Opinion

Randy Crane: The problems of life and the necessity of Christian growth
This devotional and directory is made possible by these businesses who encourage all to attend worship services. Paul writes to the church that we are to seek to grow in our Christian faith so that we might reach “fullness of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13) He goes on to state the purpose of such growth, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

Kyle Troutman: Taking a look ahead
Last week, we took a look back at 2024; this week, we’re looking ahead. With the kids back in school and normal routines resuming (finally), 2025 is in full swing, and we have a lot to look forward to here at the Cassville Democrat.

Jeremiah Buntin: What’s in store for the new year
The changing over to a new year always reminds me of the book title “Seeds of Time” by H. Harold Shamel that we have in the Barry County Museum bookstore.
Lynn Hilburn: Keep daylight saving time as-is
Dear Editor: I am much in favor of all of the waste reduction and fraud exposure that Trump, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy seem to be going after (I have researched and, depending on who you believe we have over $320 million per day of fraud and waste in the Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security systems). But, I do not understand attacking daylight saving time.

Jon Horner: A new chapter awaits
Here we are at the end of 2024. Now, we are getting ready to open the next page of our lives to a new chapter called 2025.

Kyle Troutman: 2024 in review
I’ve been pondering this piece for a few days, and every time I do, I land at the same question — where do I even begin? To say this year has been a whirlwind is an understatement. We started 2024 with a gleam in our eyes, coming off our first year of ownership of the Democrat where we enjoyed incredible support and success.

Janet Mills: Thrive in 2025
Make a toast, sing Auld Lang Syne, and eat some black-eyed peas for good luck! The clock strikes twelve midnight on Dec. 31, and a fresh New Year is ushered in.

Kyle Troutman: A completely Cassville Christmas
Idon’t know about you, but this year, I feel like my heart has grown a size or two amidst the outpouring of local Christmas cheer. I’m no Scrooge by any means, but Christmas — especially as a parent — can bring equal amounts of stress and joy.

Trout Tales, Dec. 18
By my estimation, there’s only one time a year parents allow their kids to just run all willy-nilly
through the street — and you’re looking at it! The Wheaton parade is a big draw for kiddos, especially
because of the International Attractions guy in the Slingshot flinging bouncy balls and stuffed
animals up and down Main Street.

Michelle Hilburn: Cherishing the love, the magic, and the moments
The holiday season is here, and like many educators, I’m running on fumes. The holidays are stressful both in and out of the classroom.



