A fresh slate. New ink. It’s always exciting to start a new year with the paper. This year looks to be quite eventful. We have an April election, so we’ll have features on candidates throughout the region. The audit in Kennett should be wrapping up soon...

I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Everyday in grade school, the first thing every morning, we all stood beside our desks and said the Pledge of Allegiance...

For the second year in a row, we have had an incident at a high school basketball tournament in Gideon. Not good, but unfortunately, not isolated or rare. Students throw furniture, turn over desks, shout insults, and even threaten violence towards teachers, support staff, and classmates...

Americans are fortunate. Even with wars all around the globe, clashing politics, poverty, and crazy weather we are fortunate. Truly, there is more goodness than evil in the world. People just seem to gravitate towards the bad. Famed newscaster Walter Cronkite once said, people generally lack interest in cats that don't get lost...

In the past week I've seen a lot of columns, articles, editorials, etc., on gratitude. It's that time of year to reflect on your blessings. I've written many columns on gratitude, myself, in the past. This year, I thought I'd list a few things I'm not grateful for...

When should you decorate for Christmas? This debate has been happening for decades. My wife will not allow Christmas music or holiday decorations/tree until the day after Thanksgiving. She picks the one day I'm worn out from eating a massive meal and watching football...

Trivia Night Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com Last night I participated in Trivia Night at the Bistro. The event was a fundraiser for Three Rivers College and a good time was had by all. Well, mostly... After eight years of playing, my team came in dead last...

This past week I've spent a lot of time with our area veterans. I always walk away from these visits with a profound sense of gratitude. The courage and sacrifice these men and women exhibit is remarkable and humbling. A little history on this day we honor those who served follows...

Election Day is finally upon us. In what appears to be one of the tightest presidential races ever it's important to cast your ballot. Get out and vote. Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities we have as U.S. citizens. As important as it is many don't exercise that right...

On Thursday night the DDD honored the Difference Makers. We celebrated those in our communities that go above and beyond to serve. I'd like to thank all that attended and supported our inaugural event. Mayor Jake Crafton shared on the importance of volunteering...

The DDD Difference Makers Banquet is finally here. This coming Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Opera House in Kennett, we will honor unique individuals who go above and beyond for their communities. You nominated them over the last few weeks and Thursday we’ll celebrate their dedication to our area...

Grief. It comes with a myriad of emotions. Some get through it fairly easily, and others struggle with it for quite some time. There are those unfortunates who never recover from it. Grief has been defined as the normal response to a major loss, such as the death of a loved one...

Through the years I have had many close relationships with pastors, ministers, and preachers. They have helped me through many dark periods of my life. One in particular stands out. Gene Cogburn. He was a grizzled Church of Christ preacher from Texas who had traveled to Northern Illinois to help a struggling little church...

Besides the fellowship, my favorite part of the Delta Fair is the food. I love fair food. I’ve been to fairs all over the country and I’ve always loved the food. One of my favorite items at the Wisconsin fairs are cream puffs. They’re as big as your head and overflowing with cream filling...

I love fair week. The Delta Fair is that magical place where you get to see friends you haven’t seen all year. It’s true. I run into folks I hardly ever see, except at the fair. I get to listen to good music and eat some good ole fair food. Yes, I love the fair and I believe it’s needed now more than ever...

Are you superstitious? If you read my column you’ll know that I consider myself mildly superstitious. I’ll avoid walking under ladders. I’ll knock on wood, and I’m not too thrilled if I break a mirror. This afternoon I jumped a curb to avoid a black cat crossing the street...

I’ve always liked my name but I know many that do not. My son, in fact, does not like his name. A person’s name has meaning. The study of names is called onomastics. I looked up the meaning of my name, Jeffrey, and discovered it is of English origins...

Pressure. A feeling of stress or anxiety because you have too much to do or because people are depending on you for something. Have you ever felt that? Sure you have. Some of us more than others, but all have felt stressed at one time or another. Here are few tips the experts say will help reduce that stress...

I receive a lot of news items working for a newspaper. I also read many newspapers, local and national. I’m beginning to see articles again encouraging implementing a universal basic income. Some claim that UBI, a taxpayer-funded minimum monthly payment would reduce poverty and inequality...

August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley died at his Graceland mansion in Memphis. August 15, 1977, I was at his Graceland mansion in Memphis. My family and I were on vacation visiting relatives in Memphis. That always included a trip to Graceland. We stayed about an hour, talking with other fans, hoping Elvis would come down to the gates...

Who’s the sheriff? That’s the million dollar question following Tuesday’s election after the miscount of votes. I know there are many questions being asked and rumors spreading throughout the County. How did this happen? How do you miss an entire box of ballots?...

It’s that time again. Time to vote. Every election cycle I encourage all to get out and vote. Especially, our local elections. Your vote will have a much larger depth in a local community, so if you research the candidates, you can cast your vote and make a difference to elect the people you want to serve you...

This week I had the opportunity to spend some time with the 2024 Dunklin County Farm Family. Congratulations to the Emmons family. Dwight and Kim Emmons, along with their children, Kristen and Kade, are a fine family and represent this noble profession well...

The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday, although shocking at first, didn’t really surprise me. I’ve thought for awhile now it would be just a matter of time before someone took a shot at one of the candidates. So, what happens now?...

