Columnists
Ask Rusty – Can My Husband Work Part Time and Collect Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I am writing to you on behalf of my husband. His intentions are to go part time as of January 1, 2026, working 30 hours a week and take Social Security benefits as supplemental income. How can we determine what his Social Security benefit would be with him still working part time? He…
Read MoreFor Love of a Lost Language
I am a Latin lover. Well, let me clarify. I know what you may be thinking. In actuality, I am of native American descent, however, I have an incurable love for the Latin language. You know, the one that is “dead,” as they used to say back in my school days. Luckily, for once,…
Read MoreThe Heat is On
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s HOT! We’re fortunate In this day and age. We can expect to be greeted by a blast of cool — if not downright frigid — air pretty much any time we enter a building on a blazing hot summer day. That, however, has only come about during my lifetime.…
Read MoreBeyond the Wrinkles
April 9, 2025 There is a current estimate of 73 million people aged 65 and older living in the United States (2025). It’s a known fact that we are living longer these days, and my generation (the Baby Boomers) is projected to grow to over 95 million people in the United States by the year…
Read MoreBlind Loyalty Might Be a Lost Art
Blind loyalty. We have, or maybe had, a rich history in this country of blind loyalty. Whether it comes to family where siblings could fight like cats and dogs . . . until an outside stepped in. Then the siblings were united as never before and the outsider was in for a long day. The…
Read MoreIn a Manner of Speaking
Five years ago, while the world was in the throes of COVID, I started looking through some of my wife’s old cookbooks. I was preparing Mary Ellen for the next pandemic. I also found a couple of editions of books written by manners-maven Emily Post, who died in 1960. Very few attended her funeral because…
Read MoreSuperintedent Shares Year-End Message
As another school year comes to a close, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support of Hamilton Heights School Corporation. Our success is rooted in the strength of our families and community, and we simply couldn’t do what we do without your involvement. Whether you’re volunteering, staying engaged in your child’s…
Read MoreAsk Rusty – Retired Veteran: Why must I pay for Medicare?
Dear Rusty: I’m a retired Navy veteran who is going to be turning 65 years old this year. My question is concerning mandatory Medicare sign-up requirements. Why do I have to sign up for Medicare coverage at 65 when I can’t start collecting full Social Security benefits until I turn 67? My Social Security benefits…
Read MoreVeteran Sports Scribe Taking Wait-And-See Approach With Purdue
The days of Purdue athletics being described as “cheap” are over. Athletic director Mike Bobinski, university president Mung Chiang and the Purdue University Board of Trustees, whether willingly or figuratively kicking and screaming, really had no choice to be part of the revenue sharing agreement that is a major part of the House vs. NCAA…
Read MoreGentle Guidance
(written 7/13/2020, revised 6/9/2025) I moved from Florida to Indiana ten weeks ago. Since that time, I have retired from full-time employment as a nurse and began my very part-time employment with the local Methodist Church as Hospitality Coordinator. I knew this part of the transition was going to happen before I moved. I’ve been…
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