Opinion

I always hear it: “Troutman, I see you everywhere.” Yes, I tend to be “everywhere,” and not only due to the nature of my job. Last week was one of those fast-moving weeks, starting on Monday at the Cassville High School baseball field.

The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and snot is flowing. Oh, the joys of spring in the Ozarks.

We are undoubtedly living in some very interesting and difficult times; a time in which many are searching for peace and hope.

Went over to the Cassville baseball field on Monday to see the new turf and ceremonial first pitch. School Board President (and prolific baseballer in his younger days) Jeremy Marple made the toss. I made sure to stay at a safe distance, but Jeremy actually CAN hit the broad side of a barn, so no players, fans or fish were in dange. In this picture, I believe Jeremy is giving umpire Mike McClintock the signal for the right call. The pair back to Marple’s coaching days, and although the toss looked a little low, McClintock still called it a strike for his old buddy. I’m hope that’s the only time Jeremy has ever “bribed” a blue! Way to set an example, Jeremy!

The first school board meeting I ever attended was in Searcy, Ark., in the summer of 2011. Having recently graduated college and attended some city council meetings, I was excited to see what kind of news school boards would offer to an up-and-coming journalist.

Missouri’s public school foundation formula was created to ensure every district has enough funding to provide an adequate education for students, no matter where they live. The foundation formula starts with an adequacy target, which is the amount of money needed to educate a single student.

I recently read a children’s book entitled “Ban This Book” by Alan Gratz. The story involves a fourth-grade student who visits the school library to check out her favorite book.

This devotional and directory is made possible by these businesses who encourage all to attend worship services. Psalm 40:3 “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.