We’ll be going into winter soon, Dec. 21 — maybe sooner if Mother Nature gets impatient. more

I was reading the newspaper last week, enjoying all of the good articles, but there was one that really hit home. Paul Campbell’s November 29, 2023 article titled ‘It all started when he hit me back.’ It was a good read and right on the mark.   more

Missouri’s DNR is requesting to hear from YOU. Pomme de Terre River and Lake are in danger of joining too many of our state’s and country’s waters in that they are being contaminated by Corporate America, big businesses, and insufficient oversight of their operational practices. A slaughter house owned by STX of Texas, Mo Prime Beef Packers in Pleasant Hope, Mo. has requested permit to discharge 350,000 gallons of sludge waste water straight into Pomme de Terre every day. It appeared that DNR was going to approve this permit until the nearby neighbors gained enough awareness from concerned citizens that DNR could not ignore their claims. Personal wells have been tested positive for contaminants relative to slaughter water run off and obvious adverse effects are evident in the waters of nearby creeks and Pomme de Terre River herself, from their abuse of their permit to dump, currently, 140,000 gallons of sludge waste waters onto neighboring feilds under guise of it being safe fertilizer. DNR will be holding public hearings to give folks opportunity to speak via phone or WebEx. (Download the WebEx App ahead of time). You can also get your comments to DNR by mail at Missouri Dept of Natural Resources Attn: MO-0113204 Missouri Prime Beef Public Notice Comments P.O. Box 176 Jefferson City, Mo 65102-0176 or e-mail to: publicnoticenpdes@dnr.Mo.gov or fax to: (573) 751-1146. All comments must have “Attn: MO-0113204 Missouri Prime Beef Packers public notice comments” at the top of note. DNR is hosting 3 public hearings where no questions will be answered and they request comments be kept to under 3 minutes. One hearing will be an in-person hearing held at the Pleasant Hope Mo Middle School at 515 W. McCurry st Pleasant Hope Mo on Jan 6th 2024 from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. The other 2 hearings are to be attended via phone, (650) 479-3207 (for both hearings). For the hearing on Dec.12th 2023 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm the WebEx meeting number (access code ) is: 2734 035 9937 and the password is: VDp3B5sB83m. For the hearing on Dec. 19th 2023 at 4:00pm to 6:00pm the WebEx meeting number is: 2631 035 9937 and the password is:DNR. For further information on the history of this issue visit www.protectpommedeterre.com and browse the posts in both Facebook groups, Protect Pomme de Terre and Pomme de Terre Water Watch Dogs. Whether you conclude to think this permit should be approved or denied, please exercise your freedom of having a voice on matters worth speaking up for. more

The Fair Grove Senior Center is welcoming the addition of parking lot lighting. Previously, the lot was lit by ambient light from the building. A new pole was set by the parking lot and lights installed. With three flood lights installed, the outer lot is well lit after dusk. more

When I was a young girl there were only two churches right there in Fair Grove; the Methodist and the Baptist. They might have had different names, but they were practically one church. Week-long revivals, bible school, Christmas programs, Easter sunrise services and breakfast afterward were all shared together. Reba Yandell Turner played piano for both churches. more

Many years ago, I had heard of sending shoeboxes worldwide for children who may otherwise not get a Christmas present. However, I never became a part of the mission. more

One of the things my dad taught me about the working world is that it’s always good to have “multiple revenue streams.” That way, if one stream dries up or slows to a trickle, you’ll have another one to keep you going. more

One day last week turnips were added to the lunch menu at the Fair Grove Senior Center. As part of Jennifer's (the Center's administrator) announcements prior to everybody getting their food, she told us they cooked some turnips. The individuals sitting at my table weren't too thrilled with the prospect of eating that particular vegetable. more

Lately, we have been fielding an over-abundance of phone calls from our subscribers informing us “I did not receive my newspaper in the mail this week.” more

I’ve learned a lot about farming in my 75 years, but most of it I’ve forgotten within the last 10. more

I've written about my passion for letter writing and my new hobby with postcard exchanges worldwide. But did you know that there is a holiday to celebrate the art of writing a letter? more

Dad was a coon hunter and I was the boy who tagged along behind him. more