December 17 — The Monett Times Midweek

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Free distribution to thousands of local residents T hursday , D ecember 17, 2015 V olume 2, I ssue 50

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WarLocal stories author returns with 3rd installment in WWII saga - Page 3

The Monett Times Midweek

Page 2 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

Back in the Good Old Days EIGHTY YEARS AGO Dec. 20-26, 1935 • On Dec. 24, the carol singers were out in force.

There weren’t enough to place singers on all streets, but there were a lot out at that. Persons wanting the singers to stop were asked to burn a light in a window. The singers had with them little boxes into which coins could be tossed, and the money was used to relieve the suffering of the Tiny Tims of the land, the crippled children.

• There’s something sorta pathetic about a little orphan doll; a chubby thing, left behind by some girl who wandered off into grown-up land where the doll wasn’t needed anymore. But along comes Christmas and the Christmas spirit and the rescue squads go out looking for those forgotten dolls. And when a little girl is found who will take one of those dolls and cherish it, there’s a lot of new gladness in the land.

That’s what’s been going on in Monett today.

SEVENTY YEARS AGO Dec. 20-26, 1945 • It’s sad but true, ladies, there won’t be any nylon stockings for sale in Monett before Christmas.

Or at least that’s what all the store people say...and they should know. One merchant said he didn’t expect to get any nylon stockings until perhaps February. Bishop’s Store received a shipment of six dozen pairs this week and they lasted about as long as ice cream does at Junior’s birthday party.

• Persons desperately trying to get home for Christmas jammed buses and trains passing through Monett during the week-

end. Bus travel seemed to be tapering off by Dec. 24.

All trains passing through were reported packed clear out into the vestibules. One woman said she rode from Kansas City to Neosho on the platform between two rail cars. The travel jam is the greatest in the nation’s history as civilians and servicemen took to trains, buses, planes, automobiles and even bicycles in attempts to reach their homes for Christmas.

SIXTY YEARS AGO Dec. 20-26, 1955 • Christmas will have an extra meaning at the Max Heim home in Monett.

Less than a month before Christmas last year, Johnny Heim, then a 16-year-old all-around athlete, was stricken with infantile paralysis. After spending much of the year at Burge Hospital in Springfield, Johnny, now well on the road to recovery, is home again and can move around the house with amazing ability despite the fact that he is confined to a wheelchair.

• A total of 57 Barry County school children had positive reactions to the 793 tuberculin patch tests given in the past two months. The Barry County Health Board emphasized a positive reaction did not necessarily mean the child had tuberculosis, but that the child has been in contact with the disease.

FIFTY YEARS AGO Dec. 20-26, 1965 • An overflow crowd of more than 2,000 people attended the annual Christmas program presented by all students in the Monett R-1 elementary schools on Dec. 21 in the high school gymnasium.

Colorful and unusual stage decorations included a

Over 50 Yule baskets, filled with foodstuffs, candy, fruit and toys, were prepared by members of the HobbsAnderson Unit No. 91 of the American Legion auxiliary on Dec. 22 and 23, 1955, for distribution to needy families in Monett. Donations from various Monett organizations and individuals made it one of the most successful projects of its kind ever staged here. Delivery of the Christmas baskets started immediately. Pictured preparing the baskets, from left, are: Mrs. Jack Squibb, Mrs. Gene Babb, Mrs. Homer Lee, Mrs. Eula Allcock, Mrs. Phil Bounous, Mrs. F.L. Higgins, Mrs. Russell Hagar, Mrs. L.A. Taylor, Mrs. Gladys Long, Mrs. Glen Murray and Mrs. Hazel Lawson.

File photo/The Monett Times

nativity scene in the center of the gymnasium and a huge cathedral at the end.

• On Dec. 28, the Barry and Lawrence County Boards of Education will meet in Monett to discuss the merger of the Freistatt and New Vista school districts into Monett. The two boards will consider boundaries in the Freistatt area, where some high school students attend Mt. Vernon, Pierce City and Verona although most attend Monett High School.

FORTY YEARS AGO Dec. 20-26, 1975 • The Monett Kiwanis Club has received $15,616.51 from the Helen McKee Sagar Nutting estate for the club’s Logan D. McKee Memorial fund.

Mrs. Nutting’s father, Logan D. McKee, was active in boys and girls work with the Kiiwanis Club for decades. The memorial fund was established in his name to continue work for children in the community.

• Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Waltrip of Monett and Mr.

and Mrs. Richard Redshaw of Route 1, Purdy, both had babies born on Dec. 25 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Monett.

THIRTY YEARS AGO Dec. 20-26, 1985 • The Cub Express, the new Monett High School newspaper, hit the stands on Dec. 20. Students have met three times a week before school to initiate the school newspaper back into Monett’s school system for the first time in years.

