and Memorial Day Flowers By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photo courtesy of Memorial Day Flowers It has been said that Veterans Day is for the living and Memorial Day is for the fallen. Many have cause to mark both holidays and reflect on loved ones who have given their lives to service. Victory for Veterans is…

Providing a Sense of Security By Carin R. Kirkegaard; photo courtesy of Grant Oakes   October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation, more than 265,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2019. It is a dise ase that impacts many,…

Random acts of kindness By Elise Brassell; photo courtesy of Meghann Guentensberger After a terrible tragedy, the Guentensberger family made a decision that they hope will have a ripple effect for years to come. Following the accidental death of their daughter Rylie at just 12 years old, the family decided to honor her memory in…

Peaceful future grows through ShesCHERIshed By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of ShesCHERIshed It is the kind of thing most people think couldn’t happen to them or someone they know, but it does. Domestic violence happens to people in all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, education, profession or socioeconomic status. In fact, Douglas County…

Dogs looking for forever homes By Elise Brassell; photos courtesy of the Mellor family As any dog lover can tell you, underneath all that fur, beyond their love of people food, chew toys and causing household mischief, a dog has a heart of gold that offers an unconditional love rarely found anywhere else in life….