My first job in radio was in Bowling Green, Missouri in 1972, and I’ve been fortunate to have been gainfully employed (mostly) in the media ever since. I’m a native of northeast Missouri and western Illinois, and most of my time in the media has been in the area – from Hannibal, Monroe City and Branson, Missouri to Pittsfield, Virden and Jacksonville, Illinois. Over the years, time off the air has been spent lay speaking, auctioneering, emceeing various area events and rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals. Occasionally over the years, I’ve thought, “There’s gotta be a better way to make a living.” Well, I’ve checked … and there’s not. As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.
Harold Smith
Once and For All – What’s Hannibal’s Best Restaurant?
There have been many burning questions through the ages - why do we park in a driveway and drive on a parkway, why are there interstate highways in Hawaii, why is abbreviation such a long word - you know, important stuff.
Food, Festivals, Foliage – What’s Your Favorite Thing About Fall?
A lot of people we cross paths with call the time of year between now and Thanksgiving their favorite. The fall season in northeast Missouri and western Illinois has a lot going for it for a number of reasons.
Hannibal’s Favorite Muralist is At it Again
Hannibal's "go-to" guy whenever a wall needs a mural will be back in town soon.
Step Back in Time This Weekend … About an Hour Away
We talk a lot on these pages about the commercial and tourism industries of the area. But, make no mistake, northeast Missouri and western Illinois are first and foremost agricultural communities.
Burke’s Outlet Coming to Former Gordman’s Location
A store that bills itself as, "a convenient and welcoming store where everyone can find the styles and brands they want at lower prices," is coming to Hannibal.
What’s Hannibal’s SECOND Most Dangerous Intersection?
This may be the first and only time you see an analogy that compares dangerous intersections with professional wrestling, but bear with me.
Mike Shannon’s Broadcast Career is Ending – Sad or Glad?
Mike Shannon's 50-year career in the broadcast booth and over 60-year relationship with the St. Louis Cardinals officially comes to an end Sunday, October 3 when the Redbirds wrap up their regular season against the Cubs at Busch Stadium. (I would imagine Shannon would be a part of any post-sea…
What the Heck is A ‘Susan Boyle Moment’?
You've seen them before - maybe in person, maybe on television. Someone who, at first look, appears to be nothing special (if that good), and they suddenly find themselves in the spotlight.
Top 12 Things (At Least) To Do This Weekend
You say there's nothing to do this weekend? To say the least, we beg to differ. We found no less than a dozen events going on around northeast Missouri and western Illinois this Friday through Sunday. They include:
Put The Pike County IL Trail of Tenderloins On Your To Do List
For those of you who saw our story a couple of weeks ago about the Pike County, Illinois Trail of Tenderloins and wanted an update, here you go.
In case you don't know, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce started this promotion Labor Day weekend...
In case you don't know, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce started this promotion Labor Day weekend...