Driving across the area has been a bit surreal this week. Empty parking lots, sparse traffic, and grocery store patrons keeping their distance from fellow shoppers. It’s an indication that most people in our community have been taking the threat of the coronavirus seriously. Still, others are not, hence our recently initiated curfew times...

As the United States faces the worst public health crisis in a generation, we want you to know we are here for you – and with you. Whatever happens, whenever it happens, your newspaper (the DDD) will be there for you. We’ll be there to let you know how our community is managing through this crisis – from business to government to the health care system and schools to the drastic impact on individuals and families...

What a difference a week makes. Last week the virus had not affected me too much. I became a little more diligent with my hand washing and practicing standard precautions. Now the pandemic has affected my family here and throughout the nation. We’ve adopted new words and terms into our vocabulary like, social distancing, novel coronavirus, surge capacity, flattening the curve, and of course self-quarantine...

To say that coronavirus fear has a tight grip on the world would be an understatement. It’s all you hear or read about it. I’ll admit I haven’t got too worked up about it. I believe using universal precautions, as we all should be doing, will essentially prevent the virus...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com I never liked cats. I’m a dog person. I’d had some bad experiences with felines throughout the years and never really desired their company. When I married my wife she had a cat. A big cat. Nugget. He was black with white spots sprinkled on his face and nose...

In the last few weeks I’ve watched debates, viewed television news reports, and read a number of poll results concerning the 2020 election. I am amazed how many of today’s issues mirror what was happening in our country in the sixties. The decade of the sixties was a turbulent time for our nation and I’ve had lots of discussions with friends about how everything changed after the assassination of Kennedy...

Earlier this week some friends and I were discussing the lack of pride in our community. It’s evident when you look at the condition of some lawns, homes, and business fronts in the area. Granted, we have took some hits lately, but there are still areas that we can be proud of...

This Valentines’s Day couples will share romantic evenings and kids will exchange valentines at school parties. Husbands will bring home flowers and restaurants will be full. But this year I’d like to give a special valentine. A valentine written for my family home and the neighborhood I grew up in...

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...

Jack Astrachan was one of the first people I met when I began working for the DDD. When Jack passed this last week, I reflected on our times together. He came in one day and introduced himself and we started a conversation about the newspaper. Jack loved to read the paper...

We live in a time where the majority of people live in fear. A recent survey by Chapman University listed close to 100 fears that plague Americans. They range from financial security, illness, and terrorist attacks to flying, ghosts, and clowns. Americans are becoming more and more afraid...

Everyone has a favorite quote. Looking back at my recent column I began to think on all of my favorite quotes or sayings. Here are just a few. I can’t change the direction of the wind. All I can do is adjust my sail. If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything...

The new year has arrived and people are making resolutions and setting goals. Hopefully our community leaders are focused on growth. Three areas that I believe we should be working on are economic development, addressing poverty levels, and healthcare...

January is National Mentors Month. The dictionary defines mentor as an experienced and trusted adviser. I’ve had many mentors throughout my life. I believe everyone should have a mentor. In fact, according to a recent research study we could all use at least five...

Another year has come and gone in the Bootheel and it’s time to reflect on the events of last year and prepare for 2020. Once again I’d like to thank all the people that allowed me the opportunity to interview them and share their stories. I’ve met some wonderful people this year...

When did it become acceptable to heckle others during public meetings? It’s not a pep rally, folks. I see this kind of behavior more and more at our area meetings. I have observed way too much of this kind of behavior over the past few months all across the county...

There are times that I feel like I live on another planet. A friend told me recently he felt like a dinosaur. Technology had passed him by and the shifting ideology of America had him feeling completely out of touch. I can empathize with him. I’ve said before that I’m tolerant to differing ideas and cultural movements...

My oldest granddaughter has driver’s learning permit. She has never been more excited. I will never know true peace again. It’s always an exciting time for a teenager when they’re finally allowed to get behind the wheel and drive around town. There are some positives to our kids driving...

My wife has left town to be with her parents for Thanksgiving. If you’ve been reading my column for very long you know I usually don’t do well in her absence. This trip will prove no different. First night alone, I’m halfway through a homemade bowl of her chili, when the TV freezes up, goes blank, then pops back on with a screen full of static snow...

