A few random thoughts and observations:

• Lately, my two daughters have been on a weird mission — they want a baby brother.

This has come up in conversation a couple times recently, and to be frank, I am disturbed. Why, you ask? I don’t know how to raise boys. When I was growing up, my parents had my two sisters. I helped babysit and, unfortunately, learned how to change diapers, feed and care for them. In my family, I am one of only two boys out of eight grandchildren.

So, when my two daughters were born, learning to care for them was a piece of cake. Even though I was only a brother to my two sisters, I was right there to help care for them when my parents were busy.

So, taking care of Quinette and Rachel was second nature.

But, taking care of an active boy is a whole different story.

I write this because I spent last night working our booth at the Newton County Fair with Jessica Hughes, one of our wonderful and talented advertising representatives. Her husband, Eric, who is familiar to many of you from his family’s insurance business, his football announcing and other radio gigs, came along to the fair with their son, Quentin.
Ah, Quentin. He’s a cute little dude, and looks just like Dennis the Menace.

And, sometimes, acts like him, too.

Quentin is a big ball of energy. He had Eric and Jessica running all over the fairgrounds after him. How those two are able to function for 24 hours to keep up with him is anyone’s guess.

And that’s where I have been spoiled. Sure, my daughters can be full of energy and a bit too much to handle at times, but for the most part, they are girls — they sit and play with dolls, color or dance and listen to music.

They don’t play in the mud, think a puddle is a swimming pool or like to use worms as pets.

So, when my two girls asked if they could have a little baby brother, my response was quick, “No way.”

I think a family of four is just right. We are able to fit into a booth at a restaurant with ease. We can all squeeze into my little car with no troubles, and our family photos are never too cluttered.

Plus, we have Jo Jo the dog. So, you see, our family is complete.

And yes, Jo Jo is a female, too.

• When it comes to our coverage of the Newton County Fair this year, we have added a new feature: Video reports. Starting this afternoon, you can log on to www.neoshodailynews.com and view video clips and interviews from the fair. Also on the Web, you will be able to view more photos not published in the newspaper. And, of course, we will continue to provide complete coverage of the fair in the newspaper, as well.

• On July 20, the newspaper is planning a special section that should draw interest for many in the community. The Neosho National Fish Hatchery is celebrating its 120th anniversary this month, and the newspaper and the hatchery are partnering to publish a special 12-page edition highlighting the hatchery’s past, present and future.

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Rick Rogers is the publisher of The Neosho Daily News. E-mail him at rrogers@neoshodailynews.com.