Starting school in July has merit

It may seem odd, but we think something that is being promoted in California and Michigan has merit right here in Clinton. It is starting school early this year – like in July.

Sublime in the surreal

Surreal is a word people have been using a lot in the last month or so, under the new coronavirus reality. The word can be used to touch upon the terrifying and the life-endangering, as well as the merely inconvenient. Many of our lives are not what they once were.

When would Joe Biden reopen the United States?

The most pressing problem facing Americans today is how and when states and local areas reopen after the coronavirus lockdowns. President Trump, stressing the terrible economic damage the lockdowns have done, has (mostly) pressed for reopening sooner rather than later.

Introducing the concept of younger sibling can be fun

Dear Doctor: Our son will be 3 years old when his baby sister arrives this fall. What can my husband and I do to help him understand the changes that are on the way? Dear Reader: Congratulations on your growing family, and also on planning ahead for a major change in your son’s life.

Feud between two brothers is spilling over to parents

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have two sons in their late 30s. We always thought they got along well and loved each other. Over the past year, they are no longer speaking with each other because of hard feelings over current situations. They live in the same neighborhood.

Niece is shocked to learn reason uncle is in prison

DEAR ABBY: I cannot believe it! My parents tricked me into comforting a child molester. When I was young, my uncle “Dave” went to prison. My family told it like this: “Dave had an affair with a 17-year-old girl who was pretending to be 18.

Coronavirus vaccine could be fast-tracked

Dear Doctor: I just read that a coronavirus vaccine won’t be ready until at least next year. How do vaccines work? And why do they take so long to make?

Family struggles to share one computer

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am at home with my kids, like everybody is supposed to be. One of the challenges we are having is with the computer.

Wife laughs off pleas to end marriage

DEAR ABBY: I have a problem I can’t fix. I have been married for 54 years. For the last 20 we have slept in different bedrooms. I get no affection from my wife, and everything has to be her way.

Taking the first step to normality

We are glad Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has come up with a plan to start reopening businesses that have been closed during the coronavirus crisis. While we know the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, we believe it is time to start taking steps to return business and life back to normal.