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Local Columns

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD: LaBarr’s three sons fought and died in the Civil War

Historically, the end of April marks the beginning of “campaign season” for militaries during times of war… not a particularly enlightening subject for a weekly newspaper column (please bear with me). In our time, in our place, in Our Neighborhood, it follows a similar theme. The grass ...

COUNTRY ROADS: There’s no place like home

As I grow older, I am becoming a homebody. I like my bed, my bathroom and my refrigerator! However, I can still be coaxed to get out of town occasionally. So, Julie and I took off for Branson, Missouri, on a recent Wednesday. I am a 30-year veteran of Branson experiences and introduced ...

LIGER’S DEN: Tyler Liger and Soccer

I really need a catchy greeting. Something that probably won’t get me laughed at or canceled. I used to do a “hey there, Liger Legionnaires.” However, I don’t really have a devoted fanbase, like a professional sports team, a big-time streamer or a popular band. One time, I gauged ...

OUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Kamrar’s namesake was judge, mayor, state senator

I really like pizza (who doesn’t). It’s so nutritious, and delicious, that the USDA once recognized it as a vegetable for school lunches (not true, but a really great example of an urban legend). Before my wife and I hit the road for seven years of full-time RVing, we raised our kids in ...

COUNTRY ROADS: A softer seat and longhorn handlebars

Walking down a street several years ago, I spotted a bicycle parked in front of a commercial building. It wasn’t just any bicycle; it was a real bike! Translation: the bike had balloon tires, a large, soft seat and handlebars that tilted up instead of down. Though the design was old ...

COUNTRY ROADS: Batter up… it’s baseball season!

As a 10-year-old boy, I enjoyed major league baseball. Sitting on the living room floor in front of the massive console television with a small, snowy 17-inch picture, I watched the baseball greats of the day — Mantle, Berra, Musial, Aaron, Banks, Maris and Williams. Who were those lucky ...