We live in a world filled with scandal and corruption, at least that's what some people believe. And some folks make the same claims right here in Highlands County. In fact, they thrive on making such claims and insinuations. Sometimes there is a hint of truth in what they say, but mostly it's blatantly untrue. The damage, however, is real whether it's true or not, and it's up to all of us to keep the conspiracy seekers at arm's length. ...more

March 25, 2009

As a stay-at-home mom and teacher to her children, Heather Tomasello said she is always trying to find ways to engage their imagination and creativity. One of the best tools she has found is to enter her children in contests like Toshiba's ExploraVision Program, she said. ...more

March 18, 2009

To a nation reeling from recession and facing long-festering problems, President Barack Obama has a simple reminder: "We are not quitters." ...more

February 25, 2009

We grownups are often too busy, too stressed or just too plain tired to remember just how important the power of imagination happens to be. While we might have enjoyed our days of wonder and merriment in playing make believe as children, far too many of us forget this side of ourselves when we reach a certain age. ...more

February 11, 2009

Bulls run record to 14-1 with 62-33 victory against Hudson. ...more

January 7, 2009

Gerald Graup has always been handy with tools. When he wasn't making a living from it, he spent his spare time making things, like the wooden model of a Mississippi riverboat he displays in a case in his living room on top of a cabinet he built himself. ...more

December 6, 2008

My all-time favorite commercial is the one from a few years back where a father with an ear-to-ear grin is pushing a shopping cart through a Staples store, gleefully tossing in school supplies as his dejected children follow glumly behind and "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" plays in the background. ...more

August 18, 2008

Since the Industrial Revolution 200 years ago, mankind has depended on fossil fuel. The notion that this might change is hard to contemplate. Greens may hector. Consciences may nag. The central heating's thermostat may turn down a notch or two. A less-thirsty car may sit in the drive. But actually stop using the stuff? Impossible to imagine: Surely there isn't a serious alternative? ...more

July 8, 2008

thugs who were sent to their maker in uncounted numbers. In Myanmar, the body count in the wake of a killer cyclone may reach six figures. ...more

May 8, 2008

On a recent windy day, imaginations soared. During an hour of listening to a story by storyteller Emily Harris and subsequently creating their own stories, 35 youngsters between 6 and 9 years old pulled out all the stops. Responding to oral and visual cues from Harris as they sat outdoors at Palm Harbor Montessori Academy in Palm Harbor, they made up their own versions of classic children's tales. ...more

February 9, 2008