Go for a drive or hike before the leaves drop because after they do you will find yourself looking at bare branches for five months.

Essential oils as defined would be oils derived from flowers or herbs whose purpose is to heal cells, tissues, organs and then, finally, systems.

The October 14, 2025, board meeting of the Branson Board of Aldermen made history when it considered not reappointing an appointee to the TIF Commission. Two aldermen, Lucas and Schulz, did not like some of the things the Ole Seagull said about their antics while they were conducting the city’s business from the dais. When his name was set forth, Schulz made a motion, seconded by Lucas, that the Ole Seagull’s name be removed from consideration because of alleged problems they

My morning devotions recently moved into the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. While that’s not a book people generally turn to for encouragement to start the day, the writer of the study guide pointed out that it has inspired considerable art, music and philosophy, sending my mind back many years to my sister singing along with the Byrds’ “Turn, Turn, Turn” on the radio.    The writer of Ecclesiastes, referred to in some passages as “preacher,” is presumed by many scholars

With so many publications focusing on their online/digital presence these days, imagine my delight when I opened my mail a few days ago and found something really special—the inaugural issue of the Ozarkian Hillcrofter: Journal of the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters. Regular readers of this column know I’m a huge fan—backed by research—of the multi-sensory value of holding and interacting with a print publication, and all the more if it’s a really enjoyable one! (As opposed

My Bible study last week included verses about trusting God, even when circumstances make us wonder what is going on, how long the situation will continue, what the outcome will be, and whether God really cares. One passage was Psalm 27:13-14, “I would have lost heart, unless I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” (NKJV)    Persons inte

The terms "spreading adder" or "hog-nosed viper" are common names for the harmless little snake, given to them by Ozark rural people.

Historically, we cannot argue with the stout Christian faith of our Scots-Irish forebears who settled these hills, nor question their reasons for leaving the Old Country.

October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.   By now, pretty much everyone is aware of this insidious “evil.” This is merely my opinion, but I fervently believe that as well as parents educating children on this disorder, it needs to be tackled in the schools.   Of course, the root of domestic violence is narcissism, so that, in itself, must be taught so as to easily recognize the signs. The problem with this is that a diabolical mind that is disciplined can “turn their behavi

Carolina was born Helen Hagstrom in Cash, Arkansas, October 20, 1925. Her parents, Fred and Helen were peanut and cotton farmers.

But now that rates are coming down, buyer demand is getting better.

Local Master Gardener and area resident expert Mary O’Brien will lead this informative session to help you identify ways to succeed in your spring garden planting by careful planning in the fall.

Dr. Richard Baker, AIF®, is the CEO and executive wealth advisor at Fervent Wealth Management.   I read recently that a young Australian Shepherd dog was missing after a traffic accident, and everyone was to be on the lookout. Though he was a pet, his breed's original job was to herd sheep. Another great shepherding tool was the use of a bellwether, where the farmer put a bell around the neck of the lead sheep, causing the rest of the flock to stay grouped around him.    Inve

In hindsight, I know that I should have done what I could to get his attention regardless of whether he was offended by my horn or not.

Stone County Library invites the community to a fun evening of “Paws and Pumpkins” on Saturday, October 18, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Crane City Park.    This fun fall celebration for all ages will feature a pet show—with prizes!—along with potato sack and 3-legged races, tug-of-war, cupcake walk and more. There will be live music, and pickers are welcome! There’s also a chili cook-off, so plan to bring your favorite recipe for the judges to try. At least five food trucks

To climb a mountain and then do all that yelling, she must have been extraordinarily happy with how she was treated, to say nothing of her new glasses.   

One of my Scripture studies this week was Ephesians 4:29, “ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV). With fairly strict parents and an even stricter church community as a child, I usually heard that verse used following what someone said when they hit their thumb with the hammer, or a couple of times when I tried out a phrase I heard from olde

The Vietnam War made billions of dollars for the helicopter industry, right technology, right place, right war.

Joe Shearrer, CPFA® is Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Fervent Wealth Management.   When the world feels uncertain — inflation high, government debt ballooning, central banks under pressure — investors tend to look beyond the dollar for a safety net. Gold, the age-old hedge, often leads that retreat. But to understand why, you must see them not as speculative gambles, but as symptoms of a deeper impulse: the urge to preserve value when faith in paper money wavers.   Gold

Mindfulness is essential for a life that glorifies God and isn’t shaped by evil cultural influences.