Send us a text

The three keys to success according to Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood fame?

Be Kind.

Be Kind.

Be Kind.

Some days this old world seems a little harsh and crazy. To battle that trend, let's start a kindness revival.

Pause. Take a breath. Move forward with grace, kindness and love.

You won't regret it. I promise.

Send us a text

Community.

Christmas.

Celebrations.

Camaraderie.

All of those things combined for me to make a big promise to a colleague last week. He seems to think I am up for new experiences and big adventures. So, after some consideration, I have decided to celebrate a milestone birthday with him by skydiving. Here's hoping he knows CPR and plans to bring me a change of clothes on the outing.

I am looking forward to 2051.

Send us a text

I love the Ozarks and my own backyard; but I also love traveling in the company of those I love.

I was able to do just that earlier this month on a three-day jaunt to Vegas. A little out of my element, I managed to have a blast.

What follows is my reflection on the journey, the fun, the laughter and the concept of home and Toby Keith's song "I'm Not As Good As I Once Was."

In the end, it's true---There's no place like home and I am as good once as I ever was--believe it or not.

Plus, I can be packed to go anywhere in 20 minutes. Try me and come pick me up. I'm game.

Send us a text

Veterans Day falls during the month of November as we are gearing up for Thanksgiving and other holiday celebrations.

We hosted a Veterans Assembly earlier this month at Aurora High School. It was an honor to help the other organizations pay tribute to our local veterans in style.

Michele Mowris was our keynote speaker. She talked about the loss of her husband, Sgt. Doug Mowris, in Afghanistan some 22 years ago. Also speaking that day was Lt. Col. Jason Ernest, yet another Aurora graduate who knows the value of sacrifice, honor and serving others.

As we move into the holiday season, I encourage to cherish your freedoms and reflect on the words of my longtime friend and mentor Ken Ackley, who used to say that "freedom isn't free."

Send us a text

It is always better to give than to receive. A favorite belief of mine that comes from Sunday School teachings is that whatever you give away will come back to you tenfold.

That said, please feel free to jump on the bandwagon for the third round of Hometown Partners Giving Circle efforts this year.

The money is earmarked for good things in Aurora, Marionville and Verona. Plus, what makes this even better is that you get to vote on the recipients!

Feel free to contact me for more information.

Send us a text

I get asked all the time about the state of today's teenagers? Are they different? Do they have good manners? Is there some kind of a disconnect?

Well, let me just tell you about a couple of them from Aurora High School. Jaysa Ernest and Addi Hall represented Aurora at the Annual RYLA Camp a couple of weeks ago.

After hearing them speak last week at a Rotary Club meeting, I can tell you with certainty that they are going to make their marks on the world. They will be able to make their dreams come true and well get a front row seat.

Join me in listening to this week's podcast about a couple of girls who are daring to take a stand for kindness and change.

Send us a text

This week paved the way for some time in the archives, some old-fashioned research, a couple of fall outings and a handful of stories.

Join me as I share a few fun ones as we work our way towards a few more holiday stories and projects to wind out the year.

Send us a text

Friday, October 17th, would have been Evan Boettler's 18th birthday. This year should have been his senior year. We should be talking about a senior trip, graduation plans and college. I should be teasing him about calling my friend "Chainsaw Patty" or making him listen to one of my ghost stories as we get closer to Halloween.

His life was tragically stolen from us on January 3, 2024--when a certain kind of evil orchestrated an extortion attempt on a boy who had only had access to social media a few months.

I'm not sure the anger or grief will ever subside; but my hope is that we can become better-equipped as we navigate a future without him. We can join the efforts of his friends and family to educate and advocate about the dangers of social media and the dangers that lurk in the cyber world.

I don't run from the trauma or tragedy anymore. I have learned to welcome them in to sit side by side with me, while I wrestle with things like purpose, sadness, depression and loss. I want to use his story to give hope to others and maybe find a way to navigate through the valleys as we spend time together and enjoy the things Evan loved.

I think we can continue to find ways to celebrate the lessons he taught us in his 16 years with us. I hope to honor his memory by treating others with the same grace and love that he showed me.

I praise the efforts of Brad, Kari, Sikenan and the rest of the Boettler family and their friends as they move forward to help others through Evan's Voice.

The Poker Run is this coming Saturday at Hungry Hollow. I hope you'll join us there--rain or shine.