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Editorial: BRS: Game Changer (7/24/24)Editor's Corner with Sandra BrandIt’s hard to believe it’s been almost 20 years since I first met John Correnti in a soybean field south of Osceola. I’ll never forget the words he said, “I’m going to put these farm boys to work making steel.” He had already done this once when he helped to build Nucor, so I had no doubt in my mind he could accomplish his goal. ...
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Editorial: A Village (7/10/24)Editor's Corner with Sandra BrandOne of my most treasured possessions is a rock in my flower bed. It reads, “Grow where God plants you.” As the youngest of 10, I was blessed enough to have been raised by parents who believed you should work hard, show compassion and give back. I have attempted to live my life by this philosophy...
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Column: 4th Covid Anniversary (7/3/24)Editor's Corner with Sandra BrandThe July 4th holiday took on a new meaning for me four years ago. It’s now the anniversary of the date I contracted the Covid-19 virus and began my long journey of recovery. I was admitted to the ICU at the NEA Hospital in Jonesboro and the next four weeks were, without a doubt, the worst of my life... ...
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Letter to the Editor: Osceola Postmaster affirms commitment (6/26/24)Dear Editor, As the Postmaster of Osceola, I am writing to express the unwavering commitment of our postal staff to serving our wonderful community. With Independence Day approaching, a time when we celebrate our nation’s independence and the freedoms we cherish, it is also a fitting moment to reflect on the values that bind us together...
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Editorial: Milo says play it cool! (6/26/24)Editor's Corner with Sandra BrandHe is just a shelter dog... nothing special! He didn’t come with full-bred papers. In fact, his parents are quite a mystery. He may have a little Corgi blood in his veins or maybe a little Jack Russell Terrier or maybe even Bassett Hound. The one thing I do know is he prances to his own beat. ...
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Editorial: Archie Thomas retirement announced (6/19/24)Editor's Corner with Sandra BrandThis week, I have loaned by column to the wife and family of Archie Thomas who are celebrating his official retirement. Thomas, who will continue to serve as pastor of the Living Word Catheral, is hanging up his hat after a long career. He is a 1983 graduate of the Osceola School District and a long-time member of this community. We thank him for his continued commitment...
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Editorial: Night Marshall Sewell H. Burnett remembered (6/11/24)It will soon be 105 years since 45-year-old night marshal Sewell H. Burnett, of Osceola, was shot and killed in the discharge of his duties allegedly by two former prominent people in the community. Burnett was shot and killed while making his rounds at approximately 4:15 am., Sunday, June 15, 1919...
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Editorial: It’s Meme’s Birthday (6/5/24)Today is my friend Wilma Irvin’s 84th birthday. She is not on Facebook, but she reads the newspaper every single week so I am dedicating this column to this incredible woman. I was in my 20s when Wilma and her husband, Rubin, “adopted me.” I was young and living among strangers when this couple welcomed me into the First Assembly Church and their family. The next few years, spending time with these special people, were the best in my life...
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Editorial: Cold Case Remembered (5/29/24)Editor's Corner with Sandra BrandThe “execution style” murders of three people in South Mississippi on April 24, 1988 still remain somewhat of a mystery. Although there have been numerous rumors and speculations during the past 29 years, the murderer has yet to be found and brought to justice...
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Editorial: Memorial Day (5/22/24)Editor's Corner with Sandra BrandMay we never forget those who have given their lives to defend our great nation. Nathan Hale once said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Thinking of the sacrifices made, the words of George William Curtis also come to my mind. “A man's country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.”...
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Editorial: It’s Musicfest Time! (5/15/24)Editor's Corner with Sandra BrandHey guys! I am so excited! The Osceola Heritage Musicfest will be making some noise this weekend. There is going to be a whole lot of dancing going on in downtown Osceola and I plan to be smack in the middle of the fun. Thanks to our presenting sponsor Big River Steel, we have one of the best line-ups ever ready to take the stage Friday and Saturday nights...
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Editorial: Dorthy with one “o” (5/8/24)Editor's Corner with Sandra BrandOne-hundred years ago tomorrow a baby girl was born in a small house located in the middle of Lake Charles. Of course, there was no lake at that time. Her dad was a blacksmith and sold homemade molasses. That baby girl would grow up free as a bird, roaming those hills. In fact, she really did walk three miles to the school in Powhatan and, yes, sometimes in the snow. She was a bright child with beautiful blonde curls...
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Editorial: See You At the Super Bowl (5/1/24)Editor's Corner with Sandra Brand5 foot 11 inches; 165 pound! Who would have ever thought I would even care? Thursday, I spent all day covering a murder trial and then headed straight to the chamber banquet. Yet, somehow I arrived home just in time to watch the Kansas City Chiefs pick wide receiver Xavier Worthy from Texas to give my friend Patrick Mahomes a new weapon on the field. I hear this boy is fast... Fast enough to make my husband and the 49ers shake in their cleats...