The Hope for a Positive Spark from Will McDaniel

Will's Friends Honoring his life at Bob Anderson Stadium

Suicide is something our society speaks of softly.  We don’t reach out to help those who need us, when they need us most. 

I hope there is a spark being set tonight to change that unfortunate fact.  Will McDaniel will be sorely missed and many are left pondering the question with no answer……why?  I wish I had answers to help others prevent such action in the future, but maybe this can be the positive outcome of Will’s life.

I stood in amazement and wonder tonight as I watched hundreds of Neosho Youth stand on the gridiron – that was Will’s stage for so many years – in honor of him and his life.  These young people gathered in a classy show of respect and remembrance.  They all knelt in prayer and recited scripture, as they sought an inner peace so difficult for them to grab on this dark night.

The kids placed a respectful large “24”, in luminaries across the stands of Bob Anderson Stadium, in Will’s honor.  I wish Will could have seen the impact he had on so many.

I hope the sparks, used to light the luminaries, burn into a much larger fire and that is the fire of compassion, love, and friendship.  I have seen many tragedies, like this first hand, and they are never easy; each with their own circumstance and story.  But, this is a time of opportunity; a time to make Will’s Legacy be one of teaching and healing.

I hope everyone can take a moment and talk openly about what has transpired and educate themselves on “being there” for others.  So often we go about our lives in a hustle and bustle, with little regard for others and what troubles they may be facing.  People in our society, who seek help for such thoughts are often labeled and looked down upon.  This is wrong and must stop.

We have lost a treasured part of Neosho’s future today, but as I watched this huge throng of kids coming together as one – I realized we have a great chance to solve a long standing wrong in America.  That is the wrong of not caring more for our fellow man. 

I hope each of these kids thinks of Will and the greatness he brought to their lives and then they keep a piece of the extreme pain they feel today for his loss.  I hope that pain drives them to ensure no one, in their lives, will ever be in a position to feel they need to seek this form of escape.

It does not matter “why”, it matters we come together – as these great loving kids did – as one and tell all people we love them. 

"The Joplin Tornado" is really "THE Tornado", to our neighbors.

17th and Rangeline - I took this early on May 23rd

After Hurricane Katrina, in 2005, news reports spoke of people who had been forgotten by their Government and how they were isolated.  Later, we all learned these reports were exaggerated and generally misreported, but the memory etched into our minds illustrates the power of media.

I would like to tell a story about the absence of media and what it means to our neighbors.  This is going to seem strange, but this story is about the “Joplin Tornado of May 22, 2011”.  I know you are thinking to yourself….Steve is crazy, because there was no absence of media – everyone in the World knows about the “Joplin Tornado”.  Well, you are correct and you are also sadly mistaken.  What?

You see, the World does know about the “Joplin” Tornado, but what has been forgotten is OUR neighbors.  Nearly 200 Newton County residents have sought disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  Two Hundred Families!  In a “normal” disaster that would be a significant number; however, this disaster was not in any way “normal”.

As I write this Editorial, it has been nearly 5 weeks since the most deadly American Tornado in 60 years and one of the most widely reported by our technologically overloaded society.  However, today I was speaking to a friend, Sherry Dodson.  Sherry used to be a police officer with me in Neosho and at one time she lived on Marten Road, in rural Diamond, Mo. Today, Sherry lives in Sedalia, Mo.  

For those of you familiar with the area, Sherry lived in the nice quaint house immediately north of the KAMO Power substation.  Sherry asked how things were in the area and how the recovery was going.  I told her how lucky the new occupants of her old home were and she was confused.  She asked what I meant.  I explained the tornado barely missed her old house.  She thought I was crazy and then I realized, she did not know how bad it really was.  No one knows.  This is the story of the people forgotten in all of the World wide media coverage.

In no way do I minimize the loss of life in Joplin, I lived it first hand.  I personally lost a friend and several acquaintances, shy of losing my home or my family – I know the real pain of the Tornado and what it did, better than most anyone. 

However, it is unfortunate it’s being called The “Joplin” Tornado.  Why?  Because, it went for miles across Newton County emotionally chewing up people’s life long possessions and their homes.   Places where Newton Countians had lived for generations were destroyed, as if the Big Bad Wolf had come calling and their homes were made from straw.

Take a drive from the area of Highway FF and Jaguar Road, across the lesser known meandering terrain conquered by this beast and you will discover addresses ranging along Jaguar, Aspen, Kodiak, Marten, Beech, and Lark Roads – then continuing across Missouri Highway 59 Just North of Diamond to Pelican, Cherry, Quail, and Raven Roads.  This was not the “Joplin” tornado to the people along these roads, this was “THE” tornado.  It affected our neighbors as horrifically as the better reported and much better known start of the storm. 