• The spirit of Christmas was aglow on Dec. 25 with a special gift provided by a special person in the form of a “family” celebration for those who otherwise would have had no one with which to share the celebration of the Greatest Gift. The glow emanated from the American Legion Home where some 60 persons were “adopted” into the Christmas family of Linn and Geraldine Thornton, and were invited to share in not only a holiday feast, but also in the warmth of togetherness.

TWENTY YEARS AGO Dec. 20-26, 1995 • The Monett City Council created the new position of airport superintendent, who would take care of day-to-day maintenance of the rounds and buildings, snow removal and any needed maintenance. Mayor Jon Suit said a superintendent could direct activities done by several different city departments at the airport.

• Smiles and laughter were common place on Dec. 25 at the American Legion Home in Monett, as Linn and Geraldine Thornton shared the joy of Christmas in offering their 11th annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Dinner to the community. The number served topped 500 for the first time.

TEN YEARS AGO Dec. 20-26, 2005 • Miracle Recreation

Equipment has signed a letter of agreement with the Monett R-1 School District that will add the Research Play System, a significant new collection of playground equipment at Monett Elementary School, and provide the manufacturer with a new way to explore and research what children like on their playground.

• Dedication ceremonies were held at the new fire station and storm shelter in Pierce City. Mayor Mark Peters expressed appreciation to Jack Goodman for his work as state representative, shepherding the project through the Department of Economic Development for funds, and to the Southwest Missouri Council of Governments for Community Development Block Grant funds.

ON THE COVER: Local author, T. Jack Lewis, released his first novel, “The Tiger’s Den: A Novel for American Audiences,” in the fall of 2014. Since then, he has published two more books in the series, “St. Bart’s: A Novel of Foreign Intrigue,” and “The Palms: Occupation Story: The Philippines.” Melonie Roberts/reporter@monett-times.com

The Monett Times Midweek

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • Page 3

Local author returns with 3rd installment in WWII saga T. Jack Lewis releases ‘The Palms — Occupation Story: The Philippines’

By Melonie Roberts

L

reporter@monett-times.com

ocal author T. Jack Lewis has returned with his third novel in two years, “The Palms — Occupation Story: The Philippines,” where the saga picks up with the main character, Masaharu Kenda, investigating the death of his friend, Lt. Fujimora.

“The character has to decide whether to protect the Empire or the innocent,” said Lewis. “The story begins with Kenda suffering deep depression, ending up in the same situation he started, with nothing.”

Kenda chases clue after clue in this installment, as well as meets the leader of the anti-Japanese resistance underground to ask for his help in solving the mystery of his friend’s death.

“In every tragedy, there is opportunity,” Lewis said. “We explore that in ‘The Palms.’ The novel is set

in Japanese-occupied Philippines, where there is money to be made from Japanese interests.”

In this novel, uncomfortable alliances are made, and Kenda sees these as a method of preventing further tragedy.

“Kenda reveres life,” Lewis said. “He is finally faced with the moral dilemma of having to decide whether to take out the general that gave the order to kill innocents or not.”

Kenda also continues his quest for spiritual enlightenment, having explored the tenants of Buddhism, Islam and Christianity, and continues in his Christian growth.

Kenda finds influential businessmen, embassy officials, Imperial generals and admirals at the center of a clandestine conspiracy and a surprise ending that leaves the reader wanting more, according to Lewis.

The books are fact-based, although the characters are fictional.

Lewis, who grew up in Chicago, visited Japan in 1984. He married and has two sons who still live there.

Through frequent visits to his Continued on Page 7

Local author, T. Jack Lewis recently discussed the third novel in a series, “The Palms — Occupation Story: The Philippines.” The novel follows Masaharu Kenda from French Indochina to the Philippines where the story continues. This is the third book in the saga. Melonie Roberts/reporter@monett-times.com

The Monett Times Midweek

A look at area events this week

By Murray Bishoff

SPRINGFIELD: The Drury University Girls Choir performs at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Stone Chapel on the Drury campus.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.: At George’s Majestic Lounge, 519 W. Dickson, performing this week are On the Verge on Thursday; the Cate Brothers, Steve Pryor and Boom!

Kinetic on Friday; Arkansauce and Cowgirls Trainset on Saturday.

EUREKA SPRINGS: A “Home for the Holidays” concert is offered by local performers at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Auditorium, 36 S. Main.

JOPLIN: At the Downstream Casino, west of Joplin, Retrorockerz play Friday. Sassafras plays country music and rock on Saturday.

MIAMI, Okla.: The Tulsa Praise Orchestra presents “Big Band Christmas” at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Coleman Theater, 103 N. MAIN. TULSA, Okla.: Donnie and Marie Osmond perform at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Hard Rock Casino in Catoosa.

