Columnists

If you did not apply for Medicare Part B (medical insurance) within three months before or after turning age 65, you have another chance each year during the General Enrollment Period. The period runs from January 1 to March 31 every year. If you don’t enroll in Part B when you’re first eligible for it,…

This column is written in the aftermath of two recent fatal shootings in mid-Missouri. One was two deaths in Jefferson City and the other in Columbia. Those incidents renewed questions I’ve had for years about how civilized citizens should respond to a growing environment that portrays lethal violence as entertainment. To understand this column, you…

Of the holidays, it could be said that I have been known at times to overindulge. Particularly at the dinner table. I have, however, noticed at times over the past several years that my feelings between Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s have been a bit more subdued. I have at times wanted to feel more…

While the Missouri General Assembly normally conducts its work from January through May during the course of the regular legislative session, lawmakers did spend some extra time in the Capital City this year because of an extra legislative session. This particular session was rather short, and we completed it during the summer. Since then, I…

“It’s Turbo Time!” – Howard Langston The holidays are here and I couldn’t be more merry! I LOVE Christmas. I LOVE Christmas music. I LOVE Christmas shopping. I LOVE Christmas MOVIES! So just for fun I am sharing my top five Christmas movies with you this month along with a few extras. No. 5: Christmas…

How long did it take me to learn to be truly thankful in this life? Longer than it should have. Like many of my experiences in this life, I got to the party late when it came to having the right level of gratefulness. My folks worked to give us a life where my sister…

The holiday season is now upon us. Our thoughts usually start to turn toward holiday gatherings and shopping for the perfect gift for beloved family members. We should also be thinking about those who are less-fortunate. As blessed as we are here in northwest Missouri, there are still too many people who are not doing…

Do you have an opinion on local, state or national issues and enjoy writing? Then do I have a deal for you. I am constantly looking for informed people who want to share their thoughts with our readers on a regular basis. Providing differing views on issues impacting our lives is an important part of…

No need to panic, folks – it looks like Washington will remain in its normal state of staggering gridlock for two more years. While I don’t love having so much political division in our nation, I also think that the only way to keep Congress in check at all is to make it difficult for…

Social Security imposter scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers use targeted, sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of scammers creating fake versions of the identification badges most federal employees use to gain access to federal buildings. The…