roots that popped up and grabbed our bottom bouncers which surveyed the underwater scene for walleyes on the Missouri River impoundment, our eyes turned to a shore angler along the backside of the bay. His ...

Congratulations Lyon County! You were able to recycle nearly 200 tons of recyclables each month in April and in June. This figure is only reflecting items that we are able to place in our recycling carts such as paper, aluminum cans, tin cans, glass food containers and plastic food containers. ...

Try these tips for knocking down everyday expenses and socking it away safely. As every parent knows, saving enough for a college education has gotten more challenging. Even with tuition increases slowing down in recent years, the costs for a higher education are among the fastest-rising ...

Many people enjoy the independence of owning and operating their own small business. If you’re a small business owner, you know that you have additional financial responsibilities when reporting your taxes. A part of this is paying into Social Security. Most people who pay into Social ...

The king of the planets, at least in our solar system, has made a grand entrance into our early summer skies, and will continue to dominate the early evening heavens well into October. A couple of weeks ago our Earth and Jupiter reached their closest approach to each other. Back then Jupiter ...

Question: When the speed limit changes on a road, does the new speed limit start at the sign, or does it start when you can see the sign? Answer: The speed zone becomes effective when you reach the sign. If the speed limit reduces, you must begin to slow down before the sign. If the speed ...