At Cain’s Ballroom, 423 N. Main, performing this week are Mt. Eden, Nolzmekka and Nomad on Thursday; Texas Hippie Coalition, DRYVR, Southern Lush and 3eighty3 on Friday; John Fullbright, Wink & All and Kyle Reid on Saturday; country musician Robert Earl Keen and Doyle & Debbie perform on Sunday.

KANSAS CITY: The Kansas City Symphony and Chorus offer a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 1 and 8 p.m Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday at the Kauffman Center, 1601 Broadway.

Jazz musician David Benoit and vocalist Jane Monheit offer a 50th anniversary tribute to “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at 8 p.m. on Friday at the Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St. Local bands Bastille, the Wombats, the Greeting Committee and Hembree perform at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Midland Theater, 1228 Main.

Broadway star Audra McDonald performs at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 at the Kauffman Center.

A period instrument performance of Handel’s “Messiah” is offered by the Spire Chamber Ensemble and Baroque Orchestra at 7 p.m. on Dec. 23 at the Kauffman Center.

Scottish and Celtic song specialist Ashley Davis performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 at the Lied Center at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.

At the Argosy Casino in Riverside, the Mark Needleman Band plays Friday.

Flashback plays Saturday.

A tribute concert to Foreigner is offered Saturday at the VooDoo Lounge at Harrah’s Casino.

COLUMBIA: The Missouri Symphony and Chorus performs the 2015 Symphony of Toys Holiday Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Missouri Theater, 203 S. Ninth St. ST. LOUIS: The St. Louis Symphony performs “A Gospel Christmas” with the In UNISON Choir and tenor Thomas Young at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at Powell Hall, Grand and Delmar. The orchestra plays Christmas pops for the annual Macy’s Holiday Celebration at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Powell Hall.

Of Monsters and Men performs at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market.

At the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., singer songwriter Peter Mayer performs at 7 p.m. Thursday. Rocker Chris Cornell plays at 8 p.m. on Friday. Jay Farrar plays the music of Son Volt’s “Trace” at 8 p.m. on Saturday. Andy Waggoner and Friends offer a Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 22.

At the Pageant, 6161 Delmar, El Montero, known for its Pink Floyd tribute concerts, performs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Dec. 23, plus more shows into next weekend.

AREA THEATRE

AREA MUSIC

Go Guide

Page 4 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

OZARK: Ron Boutwell’s play “From the Harvest Fields,” reenacting the Biblical story of Ruth, runs through Saturday at the Stained Glass Theater, 1996 W. Evangel.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.: Rick Elice’s play “Peter and the Starcatcher” has shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, with more shows Dec. 23 and for the next two weekends in the Studio Theater, 505 W. Spring St. A touring production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: the Musical” is presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 21, 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 22; 10 a.m., 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Walton Arts Center, 495 W. Dickson.

TULSA, Okla.: At the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, 110 E. Second St., Dickens’ “Christmas Carol” is presented at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m.

Sunday in the John H. Williams Theatre.

Tulsa Ballet presents its unique take on

Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” with the Tulsa Symphony accompanying at 7 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Chapman Music Hall. A concert version of the musical “Dreamgirls” is offered at 8 p.m.

Friday and Friday 2 p.m. Sunday, and 8 p.m. Dec. 22 and 23 in the Liddy Doenges Theatre. A touring production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” is offered at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 22 and 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 23 in the Chapman Music Hall.

The second annual “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” reunion is presented at 7 p.m.

Saturday at the Henthorne Performing Arts Center, 4825 S. Quaker Ave. BARTLESVILLE, Okla.: The Bartlesville Civic Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Community Center, 300 S.E. Adams Blvd.

KANSAS CITY: Kansas City Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, 1 and 5 p.m Sunday, 7:30 p.m Dec. 21 and 22, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 23, and 1 p.m. Dec. 24 at the Kauffman Center, 1601 Broadway.

The “Dancing With The Stars” tour performs at 8 p.m. on Friday at the Midland Theater.

A stage version of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” runs through Jan. 3 at the Coterie Theater at Crown Center, Grand Blvd. and Pershing Road.

The Quality Hill Playhouse presents the revue “Christmas in Song” Thursday through Dec. 23 at 303 W. 10th St. The musical “Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play” by Anne Washburn, a “Simpsons” cross with WWIII, and runs through Dec. 27 at the Unicorn Theater, 3828 Main.

Kansas City Repertory Theater presents David Sedaris’ “The Santaland Diaries” through Dec. 24 at the Copaken Stage, 13th and Walnut downtown. Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” runs through Dec. 24 at the Spencer Theater, 4949 Cherry.

“A Spectacular Christmas Show,” with one act of holiday songs and another of joyful, celebratory songs, is offered at 7 p.m.

