Opinion

This past Sunday started the Liturgical Christmas Season. Sorry to burst your bubble, but Black Friday is not the official start of Christmas, no matter what Walmart says. No, this past Sunday was the start of the pre-Christmas Season, or Advent. It is during Advent that we look to the Bible to see what to expect. During these next four weeks we actually look into the Old Testament to find out what is coming. Yes, the Old Testament...

Sunday, Dec. 1 opened the New Year for the Church with Advent, the four week season of repentance and anticipation of the birth of the long-prophesied and promised Messiah, which was first mentioned, many believers hold, when the earth was new, and Adam and Eve were put in that perfect Garden to be God’s obedient people, yet they sinned, distrusted their Creator...

To the editor: I appreciated John Stanard’s recent letter. He did leave out the zip line from the radio tower over the new police facility, across Shelby Road and the frog farm, landing at the new Cajun restaurant for a plate of fresh frog legs. Now on to the matter at hand...

When Presiding Circuit Judge Michael Pritchett announced his sentence Tuesday in the case of John Franklin Mullins, it was only after what he described as careful consideration. Pritchett said he could only sentence Mullins on the charge he pleaded guilty to, not the remaining counts that were dismissed by the state as part of the plea agreement or the evidence of his propensity to commit sexual-related crimes against children...

A few years ago, I was in Montreal sightseeing while my husband volunteered to work at a Formula One race. We rented dorm rooms at Magill University. Our stay included breakfast, cafeteria-style. Joe had to be at the track very early and I ate breakfast later. One of these mornings, I shared my table with some ladies from Ontario. They were in Montreal for sightseeing, also...

To the editor: I recently heard our U.S. representative from Southeast Missouri, Jason Smith, call the impeachment hearings into President Trump a political witch hunt. I will use this sentence again later. It is wrong for any president to involve another country in our elections. After the first two days of testimony, it is clear that President Trump did this. What is worse … much, much, worse … is that every odd thing President Trump does, benefits our arch enemy, RUSSIA...

A few years ago, I was in Montreal sightseeing while my husband volunteered to work at a Formula One race. We rented dorm rooms at Magill University. Our stay included breakfast, cafeteria-style. Joe had to be at the track very early and I ate breakfast later. One of these mornings, I shared my table with some ladies from Ontario. They were in Montreal for sightseeing, also...

There are a lot of topics that I considered when preparing for this column, but I feel that the greatest topic is heaven. Not the place itself, but the way to heaven. In John Chapter 14, and Verse 6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me.”

As we observe the Thanksgiving holiday, it is a good time to reflect on the origin of this uniquely American tradition. It all starts with the Mayflower, the ship that brought the English pilgrims to the new world. My ancestor, John Billington, happened to be one of the passengers. ...

There are a lot of myths about our Thanksgiving holiday, from the clothing choices of the Pilgrims to the annual presidential pardon of a lucky turkey. Washington Post writer Valerie Strauss laid them out in 2016. The Pilgrims didn’t wear buckles on their shoes. There was a harvest feast in 1621 shared by the Pilgrims, the Wampanoag Indians and Squanto, but historians have said turkey and pumpkin pie likely weren’t on the menu...

There are a lot of topics that I considered when preparing for this column, but I feel that the greatest topic is heaven. Not the place itself, but the way to heaven. In John Chapter 14, and Verse 6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me.”...

Last Friday, students, parents and staff of Poplar Bluff High School had a bad scare. A student came forward to report what they believed was a gun magazine in the possession of another student. School officials acted, holding students in their classrooms until members of Poplar Bluff Police Department determined it was safe. Officers responded immediately and were able to determine the items reported were a cigarette lighter and headphones...

To the editor: Facebook reveals at P.B. council Nov. 4 that I requested unanimous consent to speak on a matter just about to be voted on. Not one of the legitimate seven objected, but an UNCOUTH dude usurped the authority of the gavel and told me TWICE to be seated...

While the Left wishes it wasn’t the case, the facts remain the same: President Trump did nothing wrong. Since the facts don’t create a reason to impeach the president, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Chairman Adam Schiff are now using the most desperate tactics to keep their endgame alive. ...

“And Jesus answering, saith unto them, Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22 KJV 1611 How do we know what Jesus said? The Bible was first written in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. What if it had never been translated into English? When you first heard what Jesus did to save you, you could read or listen to all kinds of things about him: his Parable of Talents, his Sermon on the Mount, healing the blind and the sick, walking on water, even raising Lazarus from the dead...

Letter appreciated Yes I’m calling in response to the letter to the editor that John Stanard wrote. I just want to say that I agree with him totally, not that it matters because I’m nobody important. But at least you had two city councilmen that had a little common sense, and the next thing is I think that was one of the funniest things that I have ever read. ...

