Basic training

Fifty-five years ago today, Dec. 4, is a day that will be lodged in my mind forever. It’s the day I arrived at Fort Polk, La., to begin basic training for the 95th Division Army Reserve unit in Shawnee.I had signed up for a six-year stint in the Reserve unit on March 7 of that year.

Town Talk

It’s time for this year’s Parks Brothers “Santa Paws and Pals.” Come get your picture taken with your favorite pet and enjoy some delicious refreshments. The event will take place on Saturday, December 6th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Parks Brothers Funeral Home is located at 504 North 8th Avenue.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day 2025 is upon us. As I began to write this, I was still clueless as to what may or may not take place on this day.But, I learned on Saturday, that we will have our grandson Liam and our son-in-law Terry with us for Thanksgiving Day and dinner.

Town Talk

To quote the prolific Paul Harvey, here is the rest of the story. I told you about Paul Mercer being honored on Veteran’s Day at the OKC Thunder game. Well, it turned out to be more of an honor than I even understood. Paul was chosen as the Thunder’s “Hero of the Game.

Mother

If my biological mother were still alive, she would be 104 years old. My wife Pat and I were visiting about that the other day.From time to time I’ve written in this column about my birth mother Mary.

Frisbee gets more time

The Prague Assistant Police Chief who faces 26 total charges of physical child sexual and physical abuse against minors has continued to enter a not guilty plea with additional time for further pleading.

Editorial

Lincoln County commissioners took a step several years ago to allow discussion and interaction with the public on most any agenda item.During a special meeting, they voted 2-1 to establish a policy where the public can interact with them on any issue on the agenda with a couple of exceptions.

Veterans Day

Several people have inquired recently if I’ve been quail hunting yet this year. The season just opened last Saturday and my response has been the same to each one of them that I didn’t open the season and I’m not sure I am going to get to go this season since I have cancer.

Town Talk

The Phillips 66 sign that sat behind OnCue for so long finally has a new home, the corner of Route 66 and Highway 99. When OnCue remodeled they took the sign down and decided not to put it up again.

Veterans Day

Next Tuesday, this nation will celebrate what I think is one of the greatest holidays of the year, Veterans Day.I know I will take some time that day to pause, think about and honor all the brave men and women who have served this country.