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It’s National Bathroom Reading Week. The first full week in June is set aside to commemorate the educational value of bathroom “literature”.
This excludes phone browsing…We’re talking …
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By Robin Leach
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6/4/26
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A high school graduations are taking place in communities throughout Missouri’s 8th District and across America in recent weeks, many graduates face uncertainty as they embark on their next …
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By Jason Smith
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6/4/26
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For many, Memorial Day means the official start of summer. And while we all enjoy the cookouts, the gatherings, and the time spent with friends and family, it is important that we take a moment to …
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By Jason Smith
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5/28/26
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Text Abbreviations and acronyms splotch the pages of our modern vocabulary. They wedge themselves into conversations and communications.
I LOL when I read funny things. A few times, I’ve even …
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By Robin Leach
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5/28/26
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Sittin’ here under the River Tree this spring morning, especially with the cacophony of chaos around us, seemingly everywhere, the old codger can’t help thinking about what we call “faith”. …
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By Jim Martin
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5/28/26
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When most people think about weather observations, they picture massive radar sites, satellites orbiting Earth, television meteorologists standing in front of green screens, or government agencies …
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By Nick Palisch
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5/28/26
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Sitting here under the River Tree, the old codger finds himself mulling over a question we’ve all found ourselves posing as we go merrily or not so much through our lives: “Why the heck …
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5/21/26
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The Second Amendment is not a suggestion. It is a constitutional right enshrined into law by our Founding Fathers, but Democrats across the nation have made it their mission to strip that right away.
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5/21/26
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She was there with you, surrounding you, while you grew arms and legs and eyelids. Your heart beat in harmony with hers. Her blood was your blood; her oxygen, yours. She kept you safe and protected …
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By Robin Garrison Leach
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5/7/26
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Sitting here under this spreading River Tree, it’s obvious the seasons are changing. It’s kind of inevitable, isn’t it? Sometimes change is terrific, like this beautiful spring that’s come …
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By Jim Martin
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5/7/26
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This week, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous verdict in First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. Davenport to protect crisis pregnancy centers in New Jersey who had been targeted by the …
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By Jason Smith
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5/7/26
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To the editor:
I see Jason Smith is still singing and dancing for Supreme Leader. Every week District 8’s Congressman picks up some musical instrument and plays from the same stale playlist. …
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5/7/26
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Medicare was created as a promise to every American who spent decades working and paying into the system so that when the time came, they could get the care they needed. Today, that promise is under …
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By Jason Smith | U.S. Congressman
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4/30/26
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To the editor:
The Perry County Saddle Club needs a pat on the back for putting on such a great Mule Show on Saturday.
If you missed it, you sure missed an afternoon of seeing what some …
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4/30/26
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From the first singsong prayers of childhood to the fervent pleas of hurting hearts, I learned how to talk to God from examples all around me.
It started as a toddler. Jesus loved me, this I …
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By Robin Garrison Leach
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4/23/26
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I’ve always said the most rewarding thing about being elected to represent the people of southeast and south-central Missouri is being able to fight for people whose needs are being ignored by …
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By Jason Smith | U.S. Congressman
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4/23/26
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Dear Editor
In 1 Corinthians, Paul warns us gently but seriously to avoid influences that could lead us away from the truth. “Do not be deceived. Bad company ruins good morals,” he counsels. …
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4/23/26
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Sitting here in the beautiful spring breeze under the River Tree, the old codger finds himself thinking about just how amazing—and just how screwed up—this world is these days. He’s written …
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Jim Martin | Columnist
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4/23/26
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I have plenty to worry about. One of my ears sticks out farther than the other. I get my kids’ and grandkids’ names mixed up with long-dead relatives. If gas gets any more expensive, I will be …
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By Robin Leach | Columnist
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4/16/26
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Dear Editor
Oh, for the love of God, Jason Smith. I had to wince at most of your April 9 contribution because if I pat myself on the back that hard, I’d dislocate my shoulder. You, sir, …
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4/16/26
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Dear Editor
The rhetorical ying-yang between Paul Flentge and I reminds me of the class discussions I was lucky enough to monitor. In a classroom setting, a student will often offer a …
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4/16/26
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As the 2026 tax season wraps up on April 15, new data shows millions of Americans have greatly benefited from the Working Families Tax Cuts. Thanks to this landmark legislation, which I authored, …
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Jason Smith | U.S. Congressman
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4/16/26
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Man, what a morning here under the River Tree. The birds are chirpin’. The breeze wafts through the greening branches, and the old codger can’t help but reminisce. Hey, that’s just what old …
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By Jim Martin | Columnist
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4/16/26
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Dear Editor
When we elect our government officials, from the local mayor to the president of the country, they represent us. Of course, we hope they will govern according to our wishes. But …
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4/9/26
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Dear Editor
It seems controversy still continues with our local hospital to some degree. Frequently, the “bigger picture” can be lost in ongoing debate and contention. I, for one, …
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4/9/26
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