Deputy Doug’s Dispatches

   Imagine meeting a former president while taking a break from a bike ride. Sounds surreal, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened to me. When I was around 6 to 8 years old, in the mid-1960s, I lived in Independence, MO, just a few blocks west of the Truman Library. One particularly hot day, with the sun blazing and the cicadas buzzing, I was riding my bike and decided to rest in the shade under the 24 Highway bridge near the library. To my surprise, President Harry S. Truman himself walked by. We had a brief conversation, though I don’t remember the details. It was one of those moments that felt surreal, almost like a scene from a movie. Meeting a former president while taking a break from a bike ride is not something many people can say they’ve experienced. The funny thing is, at that time, I had absolutely no idea who I was walking with or talking to. Can you believe that? Another reason I often found myself under that bridge was because I had discovered a cafeteria at ...

  In Independence, Missouri, the annual rodeo was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the Wild West spirit. Among the cowboys and rodeo clowns, one figure stood out, capturing the imagination of everyone present – Jack Lord, famously known as Stoney Burke and later of   Hawaii Five-0   fame. It was a warm evening, and the rodeo grounds, located between Truman Road and the road off of 291 going north that turns right into the caves, were illuminated just like all rodeos are. Today, this area is known for its historical significance and the extensive underground caves, but back then, it was the perfect setting for a rodeo. The air was filled with the scent of popcorn and the sound of cheering fans. As a young boy, I was thrilled to be there, but nothing could have prepared me for what was about to happen. As the rodeo events unfolded, a hush fell over the crowd. There he was, Stoney Burke, in all his glory. Jack Lord, with his rugged charm and commanding presen...