It was 1968 when the shocking story of Barbara Mackle’s kidnapping became public. She had been targeted because of her family’s prominence and wealth. The event had ties to our area. Her father and his brothers, The Mackle Brothers, were … Find out how to read more online.

Technology is shrinking our world. Today, a traveler can eat dinner in New York, board a plane and have breakfast in Paris. An executive in Boston can pull a telephone out of a pocket, push a few buttons and chat … Find out how to read more online.

Eleven students recently graduated from the Charlotte County session of the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise program, according to a press release from Goodwill. Each of the graduates completed a six-week, intensive small-business and management training course. The class, which was … Find out how to read more online.

“So be no longer children, tossed like ships to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, the prey of cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, in every shifting form of trickery in … Find out how to read more online.

While playing first base in high school, a teammate dubbed me as “Stretch,” one day after I reached to snag a throw from the third baseman in time to force the runner out at first. The name carried over into … Find out how to read more online.

It’s that time of year again. Yep, hurricane season. I realize we have not had a good scare in a few years, but that is no excuse not to be prepared. For some of us, it is natural to get … Find out how to read more online.

A well-done to the students and teachers at Good Shepherd Day School in Punta Gorda. They recently took time out to honor members of the law enforcement community in Charlotte County as part of the celebration of Police Week, according … Find out how to read more online.

Not many candidates refer to losing an election as a “rather liberating experience.” But that’s Adam Cummings, with his Opie-esque idealism. Cummings, just 47, is starting a third career after 16 years as a Charlotte County commissioner and a previous … Find out how to read more online.

Just when everyone is getting tired of Carly Rae Jepsen’s international hit song “Call Me Maybe,” I have to mention it again. It is May, after all, and the “maybes” are out there trying to become a star. We can’t … Find out how to read more online.

The Leadership Charlotte class of 2013 put on a wonderful party, Mardi Gras in May, Saturday night. The music was fun, the silent auction was fabulous, and the gaming tables were a big hit. Some of the masks that guests … Find out how to read more online.

I’ve been thinking a lot about guns lately. Frankly, guns make me very uncomfortable, as does electricity, high places and water. Let me explain, because I don’t think I’m overly neurotic. Let’s start with water. I love to drink it … Find out how to read more online.

Last week, the Answer Man wrote about the hackers’ targets pasted on the backs of small businesses, the “sitting ducks,” unprepared to hack back. It was about banks and small businesses nationally losing $2 billion a year to cyber thieves … Find out how to read more online.

You can hardly turn around in Charlotte County without bumping into a hibiscus of some type. The hibiscus is one of the most popular shrubs in our area due to its tropical nature and color. From low, spreading types to … Find out how to read more online.

Dorothy Carter is a woman on a mission. Taking advantage of Senior Discount Day on a Monday afternoon last month at Bealls Outlet in Punta Gorda, the Gulf Cove resident searched for hard-to-find 95 percent discount items to donate to … Find out how to read more online.

Nearly four years ago, I wrote a column for this publication about how I grew up near a college campus. I told of how I was surrounded by play productions, concert recitals, innovative architecture, art galleries and many other cultural … Find out how to read more online.

The appalling tragedy that has come to light recently in Cleveland, Ohio, brings back memories to many longtime residents of our area of a ghastly story about an another abduction that took place 45 years ago, the kidnapping of Barbara Mackle. … Find out how to read more online.

“The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. (Isaiah 32:17)” It is rare that a man will declare himself to be righteous. We think that such a man is unduly prideful to … Find out how to read more online.

How frequently do you monitor your heart rate? I don’t track mine nearly as often as I should. During a recent stay at a local hospital, a nurse questioned my heart’s regularity. Based on my cardiac data, she suggested I … Find out how to read more online.

Wow, it’s the middle of May already? If you’re up early this morning, please head to the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda for County Administrator Ray Sandrock’s “state of the county” presentation during our Third Wednesday … Find out how to read more online.

A freak water-slide accident left Iris Romano unable to work for the last  11 months. The single mother of three shattered her leg and ankle, preventing her from doing her job as a mail carrier. “It’s been a long  11 … Find out how to read more online.