Opinion

The beginning of July is a time of peak patriotism in the United States, but as surely as you can count on the flood of Red, White and Blue, you can also count on another thing — complaints. Ordinances regarding fireworks within city limits vary as much as the arguments for and against the pyrotechnics.

I remember as a youth, walking into libraries, schools, museums, and other public places and finding a framed picture of the Declaration of Independence on the wall. Preparing to share with our congregation on the weekend leading into Independence Day, I began by reviewing my nostalgic memories of seeing these signs of a common narrative that belonged to us Americans.

Just as we celebrated our nation’s 247th birthday, summer keeps many busy and also tends to be a busy time within our family for birthday celebrations. Last month, we celebrated my son Chase’s birthday, and our beloved neighbor, Paul, also had a birthday.

I was track-side for the annual Barry County Truck and Tractor Pull on Saturday night. I saw a ton of local folks showing off their rides, like siblings Saige and Otto Miller, of Seligman, and Cassville’s own Brian Kirk. My favorite moment of the pull though actually happened in a trailer behind the track. Someone brought a fancy truck with the body on hydraulics. When it was lifted up at first, I though the truck fell of of something. Then I saw the guy hop in a seat and I thought, oh no he’s working on it somehow. Wrong again.

When I was a kid, I always felt time was crawling. I remember walking up the steps of Little Rock Central High School my freshman year thinking the four years I would spend there would be a lifetime.

It happens so easily. We oversleep, shut off the alarm and roll over, or just invest a bit too much extra time tackling a bad hair day.

All things happen according to the glory of God. At least, that is what we as Christians should believe. So much heartbreak has rocked our small town as of late and I would like to encourage those who have been affected as well as shed light to these dark situations.

I got in on the slip-n-slide action last week at the Cassville Intermediate School playground. The Cassville Volunteer Fire Protection District hooked up to the hydrant and turned the playground into a sprayground.

Anyone who has ever found themselves in the Roaring River State Park administrative office has very likely met Elise Buchman and very likely remembered the encounter. In her trademark hat, scarf and boots, Buchman has been a staple of the office for more than a decade as the administrative assistant to the park superintendent or natural resources manager.