Newton County residents lost their homes and all their belongings, just like so many unfortunate souls a few miles to the North, along an imaginary line making the difference between two counties. 

As your prepare to volunteer or send money for the worthy relief efforts, which will be ongoing for months and most likely years, please don’t forget the unknown victims of this tragedy.  If you are able, drive some of the roads, I have mentioned, and stop to ask if the farmers or homeowners need help cleaning up their lives – ask what we can do to make them whole again.  They need us, every bit as much as the others affected need us, so please join with me in lending a hand and showing the victims of “THE Tornado” our Love and Support.

***Columnist’s Note: a detailed map of the damage area in Newton County from this storm and a secondary storm affecting the Wentworth Area, maybe found by visiting the following web site sponsored by the National Weather Service:   http://www.crh.noaa.gov/sgf/?n=event_2011may22_summary

Hale McGinty was the Mayor of Piney Point

"Mayor" McGinty

United States Vice President Hubert Humphrey once said. “Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts.  It's what you do with what you have left.”  This type of positive attitude exemplified my friend, Hale McGinty.  Hale passed away Saturday, May 14, 2011.

As news spread of Hale’s passing, I have heard and seen many stories in the news about what a great person and businessman Hale was.  There have been many reports about the awesome things he did for the Neosho School District.  How he was Neosho’s “Greatest Cheerleader”.  How he was always pushing for economic development in Neosho and Newton County.  Also, much has been mentioned about his Family’s Department Store, “McGinty’s”, which operated on the Neosho Square for decades. 

All of the statements I just mentioned about Hale are important to his legacy and many would be wonderful accomplished all by themselves, but of course Hale did them all.  However, I want you to learn about a different Hale.  A Hale that had not as much to do with Neosho.  A Hale that was about being a great father, grandfather, friend, and mentor.

As far back as I can remember in my life, my Family had a Cabin at the confluence of Big and Little Sugar Creek – where Elk River is formed – in Pineville, Missouri.  The area where our Cabin was nestled was home to several other Cabin’s and was known as “Piney Point”.  Piney Point was a place of bustling activity in the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s.  I have many wonderful memories there and most all of these great memories in some way or another involve Hale McGinty.

You see our Cabin was purchased in the 1950’s by my Grandfather, Herb Douglas.  My grandfather had few hobbies, but he loved Piney Point.  We went there all the time.  One of my first real memories of Piney Point was a fishing trip I went on with my Grandfather and Hale.  My Grandfather told me Hale was the “Mayor of Piney Point”.  I called him “The Mayor” from that point on. 

Hale loved Piney Point.  He loved watching the children run, swim, ride their bikes – anything kids could do – Hale would watch with joy.  He loved to Fish and walk along the creek looking for crawdads or unusual rocks.  Sometimes, I think he most enjoyed sitting in his chair on his deck and just watching time go by with no worries.

The first fish, I ever caught with my Grandfather, included Hale.  I caught a small fish and was so excited.  My Grandfather told me we could eat it.  So, Hale helped me clean the fish and prepare it for the grill.  Unfortunately, I hated the taste of fish!  But, the experience was good and we had a lot of fun!

I recall a canoe trip we took with many different families, from Piney Point to Low Water Bridge, which is South of Lanagan.  The weather was good as we started, but quickly turned cloudy and threatening.  As we approached the Riverside Campground Area, a massive storm hit – causing trees to be blown down and a significant amount of damage.  The damage was great enough; we were unable to continue our float trip safely.  Now, this was in the days before cell phones, so someone had to walk for help.  A short time later, we learned Hale would be coming to pick us up, along with some other people from Piney Point.  We were all glad to see him and our “Rescue Party”.

One of the last Piney Point memories I have of Hale, took place about seven or eight years ago.  On a sunny Fall Day, the “Creek Season” was well over and the leaves were turning brown, Hale and Betty (the love of his life) came strolling down the simple one lane gravel road, known as Piney Point Drive.  They stopped to visit and ask about our kids and my Parents.  Hale relayed how much he missed Herb, who had passed away several years earlier.  Then Hale looked intently at our Cabin and said, “The thing is kind of falling in.  You need to paint the side and fix it up some, don’t you think!”   

Now, this was not insulting, this was Hale’s way of looking to better Piney Point!  He was right – we did need to do some repairs and the following Spring – we did!  Once they were complete, Hale and Betty were the first people, outside the Family, we showed it to.

I am a little saddened by all the media reports about the great things Hale did, with no mention of Hale and his Piney Point “activities” – to me Hale was one of the best things about Piney Point. 