A recent poll conducted in conjunction with the Associated Press found that regardless of political belief, 47% of Americans believe it’s difficult to know if the information they encounter is true. Nearly two-thirds said they often come across one-sided information and about 6 in 10 said they regularly see conflicting reports about the same set of facts from different sources...

We were all shocked and saddened with the recent news out of northwest Mexico. Nine Americans, including women and children, were brutally murdered. These heinous acts are just another example of the widespread violence and lawlessness that has overspread much of Mexico, including areas along the border with the United States...

To the Editor: You may recall the recent letter to the editor in which I urged the city council to buy only the four acres needed for a new police station and not the entire 60-some-odd acres of marginal land offered by First Missouri State Bank. With council members Ed DeGaris and Robert Smith voting “no,” the other five members – Ron Black, Steve Davis, Shane Cornman, Barbara Horton and Lisa Parson – bought the farm, so to speak...

The Poplar Bluff Veterans’ Council will host its annual program at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Veterans Wall in front of the Black River Coliseum. It is an event that is usually well attended by veterans and their families. A 21 Gun Salute and Taps are performed by the SEMO Veterans Honor Guard, and veterans speak about their service and love of country...

Francis Bernard Catanzaro, my college roommate’s father, was a World War II veteran and served with the 41st Division in the Southwest Pacific. He was a kind and gentle man. Mr. Catanzaro’s passions included his gracious wife, Jayne, and their three children, scenery photography made while on family vacations, and landscape and flower gardening. ...

The Poplar Bluff Veterans’ Council will host its annual program at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Veterans Wall in front of the Black River Coliseum. It is an event that is usually well attended by veterans and their families. A 21 Gun Salute and Taps are performed by the SEMO Veterans Honor Guard, and veterans speak about their service and love of country...

November is always a month of transition for me. My Smoked Meat stand closes at the local Farmer’s Market, which eventually leads to my life slowing down. I am getting my pastoral tasks and duties finalized from the summer and autumn and I start planning things for next year. New ministries and opportunities to make a difference roll around in my head and make their way to “My Notes App” on my phone. Discussions with people wiser than me begin...

Well, it has been talked about, argued about, discussed about and the people of Poplar Bluff spoke their piece about the purchase of 58 acres of land on Shelby Lane for the location of the new Poplar Bluff Police Department. I never personally attended one meeting regarding this, rather I chose to sit at home and watch the unfolding on YouTube...

The Poplar Bluff Police Department is one of the most highly regarded small town agencies in the state. This did not happen overnight or by chance. It is the result of superb leadership within the department, city administrators and extremely dedicated and talented personnel...

Sometimes as Christians we tend to stray away from conflict. We tell ourselves that “God’s got this” and “I’ll pray about this situation,” and “God will handle it.” It’s not that we’re scared, but as children of God, we practice love. We are even taught that love is the answer to everything, and I still believe this.

It has now been more than 15 years since my oldest daughter Johanna left home to attend a Christian liberal-arts college. Early in her college career she took a class for students who were interested in ministry.

There is a strong sentiment in our communities for support of American troops and recognition of our veterans, and rightly so. The sacrifices they have made to protect and preserve our freedoms should be held in the utmost regard. Which is why it is odd that one of the freedoms they fought to preserve for us — the right to vote — is not used by so many of us...

Dear Editor, This letter is A Tale of Two City Projects, with apologies to Charles Dickens for such an awful pun. PROJECT NUMBER ONE: Poplar Bluff taxpayers deserve a new, purpose-built City Hall. They’ve not had one since 1982, when the city abandoned the long-antiquated red brick structure built in 1902 on the southwest corner of South Broadway and Cedar streets...

Dear Editor, For decades now, one of the chief ends of leftists is to force out any concept of spirituality or recognition of a sovereign Creator from the public sector. They broadcast that any mention of God or faith in public is offensive and politically incorrect. ...

It looks right. It smells right. What more can I ask of a library in addition to all it already gives me? A big book sale! No matter where I am, I seek the nearest library, hoping I have stumbled upon the regular sale or the perpetual sale. Over the years I have acquired a number of books, most of which I have rarely paid full price unless the books were a gift for someone...

Gun control did not become politically acceptable until the Gun Control Act of 1968 signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The law’s primary focus was to regulate commerce in firearms by prohibiting interstate firearms transfers except among licensed manufacturers, dealers and importers. ...

Sunday morning, President Trump announced that the world’s worst terrorist, the head of the ISIS caliphate who had raped an American woman, had received justice. About to be captured and carried off in a helicopter by U.S. special forces, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi blew himself up with an explosive vest in a compound in northwest Syria. The long search for the sadist and fanatic had ended in triumph. No U.S. troops were lost...