Thursday through Sunday by the Musical Theater Heritage at Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd.

“Buyer and Cellar,” a one-man show describing the adventures of an out-of-work actor in Hollywood who ends up running a private mall under Barbra Streisand’s Malibu mansion, featuring KC actor Seth Golay, runs through Dec. 27 at the Unicorn Theater.

The Puppetry Institute, 11025 E. Winner Rd. in Independence, presents “The Night Bear-Fore Christmas,” a stuffed animal show by puppeteer Kraig Kensinger, is offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, with more

The Monett Times Midweek

SPECIAL EVENTS

shows on Dec. 26.

ST. LOUIS: The musical “Wicked” runs through Jan. 3 at the Fox Theater, 527 N. Grand, with shows 7:30 p.m. weekdays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, plus a 1 p.m. show Dec. 24.

St. Louis Ballet presents Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” Thursday through Sunday and Dec. 22 and 23 at the Touhill Performing Arts Center at the University of Missouri.

Missouri Ballet Theatre presents Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday at the Edison Theater at Washington University.

The St. Louis Irish Arts Holiday concert, with music and dance, is presented at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Sheldon Concert Hall.

Repertory Theater of St. Louis’ production of Rick Elice’s play “Peter and the Starcatcher” runs through Dec. 27 at the Loretto Hilton Center at Webster University in Webster Groves.

SPRINGFIELD: “Emancipating the Past: Kara Walker’s Tales of Slavery and Power,” an exhibit of silhouettes offering commentary on historical perspectives on race, runs through Jan. 3 at the Springfield Art Museum, 1111 E. Brookside Circle.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.: At the Crystal Bridges Museum, “Picturing the Americas: Landscape Painting from Tierra del Fuego to the Arctic” runs through Jan. 18. “Alfred Maurer: Art on the Edge” runs through Jan. 4. “Changing Perspectives of Native Americans” also runs into 2016.

JOPLIN: At the Spiva Center for the Arts, Third and Wall, the 68th annual

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • Page 5 Membership Show and “’Scapes: From Land to Sea,” an exhibit of works by Michael Steddum, Linda Teeter and Jim Bray, run through Dec. 31.

The Wildcat Glades Conservation Center, south of Joplin, hosts its annual Christmas Bird Count from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

TULSA, Okla.: At the Gilcrease Museum of Western Art, “Painted Journeys: The Art of John Mix Stanley” and “Native American Bolo Ties: Vintage and Contemporary Artistry” run through Jan. 3. “On Common Ground,” an exhibit exploring people in their daily life, nature and the experience of many cultures on the land, opens Dec. 22.

At the Philbrook Museum, 2727 S. Rockford Rd., “In Living Color,” an exhibit of printmaking with iconic works by Andy Warhol and more, runs through Jan. 17. “Barbizon and Beyond,” an exhibit of French landscapes, runs through Feb. 28.

KANSAS CITY: At the NelsonAtkins Art Museum, “American Epics: Thomas Hart Benton and Hollywood” runs through Jan. 3. “Rising Up; Hale Woodruff’s Murals at Talladega College” runs through Jan. 10. The photography exhibit, “Through the Lense: Visions of the African American Experience 19501970,” runs through April 3, 2016.

ST. LOUIS: Comic Amy Schumer performs at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave. Running at the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park are the exhibits “The Artist and the Modern Studio” through Jan. 3; “Journey to the Interior: Ink Painting from Japan”; “Blow-Up: Graphic Abstraction in 1960s Design” through March 20; and “St. Louis Modern” through Jan. 31.

The Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd., has the following exhibits running: “Hurvin Anderson: Backdrop,” exploring social history and cultural identity; “Wyatt Kahn: Object Paintings;” and “Sheila Hicks: Fiber Art;” all through Dec. 27.

PICK

THREE

Murray’s top picks for the week

1

For the first time since 1991, the Ozark Festival Orchestra will present Handel’s “Messiah” with a community choir of nearly 50 voices and local soloists at 3 p.m. on Dec. 19 at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center. OFO music director Todd Borgmann leads the big production in 21 selections from the oratorio, sure to be the highlight of the holiday season in the Monett area.

If you want one last chance at Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” ballet this season, you can take in the only show in show in Springfield this week, Springfield Ballet’s production at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday at the Landers Theater, 311 E. Walnut. If you want something more elaborate, check out the listings for Tulsa Ballet and Kansas City Ballet, plus the St. Louis Ballet and Missouri Ballet have competing shows in St. Louis.

3

2

If you don’t want to go far from home to get that warm holiday feeling, visit the Monett Chamber of Commerce’s Festival of Lights, running nightly at Monett’s South Park, Highways 37 and 60. The nightly displays will be on through Dec. 31 and bring back the flavor of public lighting displays in the traditional way. Candy canes are available for all at the exit.