Hale was “The Mayor of Piney Point” and today a sadness looms over the area at the confluence of Big and Little Sugar Creeks.

I miss Craig Schultz of the Kansas City Police Department

Craig Schultz

Early in my law enforcement career, I became interested in traffic accident investigation.  I sought all the training I could find, in the field, and I asked as many questions as I could.  I attempted to be competent and professional.  In the pursuit of this goal, I attended a great many hours of accident investigation at the Missouri Safety Center, which was located on the Campus of Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg.

It was through the classes, at the Missouri Safety Center, I would meet Craig Schultz.  Craig was a police officer in Kansas City, Missouri.  We were teamed up with a couple of other investigators on several of our practical exercises.  We learned all facets of crash investigation, from passenger vehicles / light trucks, to motorcycles, and commercial vehicles.  Craig was an avid motorcycle rider and he taught me a great deal of motorcycle dynamics.  I appreciated his help and respected him as an intelligent peer.

Craig got me a really cool wooden night stick used by the Kansas City Police.  It is like the old billy clubs carried by cops in the 1950's.  In the end of the club, by the handle - are the letters "K.C.P.D.".  I appreciated him getting this for me.  Although, I would later get a second one from a friend, in Neosho, it is Craig's who really meant something.

I wish I could tell Craig how much I have carried that wooden baton - as a matter of fact it sits beside me in my patrol car every shift to this very day!  But, I can't tell Craig, because he perished ten years ago today - on May 09, 2001 - doing what he loved most - riding his Kansas City Police Motor Unit to am injury accident.  Craig apparently hit a slick spot on an off ramp and crashed his bike - losing his life.  I miss him.  I think of him often - every time I look at my baton.

Craig was a great guy and I am so glad he came into my life.  Craig, after ten years, I want you to know how much I miss seeing you at classes to flash that dumb ass grin at me and then to make fun of me when I screwed up.  Peace my friend - I will see you on the other side!

The Republican Crackup

The Republican Crackup

Neosho asks, "What came first, the chicken or the egg?"

Nearly 300 years BEFORE Jesus walked the Earth, Aristotle,the Greek Philosopher,  pondered a question – which I pose to you today – “What came first the Chicken or the Egg”.

Now, my version of the Chicken and Egg dilemma is varied slightly, from Aristotle’s, yet the philosophy is the same.

For years, I have watched dollars – hard earned dollars – escape Neosho’s businesses and Local Governments.   There have been campaigns, from the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce, the City ofNeosho, various individual businesses, etc.  But, too little avail.

I have asked many people why they leave Neosho and selection of goods or services ALWAYS comes up.  It’s true there are not many restaurants or retail outlets, in Neosho.  However, it is also true – most retail and restaurant companies, who operate on a National Level, do a tremendous amount of research before investing in a community.  These businesses look at many factors, but one of which is what percentage of a dollar earned in a community – is spent within that community.

In Neosho, a huge percentage of “a dollar earned”, by a Neosho resident, is spent out of the area – a majority of it in the Joplin market. The Neosho Chamber of Commerce did a retail study on this several years back, so if you wish to check my facts – feel free to contact them and see what they tell you.

This past week, I noticed a Carthage based masonry company is building the beautiful wall, in front of the Neosho High School.  This wall is NOT being built by the school district, but by Alumni from the School – who worked hard to raise private money for a very worthy aesthetic improvement.  Are there no brick layers, in Neosho - who pay Neosho taxes????

Then, the City of Neosho awarded a bid for hundred of t-shirts, which will be worn by our Neosho Youth in the City Soccer League, to a Diamond, Mo. based business.  Three Neosho based businesses bid on the same project, but were passed over.

Thirdly and from a slightly different angle – I give you this:  The Neosho High School Student Body is once again holding their Prom at the Holiday Inn, in Joplin.  I hate to see this.  I know – as mentioned – there are few places to go eat, in Neosho for prom.  I know our venues are not the absolute best for the dance, but there are options.    

When I was a teenager growing up, businesses on the Neosho Square complained loudly about the teenagers who “cruised the square”.  They successfully lobbied the City Council for parking and time of assembly restrictions.  Soon, the kids were gone and the Square was quiet. 

The message to me and the other younger members of Neosho was clear – the Downtown Businesses did not want us there.  Unfortunately, as we grew up and began spending our paychecks – we remembered the message and a lot of my peers stayed away from the square.  Undoubtedly, there were many reasons for the collapse of the Downtown Business District, but you will never convince me – this move was not one of them.

Point is, we all rely on one another – as we are a COMMUNITY.  A Community takes care of itself.  We MUST make every informed business decision we can to protect EACH other and it starts with shopping Neosho! 