Biden Should Pass The Torch. Biden Should Dropout. Biden Under Pressure to Step Aside. These are just a few of the nation’s headlines this morning. After a disastrous performance during the recent presidential debate, followed by a lackluster interview on ABC, wrapped up by an underwhelming presser on Thursday night, it seems most want Biden to go...

I said goodbye to another good friend this week. With the passing of Carl Williams I lost a friend who enjoyed the art of conversation. We had a bunch of them, Carl and I. A majority of them centered around the history of Kennett. In fact, with Keith Mitchell, Sol Astrachan, and now, Carl, all gone, we’ve lost quite a few of our local historians...

On Thursday night the Kennett Rotary Club held their Officers Installation Dinner. It was a wonderful time of good fellowship and looking towards our community’s future. A civic club is an organized group that comes to help the community. Most also have a national or international cause...

Last week I shared my thoughts on revitalizing our community. This week we’ll examine a few strategies that could help. The key to regaining that small town pride and community camaraderie is connections. Before everything became digital the town connected via sidewalks to a variety of centers...

There’s a lot of talk around town regarding the new rental property inspection ordinance. Some landlords are upset, and some tenants are struggling with it as well. We’re told by the council that the objective of the ordinance is to ensure safe dwellings for the occupant...

Home. How do you define home? Is it a single dwelling that you come to every day? Is it a neighborhood? Is it an entire town? For me it’s all of the above, and I expect that’s true for a lot of us. The old saying holds true, home is where the heart is...

I love being outside, therefore, I love summer. To be clear, I love being outside, but in my swing, listening to music or reading a book, or anything other than yard work. Here are a few of my summertime favorites. The warm weather. I said warm, not Mojave Desert hot...

As we pause this weekend and remember our veterans who gave all, I’d like to share a little bit of history regarding a song about the nation these brave souls fought for. God Bless America. The song was written by famed composer, Irving Berlin. “It’s not a patriotic song,” said Berlin, “but an expression of gratitude for what this country has done for its citizens, of what home really means.”...

I’d like to give a shout out to my friend Kevin Swain. Kevin has an animal rescue service named Possum Holler. He is a licensed nuisance animal control agent. For me, this week he was right up there with another favorite agent of mine, 007 James Bond...

American values have changed over the course of time. No big secret there. America was founded on a set of beliefs such as, liberty, free speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of assembly, among others. Self reliance was important. You can’t be truly free if you cannot take care of yourself...

I attended the Annual Chamber of Commerce banquet on Thursday evening. This year’s event was, without a doubt, a success. Everything was right on point, from the food, to the theme, to the speaker, and award recipients. Although it was Chamber Executive Director Christian Johnson’s first banquet he knocked it out of the park...

Who could ever harm a child? The thought is unimaginable. Yet it happens frequently, and in some cases by parents and family members. Child abuse is defined as subjecting a child to harm (whether physical, emotional, or sexual) through ill-treatment, neglect, or deprivation...

They used to be everywhere. Little grocery stores peppered the landscape of towns across America. Every neighborhood had one. My family owned a small grocery store in Hayti in the late seventies. We were one of many. We not only sold groceries, but a little bit of everything...

Worrying is addictive. I truly believe that, and like any addiction it can be deadly. Being nervous is a double-edged sword. In some cases it can lead to wise caution or strategic thinking, but it can also give us pointless paranoia, endlessly fretting about things outside of our influence...

It’s finally here. The Eclipse weekend is upon us. I must admit I’m looking forward to all the entertainment and events that will surround this phenomenon, however, I’m not really that excited about the eclipse itself. For those of you that are, wonderful, enjoy the dark moment...

A few weeks ago I presented a column featuring funny excuses kids come up with for missing school. It was a huge hit. I had many calls, texts, and emails from readers stating how much they enjoyed it. Here’s another go at our children as they comment on church services...

For many years my day started with high-fives and hugs. That’s right. Smiling faces and shouts of good morning greeted me when I entered my job. I worked in and managed Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRF) for the developmentally disabled. It was a special time in my life, filled with experiences I’ll never forget...

There’s a lot of talk on social media about the poor health inspections some of our local restaurants have received. A few observations and a little opinion follows. First off, I didn’t quite understand all the uproar due to the fact that those inspection reports have been available to the public for years on the Dunklin County Health Department’s website under the environmental health section...

I hate wind. Let me clarify. I hate storms with high winds. Lightning? Thunder? Heavy Rain? Bring it on. I’ll sleep like a baby, but, wind, especially the threat of tornados, puts me on high alert. It borders on a phobia some say. I don’t know where this fear came from. Maybe the twister scene from the Wizard of Oz as a child...

There’s a lot of talk about gender nowadays. What is a woman? How many genders are there? Some say there are 57. Wow! As far as differences between the male and female species I’m not confused at all. We are different. Here are a few of those differences I’ve noticed through the years...

As the Dunklin County Museum undergoes a makeover and fresh paint job, I recall visiting it a few times when I first moved back to the area. One of the displays that fascinated me was a wall mounted gigantic fish. It looked like something straight out of Jurassic Park...

Remember the classic tv series “Kids Say the Darnedest Things? What a great show. You really never know what’s going to come out of their mouths. One group that can attest to this is teachers. They hear it all. Some of the funniest things they encounter are excuses for absences...