Murray Bishoff is a veteran theatergoer, traveling weekends to many of the venues within driving distance, from Tulsa to St. Louis. From dance recitals to operas, he’s been there and shares his recommendations.

The Monett Times Midweek

Page 6 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

Ford promises older, wiser Solo in ‘Force Awakens’

By DERRIK J. LANG AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES — When speaking about “Star Wars,” there are few topics that inspire a twinkle in Harrison Ford’s eyes.

The 73-year-old actor is matter-of-fact about almost everything involving the sci-fi series’ latest episode — from his reunion with Carrie Fisher (“It was no big deal.”) to the franchise’s unwavering popularity (“For me, it’s old news.”).

However, when Ford brings up his new co-stars, he lights up like the Millennium Falcon charging through hyperspace.

“The new, young actors Daisy Ridley and John Boyaga were well cast, well directed and are huge talents,” he said, his gritty voice lifting, during

a recent interview. “They come off really well in the movie. They carry the movie.”

After more than 30 years, Ford is reprising his role as smart-aleck smuggler Han Solo in director J.J. Abrams’ “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” out Dec. 18.

The iconic character, who hasn’t been seen on screen since celebrating the fall of the Galactic Empire in 1983’s “Return of the Jedi,” serves as an unlikely mentor to scavenger Rey (Daisy Ridley), defector Finn (John Boyega) and pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as they team up to take on masked adversary Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his minions.

While the film has been cloaked in an unparalleled level of secrecy, Ford guaranteed that

fans can expect the same Solo they fell in love with from the original “Star Wars” trilogy. (Disney declined to screen “Force Awakens” for this story ahead of the Dec. 14 premiere).

“The shorthand is that he’s older and wiser, but his bones are the same,” Ford said. “He’s not selling real estate now. He’s the same guy — only with the passage of 30 years.

While we do not sit down and describe what he’s been doing for those years, we do discover in the context of the story what the complications have been in his life.”

Ford, who infamously wanted George Lucas to kill off Solo in “Return of the Jedi,” had a “why not?” attitude about suiting back up as Solo.

He wasn’t surprised by Disney’s Death Star-

sized plan to revive the franchise after acquiring Lucasfilm in 2012 for more than $4 billion.

The studio is planning to release a stand-alone film about a young Solo in 2018.

“If you make a huge investment in a product and it pays off, there’s wisdom in seeing whether the well has run dry,” Ford said. “If the well has run dry, (expletive) admit it and go on to something else. This well has not dried, especially when you introduce new discoveries, which Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver represent.”

Despite embodying the intergalactic scoundrel in three films, the “Indiana Jones” star didn’t feel the need to provide “Force Awakens” filmmakers with much

insight into Solo, who is back alongside shaggy sidekick Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew).

“They wanted to know if I didn’t like something, and we would talk about ways to fix it,” Ford said.

“That’s what we do. It’s a collaborative process.

There wasn’t much.

(Lawrence) Kasdan was back. He was one of the writers from the original films. He has a keen understanding on how the beast works, so I think they produced a script that — in my mind — was very easy to work with.”

Once he was back in a galaxy far, far away, Ford’s reprisal was stopped short on the second day of production last year when a door on the Millennium Falcon set outside London fell on him. He broke his left

leg and was grounded for months. The unexpected time off proved more frustrating than fruitful.

“I had been ready,” he said. “I didn’t have much to think about. I think it gave J.J. some more time to think about some of the scenes.”

After his work on the postponed production eventually wrapped up, Ford endured another mishap involving a flying machine. The aeronautical aficionado suffered several injuries when his vintage plane’s engine failed and crashed in Santa Monica, Calif.

The accidents haven’t stopped Ford from returning to the sky.

“Oh, (expletive) no, I fly all the time,” said Ford, with his eyes glowing again. “I want to spend more time flying. That’s what I want to do.”

Viking hoard found in field sheds light on England’s origins

By JILL LAWLESS Associated Press

LONDON — A trove of Viking jewelry and Saxon coins unearthed by an amateur treasure-hunter in a farmer’s field may help rescue an English king from obscurity.

The Watlington Hoard, a collection of silver bands, ingots and 186 coins unveiled at the British Museum Thursday, dates from a tumultuous period. The coins were minted during the reign of Alfred the Great, ruler of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex, who battled a “great heathen army” of Viking invaders during the 9th century.

By coincidence, dis-

covery of the hoard coincides with the broadcast of “The Last Kingdom,” a big-budget BBC drama series that has piqued interest in the conflict between Alfred and the Vikings.

Alfred is renowned as the ruler whose victories helped create a unified England, but some of the coins in the hoard also bear the name of the far more obscure King Ceolwulf II of Mercia, a neighboring kingdom to Wessex.

