This column is prompted by a question from a long-time statehouse observer as to why Missouri's legislature has become so divided. My answer involved the number of changes in the statehouse over … more

Prior to the 1900s, house finches couldn’t be found in this area. Now the problem isn’t seeing them here – it’s identifying them. This is the time of year when many people … more

Concerned parent My name is Rex Groves, and I am a very concerned yet aggravated parent of two children in the Fair Play school district.  First of all, the school and the staff members … more

This column isn’t about beer goggles, but let’s start there. Just in case you’ve never worn them or heard the term, here’s a quick definition. “Beer goggles” … more

A recent New York Times article about U.S. Supreme Court edits of wording mistakes reminded me about how Missouri's Supreme Court has dealt with legislative mistakes. The New York Times story … more

The best legacy I can leave When MBC tried to take over all of SBU’s land, buildings, equipment and tell excellent teachers what and how to teach, it just didn’t seem right. … more

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s ongoing search for Chronic Wasting Disease is once again in the news as hunters prepare for opening weekend of the November firearms deer … more

I may not go deer hunting this season. I don’t really need the meat. I’m content to eat mostly beef, pork and chicken. Deer hunting is not truly part of my heritage. I didn’t … more

I write this column about Todd Akin hoping it provides readers a better perspective about journalists and public officials, but also that it might encourage politicians and public officials to be … more

One of the most significant annual events for Ozarks wildlife is something humans hardly notice. We all know what acorns are, but it’s of little concern to us when these seeds of oak trees … more