Opinion

I was at the historic Barry County Courthouse on election night a couple weeks ago and saw community service in action.

Our lives don’t tend to follow a straight line. Forward-thinking high school dreamers rarely end up with the exact career or lifestyle forecast by the goals they formulated at the starting gate of their journey.

As we all know, it’s that dreaded time of the year. No, I’m not talking about the six-month dental checkup.

This devotional and directory is made possible by these businesses who encourage all to attend worship services. Do you believe in God? If you do, then there is plenty of evidence that God is there and He loves you.

I put on my formal scales Friday and went to take in the Enchanted Ball for K-5th graders at Cassville High School. I’m still not sure what the most enchanting part was. There were about 40 girls armed with fairy wands and spinny dresses, barely visible as they twirled and skipped around the commons.

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!