The engagement is off for the teenage daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and the father of her baby. Levi Johnston told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he and Bristol Palin mutually decided "awhile ago" to end their relationship. The 19-year-old Johnston declined to elaborate. ...more

March 12, 2009

The Rev. Dean R. Pfeffer of Hope Lutheran Church is a big fan of parish nurse Joyce Schirmer VanMatre. ...more

January 14, 2009

When asked about their plans, Ed and Ann Marie Peterson always have the same answer. ...more

October 22, 2008

The back-to-school ritual leaves our youngest children behind. Federal investment in children does not start until age 5 or 6 when - ready or not - they enter kindergarten. Attitudes toward the pivotal early childhood years are shifting, and both presidential candidates should consider effective preschool programs in their domestic policy platforms. ...more

September 4, 2008

These days little children are brought along to places that would have been considered inappropriate a generation ago: four-star restaurants, cocktail parties, rock concerts. But for all the sniping from adults who resent this territorial invasion, the onslaught shows no sign of letting up. ...more

February 12, 2008

Vincent Natale, local magician, entertainer and author, wrote the unthinkable scenario in the original musical "Saving Christmas" - in November, Santa cancels Christmas, and it is up to Vinnie the Elf to set things right. ...more

December 5, 2007