A year after his death, Patrick Clegg on minds of friends, family

Photo by Nathan Papes / News-Leader; Published April 18, 2010.

One year after tragedy struck in the mid-Missouri Army town, Waynesville has returned to normal.

Even in Mary Clegg's lively house in nearby St. Robert, there still are people of all ages buzzing around most days.

Most of her grieving over the death of her 16-year-old son, Patrick, is done alone.

Several times a week, Mary Clegg spends time at Patrick's grave in Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery to feel close to him.

Prep golfers missing too much school

This is one of my first columns published in the Springfield (Mo.) News-Leader. Published on April 12, 2010.

Everyone has regrets about high school.

But one I hear often is not taking advantage of the prep golf scam.

Think about it: If you can make the team, there are many rounds of daily free golf to be had in the spring during the offseasons of football and basketball.

What could be better, I've heard many wise wistful men ask.

Boy, would they really regret not teeing it up in this area.

Combing through the spring schedules, I noticed an extra perk for our young golfers.
They very nearly become part-time students.