Deputy Doug’s Dispatches

 In 1993, I was flying to Washington, D.C., when a snowstorm rerouted us to Pittsburgh. The airport was packed, and the smoke room—back when airports still had those—was standing-room only. I stepped in, lit a cigarette, and scanned the crowd. At 6'4", I was used to seeing over people. But across the room, about 20 feet away, I spotted someone else who matched my height. It was Lex Luger. Yes, that Lex Luger—the pro wrestler known as “The Total Package.” At the time, he was everywhere. Fresh off his body slam of Yokozuna on the USS Intrepid, touring the country in the Lex Express, being positioned as the next face of American wrestling. And there he was, in a smoke-filled glass box, lighting a cigarette with the kind of focus you’d expect from a man walking toward a championship match.. As he smoked, he squeezed his empty pack shut and began scanning the room for a trash bin. He looked left, right, behind him—nothing. The place was wall-to-wall with travelers, and the only bin...

  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...

 Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them. One of the most unbelievable experiences of my life happened during a seemingly ordinary trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. I had helped a friend move and was tasked with returning the rental truck. The plan was simple: drive the truck to Eureka Springs, turn it in, and then take a bus the rest of the way home. Little did I know, this simple errand would turn into an adventure I would never forget. After dropping off the truck, the owner asked if I had filled the tank completely. I hadn’t, so I went to the nearest gas station and topped it off, spending just a few dollars. With that done, I asked the owner for directions to the bus terminal. He told me it was just up the street and to the left. Simple enough, right? Well, not quite. I walked and walked, and then walked some more. Nine miles later, I finally reached the bus stop. Along the way, I tried to use my ATM card, only to discover that my account was fro...