“Poor Ceolwulf gets a very bad press in Anglo Saxon history,” said museum coins curator Gareth Williams. What little is known of him was

written at Alfred’s court and paints Ceolwulf as “a puppet of the Vikings.”

Williams said the hoard contains coins that carry images of two Roman emperors side by side — evidence that the kings were allies against the Scandinavians, but that Ceolwulf was “airbrushed out of history” by the increasingly powerful Alfred.

“Here is a more complex political picture in the 870s which is deliberately misrepresented in the 890s,” Williams said.

“Perhaps we should be thinking more of Stalin and Trotsky, with Ceolwulf being airbrushed out of history because he’s

no longer convenient.”

The find was announced by the museum as it reported on the Portable Antiquities Scheme, a government-funded project that encourages members of the public to report finds of archaeological interest.

The trove was discovered in October near Watlington, 40 miles (65 kilometers) west of London, by 60-year-old James Mather, an amateur treasure-seeker who called the find “every detectorist’s dream.” If it is declared treasure by a coroner, Mather and the landowner will split a reward equal to its value.

The items will likely go to

a museum.

With the help of local archaeology officials, the trove was dug up complete with the clay soil around it, bundled in cling wrap and taken to the British Museum.

It arrived looking like a “greasy clay haggis,” said British Museum conser-

1 month

3 months

vator Pippa Pearce, who led efforts to explore the trove and restore the items to gleaming silver glory.

“I’ve worked at the British Museum for 42 years and sometimes it’s a shame to take the pay,” Pearce said. “This was a joy of a hoard to work on.”

6 months

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The Monett Times Midweek

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • Page 7

Author: Has traveled to all of the places in the Far East that he writes about

Continued from Page 3

family, Lewis has absorbed many of the stories and the culture of the country.

His former motherin-law, Yamate Midori, worked at a defense plant during World War II and has shared many stories with Lewis and her grandsons.

With the mix of rich cultural traditions, museum artifacts and reverence for elders, especially those that fought in the war, Lewis was inspired to write the story from another perspective.

“This story has been rolling around in my head for years,” Lewis

said. “I knew I was going to write about World War II, and I had to incorporate my love of the Orient into the stories.

“I originally planned to write four books, but the story has evolved and taken on a life of its own. I think it will wind up in five.”

Lewis’ goal is to tell the stories as historically accurately as possible from the viewpoint of his protagonist, Kenda.

“I wrote ‘The Tiger’s Den’ from the perspective of the enemy, the Japanese,” Lewis said.

“From there, we’ve followed Kenda to St. Bart’s in French Indonesia, and

then in Twelve Palms, to Manila, to the famous Twelve Palms hotel.”

Lewis, who lived for a time in the Philippines and has visited South Korea; Guam; Okinawa, Japan; and the island of Saipan, creates a vivid backdrop for the action in these historic novels.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to travel to all of these places I’ve written about,” he said. “I make reference to actual streets and outlying towns in my books.

The Far East was my playground until about 1997.”

The next installment, “War Story,” will find

the reader visiting the Japanese base of Rabaul in Australia, the South Pacific islands and the island of Guadalcanal.

“Kenda is sent to take command of a fighter squadron at Rabaul,” Lewis said. “Book five, ‘Infinite Wisdom,’ will tie back in with ‘The Tiger’s Den.’” Lewis revealed that military history is one of his passions.

“Luckily, I have found good, online resources for these books,” he said.

Lewis’ books are available through Barnes and Noble, Amazon, online retailers and at www. thekendasaga.com

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Local author, T. Jack Lewis recently discussed the third novel in a series, “The Palms — Occupation Story: The Philippines.” The novel follows Masaharu Kenda from French Indochina to the Philippines where the saga continues. Melonie Roberts/reporter@monett-times.com

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monetttimes@gmail.com office 417-235-3135 cell 479-244-7082 fax 417-235-8852

Marketing, Advertising & Online Media Specialist

The Monett Times Midweek

Page 8 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

Murky circumstances of crime cloud convict’s welcome home D EAR ABBY: After I became an adult and left home, my father remarried a woman with a grown son.

“Jack” has been incarcerated for the past several years. I have only vague information about what he did, but I do know it was related to drugs and gang affiliation.

His mother insists he was “framed” and refuses to talk about the charges. I haven’t been able to find any public information except that this wasn’t the first time he was arrested. My father has hinted that there is a bigger story there, but he keeps quiet out of respect for his wife’s feelings.

Jack will be released soon, and my stepmom is already planning big family events for us to welcome him home. I have a wife and kids now, and I’m not sure I want them around an ex-con. At the same time, I don’t really know what happened, and I don’t want to start a family rift.

