Column

Drake Thomas: Larger than life — Your tiny human with giant emotions

March 5, 2024

I am a firm believer that whoever coined the term “No use crying over spilled milk” spent little to no time with children, because if they had, I truly think the phrase would have been “Crying over spilled milk is completely understandable.”

February 27, 2024

Annuals vs Perennials Annuals last only one season generally, however, in some climates they will bloom year-round. Perennials return every year and cost less because you don’t have to buy them again.

Michelle Hilburn: Love your library!

February 27, 2024

February is National Library Lover’s Month. As a school librarian and president of the Cassville Area Friends of the Library, it’s not surprising that I love our public library.

Jeremiah Buntin: Intoxicating history

February 7, 2024

The recent trend of “Dry January,” forgoing alcohol for the month, brings to mind some of the past attempts in Barry County to wet one’s whistle. Attitudes toward liquor in Barry County seemed fairly divisive throughout local history.

Dakoda Pettigrew: American Insights: The backway forward

February 7, 2024

On April 4, 1954, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood at the pulpit within the humble walls of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala., and delivered a sermon.

Kyle Troutman: Moving the APR ball

January 31, 2024

In recent years, state evaluation of public education has been a challenge for schools. With the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) standards continually evolving, it seems as soon as districts get close to adapting to a formula, the ball is punched out of their hands like the Chiefs’ L’Jarius Sneed stealing a touchdown from the Ravens’ Zay Flowers in Sunday’s AFC Championship.

January 31, 2024

As we approach the second month of the year, it’s a great time to reflect upon many of our new year’s resolutions. Hopefully your resolutions aren’t becoming as realistic as the Buffalo Bills or the Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl plans for this year.

Michelle Hilburn: Reading for cheesy enjoyment

January 16, 2024

When I was a kid, I loved the Pizza Hut Book It program. It encompassed two of my childhood favorites — books and pizza.