Genesis 2: 2-3 “And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.”

Dear Grandkids,

“For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

In the Ozarks, when folks die, friends still bring in food and neighbors do what they can to assist the family. These beautiful acts of compassion have not changed in our communities -however a 150 years ago you may have been a tad more involved. In today’s world, calling on your neighbors to prepare a dead body for burial, may sound as foreign as embalming did to the Ozark mountaineers of long ago. Modern undertaking didn’t really take off as an industry until after the Civil War, when better techniques and chemicals became produced on a large scale making it more affordable. The process gained wider acceptance when President Lincoln was embalmed and viewed by thousands after being transported halfway across the country. In remote areas where transportation was difficult and money scarce, folk customs and techniques carried on well into the twentieth century. Superstitions treated as absolute law told what must take place, the penalty resulting in another death within a year. 

Even though Veterans Day fell on a Saturday this year, that did not stop local schools from honoring those alive and passed. Conway schools held an assembly on Nov. 9, with all students k-12 attending. Other schools around Webster County, including Marshfield, Logan-Rogersville, Strafford, Niangua, and Fordland, held assemblies on Nov. 10. Many drew large crowds as guests and vets attended. The assemblies included speeches, music, and meals, with each school honoring those who answered the call to serve.

On Friday, Nov. 10, Niangua school held its Veterans Day Assembly. The assembly included programming to honor veterans and educate the public about the ultimate sacrifice service men and women make. However, students, teachers, and community members in the crowd were in for an extra special surprise.

Is Fido starting to look a bit dirty, but you don’t have time to clean them up? What if there was a way to get your dog clean while also helping a good cause? Consider registering for the Doggy Bath Fundraiser hosted by the Marshfield High School Kim Ecology 2 Class.

Seniors at Marshfield High School received a pleasant surprise during their lunch period on Oct. 24.

On Friday, Nov. 3, The students of Webster Elementary gathered for their first quarter, Soaring Bluejays Assembly.