Every so often you’ll hear discussions centered around a third party. Would it be helpful or harmful? Are Americans ready for a third party? At times it appears so. A recent Pew Research Center survey found the share of voters with an unfavorable view of both political parties has risen from six percent in 1994 to 27 percent today...

Phobias. Everybody has them. The word phobia comes from the Greek and translates as fear. Many call them irrational fears. Snakes, rats, and heights. Those are mine, and they’re not irrational to me. In fact they’re just a few of the most common phobias along with spiders and flying...

I have made some wonderful friends since moving to Kennett. Some of those friends, unfortunately, have passed on. One of those friends, Gib Ennis, wrote a column for the newspaper called The Answer Man. An editor is asked many questions from his readers...

I get angry about late mail. Ask any of my family and they'll tell you it’s one of my pet peeves. I received a Christmas card last week that was mailed from a friend in northern Illinois on December 18. December 18! I like and support our local mail carriers. I think they do a wonderful job when the mail gets here...

I didn’t get much sleep during the early morning hours on Friday. Between the thunder and lightning, and my little dog whining because of the thunder and lightning, it was a toss and turn evening. Weather lore states: thunder in January means snow in ten days...

A fresh slate. New ink. It’s always exciting to start a new year with the paper. This year looks to be quite eventful. It’s an election year, so we’ll have features on candidates throughout the region. The 2024 presidential election is shaping up to be quite controversial...

I so enjoy looking at old issues of our newspaper. As time goes by, so many segments of our lives change. They evolve. One thing that has remained a constant is this newspaper. This week I’d like to share with you portions of the editorial printed in the first edition of The Dunklin Democrat, a name change from the original Kennett Clipper...

I like Christmas music. I actually could listen to it all year long. It would be vey hard to pick a favorite, but if pressed on the subject, I’d have to say it would be “White Christmas.” That song sure evokes the Christmas spirit in me. Since it’s debut in 1942 as the Academy Award winner for best original song it has become a staple during the holiday season...

Christmas carols, brightly wrapped gifts, holiday get-togethers, hot chocolate and visits from Santa. It certainly is a festive time of year. However, there are those that are not feeling so merry. The stress of the holiday season may bring feelings of sadness and depression for some...

I had the pleasure of attending two special events this week. One celebrated our amazing senior center, and the other celebrated our community and the holiday season. The OAKS Nutrition Center recognized fifty years of service to our area seniors. What a wonderful facility we have, where our senior citizens can gather to eat and fellowship...

I was told a few years back by a police official that petty crime was the prevalent problem in Kennett. Petty crime defined as burglary, theft, and drugs. The problem with that is petty crime leads to much bigger problems. Far too often we take for granted that because there is less crime in small towns, crime is not a problem for people living there...

The Thanksgiving meal is over. The turkey has been picked clean. Black Friday shoppers are recouping from the battles they’ve endured in department stores. There’s no doubt about it. We’re in it now. It’s in full swing. It’s the holiday season. Christmas time...

Being the editor of the local newspaper affords me great opportunities to delve into the history of our people and our county. I particularly enjoy writing articles that spotlight events from the past. At this moment I’m in the process of writing a history of Oak Ridge Cemetery in Kennett...

This week I’ve been to many events honoring our veterans. I’ve heard many stories and met quite a few of our local heroes. We thank them for their service. I find some veterans don’t like being thanked for their service because they feel they were just doing their duty...

On Thursday I was reminded how important it is to be grateful. Too often I take things for granted that are so important in my life. Gratitude is a powerful force and one of the essential parts in creating happiness. Appreciate the little things in life...

As many of you know, I enjoy walks down memory lane. I have recently found myself identifying with with “Vacation” films character, Clark Griswold. The particular scene I refer to occurs in the family attic as he tearfully watches old family movies...

People like choices. That seems to be the consensus surrounding the city-wide single service sanitation issue. Although only a handful attend council meetings, the voices around the social media posts and restaurant chatter seem to indicate this. So much has been said about this subject that I really don’t know what to add...

“I’m tired,” she thinks. She folds a shirt while sitting on the couch, then crosses over to the hospital bed that has taken up residency in the living room. She gazes down at her husband who has taken ill in his senior years. He sleeps peacefully and she is grateful...

I’m not big on social media. Not really fond of smartphones, either. I think they’ve destroyed family time and good conversation. However, I realize in today’s society they are a necessary evil. But at what age do they become necessary? A recent study by the American Psychiatric Association states that the number of teens with clinical level depression doubled between 2011 and 2020...

The Delta Fair. Summer’s last hurrah. Fall is here, but summer is giving us one last party. Check out those temps this past week, and of course it’s final party, the fair. I spent a few nights out there assisting at the Rotary booth and taking pics for the paper...

Trash is once again at the forefront of discussion around town. The proposal for CLGW to provide trash services has sparked much debate throughout the community. The phone calls and emails I’ve received seem to be against it. Many have stated the community was not involved in this decision...

As the Delta Fair fast approaches I anxiously anticipate my foray into the food delights that await. I love fair food and I’ve had my fair share of it over the years. No pun intended. I once attended a county fair with work friends and their families...

This weekend kicks off a string of fall festivals and community events. Fall Into Arts, the Kennett Kruisers car show, Crossroads exhibit and Author’s Fair at the Kennett Branch of the Dunklin County Library, and Clarkton’s Purple Hull Pea Festival, all culminate this weekend...

