The Miss America competition this year brought out the worst in people.As a child I was taught if you can’t say something nice you shouldn’t say anything at all.It’s a shame some Miss America viewers…

A few months ago a fellow pulled off U.S. 169 onto the older highway’s back way into Iola.When atop the overpass, he punched the button to resume cruise control, which kicked his pickup truck back…

I wonder if a no-vacancy sign ever is placed on the door leading to the brain’s compartment where memories are stored.Sights, sounds and smells have a way of triggering memories that have laid dormant, sometimes…

The best part of my job is interviewing strangers. I appreciate how they welcome me into their homes with no hesitation. They let me ask all kinds of nosey questions, trusting that I’ll use discretion…

The world could take a deep breath Tuesday night as U.S. President Barack Obama agreed to postpone his request that Congress vote on a military strike against Syria.In systematic fashion Obama defended his initial decision…

A window of opportunity on averting a military strike on Syria opened Monday afternoon when John Kerry, U.S. Secretary of State, floated the idea of Syria moving its stockpiles of chemical weapons under international control.Syria…

Despite a robust return on its investments, the Kansas pension program is getting deeper in debt. The KPERS pot can meet only 56.4 percent of its future obligations to teachers, fire fighters and judges, according…

Rep. Ed Bideau was a most unassuming man whose mild demeanor belied the passion he felt for his state.  At a time when most would take down the shingle, Bideau re-entered state politics after a…

Starting in the 1830s and continuing until after the Civil War, about 300,000 emigrants slogged along a well-beaten trail from Missouri to the fertile valleys of Oregon.A week ago Beverly and I followed a portion…

I’ve consoled myself over the years that I couldn’t get a good latte in town with the fact that it saved time, money and calories. Now with the opening of the “Right Around the Corner,”…