Why I give a damn — newspapers

Why I give a damn — newspapers

You would be amazed — or maybe not — on the amount of times I hear this comment, or one just like it: “You still work at a newspaper?” That comment is usually spoken in a solemn, apologetic manner, like the speaker wanted to console me on the loss of something near and dear to […]

License panhandlers & more #16toVote

License panhandlers & more #16toVote

As the cold weather gives way to warm, gentle breezes of spring, and if you’re planning on leaving the ruralness of our communities for a metropolitan area, chances are you’ll be hit up for a few bucks. People in tattered clothing, sad faces and dirty hands will ask you to “help” them. Rightly or wrongly, […]

No foolin’ it’s already the 1st week in April

No foolin’ it’s already the 1st week in April

As the last two days of March, 2019 faded away into the annals of history, many of us in these parts were none to happy with the weather. This weekend’s downturn in temperature with the added bonus of about an inch of snow kinda’ dampened our spirits. I’m here to testify, I am like you. […]

And then they wanted 16 year olds to vote.

And then they wanted 16 year olds to vote.

Let’s see, where do I start? (To answer my own question, I reckon the beginning is always a good place.) Well, when I was a lad of oh 15 or 16 I always had these grandiose, Pollyanna ideas. Thought I then, the young pimpled-faced, shaggy-haired Don: I could run for President of These Here United […]

When the boys grow to young men

When the boys grow to young men

Interesting (at least to me) . . . saw both of my sons this past weekend. I picked up Shamus, 21, at his apartment and drove him to see his brother, Sean, who turned 19 on St. Patrick’s Day. They are both as tall or taller than yours truly. Both have facial hair and deep, […]

Without local journalism Democracy dies in the darkness

Without local journalism Democracy dies in the darkness

So, it was about 8:45 this past Sunday night and I was getting ready to get some shut-eye before the beginning of the work week. It felt kinda’ weird to be going to bed, it was still relatively light outside and geeze, it only felt like it was 7:45 (stupid Spring Forward Daylight Savings Time). […]

You say poonch-key, I say paczki so let’s try something new.

You say poonch-key, I say paczki so let’s try something new.

Yup, it started off as a simple enough task. Make up an ad for Clarkston grocery story, Neiman’s Family Market promoting their “made from scratch” Fat Tuesday special. It’s a wonderful Polish tradition marking the last day to indulge before Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season, and I was pumped. Said I to Mr. Nate […]

Weather or not and more on Mr. Sherman

Weather or not and more on Mr. Sherman

I don’t know who comes up with inclement weather names, but I am making a call for him or her to cut it out. STOP IT, already (or call me so I can come up with more betterer names). So, we survived the so-called “Bomb Cyclone” this past weekend, and I am still not sure […]

Yup. We lost a good one in Mr. Sherman

Yup. We lost a good one in Mr. Sherman

It is not new news, and therefore not news, that Big Jim Sherman, longtime publisher passed away this past weekend. And, though my heart is a tad heavy, it was time. I think his mind finally convinced his body it was time to move on, to find his way to his beloved wife, Hazel. Peace […]

Don’s ‘Word of the Year’ (2019)

Don’s ‘Word of the Year’ (2019)

It’s kinda hard to believe we are already into the second month of the year 2019. Usually by this time of the year, I have already reneged on at last one of my yearly goals. As January played out, however, I was preyed upon by stomach issues (stupid flu bug) and super duper cold, below […]