Opinion

Bill Hodgson: The ‘Messianic Secret’

February 7, 2024

The “Messianic Secret” is a theme that scholars began to discuss at the beginning of the 20th century. Though indicators are present in all four Gospels, attention was especially focused on St. Mark’s Gospel.

Trout Tales, Jan. 31

January 31, 2024

I tagged along with Publisher Kyle Troutman on Friday to the annual Career Day at the Southwest school district. He manned one of 26 tables filled with a myriad of local professionals who love their jobs enough to spend 90 minutes sharing the ins and outs of their industries.

Kyle Troutman: Moving the APR ball

January 31, 2024

In recent years, state evaluation of public education has been a challenge for schools. With the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) standards continually evolving, it seems as soon as districts get close to adapting to a formula, the ball is punched out of their hands like the Chiefs’ L’Jarius Sneed stealing a touchdown from the Ravens’ Zay Flowers in Sunday’s AFC Championship.

Janet Mills: Tales from the other side of frozen

January 31, 2024

Do we tend to complain when life gets tough? Most definitely the answer is “Yes.” We share our thoughts about the inconveniences and challenges we face each day with our friends and loved ones. Who didn’t share a grievance with someone else about the inconveniences created by the temperatures plunging below zero during the arctic blast that settled in over the last couple weeks? We all have made some adjustments to allow for the discomfort of the cold.

January 31, 2024

As we approach the second month of the year, it’s a great time to reflect upon many of our new year’s resolutions. Hopefully your resolutions aren’t becoming as realistic as the Buffalo Bills or the Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl plans for this year.

Rich Cummings: ‘Do you do well to be angry?’

January 31, 2024

This devotional and directory is made possible by these businesses who encourage all to attend worship services. There is a line from God that may fit our present climate in the U.S.

Trout Tales, Jan. 24

January 23, 2024

I went down to Roaring River State Park a couple of times last week in search of the almighty Bald Eagles said to frequent the spring area this time of year, and after a few attempts, I think I’m giving up. I’ve seen a few of America’s birds, but they are soaring so high up in the sky I can’t get any good pictures of them.

Kyle Troutman: Winter, winter, go away

January 23, 2024

Without fail and about the same time each year, a case of the winter blues creeps in. I used to think I avoided this phenomenon, but I think instead I just buried my head in the proverbial snow.

Drake Thomas: Jekyll at school, Hyde at home — Navigating the school-home behavior disconnect

January 23, 2024

You’ve heard it a million times — a teacher bolsters your child’s behavior at school. They consistently clip off the chart for good behavior, are the teacher’s helper, and even receive awards for their positive behavior.

January 23, 2024

As a gardener, at the start of the New Year comes the hope of a fresh garden season. With a little planning and preparation before the daylight hours lengthen and the soil temperatures warm up, we can set ourselves up for a more productive garden season.