If we spent more money here – with the businesses we have – our sales taxes would improve and the National Chains would see the numbers and decide to locate here.  In addition, the improved sales taxes would improve our police and fire departments, as they suffer through a very difficult time. 

Consider this, the City of Neosho (not speaking of the Neosho Area Fire Protection District – but I am speaking of the CITY) has not purchased a new fire truck in more than FIFTEEN years.  The City of Neosho has not bought a new police car in four years.  Your life and mine rely on these vehicles, but there is no money to buy them.  We are killing ourselves.

Shop Local and help Neosho "hatch the egg - back to its glory days!"  Your Neighbor will thank you!

There is Joy in being a "Loser"!!!!!

Now that the April 5^th Neosho School Board Election is over, I can get my life back to normal.  However, like all experiences in a person’s life – I have gained wisdom and perspective.

No one puts their effort into anything to lose, but I have learned there is Joy in losing.  You see;  in this election there were five candidates and the top three vote getters won a seat on the Neosho School Board.  I finished 15 votes away from gaining one of those seats.  Disappointing? Of course, but in all reality losing has brought me Joy.  How can this be?

As I watched the election slip away last night, I wondered what I could have done to get a few more people to the polls.  Then something strange began to happen.  My phone began to light up with calls and text messages – my facebook page had many remarks and I got private messages – all from people wishing me well and offering encouraging words.  It was then I realized how blessed I truly am. 

To have people reach out to you as the “Loser”, you know those people truly care about you.  They have no hidden agenda, no politics to gain, no job to seek from you.  These people reached out to me, because they were good decent friends and they shared my passion for a better community.

When I worked for the Neosho Police, I learned a hard lesson over the many years in which I had great influence over hiring and firing decisions.  People would get close to you in an effort to get a job or a promotion, but they might care little for you as an individual.  To be clear, I don’t mean all people were this way, only a few, but these few certainly existed.  That was one of the things I had to watch out for and “weed out”, as I determined people’s motivations and true Heart.

With this “loss” yesterday, I have determined I really won.  I won because I have the respect of some of the greatest people anyone could know.  I won because these people are genuine in their feelings toward me and have nothing to gain.  I won because issues were brought out during my campaigning, which will benefit the youth of Neosho. 

Most importantly, Neosho won, because unlike some School Districts who had no “competition” for seats on their Board – Neosho had fierce competition from five candidates, any of whom were worthy to serve – all of whom desired to serve for the RIGHT reasons.

As you face losses in  your life, look at those people who surround you and lift you up and you will understand what I mean – there is much Joy in losing!!!!!  Thank you to all who stood by me and supported my dream!  GO CATS!!!!!

Drunk Drivers Kill Little Children

I never met Melissa Keif.  But I have known so many little girls like her.  I imagine she was like my daughter, Chelsah, vibrant full of life – not a care in the world.  But, Unlike Chelsah, who is asleep in her room as I write this; Melissa is in a world of permanent rest. Peaceful rest I hope, but her journey was not peaceful.

On Monday, February 21^st, Melissa was killed on a lonely stretch of Missouri Highway 37, near Butterfield, Missouri.  Melissa was a passenger in a car, which was struck by a 26 year old suspected drunk driver. 

The really sad part of this story, besides the loss of Melissa itself is - this is a repeat.  This story has been repeated hundreds, no thousands of times, since cars were invented.  Most of you will know someone who has been killed, injured or struck by a drunk driver.  But, what is sad is most of you bore at hearing “another drunk driving story”.  Well, this is not JUST another drunk driving story – this is the story of a family and a child.

It could have been your family – it could have been your child. When will we wake up and do something about this?  Our laws can only go so far, it takes a real change in mentality – we must not tolerate anyone driving under the influence.

I don’t care that driving while intoxicated is illegal – I care that drivers driving while intoxicated KILL little girls.  They kill little boys.  They kill people nearly everyday. 

This is senseless – take action and stand with me in solidarity for tougher penalties and action.  If not for me, will you do it for little 10 year old Melissa?

Nothing is more important than an Education, in America - NOTHING!

In the February 5^th edition of the Kansas City Star, there is an article about the academic success of Asian Students in Kansas City area schools.  The article may be found HERE.

Clearly, this article addresses a stereotypical issue in America, as there has always been a stereotype of Asians and their intelligence.  However, after studying this issue – I have found it interesting and believe we can all learn from what is taking place.

As you read the KC Star article (there are several others online, which are similar), it becomes clear – this is not about a stereotype – this is about a way of life.  It’s about an expectation.