Poplar Bluff Mayor Robert Smith and Mayor pro tem Steve Davis both held public forums Thursday. They told the public they wanted to listen. They had to know from the beginning, what many people would hear is, “tell me what I’m doing wrong.” It takes character to stand in front of a room of people, knowing you won’t have all the answers, and certainly not all the answers they want to hear...

Dear Editor, NOTES ON THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY NIGHT PLEASE WATCH THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON YOUTUBE I HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY DESIGNATED AN “ANGRY LITTLE MAN” BY THE CITY Why am I angry? The City Council is going to purchase 58 ACRES OF PRIME RETAIL PROPERTY FOR A MILLION DOLLARS!! That property should be used to generate commercial gain for the city through taxes and fees by businesses locating there...

To the person who identified herself as a Dexter teacher at (a Friday) football game: You showed zero class on Friday night. All the spectators - students and adults - learned a lesson from you and that is how not to behave. Your rude behavior is exactly what this country needs less of. ...

[mail] Dear Speak Out, people complained about four people deciding where the city hall was to be built. Yet, they are letting one person say where the police station should be located. Something is wrong with this picture. Thank you DAR for your articles covering the council. Am sure it helped getting people to go to the meeting that changed the vote...

Last week, U.S. Attorney General William Barr told a University of Notre Dame Law School audience that attacks on religious liberty have contributed to a moral decline that’s in part manifested by increases in suicides, mental illness and drug addiction. ...

“Russia Assumes Mantle of Supreme Power Broker in the Middle East,” proclaimed Britain’s Telegraph. The article began: “Russia’s status as the undisputed power-broker in the Middle East was cemented as Vladimir Putin continued a triumphant tour of capitals traditionally allied to the US.”...

One good opportunity deserves another and I have certainly been privileged to experience two grand history tours recently. I took a walking tour of Main Street in Danville, Virginia. Danville, population a little over 42,000 and an independent city under Virginia law, sits on the Dan River...

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Letter from Birmingham Jail on April 16, 1963 “A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice.” – Sermon in Selma, Alabama on March 8, 1965 These are the words of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and these two quotes were also shared by LeBron James on Twitter to celebrate MLK Day in January of last year. ...

Dear Editor, A bright early fall day awaited the area Veterans Honor Tour last week (Sept. 27). Thirty veterans and 20 some leaders and guardians made the three-day trip. They represented all branches of the military from Poplar Bluff and several towns in SEMO, including Greenville, Bloomfield, Malden and Wardell. ...

Reply to letter to the Editor: Recently, Tyler Travers, a Poplar Bluff area resident now working in the state Capitol, wrote a letter to the editor urging voters in Southeast Missouri to vote for any other candidate besides me. He lambasted my decision to run as a conservative Republican and my intentions to join with like-minded conservatives in the Senate. ...

In Friday’s edition, we featured women from our area who are battling or who have battled breast cancer. No two stories are the same. Retired teacher Laura Clark of Poplar Bluff said, “I always assumed since no one in my family had breast cancer, I wouldn’t have it. I was home free for almost eight decades.”...

Recently on 10/07/19, a local candidate for state senate, Eddy Justice, declared in the Missouri Times that he would proudly be a member of the "Conservative Caucus" in the Missouri Senate. I was born and raised in Poplar Bluff and for the past year I have been working in the state Capitol. I have seen firsthand that the Conservative Caucus is the worst thing affecting Missouri state government today...

What Speaker Pelosi and her progressive pals are doing in the halls of our U.S. Capitol seems to defy even Ruth Bader Ginsburg's most liberal interpretation of the Constitution and laws of the United States. Our Founders crafted the remedy of impeachment for serious situations and provided instructions for how that process would happen. ...

There is a bible verse that says "the love of money is the root of all evil." A lot of people get this wrong - they think it says money itself is evil. But money is not evil, just the love of it. Money is a valuable resource, and like you I'm careful where I spend it. For instance, I would prefer to pay more money and buy goods manufactured in the USA than to buy them from the enemy!...

Dear Editor, After reading Attorney Robert Smith’s letter to the editor in the Oct. 5, 2019, edition of the Daily American Republic, I felt it was necessary to clear up some of the information he provided in his letter. First, he states the cost of the new city hall and police station is $17 million. That amount was an estimate. The council and I believe it will be less than that. In fact, if it is not, I do not think the city council will move forward with the project until the cost is reduced...

A California utility has taken more than a little heat this week for its decision to cut off power to large numbers of customers. It was a preemptive strike, they said, against the danger of wildfires from broken power lines as high winds and dry weather created an increased risk...