Be prepared. The old motto from the Boy Scouts rings especially true now. September is National Preparedness Month. Since September 11, 2001, the U.S. Government has taken steps to encourage all citizens to make their own survival preparations. This year’s theme is “Preparing Older Adults” highlighting key challenges seniors can face when it comes to preparedness...

They say that confession is good for the soul. I’ve decided to test that theory. What follows are a few of my most private moments. Some are embarrassing, however, hopefully they’ll be cathartic. Here we go. When I’m grilling I occasionally pretend to be on a cooking show...

Fall sports are just around the corner. Once again communities will gather to cheer on their local teams. It doesn’t matter your race, religion, or political party preferences, on game day we’re all best friends with anyone wearing the same colors. Such is the power of sports...

I’ve always enjoyed politics. I enjoy interviewing politicians. I enjoy debates. For the last few years, however, some of the joy has left me when it comes to our nation’s leaders. There is so much division, as well as, remarks fueled with hatred, that it has become increasingly upsetting to follow...

These past couple of weeks I’ve been around a lot of farmers. Congrats once again to the Jackson family of Senath for being named the Dunklin County Farm Family of the Year. Daniel and Megan Jackson, along with their daughters, Sawyer and Carlee, are a fine family and will represent this noble profession well...

The dictionary defines litterbug as a person who carelessly drops litter in a public place. We’ve got a litterbug problem. It may even be considered an epidemic, if littering were a disease. Looking at it does make some of us sick. Why do we see so much trash in yards and in the streets than we did decades ago?...

Tuesday was a day of celebration in Kennett. For the first time in quite awhile we welcomed new industry to our town. There are many reasons I’m happy to see Cim-Tek Filtration arrive in our community. For one, it’s very nice to see an empty factory being utilized once more...

I love old folks. I enjoy conversations with senior citizens. They’re a wealth of knowledge and many have a great sense of humor. Here are some tidbits of wisdom I’ve heard throughout the years from our elders. As long as it is physically possible, visit places you wish to visit...

We have a lot of serious issues demanding our attention. Streets need fixing. Drugs are easily available in our neighborhoods and community members are dying from overdoses. Budgets are controversial and we struggle at times to provide basic services...

Anyone who reads my column regularly knows I am patriotic. I’m also a history buff. I was one of those kids who read encyclopedias. As we approach the 4th of July holiday I thought I would share a few fun facts about Independence Day. The Statue of Liberty is America’s symbol of freedom. The tablet she is holding has the date July 4, 1776 engraved on it...

The sunshine and heat have returned. Summer is no longer a distant dream, but don’t let it turn into a nightmare. Before we dive into summer fun, let’s remember that clear skies can turn dark with all kinds of danger. Summer is the season that typically sees an increase in accidents related to outdoor activities...

Miracle of miracles, Kennett has a budget and it’s in the black! Is it really a modern day miracle? No, it’s a lot of hard work and long nights. Thanks to the council, the mayor, and committee members that worked those long hours. A deep expression of gratitude to all...

It seems as my parents and relatives grow older, our conversations center more and more on the past. Family members who have passed away. Businesses and restaurants that are no longer open. The music and the movies of our youth. Simpler times, no doubt...

Oh how I love oxymorons. An oxymoron refers to a word, phrase, or use of language that seems to directly contradict itself. Example: honest politician. Just kidding. I’m sure they exist. Probably resides in a good value time share. See how it works?...

As we honor our military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day, I’d like to share a favorite poem. The writer of the poem is anonymous but I’ve always enjoyed this and I hope you will as well. What is a veteran? A veteran is a person who fell in love with their country, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health...

I enjoy good conversation. I especially like it when it involves a cup of coffee. However, it seems most of my conversations now are on a cellphone. It seems more and more, in every facet of my daily life, automation is taking over and stealing that good one on one interaction...

“I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Everyday in grade school, the first thing every morning, we all stood beside our desks and said the Pledge of Allegiance...

As Mothers Day fast approaches I always like to pay tribute to this wonderful group. The role of a mother has changed quite a bit throughout the years. Gone are the days of June Cleaver vacuuming in a dress and heels that personified mothers in the fifties...

This past week I was invited to speak at the Malden Lions club. It was an enjoyable afternoon with some fine community members. As a member of the Kennett Rotary Club, I enjoy meeting with other civic organizations and exchanging ideas on service projects...

From time to time I like to go back in the paper archives and read old articles and editorials. A good friend of mine brought me a copy of an editorial this week that originally ran in the DDD on November 29, 1989. It seems like they were dealing with some of the same issues concerning hometown pride that we are today...

I’m writing this column from my desk in my office at home. I’m writing from home because I have COVID. I managed to stay clear of it all through the pandemic. I wore masks, and was vaccinated, but here we are. Right now I’m extremely tired, and have a terrific cough, which results in dizziness like I’ve been on the tilt-a-whirl for hours...

Over the last couple of months I’ve had the opportunity to speak with some of the area candidates in Kennett. It has been enlightening to say the least. You couldn’t ask for a more diverse group. We discussed many topics and I thoroughly enjoyed the conversations...

