Cynthia J. Thomas

Area libraries can be a great source of information about local and regional Ozarks history! Whether you’re a native wanting to know more about how your ancestors lived, or new to the area and curious about the origins of local legends, you can often find resources at the library. This month, check out some great offerings from our neighbors to the north, the Local History and Genealogy Department of the Springfield/Greene County Library. The “Preserving the Ozarks” series kicked off on...

Regular readers know I’m a cancer survivor, over 17 years now. A couple of years ago, I shared from my “cancer chronicles” blog about my faith journey during that time. Some recent conversations have prompted me to share it again, so I pray this slightly-condensed retelling benefits someone. How was all this impacting my faith? Growing up in Assemblies of God churches, I heard of, and even saw, miraculous healings. Other people, though, including my own mother, died from illnesses...

When Rep. Burt Whaley of the 138th District approached the Veterans of the Ozarks for a nominee to attend as the Veteran representative from the district, the group’s pick was Army Major (Ret.) Maurica Riker-Jones.