Some weeks, I sit down to write this piece and come up with little inspiration.
It’s in these moments I’m thankful for my wife, Jordan. After staring at a blank file and racking my brain for a few minutes about what I should do, I invariably lament into the lobby, “I don’t know what to write about.”
More often than not, Jordan has a suggestion that gets the creativity flowing. This week, I should have seen what was coming. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, a “thanks” column was one of my considerations. So, by Jordan’s recommendation, here are 10 things I’m thankful for this year.
1. I am thankful 2024 is nearly over. Between the storm damage in May, the election season and many other challenges this year, I’m ready for 2025.
2. I am thankful for Nickle’s Flooring, Williams & Sons Custom Construction and Oak Ridge Commercial Roofing Solutions for getting our building back on track. It was a struggle this year to go nearly two months without being in the office. However, the bright side is it was a fine opportunity to do some much-needed updating.
3. I am thankful for the Cassville Community Foundation’s new Cassville Downtown Restoration Fund and for HHR Construction. In case you have not noticed, we are giving the facade of 600 Main Street a facelift. Gone is the rusted, worn tin and neon sign in disrepair, and plans are in the works for an update to the front — which leaves the second-floor windows exposed — and a newly designed protruding sign.
4. I am thankful for Cassville schools. Whether it’s painting a gorgeous mural on the side of our building or Media Liaison Mindi Artherton helping me put together this week’s “How to make a turkey” feature on the front page, we have a great partnership with Cassville and area Barry County schools we are proud to continue.
5. I am thankful for our readers. Repeatedly throughout Troutman Media LLC’s nearly two years of ownership, readers tell us how much they enjoy our photos, stories and special sections. We are blessed to have such consistent support and aim to keep delivering a publication for all to enjoy.
6. I am thankful for my family. I spent a few years in Cassville single and heavily focused on work. Now married for four years and a father of two, I can’t see my life any other way. Some days, having my girls to come home to is everything I need.
7. I am thankful for my extended family. For the last 10 years, I have hosted Thanksgiving here in Cassville, with as many as 25-30 family members coming to town. This year, we’ll be heading to Neodesha, Kan., for the holiday and a much-needed break from hosting duties.
8. I am thankful for new opportunities. This year, Troutman Media LLC has branched out into offering printing services. From business cards to yard signs and envelopes to booklets, I’m excited to give the Cassville area another local option for printing needs.
9. I am thankful for our partnerships. Whether it’s our businesses who advertise frequently, sources that provide stories or people who are surprised to have their picture taken for the paper, we enjoy and respect the great support we receive, week in and week out.
10. I am thankful for our community. There is rarely a time I struggle to find stories or photo opportunities because even at our size, there’s always something happening. That’s the reason this year we won our seventh Gold Cup from the Missouri Press Association and again earned the title of “Best Small-Town Weekly Newspaper in Missouri.” I’m thankful to live in a place that we are able to highlight and represent well to the rest of the state and beyond.
Whatever you are thankful for this week, we at the Democrat hope you find joy and fellowship in whichever form it comes. Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Kyle Troutman has served as editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014 and owner/publisher since 2023. He was named William E. James/Missouri Outstanding Young Journalist for daily newspapers in 2017, and he is a two-time ISWNE Golden Dozen award winner. He may be reached at 417-847 2610 or ktroutman@cassville- democrat.com.