When Thanksgiving rolls around I always like to write on gratitude. It seems we all take a little more time to be thankful during the holiday season, but it should be a central part of our lives throughout the year. When we have an attitude of gratitude it changes our entire outlook...

Thursday night I competed with some friends in a trivia contest presented by the Three Rivers Endowment Trust to benefit the Kennett Student Success Fund.. It was a great night filled with lots of laughter and fellowship. It’s always fun to see just how ignorant I am when it comes to certain subjects like 90’s pop culture, Disney princesses, and famous moms...

During this time of year I attend a lot of events honoring our veterans. It’s one of my favorite assignments. To see young military men and women stand before a gymnasium full of students and share their pride for the uniform and the country they love...

I love to read. If you’re around me for any length of time, you’ll see a book, magazine, or newspaper in my hand. My love of reading started at an early age. As a child I had quite a collection of Little Golden Books. One particular incident I recall very well was around the age of eight, when a man in a suit and briefcase knocked on our front door...

I’ve been on vacation for the past week. For the most part, it’s been great. Little day trips, lots of visiting, and holding my new granddaughter. I decided to take one day and finish up half started projects and fall cleanup. I’ve never been very handy...

Bringing a hospital back to Kennett has returned to the front burner in the form of a new healthcare advisory committee. The committee is comprised of healthcare professionals, government representatives, and local business leaders. Their plan is to explore all feasible solutions to address healthcare in our area...

Rotarian Laura Ford presented a program on the changing definitions of words at the Kennett Rotary meeting on Thursday. I found it fascinating so I thought I’d share some of her examples with you and throw in a few of my own. Over time, the meaning of words have changed, some several times and some have completely disappeared...

I never thought any insect could irritate me more than the dreaded mosquito. I was wrong. Gnats have now surpassed the skeeter as the most annoying bug on my list. For one thing, mosquitos seem to be loners, while gnats attack in groups. Gnats also like to come at my eyes and ears in full force...

Recently we have had letters to the editor submissions concerning the amount of unemployment in the area. One insightful letter was written from the perspective of a teenager inquiring about all the young men walking around in the afternoon, out of work, with nothing to do...

Some of the finest people I know are farmers. I gain more respect for a farmer every time I interview one. The farming family as well. It seems they’re all involved in the business in one way or another. Over the past week I did a little research on farming and thought I’d share some of the statistics I found interesting about this noble profession...

Whenever I sit down and prepare to write this column I’m often amazed at all the subjects I could cover. One of the first rules I try to follow is to keep it topical and there are a lot of topics to choose from in any given week. Those of you who have been reading these deliberations know I’m a tad bit superstitious. This being Friday the 13th and a full moon, I could write about this dubious day...

This weekend, local artists and crafters will come from near and far to display their work and celebrate the arts at the annual Fall Into Arts festival in Kennett. The event will run all weekend in downtown Kennett, around the Square and inside the Opera House...

As my annual physical exam draws near, I’m beginning to prepare for “the talk”. The fitness talk. Oh, how I dread it. I’ve had lots of years to get used to it, but still there is dread. A doctor once asked me if I was still eating donuts? I replied yes, with a big old goofy smile...

Beginnings and endings. Starts and finishes. It’s one of the constants in life. As one thing dies another is born. One venture that has ended is the St. Francis Street project. After years of discussion and debate, the day has finally arrived. It’s done, and to say it was a passion of our current mayor would be an understatement...

Fibs. Little white lies. Are they dangerous? I believe they can be. Everyone lies at one time or another and we all lie for different reasons. People may fear the consequences of their actions and so they lie to protect themselves or others involved...

Mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio and El Paso, Texas have once again triggered heated debates and division regarding racism and gun control. Both of these subjects would fill a column or two and I thought about writing on one of these topics. However, I stumbled across a fascinating study conducted by the research department of the Department of Justice and thought I would share their findings with you...

We live in a different world these days, one our earlier generations would never recognize. Some differences are beneficial, like the computer age and advancements in healthcare. Some differences are dangerous. The decline of the family, the loss of unity in values, and most of all, the respect for the sanctity of human life...

