Columnists
Paula Shares the Haunted Farmhouse Story
From Time to Thyme By Paula Dunn A while back I ran across a ghost story in the July 24, 1892 Indianapolis Journal that seemed like a perfect Halloween column. It’s a rather lengthy tale of a haunted farmhouse “nine miles north of the town of Sheridan, in Hamilton County.” During my background research, however,…
Read MoreHALLOWEEN: Treats, Tricks & Traditions
It’s month number 10 and time to turn again to the mystical, magical mind frame of fun, fright and frolic. This happy haunting was originally thought to have originated in 4000 B.C., however, Halloween as we know it actually evolved from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated approximately 2,000 years ago, not…
Read MoreHeights Schools Dive Into Second Nine Weeks
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a restful and rejuvenating fall break. As we dive into the second nine weeks, it’s great to see our students back in action — refreshed and ready to learn. There’s a lot to look forward to in the weeks ahead, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going together.…
Read MoreSmile Purdue, you’re on Candid Coaches Camera
Matt Painter’s Purdue basketball program figures prominently in CBSSports.com Candid Coaches series put together by Matt Norlander and Gary Parrish. Coaches were granted anonymity by CBS, whose survey began with “who will be the best team in 2025-26?” Purdue received 32 percent of the vote to edge Houston (28 percent). The next closest schools were…
Read MoreShould I Claim Social Security Because It’s Going Bankrupt?
Dear Rusty: My best friend is going to be 62 and wants to begin taking her Social Security immediately. Her reasoning not to wait is the thought that it is going to run out in 10 years, so she wants as much of her money before that happens. I have paid into Social Security my…
Read MoreMISSING INFORMATION
My wife has run off with my sister. They were only supposed to vacation together for a little over a week, but when Linda asked Mary Ellen if I could manage alright being alone for so long, Mary Ellen said, “He’ll be fine. I’ll only be gone 10 years.” I assume she meant 10 days.…
Read MoreBranna’s Pumped for Pumpkin Season
What’s more paramount than politics right now? It’s the great pumpkin debate! Whether you’re pro or con, love ‘em or loathe ‘em, ‘tis the season of the incessant surge of the great orange squash. Eighty percent of the U.S.’s pumpkin crop is available during October, making its observance obligatory. This curious cucurbit is known by many names and…
Read MoreLate night in the press room
EDITOR’S NOTE: In the spirit of the season, we are sharing a popular Timmons column about Halloween. Halloween’s a few days away and it seems a good time to share a story I’ve never told anyone. Years ago, I was a young sportswriter working late nights and loving every minute of it . . .…
Read MoreThe 2025-2026 Winter Weather Forecast
From Time to Thyme By Paula Dunn I usually run the winter weather forecast column during the first part of October, but I procrastinated this year because it was so hot then. I figured I’d stand a better chance of getting persimmon seed predictions if I waited until the weather was cooler. (Persimmons don’t usually…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – When Will My Disability Become My Regular Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I hope you can answer this question. I’m currently receiving Social Security Disability benefits, and I will be turning 65 in February 2026. I’m confused as to how Social Security Disability transitions to regular Social Security, and when. I assume it’s age 65 but maybe it’s my retirement date? Also, does the amount…
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