The municipal election will be held this upcoming Tuesday, April 4, 2023. I encourage all to head to the polls. Voting is one of the most important rights and duty you and I have as American citizens. I find no greater satisfaction than going into the voting booth and exercising my right to choose those who I think will best serve us...

In a few days we’ll have a new mayor in Kennett. This isn’t an easy job and the mayor will be faced with many challenges. The mayor’s job is a big one, and hopefully, everyone in our community realizes this. I believe Kennett is at a tipping point and our leadership can either help push this town over the hill of issues, or pull it back down...

I’m Irish. I have a little Dutch in there as well. I’m also superstitious. Very superstitious. Looking into my Irish heritage I believe it’s genetic. We Irish are a lot of things. We love to sing. We love our food. Every once in awhile we like to have a little brawl, usually among family and friends...

My wife and I had dinner at my parents last week. A friend called earlier in the day and told me to enjoy the meal that stirs memories. She was right. That meal did stir memories. The kitchen table was the place to be in my family. We had our meals around it...

It’s been refreshing, to say the least, to see council and committee meetings being well attended by the public. Interest in our community seems to be on the rise, a trend I hope continues. I also hope to see transparency with our local government become the rule, not the exception...

When John Dalton addressed the Kennett City Council this week he hit on recent issues the City of Kennett has been dealing with. We’ve definitely had some embarrassments lately. He spoke on utilizing the expertise and advice of our city attorney, Terry McVey...

I have a good marriage. I have a really, good marriage.

This week I performed for the Wednesday Music Club. What a great afternoon. I paid tribute to the classic Vegas entertainers, such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, among others. I sang the songs from the American Song Book. The standards...

We must keep our children safe. Bottom line. It has to be the priority. In light of the recent events at Kennett High School, I researched multiple websites regarding school safety. The top concerns across the board were bullying, cyberbullying, emergency planning, infectious diseases and public health, as well as, mental health...

I so enjoy looking at old issues of our newspaper. As time goes by, so many segments of our lives change. They evolve. One thing that has remained a constant is this newspaper. This week I’d like to share with you portions of the editorial printed in the first edition of The Dunklin Democrat, a name change from the original Kennett Clipper...

Today is National One-liner Day. A one-liner is a funny remark or joke told in one sentence, for example, in a play or comedy show. I love one-liners. Henny Youngman, a classic comedian of yesteryear, fashioned a whole career around one-liners. Here are few that I enjoy...

Insomnia. That word can send shivers down your spine. Anyone who struggles with it can attest to that. I never had trouble falling asleep. Never. I also, admittedly, didn’t really have the level of compassion I should have for those who did suffer with it...

Transparency. Every election we hear about it. More transparency is always promised. Sounds good, but the follow through is weak. With 20 of the last 22 council meetings ending with a closed session it’s apparent that transparency is not a priority...

Do you have favorite holidays? I guess mine would be Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day, although Halloween is right up there too. I feel a little guilty not saying Easter, after all, it celebrates our savior’s resurrection. I was wondering who else we should honor with a holiday...

With my mother being the youngest of eight, I’ve spent a lot of time in nursing homes and assisted facilities. I’ve seen the wonderful programs and events the activity directors implement. I’ve watched the tireless dedication of volunteers who give of their time to spend part of their day with the elderly...

Whether you believe in big government or want to shrink government, I’m sure you’ll agree that government should be transparent. Openness in government has always been supported by the public, which is why Missouri and other states have laws requiring decisions be made at public meetings through an open meeting law as well as publication requirements of government business...

Tragedies happen throughout our lives. Some of the most heart wrenching moments of our lives occur when death takes a loved one. These times are extremely difficult. But when sudden death takes two public servants within days of each other it is especially tragic...

I like Christmas music. I actually could listen to it all year long. It would be vey hard to pick a favorite, but if pressed on the subject, I’d have to say it would be “White Christmas.” That song sure evokes the Christmas spirit in me. Since it’s debut in 1942 as the Academy Award winner for best original song it has become a staple during the holiday season...

I always enjoyed those few minutes with Andy Rooney at the end of the 60 Minutes television show. Agree or disagree with his politics, you have to admit the man was witty. Rooney passed away in November of 2011 at the age of 92, a month after his final broadcast...

Once again we find ourselves as a community with several issues to deal with. Issues that will involve more than one local agency/department. The hydrants, the trash, the hospital. All of these issues will demand cooperation between our local leaders...

Gone are the days when a nine to five job paid all the bills and put food on the table. Out of control inflation has destroyed the eight hour work day. According to Insuranks, a small business insurance marketplace, 93 percent of adults have a side hustle or are working a second job...

Whether we realize it or not, colors touch much of our everyday life. First, we choose colors for our cars. What about the color of our phone cases? Too bad fluorescent use can’t be under the color to help us find this essential, the same with my TV remote...

“There is nothing in this world that has as much power as a word.” - Emily Dickinson We all learn that sentiment at an early age. From the harsh words of a bully, to the “I love you’s” from a parent, the expressions of the tongue can either have a negative or positive effect on us...

Possums. Never been big on them. My dear friend, JoNell Minton, actually has a bit of a phobia towards them. I can understand that to some extent. They do resemble a big rat as they scurry across the road at night. Our little dog, Molley, cornered one in our backyard this week, so I got an up close and personal look at these nocturnal creatures...

