Columns

For the best pheasant hunting in America, you must travel to Mitchell, South Dakota

November 21, 2024 Charles Biggs

MITCHELL, South Dakota – South Dakota is the best state in the union to hunt pheasants. I did not know that until I visited here during pheasant season. I am not a pheasant hunter but you can’t escape the enthusiasm for this sport when you come to South Dakota in the fall. In fact, the…

Navigating the Sands of Change – is retirement in your near future

November 14, 2024 Travis Jones

Navigating the Sands of Change – Is Retirement in Your Near Future Whether you find yourself in the sandwich generation or navigating other distinct circumstances, retirement readiness is on the mind of people at all ages. Your retirement plan is a readiness ‘life plan” and should be every bit as unique as you are. There…

There’s no better place than the great state of Oklahoma

November 14, 2024 Charles Biggs

I was born in Tulsa on November 16, 1953 – exactly 46 years after Oklahoma became a state on November 16, 1907. I tell people I was born on statehood day but I am quick to point out that I was born on the anniversary of statehood, not in 1907. I love this state. I…

The most dangerous profession is being a U.S. President!

November 7, 2024 Dr. Marcus O. Durham Rosemary Durham

[Looking at history and our area’s unique political and religious attitudes.] What is the most dangerous profession? The statistics are amazing. What job has a one-in-five chance of severe injury or death? With the exception of John F. Kennedy, all presidential assassinations and attempts have been against Republicans. Since the first assassination of Republican Lincoln,…

Social Security Matters: Why does the government raid Social Security?

November 7, 2024 AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor

Dear Rusty: The Social Security program is funded by employees and their employers. The federal government does not contribute to the program, right? So why does the federal government feel they have the right to raid the fund? All the money sent to Ukraine and other unnecessary programs could have been used to pay back…

Ageless insights for leaders – inspiring quotes for your life

November 7, 2024 Travis Jones

Years ago, I began collecting quotes from people that spoke into my life. I wanted to share a few that are worth repeating. We need leadership in the world today, as has been true since creation. These quotes come from people that are not flawless, but examples of much needed leadership thoughts. John Maxwell –…

America owes a great debt to our military servicemen

November 7, 2024 Charles Biggs

November 11 is Veterans Day, an important day to remember for all Americans. Memorial Day is another public holiday that celebrates military service. Memorial Day is to remember those brave Americans who died in military service. Veterans Day is for all of those who served. Armed Forces Day in May honors those who currently serve….

Bonhoeffer lived his life and talents effectively, do we?

October 31, 2024 Dr. Marcus O. Durham Rosemary Durham

[Looking at history and our area’s unique political and religious attitudes.] Dietrich Bonhoeffer. What sense does the name evoke? Who is he? Do you know his family? Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was born in Breslau, Germany (now Wroclaw, Poland) with a twin sister Sabine. Their father was a professor of neurology and psychiatry, who opposed the Fuehrer’s…

Social Security Matters About taxation of Social Security benefits

October 31, 2024 AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Russell Gloor

Dear Rusty: I am past my Social Security full retirement age, and I am still working. I am married and we file our income tax jointly. My husband is 64 and is not working now, but he may, or may not, be able to work in the next year or so. At what point will…

Every life tells a story: Here is my Faith Journey

October 31, 2024 Travis Jones

My salvation story beautifully illustrates God’s faithfulness throughout my life. It all began with my parents, who met while studying in Dallas, Texas—my mother at the Dallas Bible Institute and my father at Dallas Theological Seminary. I made my debut at my father’s graduation from DTS in 1951, just four days old. As the second…