Parenting is tough. Watching them struggle can be gut wrenching. Many wise parents realize the importance of allowing our kids to struggle when the costs are small. But, it becomes really difficult …
By now, you have probably seen the results of the spring elections––specifically the local school district referendums. (We had the results in last week’s edition of the Inter-County Leader, …
At the end of March, I went on a road trip with my mom and two-year-old daughter. Our main destination was Kansas City, as the attraction that inspired the entire trip was a children’s museum there …
When settlers first move into an area, they have to be quite self-sufficient. There is no one to rely on for their food, clothing, shelter or protection except themselves. They also have to deal with …
Some situations require us to handle something a bit unexpected, and this week’s questions both apply:
Last week, we thought we would leave our little place in Casa de los Soles. If you’ve read my column, you know about this place my husband, Peter, and I stay in while in Mexico. The …
Mesmerized, I paused in the warm, South Carolina sunshine to watch a kettle of turkey vultures circle lazily, their wings tracing the invisible movements of air. From a nearby tree line came the …
The air was cool, but not crisp as a small group of loon researchers gathered in the morning light outside the villas at Devil’s Fork State Park on Lake Jocassee in South Carolina. “There’s a …
I had a really good ice cream cone this week. I suppose this does not qualify as news, but I try not to eat too much ice cream, and I don’t usually keep ice cream in my freezer because I have …
One of the biggest challenges parents and educators face today isn’t simply helping children succeed—it’s helping them believe that their success actually belongs to them. Many children, …
The Cumberland Police Department proudly launched its K9 program in 2025, made possible through the generous support and fundraising efforts of our community. The unit consists of K9 Kilo and his …
Loons bobbed on the early morning ripples as our pontoon boat sped across the open waters of Lake Jocassee, South Carolina. “First loon!” someone exclaimed gleefully, but otherwise we ignored …
I have become the treat lady again. Depending on where I’m walking, I either carry dog treats or I don’t. I used to carry them all the time, but when we moved to the city, I stopped carrying …
I was sitting on the train, headed down to Chicago on Friday, when several bits of troubling news came across my cell phone. America’s largest local television station owner, Nexstar, got …
Both of this week’s questions tackle the awkwardness that can arise without a clear rulebook everyone is following. In both situations, bringing some curiosity can help find clarity.
I was eight years old when Santa Claus brought our family a box of 64 Crayola crayons. 64! Never had I seen that many colors of crayons! We probably each also received a coloring book with that …
Yesterday, I saw a woman trip on the pavement. She immediately turned to her husband and started to complain. I couldn’t hear all she was saying, but I was thinking there was really no point …
After watching Canada jays, red squirrels, and boreal chickadees stuff their bellies with peanut butter at the Admiral Road feeders in Sax-Zim Bog, my family and I wandered over to the Friends of …
Parenting is a tough job! As the saying goes, “Kids do NOT come with manuals.” It is typical to overthink our parenting strategies, focus on our shortcomings and second guess our parenting …
The American Red Cross Northwest Wisconsin Chapter has named Nicole “Nikki” Carter of Polk County its Community Impact Hero for 2026, recognizing her leadership of the Luck Community Secret Santa …