Opinion

Economic development specialists cite a measurement for towns called its pull power, the strength to pull in customers from the surrounding area to shop in that town. In northwest Missouri on Highway 35 sits Bethany, which has one of the strongest pull powers in the state. Why? Mostly because there are very few towns with significant markets anywhere near there. You have to go to Bethany to shop.

DEAR ABBY: I am a lesbian who recently experienced heartbreak by falling in love with my mentor and boss. I didn’t want it to happen, but it did. The time we spent together was a balance of bliss and fear. My heart and soul feel that she feels the same way about me. I left my job because my feelings for her became so overwhelming, I could no longer cope.

The House Ethics Committee investigation of Speaker Dean Plocher reminds me of the recent history of speakers who ended their time in office under a legal or ethical cloud. As The Independent has reported, Plocher sought House reimbursement for travel that had been covered by campaign funds.

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I live in a lovely older neighborhood and have enjoyed wonderful neighbors over many years. The homes are close together with windows often left open in spring, summer and fall, as large shade trees keep our homes cool.

Monett has its share of beautiful homes, classy period buildings, impressive high tech schools and scenic parks. But underneath all that, there’s a seamy part of Monett that no one wants to see.

Dear Dave, My mother died about a year and a half ago, and she left me and my younger sister $75,000 each. My sister is 16, and she plans on enlisting in the military after high school, then using the G.I.

For several weeks we’ve been discussing Monett’s major issues, the stuff people like to complain about but that somehow seldom change. We’ve looked at housing, industrial development and the nature of government. One recurring source of sniping is that there’s nothing to do in Monett, especially after the stores close predictably by 6 p.m.

DEAR ABBY: My husband’s best friend, “Kevin,” lost his wife three years ago. He’s currently in a relationshipwithhisniece (his deceased brother’s daughter). Kevin is in his 60s; she’s in her 50s. We find this disgusting and do not condone it. They are both from Portugal. Is this acceptable in other countries?

Dear Dave, My wife and I owe about $40,000 on our mortgage. My father-inlaw, who is a very nice and generous man, said he wants to pay off the house for us, then let us pay him back over time.

Monett’s city election sparked several interesting observations. We have just seen the most spirited election campaign in Monett in 25 years.