Friday night is a special night for Iola and Humboldt high school football fans, one that should have stands in the two towns filled to the brim.The Mustangs and Cubs have broken quickly from the…

Fall festivals didn’t originate in our neck of the woods, but a legion of folks who care enough to give their very best have made local ones top-rung events.We have three major festivals remaining, starting…

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…