What should I do next?

— WHAT’S THE SECRET? DEAR WHAT’S: Talk to your father and tell him that unless you know the whole story about what Jack did that you will not be a part of the welcome home party. As a parent, you have a right to know whether

no longer talk to me.

Should I be there since she is the grandmother of my children? — PLANNING AHEAD

Jeanne Phillips Dear Abby your children could be in danger if they are around him and base your decision on it. Not that Jack might ever hurt your children, but should a rival gang member come after him, they might be collateral damage, as we so often read about these days. Better to err on the side of caution.

DEAR ABBY: I was divorced 10 years ago. My children are all over 21. I talk with them once a month, but I contact my ex-wife only when there’s an issue that relates to our kids.

My ex now has cancer. When she dies, am I expected to attend the funeral? I would like to go as a show of respect to my kids. However, I don’t know how they would react because they know I have had little contact with their mother for the last decade.

The same question goes for my ex-mother-in-law, who is almost 90. I had a good relationship with her until the divorce, at which point she would

DEAR PLANNING: I think your question may be somewhat premature.

Your relationship with your ex-wife and her mother may improve before anyone dies — and let’s admit it, YOU could be the one to go first.

If there is any chance that your presence at her mother’s funeral would upset your ex-wife, then I vote for skipping it and explaining the reason to your children. As to attending your ex’s funeral when (and IF) the time comes, remember that funerals are to comfort the living. During one of your monthly conversations

with your children — once your ex-wife is determined to be terminal and NOT before — ask what their wishes are and abide by them.

Dear Abby is written

by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby. com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

To receive a collection of Abby’s most memorable — and most frequently requested — poems and essays, send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby — Keepers Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

Shipping and handling are included in the price.

The Monett Times Midweek

Peanuts

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • Page 9

By Charles M. Schulz

Mutts

Garfield

By Patrick McDonell

By Jim Davis

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Beetle Bailey By Mort Walker

The Monett Times Midweek

Page 10 • Thursday, December 17, 2015

1. Special Notices IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please check your ad the first day of publication. If it contains an error, report it to The Monett Times Classified Department. Errors will be corrected and credit will be issued for the first day of publicationsonly.TheMonettTimesshall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from the publication (whether published correctly or not) or omission of an advertisement.

8. Business Services TREE TRIMMING & Cutting.

Sweet Gum Ball Removal. Guaranteed Cheapest Rates.

417-669-0235 After 4pm or Leave Message.

9. Services Offered

16. Help Wanted

16. Help Wanted

16. Help Wanted

Reyco Granning is back in high gear and hiring!

Email: clawrence@reycogranning.com or, A manufacturer of heavy duty suspensions, Fax: 417.466.1001 or, Reyco Granning, LLC has immediate Mail: Reyco Granning, LLC openings for 1st Shift Welders, ATTN: Human Resources 1st Shift Manufacturing Supervisor, 1205 Industrial Park Drive VP of Sales & Marketing, & Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 Project Engineering Opportunities.

Reyco Granning LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment Descriptions and requirements for these without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and other employment opportunities can be protected veteran status or disability status. Reyco Granning LLC viewed at www.reycogranning.com. is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting veterans and people with disabilities. If you need accommodation or assistance To apply, please submit a resume and/or in using our website, please call (417) 466-2178 completed application via one of the following: and request to speak to a human resource representative.

CURBOW APPLIANCE Repair.

All makes & models. Reliable, responsive, reasonable. Mon-Fri 8-5. 417-236-0700.

DOSS APPLIANCE Repair Service: Service all major brands, prompt, experienced service, affordable rates.

Call anytime 417-235-6314.

FOR ALL of your heating, air conditioning and sheet metal work, call Monett Sheet Metal, 235-7116.

16. Help Wanted BROKERS WITH AUTHORITY to pull our loads, 2,3, or 6 day runs, solo or team, mileage or percentage pay, same day pay. www.trailiner.com 800-769-3993.

CASSVILLE HEALTH Care & Rehab is now Accepting A p p l i c a t i o n s for the following positions: CNA All Shifts, LPN, CMT. We Offer Great Pay, with Benefits, Vacation, and Sick Time. Please Apply in Person at Cassville Health Care & Rehab, 1300 County Farm Road, Cassville, MO 65625.

(417)847-3386

16. Help Wanted

DRIVERS: HOME WEEKLY! Paid Health Ins. Vacation, Holidays & More. Truck w/fridge & microwave. CDL-A w/2yrs recent experience. Standard Transportation Services. 1-888-992-4038 ext 133.

George’s Farms, Inc. Poultry Processing Worker.

Cut, trim and pack poultry.

Various shifts, multiple openings, full time positions.

