Opinion

Merlyn Johnson: 2024 year in review — Reflections and gratitude from Cassville R-IV Schools

December 10, 2024

It’s hard to believe how quickly 2024 has passed! As we approach the end of the year and look forward to 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our accomplishments and express gratitude for our community’s support. This year has been filled with milestones and moments of pride for Cassville R-IV Schools.

Randy Crane: Doubts and faith

December 10, 2024

“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.

Kyle Troutman: Sunshine shade

December 4, 2024

The Missouri Sunshine Law, enacted in 1973, declares Missouri’s commitment to openness in government, and there have been some interesting changes this year to the way some records are handled. Probably the biggest change came very early in the year, when files like probable cause statements for criminal charges became publicly accessible on CaseNet without the need for a login.

Jeremiah Buntin: The Recorder of Deeds

December 4, 2024

The Missouri Governors Records from the Missouri State Archives and accessible through the Missouri Digital Heritage website is an interesting place to investigate the nooks and crannies of history. These records from 1837-1901 mostly consist of handwritten letters asking the governor for favors such as pardons and appointments, or signed petitions for various causes, or resignations from local offices. In 1852, Barry County Clerk William Hubbert, of Cassville, wrote Missouri Governor Austin Augustus King notifying him of a vacancy in the State Senate caused by the death of Littleberry Mason and that an election would be held immediately.

Lynn Hilburn: It’s that time of year

December 4, 2024

Although we were poor, most of the families and people that we knew were in about the same boat. For the children and families that attended the rural schools of Barry County, late fall and Christmas was some of our favorite times of the year.

Kyle Troutman: 10 thanks

November 27, 2024

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.

November 27, 2024

The rain was falling with misty, unrelenting force as President Calvin Coolidge rose to deliver the greatest speech of his life. It was Monday, July 6, 1926, and the rain beat the president’s face as he stood before a crowd of 35,000 on the grounds of the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence and constitutionalism. “Despite a fine drizzle, which became a heavy downpour,” The New York Times reported the next day, “the crowds patiently lined twenty miles of streets to pay their respects” to a man whose cool and quiet demeanor hid a patriotic intellect that could not be contained.

Donnie Spears: Peace and comfort

November 27, 2024

This devotional and directory is made possible by these businesses who encourage all to attend worship services. The thing every one of us looks for in so many different places and different ways today: true peace.

Kyle Troutman: My double rainbow

November 20, 2024

As I left the office at about 4:50 p.m. Monday, a bright, orange haze had set in from the west following an afternoon of rainstorms.

Jon Horner: Giving thanks for gratitude

November 20, 2024

I’ve always loved Thanksgiving Day — it is one of those traditions that has meant a lot to me and my family throughout my 61 years on this planet. One of the reasons for my warm feelings for this day are the fond memories from Thanksgivings in the past.

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