Column

Jeremiah Buntin: ‘Black Gold’ of the Ozarks
Many Ozarkers have the shared memory of picking-up black walnuts in the fall harvest each year, along with stained hands as souvenirs. The black walnut tree has been providing extra income for folks in the area for generations.

Kyle Troutman: Taking the leap
In August 2012, my friends and I took a day trip to Greers Ferry, Ark., for a few hours on the lake and an early-20s pasttime — cliff jumping. Looking down over the edge of the 30-foot cliff was a little dizzying, and if we’re being honest, even after watching my buddy launch himself off without a bit of hesitation, I was scared.

Drake Thomas: All aboard for imagination station — Nurturing creativity in children and ourselves
The human brain is responsible more functions than we can count, but the phenomenon of imagination is one that I can never get enough of. When you stop to think that in your mind’s eye, you can conceptualize and visualize a project or idea, and make it come to life — that’s incredible.

Jon Horner: Lessons from Mom
There’s an old line that time heals all wounds. I truly believe that line is true in most cases and situations in life.

Kyle Troutman: Join us for Friday’s forum
Have you ever lost sleep from a mixture of excitement and anxiety? Such has been the case for me the past couple nights as my mind has raced and raced in anticipation of this Friday, when the Cassville Democrat will host its first political forum under Troutman Media LLC ownership. At 7 p.m.

Janet Mills: Swatting flies and eating fries
Summer’s here, and along with it comes our routine pastimes and experiences. Fans are whirling 24/7 as the hot and sticky summer days have settled in.

Michelle Hilburn: Realizing the importance of science of reading strategies
As I enter my 19th year in education, I have experienced a number of shifts in the profession which include new strategies, new requirements, and new evidence to study. The most recent literacy education approach adapts learning strategies to align to the science of reading.

Bill Hodgson: Developments and Independence Day
I was happy to read the Guest View article, “American Insights: The right to resist” in the Cassville Democrat last week, outlining from a faith background, the history of how our nation’s founders reached conclusion that resisting tyranny can be reconciled with passages about respecting governing authorities.

Kyle Troutman: Internationally home
There’s nothing like a distant trip to make you appreciate the comforts of home, and after four days 763 miles from Cassville as the crow flies, the Troutman family is happy to be back. Our trip to Toronto, Canada, was two years in the making, spurred by our first time attending the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE) conference in Lexington, Kent., in 2022, where I accepted a Golden Dozen award for editorial writing.

Merlyn Johnson: Unsung heroes at Cassville schools
During the summer months, we celebrate the accomplishments of another successful year while simultaneously beginning to prepare for the next school year. Before we completely close-out this school year, I want to take a moment to express my appreciation for the hardworking and dedicated members of our transportation, maintenance, custodial, and food service departments for supporting all of our district accomplishments over the past 12 months.