Through the years I have had many close relationships with pastors, ministers, and preachers. They have helped me through many dark periods of my life. One in particular stands out. Gene Cogburn. He was a grizzled Church of Christ preacher from Texas who had traveled to Northern Illinois to help a struggling little church...

Next month voters will go to the polls to elect leaders at the state, local, and federal levels. Are you ready? Over the next few months leading up to the spring election, the Delta Dunklin Democrat will publish pre-election articles detailing candidates and their various positions...

I am not a big fan of social media. I’ll admit it’s a good source for sharing family photos or favorite recipes, but too many people rely on these sites for important information. A recent survey of 3,000 social media users by the group CouponBirds revealed the extent to which social media influences people’s financial decisions...

The Delta Fair arrives Tuesday and I can’t wait. Partly because of the games and the rides. Partly because of the music, but mostly because of the food. I love Fair food! Where else can you get a fried Oreo cookie? I usually start off with a large corn dog. That’s my base...

I don’t like to cuss, but sometimes, like Huckleberry Finn, you’ve just got to go off somewhere and let a few fly. There are situations we go through that just deserve a good cussing or putdown. Here are few classic insults that aren’t used anymore that I wish would return in popularity. I’ve followed these with the original definition pulled from old dictionaries...

My first introduction to Mark Littell was through a phone call. An article written about the alleged demise of Kennett, titled A Dying Town, had been published in an issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education. I had written a rebuttal to that article in the DDD spotlighting the positives of our area...

If you’ve read my columns through the years you’ll know that I’m patriotic. I love my country. I love the people that fought for this country. I also love our flag. I was reading an article this week where the author stated the American flag disgusted him. As I got deeper into the article it was plain he also hated America...

I’d like to share this again with you because it made such an impact on me. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you realize the significance of gratitude. I never really understood how vitally important gratitude is for a healthy life. In fact I always dreaded the traditional Thanksgiving prayer where everyone holds hands and proclaims what they’re grateful for...

Have you ever been angry? Sure you have. Have you ever been angry for a week? I realized Thursday night that I’ve been carrying around some level of anger all week. I can’t have that, so I began to determine the cause of it. Some of it is misplaced. Some of it is grief hidden in anger...

A pillar is defined as a tall, solid structure that is usually used to support part of a building. A pillar of the community is defined as a person who is a chief supporter of a society, state, institution, community. Synonyms include supporter, leader, worthy, rock...

“What can I do to help?” It’s an important question that we all should be asking. Volunteering is definitely in decline. According to numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, volunteering has been in a steady decline since 2003. The BLS figures indicate a number of trends...

College Debt Forgiveness. Climate Change. Abortion. These are some of the issues the Biden administration have been focused on. A lot of money and time are funneled into these matters. If we’re going to spend enormous amounts of money on social issues I’d like to suggest one that you don’t seem to hear so much about...

Murphy’s Law states, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong,” and at the worst possible time. That law has caused me many headaches through the years. It holds particular true with fashion. This is one thing my wife and I both agree on. I thought I’d list a few of our Murphy’s Law of Fashion scenarios...

Deliberations from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS - from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS - from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS - from Dorris

DELIBERATIONS from Dorris

This will be the final column I’ll write for the DDD. I have decided to embark on another adventure and will be leaving the newspaper effective October 1. I can’t possibly express the joy I’ve had as editor of the DDD. The opportunities it has afforded me are immeasurable...

The Delta Fair is returning and I couldn’t be more excited. After missing out on the fair last year due to the pandemic, this fair week is anticipated to be one of the most attended ever. I love the fair. The sights, the sounds, and the smells. The fair always brings back such wonderful memories...

I’ve always preferred living in a small town. There’s a certain charm about it. The downtown square, the neighborhoods, and usually, multiple generations of the same families living close to another. It’s a true community. Sometimes you really do want to go where everybody knows your name...

The twentieth anniversary of 9/11 is upon us, but in many ways it seems like yesterday. We all remember where we were when we heard the terrible news. My teenaged daughter burst into my bedroom with the unbelievable announcement of, “We’re under attack!”...

On Thursday night I attended the Farm Bureau Association of Dunklin County’s Annual meeting at the Kennett Country Club. Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe was the featured speaker and of course he spoke on farming. It started me thinking about my relatives and the history of farming in my family...

I continue to be more than disappointed with this administration and the direction our country is heading. A few recent examples: Afghanistan Epic failure. Monumental disaster. And folks, let’s not make this all political and stand by our respective parties...

I have spent hours writing on the hospital project. I have spoke to representatives on both sides of the aisle on the hospital project, those for and those against. I have expressed my personal desire to see some action taken concerning the progression of the hospital project...

To say it’s been hot is an understatement. Summertime in the south can be brutal. I’ve been a lot of places where the temperature rises high. I’ve spent time in triple digit heat in the deserts of Nevada, but until you’ve experienced bootheel humidity, you don’t know what hot is...

This week I took my mother to Washington University in St. Louis for a medical procedure. She has been in pain for months and underwent a session of radiation treatment called the gamma knife procedure. It appears to have been successful. As I looked at all the other patients and families dealing with chronic pain and other debilitating illnesses I was reminded of the significance of gratitude...