The Asian Families discussed in the article clearly place a high value on the importance of education.  Education comes before all else.  Anything less than an “A” is not acceptable.  Many hours are spent, by every student mentioned, on homework.

We need to consider the values being taught by these families, as they are similar to the values placed on education by early American Families.  Today, however; it is “acceptable” to many families for their children to perform at a lower level than their capabilities.  I mean, if a student is capable of achieving an “A”, but brings home a “C”, many families have no consequences to the child.

Many parents refuse to partner with the school district, instead they wish to complain about the educators and blame them for the child’s failings.  If a child fails at an education – we ALL lose. 

I hope to become an advocate for greater change in this arena.  I want to do all I can to push our children to do more and succeed.  I recently spoke to a School Administrator, who expressed frustration at the acceptance of “mediocrity”.  I could not agree more.

I have long advocated for improved academics at Neosho’s Schools.  Our School System is good.  It is true Neosho has a higher proportion of lower income children, than some other Central Ozark Conference Schools, but I do not accept the notion lower income kids can’t perform as well as higher income students.  I flat out reject the argument. 

We must do as the KC Star article says and give kids the tools to succeed and then demand, yes demand, they perform at a high level!  America depends on great public education!

If we can't agree.....Let's at least be Civil!

Seat Belts SAVE Lives - it's not a cliche'

Fatal crash south of Neosho Wal-Mart - several years ago - victim was unbelted

The winter weather has been hard on all of us this past week.  As I watched the beauty of the falling snow, I was reminded of the danger to those driving. 

This took me back to the early 1990’s, when as a young police officer I came up on a horrific scene.  I was working in Neosho and patrolling the Crowder area.  It was after mid night. I came upon a vehicle upside down on the north side of D Highway, just west of Howard Bush Drive.

I jumped out of my police car to see if I could find out what happened to the people, in the car.  No one was inside.  I was so relieved, as I thought they had walked away.  As I used my radio to call my dispatcher, I heard the strangest noise.  A noise I will never forget.  I had never heard this sound before.  I won’t go into detail here, but it was the sound of someone dying.

I searched the darkness and came across a 19 year old man, from Miami, Oklahoma.  He could barley speak.  He had been ejected from the car.  As I waited for the ambulance, the young man told me to tell his Mom he loved her.  Those were the only words I could understand through his injuries and his mumbling, until just before the ambulance pulled up, he said; “I should’ve had my belt on.  Mom will be mad.”

I have never forgotten those words.  For nearly twenty years now, I have been investigating or responding to vehicle crashes.  The physics and dynamics of wrecks fascinate me.  Why is it one person will die in a 15 mile per hour crash; while another person will walk away from a 120 mile per hour crash?

I have spoken to kids and adults alike about the need, the necessity, of wearing seat belts.  For such a simple act (in my mind), it is one of the most controversial “intrusions” to many people.  I have heard “it’s Government over reaching and violating my right to choose” or “I am afraid I will burn up, in a crash, and be trapped by my belt”. 

I must admit, laws requiring seat belts do intrude on your right to choose.  I also must admit, some people do get trapped in burning vehicles.  BUT, (you knew there was a “but” coming hear didn’t you?), this is one law that is based in common sense. 

If I could promise you your child was going to be in an accident 30 minutes from now and there was absolutely nothing you could do to prevent the crash from happening, would you want them to have a seat belt on?  If you answered “yes” (like almost all people do), then no other argument against seat belts matters.

As for being in a vehicle that may catch on fire, that so rarely happens its not even worth considering.  I have personally investigated or been on the scene of more than 1,500 crashes and of those only one had people die in such a way.  However, many others have died in these same crashes whom, I whole heartedly believe would have survived – if they had just made it CLICK!!!  Stop making excuses and BUCKLE UP!!!!

Differences in Humanity

As our area has endured a tremendous snow storm and a rare blizzard warning, I have been reminded of the vast contrasts in individual humanity.

On Tuesday, February 1, at the height of the storm, a hard working mother of three encountered the worst of humanity.  This mother of three lives in Verona, Missouri, which is 50 miles from Neosho.  She needed work to care for her children, so she took a job at the Green Forest Restaurant, on Neosho Boulevard.  She has a great personality and her customers love her!

As this hard working Mom drove home from her job, she became stuck in the snow.  Her car could not move.  As she sat stranded, a man pulled up in a large black one ton dually Dodge Ram pickup with dark tinted windows and the word “Playboy” in pink letters on the back glass and offered to pull her free.  She was elated!  The man asked her to pay him $50, to which she agreed.  She gave the man the money and he ran to his truck and drove away!!!!  He stole her money!!!