9066 State Highway W. Cassville, Missouri 65625.

Apply in person. * Applicants with 1 year of verifiable poultry processing experience will start at the 1 year payrate.

DRIVERS CDL-A: Get Home Weekly! Earn $70,000 to $80,000 per year! $2500 Sign-on Bonus!

Same day pay! 2016 Trucks!

800-769-3993.

DRIVERS CDL-A: Get PAID Same Day! Free Health Ins.! 3 or 6 Day Runs! Make the Change, Call TODAY! 800-769-3993.

ENTRY LEVEL DRIVERS CDL-A: $65,000+ Per Year! $2500 SignOn Bonus! Free Health Ins.! Same Day Pay! No CDL? Free Training!

800-769-3993.

GRIP, BOYS Home Verona is looking for PT help. Must be honest, self-starter, hard working, with ranch/farmexperience.Willingto teach young people the value of hard work. Must have a valid DL, pass a criminal background check. Lift 50 lbs and be physically fit. Call Dave 417-498-6852 JOPLIN GLOBE Newspaper Route in Pierce City Available December 1st. $500/month less expenses.IndependentContractor.

Must have dependable vehicle and back-up. Apply online at joplinglobe.com: on the Subscribe drop-downmenu,clickonCarrier Application.

SCHOOL BUS Drivers and Aides Substitute Positions Available.

Please Only Serious Inquiries.

417-235-1866 Leave Message TRUCK LEASE PURCHASE, 1 yr. CDL,A exp., no money down, same day mileage pay. 2, 3 or 6 day runs. www.trailiner.com 800-769-3993.

“Because the People Must Know.”

Public Notice advertising plays a unique role both in American history and in the process by which this country’s democracy is preserved.

Its one premise is that people must be informed if they are to govern themselves competently. Public Notice advertising first came into being with the Congress of 1792. That body, recognizing its responsibility to the people, required the Postmaster General to advertise for bids for the construction of new post offices.

From that inauspicious beginning to the publication requirements in federal, state and local laws today, government officials have come more and more to understand their obligations to inform the public through Public Notice advertising. Newspapers over the years have been the vehicle by which these obligations have been fulfilled. They will continue to be as long as the public demands that it be informed frequently and by the best means possible.

Stay current.

Call 235.3135 to subscribe to The Monett Times. www.monett-times.com

The Monett Times Midweek

Thursday, December 17, 2015 • Page 11 .

16. Help Wanted

16. Help Wanted

29. Houses for Rent I HAVE very nice rental homes, varied number of bedrooms, the city of Monett. Call Max Easley at 417-235-6871 or 417-693-1024.

George’s Inc. Cassville, MO is currently seeking qualified and dependable applicants for the following positions: Egg Pickup - Chick Delivery Drivers Chick Delivery Drivers and Egg Pick up Driver require a Class A CDL plus a good driving record. Interested applicants should apply in person at George’s Inc. Human Resources located at the intersection of Highway 37 and Highway W beside the community of Butterfield.

Apply in person. Or e-mail resumes to dan.halog@georgesinc.com for questions please call 417-442-3500 or visit our website at www.georgesinc.com George’s is an equal opportunity employer.

18. Situations Wanted

25. Real Estate For Sale

EXPERIENCED HOUSEKEEPER $10 per hour, cash only. Call Jackie 417-393-5982.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “anypreference,limitation,ordiscrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference,limitationordiscrimination.

We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis

21. Autos, Trucks for Sale FOR SALE: ‘97 Ford Escort, 4-dr, wagon, LX, 147,000 miles, red. $1,600. 417-342-8868

Visit us online at: monett-times.com

29a. Duplexes For Rent 2 BR, 1 Ba. 4-plexe units in Monett.AllelectricCentralH/A,appliances furnished, W/D hookups.

Starting at $425 per month, $250 deposit. 236-0140.

30. Apartments for Rent 2 Br 2 Ba apartments in Monett. $475 a month, $400 deposit.

236-5951.

APARTMENTS FOR LEASE IN MONETT

Monett Apts 1 BR starting at $350 2 BR starting at $450 ONLY $99.00 deposit!

More online.

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417-224-2127 31. Rooms for Rent J & T ECONO Rooms to Rent.

Weekly low rates - No pets. Cable TV, refrigerator, microwave.

417-489-6000

55. Storage CROSSLAND STOR-ALL. Across East of Wal-Mart. 10 buildings, 7 sizes. 235-3766.

FRIEZE’S STORAGE- 10 Sizes plus outside storage. Gated at night. Phone 417-235-7325 or 417-393-9662.

THREE SIZES To choose from, electricity available, concrete floors with partitions to ceiling.

Marshall Storage S Hwy 37, 235-6097.

WHY PAY More, Rent from Us & Store. S & G Storage.

417-235-1914 or 417-235-9289.

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