I enjoy coffee. Actually, I love coffee. I love the smell of it brewing in the morning. For the past thirty years or so it’s been the beginning of my morning ritual. Not that I’m one of those who exercises and meditates in the morning. My morning ritual consists of coffee, shower, coffee, prayer, coffee, fill thermos with coffee, and coffee in a go-cup on the way to work...

Dunklin County is a busy place. Some may argue that fact, but just follow me around for a week and you’ll see what I mean. Aside from city council meetings, local sports, and fire/police reports there are many festivals, events, and interesting members of our communities to cover...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com If you’re a frequent reader of my column you’re aware that I’m a big advocate for community involvement. I continue to hear a lot of moaning and complaining concerning conditions of our community. I believe action is the key component to eradicate a majority of these complaints...

Over the years, more than one person has expressed an opinion on happiness. Abraham Lincoln said on the subject, “Folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Everyone has their bad days. It’s okay to have a bad day, but no one should have a bad week...

I hear a lot of people these days saying they’re tired. Not just tired but exhausted. This is usually followed by a declaration that they haven’t really did anything out of the ordinary, physically, yet they’re tired. These folks could be suffering from emotional exhaustion...

With the arrival of summer I’m reminded of so many memories from this area. Although, I was primarily raised in northern Illinois, many trips were made throughout my life visiting relatives in the bootheel. The roots of my family are here. A lot of these trips were in the summer. On average we spent about three weeks a year in the Kennett area during the summer with other trips throughout the year...

As we celebrate Flag Day I like to look back on some of the most memorable moments involving our flag. Betsy Ross sewing the first stars and stripes on the American flag. The name “Old Glory” being given to the flag by Captain William Driver. Raising the flag over Iwo-Jima and of course Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin planting the flag on the moon...

Kennett was rocked once again this week with the news of a major employer leaving the area. Parker-Hannifin announced Tuesday they would be phasing out their hose products facility in Kennett and closing in September. I’ve talked to many people during the week concerning this loss and the effect it will have on our community...

A component of relationships that seems to be missing these days is compromise. Not just in personal relationships but relationships in general. A good example is congress. It isn’t just in Washington D.C. either. Lack of compromise is apparent in local governments as well...

As we honor our military men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day, I’d like to share some insight concerning Gold Star families. Gold Star families are the surviving family members of military personnel who died in an active duty status...

I’ve been to a lot of graduations this year. The DDD covered 11 school’s commencement ceremonies. It’s a good thing I enjoy these events. They all have similarities. The senior class entering, family members looking on with tears in their eyes, awards given, and speeches made...

This past week we celebrated nurses with National Nurses Week. Working in a detox center for many years, I worked side by side with these amazing individuals. I can honestly say one week is not enough time to celebrate nurses. The hours they put in, the sacrifices they make, and the care they give are immeasurable...

I like free stuff. Buy one get one free sales make me very happy. My wife is a couponer and when she comes out of a store with three bags of items and hasn’t had to pay a nickel, I’m downright giddy. Notice I’m waiting in the car because I am not a couponer and I become uncomfortable when people get angry with the the lady holding up the line with all the coupons...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com I like birds. I like watching them at the backyard bird feeder. I enjoy seeing them play in the birdbath. I’m fascinated with hummingbirds. I like birds. What I don’t like is my wife’s obsession with them. Especially mama birds...

I was shocked this week while reading social media posts concerning the April 2 election. Some stated they were not aware of an election. Some accused the election wasn’t publicized enough. Some even said that the voting hours were not convenient for them...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com As new mayors and council members take the oath of office across the county, I hope they are able to check personal bias and grudges at the door. When area candidates were asked what they considered the role of the mayor, they failed to mention diplomacy...

Occasionally I need a little reminder. This week I was reminded to remember family caregivers. They are a special breed. They are unique and they’re tired. They’re weary. They’re exhausted. A family caregiver takes on a huge responsibility. In many families there is usually one who will come forward and fill that position...

It’s that time again. A time when the citizens of a community can make their voices heard. Election time. On Tuesday, April 2, citizens of Dunklin County can place their vote and help initiate the direction they want their community to take. It’s important...

I’ve spent the last few weeks traveling Dunklin County and visiting area high schools to gather information for an Excellence in Education special section for the DDD. I have met many impressive area students. We have smart kids here. Not only smart, but also good citizens...