As she watched him drive away, she wondered what to do.  She called for help and the wonderful men of the Neosho Fire Department came to her rescue!  They freed her car and brought her to the Fire Station to warm up and make a theft report with the Sheriff’s Department.  We MUST find this man!  If you recognize the description of this truck, call the Newton County Sheriff’s Office at 417-451-8000 and leave the owner’s name or license plate number. 

In sharp contrast, as I patrolled the rather desolate roads of Newton County, on Tuesday; I came across a man helping a woman with her snow bound car.  They were on US 71, just north of V Highway.  I stopped to check on their safety and the woman said, “I am fine, my Guardian Angel found me!”

The Lady went on to tell me she slid off the road around 8 a.m. and this man was driving behind her.  As he stopped to check on her, she learned he was driving to work in Webb City.  She told the man she was fine and was going to call a wrecker.  He would not hear of such a thing.  She said he called his place of work and said he would be late.  He then drove her to Flying J and bought a tow rope and some hot breakfast.

After they ate, he drove back to her car in whiteout conditions and was now pulling her car free.  He refused any money from her.  As I stood there talking to the Lady, this good Samaritan said goodbye and drove on to work.  The Lady had tears in her eyes as she said she had recently moved here and knew no one.  She could not afford a wrecker.  This man made her day!

William Allen White, an American Journalist, once said; “If each man or woman could understand that every other human life is as full of sorrows, or joys, or base temptations, of heartaches and of remorse as his own . . . how much kinder, how much gentler he would be.”

Be Happy and Live your Hobby

 

Lee Trevino, who was a fantastic professional golfer said, “Golf isn't just my business, it's my hobby.”  What a wonderful thought.  He did something he loved and was paid well to do it!

I know we can’t all be like Lee and become rich off of our hobbies, but maybe we can become happier and wealthier emotionally by partaking of them more often.  Life is not all about money, it’s about the experiences along the way!

Some people like to fish.  Fishing is a wonderful hobby for the calmness and relaxation it can bring to the Angler.  My Grandfather loved to fish, although he did not get to go as often as he liked.  He taught me the joys of watching birds fly by and the beauty of the sun rising along the creek, while his line dangled in the water.  He did not have to catch a fish to be happy.

There are those who enjoy hunting.  My friend, Cameron Kruse, loves to hunt.  He has gone deer hunting for many years and he has forgotten more about hunting than most people know.  He hunted on some land near Raccoon Road and US 60, just east of Granby, for several years and had a blast.  I always enjoyed the stories he would tell about his adventures in the woods.  He did not have to get a deer to be happy.

Running is a hobby shared by many people, including my wife.  Denita loves to run.  She runs when it’s cold and she runs when it is hot.  She has run the Old Mining Town Days 5k, several times, and she has run the Dogwood Run, in Neosho – winning the female division one year.  Running releases stress for her and she is happier after a long jaunt around town.  She does not have to win a race to be happy.

For me, I love model trains.  I have some really nice old Lionel model trains, some of which used to be my Dad’s, when he was a boy.  Unfortunately, the house I have now does not have a basement so there is nowhere to setup my trains and magical pretend town.  But, just knowing my trains are available and ready for installment when the right setting presents itself is enough to keep me dreaming of the iron horse rolling down the track.  I don’t have to have them running to be happy.

Another hobby of mine, is debating.  I love to debate issues.  I don’t really care what the issue is.  Look me up sometime – give me a topic and I will debate it with you.  I don’t even care which side of the issue you give me, I am an equal opportunity “arguer” and I will take you on.  I don’t have to argue for the side I really care about to be happy.

Lee Trevino had a great situation, he could play golf everyday and get paid, but it really did not matter to him – he was happy doing something he so genuinely loved.  We all need to have a hobby and enjoy ourselves.  We don’t have to “accomplish” anything; just the joy of knowing we are doing something we love is enough.  Be happy and live your hobby.

There is a war raging on our cops and we need your help!

In the Book of John, Chapter 15, verse 13, (from the King James Version) – it is said; “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”  As a police officer, this is a verse I hold dear to my heart.

I have previously written about how important your involvement is to prevent crime and keep our community safe, but I feel things have changed.  We are now to a point of extreme urgency.  Last year, in 2010, violent deaths of police officers, from gun fire – was up nearly 20% from 2009.

Now, here we are in January 2011 and things are spiraling out of control.  Consider this information from the 24 hour period, which ended Monday January 24, 2011:

-          On Sunday, four officers were shot in a Detroit police station by a man who walked in, firing randomly. Lamar Deshea Moore was shot to death by police so his motive may never be known, but local reports say a relative was awaiting sentencing for double murder. Two of the police officers remain hospitalized.

