Author: paulinemasson

By Pauline Masson – In a nutshell, city government should be guided by what the citizens want, says one candidate who is certain to be seated on the board of aldermen after the April 5 election. Rick Presley, the unopposed candidate for the Ward One seat is a 56-year-old businessman who says aldermen should be guided by what the citizens want and, just as important, should tell the citizens what they plan to do before they do it, and why. … Continue reading “New Ward 1 Alderman Says Listening to and Talking to Citizens is the Cornerstone of Good Government”

By Pauline Masson – If you have noticed the ultra modern structure tucked into a nook on Hwy OO just north of Interstate 44, you’re seeing a business that is new to Pacific in more ways than you might imagine. Named The Landing Hub, the bold gray and black structure is a vacation rental that’s bringing new streams of visitors to Pacific from all across the country. Although a few guests have been from the local area, most are from … Continue reading “Airbnb Brings New Streams of Visitors to Pacific”

If you’re one of the growing group of fantasy fans who like stories about time travel, werewolves, and zombies who interact with mortals, you might enjoy meeting David Ejchorszt. The three-year Pacific resident just released his first book, a slipstream novella with the title “Death the Pharmacist.” As a novella it is short – 126 pages. And slipstream means it’s out of the mainstream world, somewhere between science fiction, fantasy and literary fiction.  This little book and its author take readers … Continue reading “Pacific Writer Releases New Fiction Fantasy Book – Otherworldly Love Story”

By Pauline Masson – The late Mamie Hinkle Baker of Robertsville once said to me, “If you want to get to know Black people, go to church.” I followed her advice and attended services in five local Black Churches in our area: Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Villa Ridge, Mount Calvary Baptist Church and Robertsville Temple in Robertsville, and Pacific Temple and Historic First Baptist Church in Pacific. Historic First Baptist is now closed for renovation but the other … Continue reading “Free eBook Depicting Local Black History”

By Pauline Masson – Pacific officials are looking at the idea of a skatepark in the city. But as president Joe Biden would say, “Here’s the deal:” Some seed money is going to be needed to move the project forward. A group organized as the Pacific Skatepark Committee wants to build a skatepark as a memorial to their friend, the late Jeffrey White who was a star skateboarder among pre teens and teens. A tentative location would place the skatepark … Continue reading “Is the Time Right for a Skatepark in Pacific? Some People Think So”

By Pauline Masson – Two people who want to be Pacific mayor for the next four years are asking for your vote in the April 5 election. The difference in the focus of the two officials provides clues on how the city would be managed under their leadership. Herb Adams, Ward Two alderman and acting mayor says the city is in the throes of growth and progress. If re-elected mayor, he has a list of projects that he will focus … Continue reading “Mayor Race Offers Two Choices on How City Government Would Work For Next Four Years”

By Pauline Masson – Pacific has a temporary resident who has a moving story to tell. The power of story telling changed Gail Barber’s life, but not the way you might think. She was persuaded to tell the story of childhood trauma as a way to heal. And it worked. A horrendous beating by a relative when she was seven years old plagued her life with recurring nightmares and fainting spells. Through teen years, college and early adulthood, she never … Continue reading “Interim Pacific Resident Shares a Healing Story that Inspires Others to Reveal Their Personal Experiences”

By Pauline Masson First in a series – Change is in the air. Two candidates’ names will be on the ballot for the Ward Two seat in the April 5 municipal election.  The seat is empty after Herb Adams, who occupied it for the past two years, filed to to run for mayor. Ward Two candidates Stephen Flannery III and James Cleeve are on opposite ends of opinions on a new residential development in progress that has created a rift … Continue reading “Ward Two Race Will Bring a New Voice to the Board of Aldermen”

By Pauline Masson – Local Knights of Columbus members got more than they anticipated January 18 when they presented a check for $1,000 to 15-year-old girl who is hearing impaired. The money was collected from Father Berry Council Knights of Columbus members and friends of Knights in lieu of the annual Tootsie Roll drive. “Usually we stand in front of stores and hand out Tootsie Rolls and ask for donations, said Bruce Johnson, 2022 Tootsie Roll drive chair. “But this … Continue reading “Tootsie Roll Drive Recipient Wins Hearts of Knights of Columbus / and Educators”

On January 29, the Pacific community will pay tribute to a hometown hero and simultaneously help a lot of people who have fallen on hard times. The Pacific Area Chamber of Commerce will dedicate its annual community charity benefit, “Piano’s for a Purpose,” to the memory of the late Al Baldwin, by sharing the profits from the gala with one of Al’s favorite causes, the Safety Net program that benefits students and families that have been displaced from their homes. … Continue reading “Al Baldwin, Hometown Hero to be Honored for Commitment to Displaced Families”