Mayor Beauregard P. Fibbs tries his best to set a good example for the citizens of Shady Pines. Unfortunately, as his name implies, Mayor Fibbs sometimes has trouble telling the truth. Fibbs is a colorful character who underscores the importance of honesty for children of all ages. He really tries to do the right thing, and always apologizes when he doesn’t. In case you wonder what the P. stands for in his name, Zulah Talmadge could tell you. The two pals have known each other since childhood. If you ever hear her use, “Beauregard Percival Fibbs,” you’ll know the mayor is in real trouble! Known for his big, bushy eyebrows, bright red bow tie, and hearty laugh, the mayor is a good-natured person who loves to be in the spotlight!

Reporting the news comes naturally for Zulah Talmadge, editor of The Shady Pines Gazette. She learned her trade from a great teacher. Zulah’s dad was the editor of The Gazette the whole time she was growing up in the small Southern town. As a youngster, she was known as, “the little gal with the dark brown hair, all those sets of eyeglasses, and boundless energy.” Not much has changed. Except, she now wears high heels to make herself look taller, and slings a big bag over her shoulder when she’s on assignment. Zulah likes to carry disguises in case she has to go “undercover.” The budding journalist went away to college. She worked on big city school paper up north. When her dad got sick, and asked her to run things, Zulah jumped in her car and headed home to the Pines. Zulah continues to honor her father’s tradition of making folks aware of : “All the News That’s Fit to Report!”

Harold is a decent, hard-working man who looks you right in the eye when he talks. He believes in doing a good job, loves to laugh, and doesn’t have to raise his voice to get attention. Harold walks with quiet confidence and leads by example. That’s how folks around Shady Pines describe the man who owns the town’s hardware store. Everyone seems to like the Eagle Scout who believes in always being prepared. Locals enjoy listening to Harold spin a story and hanging out at the Nuts N” Bolts hardware store with its old-fashioned soda fountain. Now, thanks to the mischief of Boomer and Halley, it’s Harold who is spinning!

Edna can still turn heads when she walks down Main Street. The former dancer is always neatly dressed, and her hair is beautifully styled. She loves to entertain at her house on Dogwood Drive across from Copycat Lane. You can bet nearly every meal will end with a plate of Edna’s blue-ribbon chocolate chip cookies – and their special ingredients. Folks around town love to share a story with Edna. She’s such a good listener, and her laughter is infectious. Edna works part time at Shady Pines Community Center. These days, her biggest challenge is handling the two, four-legged children running through her house!

Halley is a cat, but not just any cat. She is elegant. From the time she was born into a well-mannered family up north, Halley was admired for her silver coat and distinctive markings. She has a white spot on her front paw and on her tail. Halley always knew she was special. The young daughter with the blond hair was her constant companion. She used to dress Halley in all sorts of fancy outfits. The mother and maid fed her tuna. Halley lived a pampered life. While on a family vacation, she jumped from the car and got lost. Now she has another loving home. These days, she is adjusting to her new family in Shady Pines. The Sanders are so good to her, but she has to contend with that dog, Boomerang. He just gets on her last nerve!

Boomerang is a dog, sort of. More than anything else, he seems human. Boomer was born on the U.B. Good Ranch in Texas. A full-blooded Australian Shepherd, Boomer’s pedigree is perfect for herding cattle – a job he’s learned to love. Boomer is quick of reflex and almost too smart for his own good. He knows he can round up humans before they even know what he’s doing! Besides playing “round-up,” Boomer also likes to try to get two tennis balls and a bone into his mouth at the same time. He was on his way to a dog show when he got lost and wound up in Shady Pines. Always a prankster, nowadays Boomerang is applying his special “talents” to the Sander’s household. The results of his efforts are always lively – and pestering that cat, Halley’s Comet, is just an added bonus!

Kimberly Dunworthy loves working for the Post Office. She comes from a long line of mail carriers. In fact, one of her ancestors worked for the Pony Express. Raised in nearby River City, Kim is amazed at how friendly people are in Shady Pines. She enjoys meeting the people and the animals on her route. Boomer and Halley are two of her favorites. You will find Kim driving the mail truck or whipping around on her bicycle. Ask her what her friends say is the real meaning behind her name, Kim, and they’ll say “Keep it Movin!”