Bill Ott

Valentine’s Day royalty

Several senior centers in the area helped their residents celebrate Valentine’s Day. Browse through the photos to see their festivities and how the community got involved.

Man helps bowling blossom again Red Bud

Military veteran Brad Mayberry has brought bowling back to the former Red Bud VFW building, turning the key on Blossom City Bowl at 1019 Veterans Street. Like everyone else, the…

Interview tactics to help get you hired

Here are 10 tips to help you ace your next job interview: Study the Company. One of the most overlooked interview strategies is to study the current events of the…

marks

The Adams Family, man caves and tree houses | Mark’s Remarks

I don’t know if I’ve ever told you this, but I’m a big fan of John and Abigail Adams. I’ve read a bunch of books dedicated to them. Both of…

Don’t forget | Planet Ryan

I have something to admit. I wrote this week’s column at the last possible minute because I completely forgot to write it this weekend. For the record, this is the…

Local winery changes hands

The North County News reports that Lau-Nae Winery in Red Bud recently changed ownership and re-opened Thursday under a new name. Lau-Nae Winery was started by Mike and Donna Mollet,…

Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail

Trails presentation Feb. 1 at Welcome Center

Two historical and educational programs will be presented at the Monroe County Welcome Center (Shoemaker School) in Columbia beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1. Retired educator Dennis Patton…

marks

Awareness | Mark’s Remarks

I won’t lie to you: I’m aware many people read this column and I’m aware that many enjoy reading it. There are times I really must give myself an ego…

Prairie du Rocher continues Twelfth Night Ball tradition

The pre-colonial tradition of celebrating the Twelfth Night of Christmas was observed Saturday at the American Legion Hall in Prairie du Rocher — a couple of weekends later than originally…