I’ve spent a lot of time this year reading about Missouri and celebrating our bicentennial. One man continues to fascinate me. Harry Truman. He’s considered the last common man to occupy the White House. He’s certainly different than those presidents who have followed him in regards to celebrity like status...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com I like weddings. I enjoy everything about them. Watching the new couple take their vows, visiting with friends and family at the reception, and of course, the wedding cake. Everyone wishes the newlyweds good luck. I guess that’s why there are so many traditions connected with weddings...

I’ve been on a kick lately complaining about our government. For me, there’s a lot to complain about. While living in Northern Illinois my wife banned me from listening to talk radio. She was convinced it was the source of my high blood pressure problem...

The journey to bring a hospital back to Kennett has been a tumultuous one to say the least. Last Tuesday’s council meeting was a prime example of just how rocky this endeavor has been. It does appear there are two camps in the city, one supporting the Billionaires Funding Group hospital project, and the other, more than ready to seek out other options...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com Even though we are far from being united, America is celebrating a birthday, and that’s cause for a celebration. Our nation is 245 years old. Happy Birthday America. These days we Americans don’t agree on much, but there are still some things I hope we can all love about our country...

It never seems to go smooth for me when I’m driving in St. Louis. Truth be told, I’m out of practice from driving in a city on a daily basis. When it’s time to take my mother to her doctor’s appointment at Washington University Hospital, I gear up for it like I’m gong into battle...

I meet a lot of people in my business. I learn something from everyone of them. My friend, Keith Mitchell, taught me quite a few lessons. The biggest lesson I learned from him was the act of selflessness. He was the prime example. As a fellow Rotarian he lived our motto of service before self...

I like visiting the cemetery. Some don’t and that’s okay. It gives me peace to go and be where my people rest. Memories come flooding back and yes, sometimes I even talk to the graves of my loved ones. I especially like walking through the cemetery during this time of year when the numerous graves of veterans are adorned with American flags...

As we continue to celebrate Missouri’s bicentennial here a few fun facts about our state. Eight different states border Missouri. Can you name them? Missouri was named after a tribe of Sioux Indians called the Missouris. It’s often mistranslated as “muddy water”, however the word actually means “town of the large canoes.”...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com We lost Keith Mitchell this week. It still seems surreal to me. Keith was one of the first to welcome me when I moved to Kennett. We had many wonderful conversations and I will miss him beyond measure. I’ll miss his entrances...

I back the Blue, so this is no way a bashing of our local police departments. This is just a column on what some small rural police departments have implemented to become more efficient with rural policing issues. Most small town police departments will tell you the trifecta of problems they face are recruiting, retention, and budgets...

It appears that the future will belong to small businesses for local communities. Older residents will remember when all our area downtowns were peppered with dozens of businesses and were the retail centers in our towns. That all went away. It’s not just our area. The trends are national...

Male 45 years old, difficulty breathing. Female, unresponsive. Infant bit by dog. These are just a few examples of the many 911 calls throughout Dunklin County on any given day. As I look at these emergency calls I am overwhelmed by the need for a local hospital to contend with these urgent calls...

I spent a lot of time at the hospital last week due to my mother being ill. You wait a lot in hospitals. You wait in-between procedures. You wait for the results of the procedures. There’s a lot of time to kill. I like to read while I wait. You can learn a lot...

Another busy week in the DDD newsroom. Quite a bit was going on. It’s election time again. It’s always enjoyable for me to meet and interview local candidates. They all have varying ideas on how to improve our towns and schools. One common theme they all share is the spirit of community...

With department stores across the nation closing at an increased rate, I began thinking of all my adventures, or should I say misadventures, shopping with my wife. My wife can shop. In fact if they handed out recognition awards for shopping she’d have a black belt...

Rural crime continues to rise in America. In fact in 2018 the violent crime rate in rural areas climbed above the national average for the first time in 10 years. With the recent multiple shootings and violent crime we’ve experienced the increase in our area...

I listened to President Biden on Thursday night and unfortunately, I found the tone of the speech divisive. Disappointing to say the least. I began reflecting on the events of the past year, the Capitol stormed, Klansmen in Charlottesville, Minneapolis burned, and thugs turning Portland into an anarchist state, and realized that these events are not disconnected...

Needless to say there’s a lot of news to talk about this week. So many news item and just one column. Where to begin? I suppose I could begin with the Malden pastor who managed to offend so many people with his sermon directed towards women that the video went viral...

Since the shootings at the Kennett American Legion occurred, I have been inundated with phone calls, emails and texts concerning the incident. Almost all of them involve blame. Who’s to blame? Citizens are demanding answers. There’s a lot of finger pointing going on folks, but I’m here to tell you that blaming is not the answer...

I usually write on all things local, but the news across our nation has caught my attention and I feel the need to share my thoughts. First, the winter storm. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the folks in Texas. I’m not concerned, at this moment, who’s to blame for the power grid issues, but believe me there’s a lot of blame to go around...

Voltaire once wrote, common sense is not so common. Amen. It becomes more apparent everyday just how much society is lacking in good old common sense. After asking a few of my friends and searching on the web I have compiled a few examples concerning this vital subject...

I love music. I love a variety of music genres. In fact, I made my living for many years in the music business. Music makes me happy. Music relaxes me. It stirs up memories and it unifies people. Looking back at our history, it always has. To say we continue to struggle with race relations is an understatement, but music has always brought us together...