-          Two deputies were shot outside a Walmart in Port Orchard, Washington, near Seattle, on Sunday.

-          A police officer is in a coma and in critical condition after being shot during a traffic stop early Sunday in Indianapolis.

-          In Lincoln City, Oregon, a police officer was shot Sunday night during a traffic stop. The officer is in critical condition

-          In St. Petersburg, Florida, on Monday, two City Police Officers are killed and a U.S. Marshall is wounded, after being shot by a crazed gunman hiding in the attic, of his home.

Eleven police officers were either shot and wounded or murdered in this terrible 24 hour period. 

I am well aware there are people who do not care for the police.  There are many people who get upset with an officer when they get a traffic ticket or their home gets broken into and nothing gets solved.  These are frustrating situations for the common everyday law abiding citizen.  Realize though, these same officers have no other goal than your safety and that of your family.

All police officers sacrifice many hours away from their homes, on holidays, birthdays, and anniversary’s, etc. – to keep our community safe.

To some police officers, it appears we are beginning to lose the battle with the evil element of our society and this is where you come in.  We need your help to prove these officers wrong and demonstrate support for orderly society.

We can not wage this battle alone.  We are counting on your help and even here, in the relative safety of the Missouri Ozarks and the Green Country of Eastern Oklahoma, crime is occurring.  How many of you know your neighbors well enough to know what vehicles should be coming and going from their house?  How many of you even know your neighbors names?  We need to get back to the days of knowing those who live around us and caring for them.

Look out for others and eventually others will return the favor and look out for you.  Police Officers care about the community and want a better tomorrow for each of you, but we must recruit you to help.  Take time this week to remember and pray for the officers who won’t be going home to their families and vow with me to fight for a crime free community!  “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” 

.....Dreams and Burgers - yes they are connected!!!..........

Advertisement in Neosho Daily News on January 21, 1979

I am a quotation fanatic.  For those of you who have read my columns before – this is no news to you!  The other day, I came across a great quotation from James Dean.  James was a movie actor, who is best known for his lead role in the 1955 Movie – “Rebel Without a Cause”.  He said, “Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.”

These are wonderful words.  I remember being a child and running through the fields behind my parents house, near the area of Bond Street and Neosho Boulevard.  These fields led to many dreams and childhood memories.  I played all year round in these fields, building tree houses and wooden forts in the summer and igloos in the winter.

I would lie down and watch the clouds soaring over head and dream of flying or being an astronaut.  I always wondered how great it must feel to ride a huge rocket into space or how grand it would be to leap across the moon, with no worries. 

As I played in the fields, I tried my hand at engineering.  I built a huge series of ditches, which I called rivers, and roads – complete with bridges.  These ditches seemed huge to me, at the time, but in reality probably ran seventy five to one hundred feet meandering around and crisscrossing the terrain.  I connected as many garden hoses as I could lay my hands on to run water from my house and then I would flood these rivers. 

I dreamed of being Huckleberry Finn on the great Mississippi or on a really exciting day – General Dwight D. Eisenhower leading the charge on Normandy’s Beaches!  There were hundreds of little green plastic army men, whom I would bring to life.  They stood guard over my battles and dreams. 

One day in the late nineteen seventies, my dreams started to come to life. I was playing in the field along a row of trees.  I heard the roar of a helicopter, which was most unusual for Neosho, in this time period.  At first I wondered if Patton himself was coming to commandeer my troops. 

I watched in amazement as this whirling machine thundered to rest about two hundred feet north of me – landing just off of Neosho Boulevard.  Wide eyed and inquisitive, I waved to the men on board.  The first man to exit called me over to look in the cockpit.  Rushing over I could not believe my luck!

This kind man introduced himself to me.  He said his name was Bob Jennings and he went on to say he was going to buy this field.  What, buy the field of my dreams!  No, this could not be!  But, hold on – all was not horrible – Mr. Jennings went on to say he owned the McDonald’s Restaurants, in Joplin, and he wished to bring the Golden Arches to Neosho! 

Going to McDonald’s was a treat of unexplainable proportions, when I was a young lad.  You see the only national chain to be in Neosho, at the time, was Dairy Queen.  I loved (still love) McDonald’s.  As the words, “McDonald’s is coming to Neosho” rang through my ears, a flurry of thoughts rushed through my mind.

As Mr. Jennings and I spoke he made an offer on par with my dreams of traveling to the moon or flying.  He asked if I would be interested in having the very first hamburger ever sold from the new Neosho Store.  Of course, this was an offer any other third grader in Neosho would love to have.  Accepting took no thought at all, so it was - my rivers and roads were bull dozed, but a new chapter of my life began.

