Opinion

It didn’t used to feel like this. Somewhere along the way, the ability to disagree without destroying one another slipped through our fingers.

Dear Editor, We are a group of concerned citizens, some of whom live in Clay County and some of whom live in the City of Mosby. We have attended several Mosby public hearings and regularly scheduled council meetings wherein the topic of the annexation of the additional 89 acres to be leased to Ideker Inc. by David Rhodus and family has been discussed. It is well known the Rhodus family intends to lease these 89 acres to Ideker Inc. for quarry operations.

As I near the end of my second term as Chief Justice, I would like to share the incredible journey I’ve had visiting all 46 judicial circuits in Missouri over the past two years. My statewide tour was one of the most meaningful experiences of my career, aimed at showing appreciation to the hardworking court staff who keep our judicial system running smoothly every day. These individuals often work behind the scenes and don’t receive proper appreciation. They are at the forefront of addressing many challenges facing our local communities and work diligently to help address these issues. Their contributions are vital to serving the people of our state.

It’s funny how connection works. You can go looking for it in all the obvious places – shared interests, family ties, long-held friendships – and come up empty. Then, out of nowhere, it can surprise you. It can spark over something ridiculous, like a niche reality show, and leave you wondering how we ever thought the connection would need to be forced to begin with.

I used to think the definition of a small town was simple: it was all about population. Growing up in Excelsior Springs, it felt obvious.

Most of us will never know what someone else is carrying. We walk past each other in the store or cross paths at work.

We say it all the time – be kind. We write it on bumper stickers, hang it on classroom walls and post it on social media with pastel backgrounds and pretty fonts.

The house has been too quiet this week. No heavy paws shuffling down the hallway.

Dear Editor, I am writing to urge you and the public to condemn President Trump’s cuts to important programs like Head Start. The main problem I have with such cuts is that they offer no alternative to what would otherwise be a perfectly acceptable policy or program.

My mom has always been the toughest person I know. She embodies resilience in a way that goes beyond the typical no-nonsense strength of mothers; there’s a fierce determination in her spirit that’s truly inspiring. When she shares tales from her past, it’s easy to believe her when she says she used to play rugby. That gritty sport was more than a pastime for her—it was a fierce passion that ignited her zest for life. The bruises she carried weren’t just marks of battle; they were badges of honor, symbols of her unyielding spirit. Each story she tells about the matches, the camaraderie and the victories paints a vibrant picture of her youthful adventures, adding a splash of color to my childhood memories and shaping the way I view strength and resilience.