Each November, National Adoption Month invites us to celebrate families formed through adoption and to reflect on the thousands of children and teens still waiting for a permanent, loving home. But honoring youth means more than celebrating successful matches, it means listening to their voices, respecting their experiences, and strengthening the systems that shape their futures.

Is it just me or are we celebrating Christmas earlier and earlier every year?
No, I am not a Scrooge, as one of my friends called me after I brought this up. I actually love Christmas and the Christmas season as much as anyone else.
But I also want to enjoy Halloween first, nevermind Thanksgiving.
I first noticed Christmas was already here when we were looking for Halloween candy.

There is no question small, tight-knit communities are good for many reasons.
Undoubtedly, one of those reasons is responding to the good and the bad.
Last month, we all witnessed it when members of the community rallied to collect food and other items for the local food shelves, in response to the pause on SNAP benefits and the federal shutdown.

My sister and I and our three cousins on my mom’s side all grew up together. We are all around the same age (my cousin Andrew and I are literally nine months and three days apart).
I say this because we are close — basically like brothers and sisters. My cousin’s children refer to us as uncles and aunts.

Byron residents will soon decide two important funding questions for the school district. The referendum will appear on the ballot Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

One of my favorite places to be on a Friday night during the fall is at a high school football field. In small towns throughout much of the country, this is the local gathering place for people of all ages.