I would walk through the construction site everyday – even had my own hard hat with the Golden Arches on the side.  The contractors were so kind and even bought into my excitement! 

After months of planning and hard work, the day finally came when an inquisitive young man got to live out a dream and eat a hamburger!  Not everyone’s dream, I know now, but at the time it was a big deal to me.  However, I would have missed out on it if not for playing in the field.

Kids today spend so much time on video games, computers, and the like.  They need to wake up and explore the real world.  Encourage children to do as Mr. Dean said and Dream like they will live forever.  Don’t let them miss out on their helicopter landing!

.....Dharma has made our lives whole......

Chelsah and Dharma June 2005

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”  This statement was made by Roger Caras, who prior to his death hosted the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

I came across these words a few weeks ago.  They made me think back to 1999, when I came across one of my best friends.  Her name is Dharma and she is a Boxer.  I love dogs and have had others through the course of my life, but Dharma is special for several reasons.

When Dharma came into my life, it was February and cold outside.  She had been abandoned by some cruel person, near the intersection of Landis Road and Cemetery Road, in Neosho.  Dharma was placed in the Neosho Animal Shelter, which is where we met.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I thought she would make a great gift to my wife, Denita.  I adopted Dharma and brought her home to the joy of my kids and wife.  We all fell head over heels for her.  She has a wonderful personality and has become a solid part of our family activities.

There have been so many great times with Dharma.  When my son, Kevin, was nine or ten years old; we were at Piney Point – which is on Elk River – in Pineville.  Kevin was searching the banks of the Creek for tadpoles – he liked to catch them, lightly and I mean lightly cook them, then eat them tail and all, but I digress here as that in itself is a story for another week!

As Kevin searched the Creek, a drunken man began to approach him.  The rest of our family was several hundred yards away, but not Dharma.  You see Dharma watched over all of us like a hawk.  She is smart and can really tell good from bad.  As this inebriated fool began to raise his voice at Kevin, Dharma was off like a flash!  I saw her run and I will tell you no NASCAR vehicle could have zoomed to his side quicker!  Dharma positioned herself between the villain and Kevin and began to bark and growl, like a vicious beast!  The man sobered up in record time and altered his course, before he was attacked!

We were so proud of Dharma and her efforts to keep Kevin safe.  The following Spring, Neosho was struck by a fierce wind storm and small Tornado , on Easter morning.  Dharma was in her dog house, which was tossed several feet from its normal resting place.  Now, this is no normal dog house, Dharma deserves the best, so her house weighs several hundred pounds and has two rooms.  The winds had to be over 80 miles an hour to shift her home like they did.  Our home was slightly damaged, too. 

As we emerged from our Tornado shelter, we looked out back to find Dharma sitting in the yard staring at our house.  She was looking for us.  As we came out the back door, she glared in our direction.  She was mad.  I think she was asking herself how we could have left her to fend for herself in such a gusting wind!  We were asking ourselves this same question.  But, Dharma was fine.

Any time I drive my truck somewhere, Dharma loves to come along.  She likes to ride in the back of the truck bed and hang her head over the side.  Boxers have such big jowls and hers bang around in the wind like a huge sail on a sailboat.  You can almost see the smile on her face as she searches the horizon for a place she has never been.

Dharma is the most loyal dog I have ever had.  We can leave her off her lease and besides some neighbors she likes, she will not think of wandering from our home.  She stays right in her place – eager for us to come out by her side.  As we walk anywhere, Dharma will be right there.  She follows us and looks to play at every turn.

We love her like a part of the family.  Indeed, Dogs are mans best friend and Dharma is no exception.

Sadly though, as with all things in life, there are chapters and our experiences with Dharma are quickly drawing to a close.  She was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, about three weeks ago.  Now, she can’t run and play with her best friend Annie, who lives across the street.  Annie is a mixed breed dog who has become Dharma’s best pal.  It breaks my heart to watch Annie as she runs in circles around Dharma – as if to say, “come on buddy let’s go play tag!”

We face some very tough decisions and times ahead.  We have great memories,  We have been blessed to have her in our lives.  She has taught us so much about ourselves.  So many times I have had a bad day or been bummed and I would sit down for a long discussion with Dharma.  While she has yet to speak back to me, I know she understood.  Like now, she still can’t speak, but I understand what she is trying to say.

She wants our family to know she loves us and she is thankful to us for saving her from the dog pound.  She appreciated all the treats we have fed her and she is glad to call us her family.  Maybe, I was wrong as I started this story; maybe Dharma has been our whole life.  There is no question she has made our lives whole.