What to do with our youth? It’s a question that has been asked many times over throughout the years. It even came up as a priority issue in the recent mayoral candidate forum. I received a letter from a valued subscriber last week that touched on this subject...

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve had the opportunity to speak with the mayoral 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...

Sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine. How are you feeling? These are some of things I remember people saying to me when I lost my son. Even though it was thirty plus years ago it is still vivid in my mind. I reflected on that horrible day as I attended the funeral of a family member’s infant baby this week...

I have always loved to read. As a young child I had an extensive collection of Little Golden Books that my mother would read to me. As I grew, I latched on to every Dr. Seuss and Disney book I could get my hands on. Do you love to read? Indeed I do...

Valentine’s Day is one of those holidays where many cards are received. It always amazes me how many people turn that card around to see if it’s a Hallmark. It proves that a good advertising slogan can really stick with you. When you care enough to send the very best...

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching we’re going to see all kinds of sappy movies, cards covered in hearts, and an onslaught of all things romantic. Before I get to that segment of my column, I’d like to examine an issue that affects our relationships as well as other areas of our lives...

There have been many memorable presidential campaign slogans throughout the years. I like Ike, Nixon’s the one, and simply Hope. In 1896 William McKinley declared Patriotism, Protection and Prosperity. Perhaps none have been so controversial as our current President’s, Make America Great Again...

Last week I saw a young man yelling obscenities at his mother in a local department store. As the mother pushed her cart further down the aisle, the young teen followed behind her, cursing her the entire time. This is not the first time I’ve witnessed such disrespect. This kind of behavior has been happening across our country for many years...

There are many fast things in this world. A jet is fast. A cheetah is fast. A toddler running from his mother is extremely fast. But I know something that has them all beat. My mind. Thoughts race through my mind faster than a twinkie at a weight watchers meeting...

In last week’s column I touched on the fact that we need to clean up our own backyard. A friend of mine sent me this article and I believe it details what I was writing about. I found it very enlightening. It was written by Charley Reese. He worked as a journalist for 49 years...

At the beginning of a new year I like to look back on issues that confronted our country and see where we made progress or what issues need more attention from our leaders. I found the statistics in the following poll interesting. According to a Gallup poll immigration has risen to the top of the list when Americans are asked to name the most important problem facing the nation...

Another year has come and gone in the Bootheel and it’s time to reflect on the events of last year and prepare for 2019. Once again I’d like to thank all the people that allowed me the opportunity to interview them and share their stories. I’ve met some wonderful people this year...

There are many things I can do. I can speak well. I make a pretty good lasagna and folks say I sing fairly well. There is one thing, however that I absolutely cannot do. I can’t wrap a gift. The ability to wrap has eluded me my whole life. It’s not just gifts actually...

On Thursday I attended a retirement party for Susan Luce at the Dunklin County Courthouse. Luce, is retiring as the Dunklin County Recorder of Deeds, a position she has held since 1980. As I witnessed her family, friends, and co-workers congratulating her and sharing memories of her time in office I thought, here is a person who well served her county...

Do you know what I hold most precious? Time. My time and how I choose to spend it. There’s time for work and time for play. There’s time for family and friends. There’s time for planning and dreaming. Time for prayer and meditation. For me its always been so important...

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...

I can’t run a washer or a dryer. Let me clarify this statement. I can run a washer or dryer that’s 25 to 30 years old, I just can’t run a new one. I discovered this fact while my wife is away helping my father-in-law recuperate from heart surgery. She offered to leave instructions, but I laughed at such an absurd idea...

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 with you because it made such an impact on me. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you realize the significance of gratitude...

As we honor our men and women for their military service this Veteran’s Day, I ask the question is patriotism alive and well? It would not appear so if you focus on the flag burners, the national anthem kneeling athletes, and the extreme divisiveness in our country...

It’s another busy weekend in Dunklin County. This weekend is packed with events that offer something for everyone. Saturday, November 3, kicks off with the Annual Presbyterian Bazaar. The Bazaar will be held at the Presbyterian Activity Center located at 226 North Main in Kennett...

One of the perks of growing older is we hopefully gain wisdom. Not only do we gain wisdom, but we love sharing that wisdom with anyone who listens. Two things I’ve learned in my life have been so helpful to me that I wanted to share it with all of you...

