Christine Otten
The secret to lower grocery bills | Planet Ryan
By RYAN LEDENDECKER Columnist Did you know that back in 1913, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, a loaf of bread would set you back nearly six cents?…
Summertime memories | Planet Ryan
What an absolutely awesome past few weeks of weather we’ve had. Am I right? I recall a column I wrote last year at about this same time, with a desperate…
Listen to the words | Mark’s Remarks
Go figure. I like to listen to the oldies station. If you’ve read any of my columns about my love of history, that will come as no surprise. However, it…
The magic of an ordinary birthday | Mark’s Remarks
Bless Andrea Degenhart’s heart. Every year she wishes me a happy birthday in her column. You would think that all of us at the Republic-Times are one big happy family…
The airwaves | Mark’s Remarks
In my hometown, we have a little radio station that started broadcasting in the 1950’s. I grew up listening. In the mornings, there would be commentary from the announcer, a…
Leave no crop behind | Planet Ryan
Back in mid-May, I told you about my near-insatiable urge to plant a garden. Perhaps it’s just one of those things you feel you have to do as you get…
Waiting for Rosie | Mark’s Remarks
I know most of you remember watching “The Jetsons” when you were a kid. Or maybe when your kids were kids, or whatever. The stuff on that show seemed centuries…
The night the lights went out | Mark’s Remarks
Recently, we had a power outage that was, I thought, wonderful. It seemed everything halted for a time. We lit candles and sat around in the quiet, really enjoying each…