When I arrived at the Cassville Democrat and met Office Manager Darlene Wierman for the first time, I’m not sure either of us knew what to do with one another.

Darlene was a living history of the Democrat, having worked at the paper since 1970, and I was still a greenhorn of a journalist, accepting the first editor job of my career.

Hands folded neatly behind her back and standing up with her proper posture that defies her age – like so many of her other qualities – Darlene said, “Welcome to Cassville, we’re happy to have you.”

It was the start of an 8-year working relationship that will come to an end on Wednesday. Some may say Darlene was due for retirement, but I say it has come much too soon.

For those of you that do not know her, especially in Monett, Darlene is about as knowledgeable, helpful, friendly and community-driven as they come. She is a Barry County native and a devout Baptist, and easily one of the most genuine people I know.

She’s well up there in age, so much so I don’t ask her, and partially out of fear she would actually retire.

Over the years, probably preceding my arrival, she was frequently asked when she was hanging it up. She always answered, “I don’t know.”

It was the truth. After more than 50 years in the same position, what’s another one or two?

Recent changes to our procedures at the paper have convinced her now is the time, and although I know she deserves it, I still don’t want it to happen.

When I arrived in Barry County, Darlene welcomed me with open arms, despite me being a young, inexperienced kid from a big city.

One of my favorite memories of those early days was a radio interview I was asked to do. I was only months into the job, and there was some healthy skepticism if I could go onto such a show and not embarrass the paper or our coverage area.

After a few measured attempts at stopping me, which I actually appreciated because it made me prepare better, Darlene resigned that I was going to go.

When I got back to the office the morning after the interview, she was beaming.

Worried about if I would fit in or not here, her encouragement after that day cemented in my mind that I could do this job.

That interaction set the stage for our relationship over the next eight years. It was marked by a mutual respect, despite our differences in age and worldview.

I have spent many minutes in the doorway of my office, discussing with Darlene the day’s news – or the day’s drama that wasn’t fit for the news.

She always had her opinion on happenings, but in true journalist fashion, she was always incredibly logical and factual with her assessments.

It’s a skill fewer and fewer possess these days, and she’s one of the best at it.

Darlene’s impact on my personal life has also been substantial. I didn’t do much dating in Barry County, and when I did the results were less than desirable.

When my now-wife Jordan walked through the door for her interview as a Democrat reporter in 2018, Darlene’s gears started grinding at that exact moment.

In her sweet and innocent fashion, Darlene would frequently peek into Jordan’s office just to “let her know” that I had arrived at the office for the day.

Jordan and I have since deduced that through private conversations with each of us, Darlene is the best “wingman” either of us has ever had.

She has an incredible understanding of how to balance professionalism and work relationships, surely a byproduct of her half a century in one office.

Anyone who frequently calls or visits the Democrat will notice the difference when Darlene is gone. I can imagine only a very few select people have known so many residents and had such an impact on people as Darlene has since 1970.

She deserves to retire, even though we don’t want her to, and she knows she’s always welcome back to proof a story or two.

Kyle Troutman has served as the editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014. In 2017, he was named William E. James/Missouri Outstanding Young Journalist for daily newspapers, and in 2022, he won a Golden Dozen Award from ISWINE. He may be reached at 417-847-2610 or ktroutman@cherryroad.com.