Temper tantrums. Crying when they hear the word no. I’m bored, uttered throughout the day. You would think this is the behavior of toddlers. It’s not. These are examples of what teens and twenty-somethings exhibit on a regular basis. Are we raising a generation that lacks any coping skills whatsoever?...

Jeff Dorris jdorris@dddnews.com The longer I live the more I’m convinced in the benefits of positive thinking. No matter how bad things seem, keeping a positive mental attitude lightens the load. This statement was confirmed many times for me this week as I met with breast cancer survivors throughout the county...

Step right up! Get your peanuts! Get your popcorn! You are about to witness something you’ll never forget. That familiar cry usually preceded lions roaring and jumping through hoops, while elephants stood on one leg and trumpeted loudly as acrobats slowly walked the tightrope high above the cheering crowd...

This past weekend I attended a family reunion. Relatives came back home from all over the country to laugh, eat, and visit. One of the highlights of our reunions is the auction. Everyone brings something to put in the auction and all the money raised is used to pay for next year’s reunion...

It's Delta Fair time again. I’ve always enjoyed a good fair. I would even schedule vacation time to return to Kennett each Fall to attend the Delta Fair. It’s a great place to meet friends and relatives that you haven’t seen in awhile. As a younger man I enjoyed the carnival rides...

It’s been another busy week around Kennett. This past weekend my family and I attended the Fall into Arts Festival. I ran into many friends and left with some great jams and some local art pieces. Despite the threat of rain and an actual downpour or two, the community came out and really supported the festival...

Even though the heat is still on and it’s a few weeks before it’s official, for me the fall season has arrived. Football kicks off this weekend and the area festivals are in full swing and the Delta Fair is just around the corner. We’ve had the Peach Fair in Campbell and this weekend the Fall into Arts Festival will be held on the Kennett Square today and Sunday...

It’s been one year since I began writing this editorial/column. I remember in the beginning I struggled to bring incisive commentary on current events to the paper on a weekly basis through this column. It was stressful to say the least. After awhile I decided to just be myself and not try to copy others...

A good meal, a health check-up, and a clean environment. These are just a few of the things we can thank our school support staff for. As we honor teachers we must also celebrate and salute the school support staff. Just as I remember my teachers, I also fondly recall many of the support staff...

There’s nothing new about bullies. Most can remember a schoolyard bully or two. I can remember a couple of mine that had me avoiding them like the plague. What used to be, for the most part a harmless annoyance that could be taken care of rather easily has escalated into a very serious problem, and with the advent of social media and cyber-bullying has even turned deadly...

As students prepare to start a new school year, it reminds me of my school days and some of my memorable teachers. I have a special love for teachers. We entrust them with the care and education of our children. Quite a task. They are some of the most dedicated people I know...

It’s election time again in Dunklin County. As August 7 approaches the voters have some important decisions to make. Some decisions, as in the case of the new hospital construction and maintenance proposals, will impact the region for years to come...

Although it’s not one of my most favorite things to do, I do get a physical exam every year. It seems they always find something that I need to work on. It’s similar to when I take my car in for an oil change. They almost always find another issue. But, it’s the right thing to do...

Ask any entertainer, comedian, or band member and they can tell you about a tough room. The audience is either deathly quiet and unresponsive or break out the chicken wire because bottles and food are about to be hurled in your direction. When I was in the music business I endured many tough rooms, but by far the toughest room I’ve visited lately is located within the social media realm. Particularly Facebook...

This has been another fast paced week at the DDD. We strive to provide a newspaper with a wide variety of local stories. Stories that inform, educate and update the community on local events and personalities. Hopefully, we’re accomplishing this. This week we’ve featured stories on a local minister that provides a column for the paper every Saturday...

There are many scary sounds in the world. The sound of footsteps walking behind you on a deserted street at night. The sound of a deep growl coming from the brush when you’re hiking through the woods. The ominous howl of the wind on a stormy night. But by far the scariest sound ever is when you’re snuggled in your bed at night, just about to drift off and you hear the terrifying whining buzz of a mosquito...

Transparency in local government. How important is it? In the last few weeks it has been a widely discussed subject in Hornersville. I believe community leaders should be as open as possible with their citizens. So many times leaders circle the wagons when problems arise creating even more problems due to rampant speculation and rumors...