Opinion

Like about half of the March Madness field this year, I’m upset. I entered the Cassville Chamber’s bracket challenge, but my poor bracket is more busted than Tom Izzo’s white board. I picked Kansas to win, and I know here I will get little to no sympathy for the Jayhawks’ exit. How ‘bout them Hogs, though? It’s not your Kansas, it’s Arkansas! A certain Cassville School Board member was openly supporting Illinois at the meeting on Thursday, much to his fellow board members’ chagrin. How the tables have turned. It sure was nice Missouri won its first tourney game since 2010. Maybe in a few decades they’ll have a run of three straight Sweet Sixteen berths like Arkansas! Shout out to bracket contest top three Kristen Houston, Gerry Mann and Mindi Artherton. Hope more upsets don’t upset you!

Strutted in my tailored scales this weekend at the annual Cassville Chamber Banquet. The sweet southern sounds of the 221 Band had my tail flipping all night, and I was relieved to see pork, brisket and chicken on the menu — no fish! I want to congratulate my friend David Cupps on his Lifetime Achievement Award. His speech was a tear jerker. According to unoffishial reports, leakage from Cupps and others in the room has led to a 6-inch rise in Roaring River Spring. Thanks for keeping our dogs, cats, cows, horses and fellow trout alive, David!

I love public education! As a product of public education in Missouri and a board member of Cassville R-IV School District, I find the impact and the concept of offering all children in our state an education to be amazing and life changing. Other than my parents, some of the greatest influences on my life have been educators.