Opinion

As that most wonderful time of the year quickly approaches, I am reminded that there is no place quite like home for the holidays. I think of the many traditions, elaborate feasts, gift-giving and time spent with loved ones far and near.

It was April 6, 2017, and I was a nervous wreck. Bob Mitchell, editor of the Cassville Democrat from 1954-1995 and columnist through 2022, was to be inducted into the Regional Media Hall of Fame at Missouri Southern State University that night.

When I profiled Bob Mitchell in Connection Magazine in 2016, he delivered one of the most memorable quotes I’ve heard from a newspaperman. As we wrapped up the interview at his home in Cassville, my final question was, “Would you have done anything differently?” ““I’ve got no remorse about anything,” he said resolutely.

When I was asked to write something about Bob, I said I would have to think about it, and after thinking back over 25 years I worked with him at the Democrat office, a lot of things did come to mind. Bob was a good boss.

I will never forget how nervous I was walking through the doors of the Cassville Democrat office for the first time. It was 1986, and I was a recent graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

A step was made toward progress for the Citizens For Justice — Barry County on Nov. 3, though in the wake of the group’s second meeting, there seemed to be as many questions as answers.

Christians, we are not exempt. We too go through seasons where we feel tired, weary, exhausted, or even broken. These are the times when Christians also start to feel there is nowhere to turn. We can feel alone or like everyone is wanting something from us that we just can’t seem to give them.

It takes a pantry’s worth of ingredients to create the kind of atmosphere everyone will enjoy on Friday nights under the flood lights. From talented players making exciting plays to coaches putting them in positions to do so, and from the cheerleaders riling up the fans to said fans’ participation in the yells, engagement and entertainment on the field and off can make for a great night of high school football.

This week, my assigment was as unique as they come, interviewing a Bigfoot hunter. Master Trackers Rick Dyer and Jeremy Ware have been around town, and when we saw their truck, we just had to ask what they were doing here. The story on Dyer is filled with hoaxes, the Men in Black and some unabashed confidence that there is a Bigfoot down in Butler Hollow near Seligman. Dyer plans to use deer urine and pork ribs to lure the creature out. I, for one, am just glad they don’t like trout. This photo Dyer provided is a Bigfoot he said he killed and had confiscated. I have just a couple questions. Are Bigfoot naturally blurry? Will Dyer sas-squash his critics? Is there a cave creature hiding in Roaring River Spring? Nevermind. Let’s just move on before I scare myself over a baffle.

As we move closer to Thanksgiving, many people’s thoughts turn toward family gatherings and sharing the things we are most thankful for. When I think of November, I think of the two major holidays, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving; but something else also falls in the month of November — National Family Caregivers Month.