Opinion

The SKITS crew has done it again! I spent Friday at their “Mission Possible” play, which left the room laughing harder (but less maniacally) than Silverthumb in Act I. These professional amatuers deserve credit for the time they put in, the confidence in their deilvery, and their ability to laugh off a mistake or two. SKITS pretty much sticks to comedy, but I’d love to see them take on something new. Maybe an adventure story where yours truly could play a part? I know who I would be, but who would be Ishmael?

I have spent a lot of time in the past couple weeks talking to people about addiction, drug use and the dangers and solutions for both. Last week, I talked to Chad Allison, commander of the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, for about half an hour.

The school year is ending, and now the busiest time of the year starts for public libraries. It is Summer Reading time! The Collaborative Summer Library Program, (CSLP), which began in 1987, includes representation from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, and the Mariana Islands.

This week (May 1-5) is Teacher Appreciation Week. On behalf of the Board of Education and administration at Cassville R-IV School District, I would like to express my deep gratitude to our educators for the work they do each day to ensure the success of all our students.

The opening words of the Bible “In the beginning…” (Genesis 1:1) introduce a work in progress.

I couldn’t help falling in love at Barn at Bear Ridge on Saturday. The Purdy Prom Committee brough Elvis to shake, rattle and roll the scene. Attendees wearing their blue suede shoes had a little less conversation when the King took the stage. Elvis preached a don’t be cruel message, so no one was left crying in the chapel, and that’s all right. It was a unique Prom experience, one that will remain always on my mind as I go to other proms. Kudos to the Purdy kids for creating unique memories!

I have finally made it to my final quarter before graduation with my Bachelor’s Degree. I have also been revisiting a series of stories I wrote back in 2021 about Celebrate Recovery and where those people are now in their journey.

I’m surrendering a chunk of space this week in my column to someone with a message that is more significant than anything I had on my mind today. Susej Burks Thompson, my youth group leader when I was a teenager, posted some of her thoughts Monday night on faith, prayer and our relationships with God or any other higher power.

“Stop hurting each other” was all I could get out as I looked at the congregation.

I left the river on Thursday to attend part of the Missouri State School Board meeting at Emory Melton Inn. They don’t put fish on the agenda, but I have an item for the board on behalf of students. Bring back sodas and energy drinks! I’ve had many students promise they’ll behave better if you give back “my precious Red Bull.” There’s also a potential for behavior improvement — at least the kids won’t be tired or asleep!