Columnists

The interim between the Republican debates and the Iowa/New Hampshire caucuses is a good time to review how America is trending politically. Much could change by November but let’s take a pulse anyway Presently, the likely choices for president are incumbent Joe Biden for the Democrats and Donald Trump for the Republicans. It is not…

When your child turns 18 years old, they legally become an adult. This is an important time to consider their financial future – especially if they need additional care into adulthood. Here are 5 things that may help you prepare for this milestone: 1. Health and Welfare Decision-making When your child legally becomes an adult,…

“If Harvey County Now’s printed product was squeezed any harder, it might just drip ink on your hands.” These words are from a story by Adam Strunk in the Harvey County Now (Newton, Kansas) newspaper but they are fitting words for almost every small local newspaper across the nation, including our own publication. Over the…

Apologies can be complicated, can’t they? It seems so often that the chief obstacle I face in offering needed apologies is a simple one, however: I don’t want to apologize. That’s the issue. Perhaps I feel the emotion of regret, but my idiot pride holds me back from telling the other person I am sorry.…

We are continuously working to better understand how Social Security’s programs serve the public. Collecting race and ethnicity data for research and statistical purposes is one way for us to determine whether we are equitably serving the public. Applicants and customers may voluntarily provide this information. It does not affect decisions on benefit applications. Why…

I continue to talk to Enforcement Chief Randy Doman of the Missouri Department of Conservation and try to pass on what he wants hunters and fishermen to know. I stress to many who doubt what I report, that Doman is the supervisor of all conservation agents in the state and is the last word in…

It’s the time of year when we’re drawn to comfort foods. As the days get shorter and hats and coats take center stage in the closet, many of us seek out dishes that warm us up. While comfort foods vary, they commonly include casseroles, soups, stews and noodle dishes, among others. They’re often familiar foods…

Most business owners are hyper-focused on growing their business and legacy. But at some point, they must consider a plan for retirement. That’s why it’s important for business owners to begin thinking about how Social Security fits into their retirement planning. Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker…

Did you ever find yourself critiquing the logic of something that was never meant to be logical in the first place? Let me explain what I mean. It has already been a rich season of Christmas movie watching at the Pearl home. Every single holiday movie – even the Hallmark variety, which I this far…

Dear Joe, I’m sure you remember old Ed Bradbury and Maggie, you haven’t been gone that long. Years ago we ducks on the slough over on the back of Ed’s farm, where you go to floundering around in the mud and nearly got in over your hip boots. Well, Ed was in the pool hall…