The holiday season is a wonderful time for family, friends and building fond memories. It is also a time when celebrations tend to revolve around alcohol. It is important to use good judgment when it comes to drinking, as excessive alcohol consumption can create significant problems.

As we close the book on 2011 it strikes me that this was a year of momentous events. As a state, we’ve weathered the storm of high unemployment and a sluggish economy. State government has had to tighten its belt and live a little leaner just as Missouri families have done. And while things have looked bleak at times, we’ve also seen the early signs of economic recovery.

The longer I am in the newspaper business, the more vital I feel it is to take some sort of inventory at year end about where you’ve been, where you’re going and just who you have delighted and angered along the way. First and most important, we are finishing 2011 with more readers to our print, online and Facebook page than we had when we started this year. That in itself is a huge accomplishment.

You’ve really got to hand it to the supposed Republican frontrunner, Newt Gingrich. I mean, it’s one thing to have to dodge and dip around constant personal questions.

There are several theories about the origins of the quaint phrase “the birds and the bees,” which today usually refers to our fumbling attempts to explain procreation to children. Since this column is loosely based on beautifying Lee’s Summit, however, we’re using it literally. We should all care about birds and bees because of their critical roles in pollinating flowers and food crops, as well as the beauty they add to our world. Everything in nature, even a lowly parasite, has its purpose and, as interdependent as we are, a threat to any species can be a threat to all.

My daughter has had a few different experiences with Santa Claus during the last month or so. One was pretty sweet, another was most likely traumatizing. To me, that is.

The Republican ebb and tide continues.

Remember the name John Cox? You know, the gun advocate and first Republican in the presidential race of 2008?

There is no greater testament to Newt Gingrich’s upswing than this: Mitt Romney is coming out swinging.

After the 2012 general election, the boundaries of the state Senate District 8 will change, due to modifications in the state’s population according to the latest census. It may mean a change in who represents you in the Missouri Senate. District 8 will still encompass Blue Springs, Buckner, Grain Valley, Greenwood, Lake Tapawingo, Lee’s Summit, and Levasy. I look forward to continuing to serve these great cities. Unfortunately, District 8 will no longer contain Independence, Lake Lotawana, Lone Jack, Oak Grove or Sibley. The 8th Senatorial District is the third largest district with regards to population; therefore, I will lose representation of about 30,000 people. I have enjoyed serving these areas and greatly regret that I will no longer be their senator.

One of the many joys of working in the newspaper business (if you are fortunate to have your own column) is the therapeutic benefits you get from unloading all your emotions, feelings and concerns out onto your keyboard and, eventually, to your readers.

“Snow days” are two words that generate extremely mixed emotions among students, parents and even superintendents. For students, news of a snow day traditionally generates a joyful reaction. Parents tend to react with much less enthusiasm as they face concerns about day care and make-up days. Most superintendents, myself included, find that snow days often result in very difficult decisions, especially considering our often unpredictable winter weather.

The carnival side show that is The Donald continues.

Bill Pre-Filing Begins