The longer I am married, the more apparent it becomes, that I am very dependent on my wife. I was single for quite awhile before I married Holly and got along vey nicely. I lived outside of a large city in a nice little community. There was an old victorian style house that had been made into apartments...

A few days into the new administration and it seems the nation is in a perpetual time loop. Still arguing, still posturing, and still divided. It is obvious that even with Donald Trump gone from office, the flames of division are still being stoked by pursuing his impeachment...

Politics. There’s a lot I could say about our politicians right now, but in honor of Missouri’s Bicentennial year, I believe I’ll let one of our own native son’s do the talking. Here’s some timeless wisdom from Mark Twain. Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com I heard lots of comments this week regarding the assault on our nation’s Capitol. “I can’t believe this!” “How could this happen?” “I never thought I’d see the day!” Really? Ray Charles could have seen this coming. This pot’s been percolating for weeks...

At the end of the year we all tend to look back on the year and reflect. There will be many top ten lists and celebrations leading up to the dawning of 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic will of course be the winner for biggest news story of the year. I’d like to take this time to share with you the things that gave me the greatest joy this year, followed by those that most annoyed me...

I enjoy Christmas very much. I have, through the years, maintained my child-like enthusiasm for the holiday. Even as an adult when old Saint Nick put a hole in my pocketbook. I still enjoy Christmas. However the last few years of political correctness have hindered thoughts of peace on earth and goodwill towards men...

Dreams have always been a popular topic of discussion. Martin Luther King had a dream in his historical speech to the nation. Songs are written about dreams. Dreams are used in advertising and countless books have been written on the subject. There are also many types of dreams...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com With all that is going on in the world at this time, I believe we all need a good laugh. Reader’s Digest magazine always featured a Laughter is the Best Medicine section. I also believe we should be able to laugh at ourselves...

I haven’t had a column that centered around the COVID pandemic in awhile. Mostly because I’m sick of hearing about it. However, this week I ran across a list of the top things people miss due to the pandemic restrictions. Hugs were on the list. I relate to that...

I am currently writing this in a turkey/mashed potato infused fog. I have stated before that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It’s a time to reflect, count our blessings and work on our gratitude. Of course, it’s also a time to eat. A lot. I enjoy all my favorite comfort foods laid out in front of me in one big gorgeous buffet...

As Thanksgiving draws near I always like to share my thoughts on gratitude. Here’s a column I ran last year on gratitude. I’d like to share this again waith you because it made such an impact on me. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you realize the significance of gratitude...

“I pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Everyday in grade school, the first thing every morning, we all stood beside our desks and said the Pledge of Allegiance...

Days past the election and we’re still counting votes. It looks like it could be weeks before it all settles and we have our 46th president. In 2020 vote tabulation shouldn’t be this difficult. But what did we expect? It’s 2020. The year that brought us the pandemic, wildfires, hurricanes, violent protests, and then James Bond died!...

Since the advent of COVID-19 we are spending a great deal of time online. We work, buy, and of course, socialize there. That’s all well and good but the time we are spending on social media has gained the attention of scammers. Scams starting on social media, and the amount of money lost, are skyrocketing...

The debates are over. We’ve watched the candidates discuss the issues and defend their positions. We are now in the final stretch of what is arguably the most important election we’ve had in quite awhile. It was reported that when President Trump left the debate stage, he headed for the plane and stated, “Let’s finish it.”...

Every year at this time we print a special section devoted to breast cancer awareness. Every year I meet a variety of people who have fought this disease and share their stories of inspiration and hope. It’s an emotional section to write. We focus on breast cancer in October but in actuality all those diagnosed with any form of cancer experience the same feeling...

I enjoy a local paper. I always have. I still read three or four papers a day. I’m not so fond of the big city papers anymore. I briefly scan the headlines in metropolitan newspapers in Chicago, St. Louis, or New York. The small local papers, that’s what I enjoy...

Was it a debate or a circus? What I watched Tuesday night certainly wasn’t a debate, on the other hand to call it a circus might be insulting to that group of performers. I was disappointed to say the least. It was hard to watch as moderator Chris Wallace went from a deer in the headlights stare to actually pleading with the candidates to be quiet...

We hear every day of more cancellations of events, more schools turning to virtual education, and of course, the constant ongoing arguments concerning safety protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But perhaps one of the saddest casualties through all of this is our seniors...

This weeks marks my fourth anniversary with the Delta Dunklin Democrat. My how time flies. I just wanted to take a minute to thank all of you who have made my time here so enjoyable. I have met so many wonderful people in the communities that make up Dunklin County...

I love conversations. I love having them. I love small talk. I have a friend who hates them, especially while watching a sporting event on television. I’ve heard on more than one occasion the phrase, “There is way too much chit chat going on during this game.”...

As we enter into another Labor Day weekend I began to reflect on the origin of the holiday and what it means in today’s society. Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers...

As I listened to Governor Parson address the FCC Behavioral Health staff earlier this week, two topics stuck with me. First the desperate need for continued expanding broadband service and telemedicine availability to rural communities. COVID-19 has very few positives if any, but bringing awareness of this topic to the forefront may be one...

As the pandemic continues our new norms seem to be settling in place. Mask wearing, social distancing, and virtual communication has become commonplace. I don’t get the same eerie feeling when I’m in a store and everywhere I look someone has a mask on...