Column

Kyle Troutman: 2024 in review

I’ve been pondering this piece for a few days, and every time I do, I land at the same question — where do I even begin? To say this year has been a whirlwind is an understatement. We started 2024 with a gleam in our eyes, coming off our first year of ownership of the Democrat where we enjoyed incredible support and success.
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’Twas on the press before Christmas

’ Twas 7 days before Christmas, and at The Cassville Democrat, Busy hands were a’typing requests for iPhones and snacks. Each year we ask second- graders their wishes from Santa, And while most requests are common, some make us say, my lanta! There are more than 250 printed for Kringle this year, And we hope they bring parents and and the jolly ole elf cheer.
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Kyle Troutman: Sunshine shade

The Missouri Sunshine Law, enacted in 1973, declares Missouri’s commitment to openness in government, and there have been some interesting changes this year to the way some records are handled. Probably the biggest change came very early in the year, when files like probable cause statements for criminal charges became publicly accessible on CaseNet without the need for a login.
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