Cassville Democrat: Opinion

LETTERS (02/01/12)
Dear Editor: As someone who sees the work that your Barry County E-911 dispatchers do every day, I cannot imagine how it would be if they did not have the proper tools to do their job because we no longer exist. The current 911 center has technology that allows our dispatchers to send help to you from a landline or cell phone call. ...

Vote "yes" for E-911 (02/01/12)
Next Tuesday, area voters are being asked to support an eighth of a cent sales tax to ensure continued operations of the Barry County E-911 Center. According to information provided by the E-911 Board, the additional sales tax will provide enough revenue to operate the center, which is facing closure without additional sales tax support. The threat is not an idle one, and Barry County will be moving backwards if E-911 service ceases...

Thank you, anonymous donor (01/25/12)
Last Thursday, at the Barry County Commission's 2012 budget hearing, Sheriff Mick Epperly announced that an anonymous donor has committed to support the continuation of the county DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program through a $10,000 donation. DARE serves the Shell Knob, Exeter, Southwest, Wheaton and Purdy school districts. (Cassville maintains its own DARE program through the Cassville Police Department.)...

Letters (01/25/12)
Dear Editor: In the coming weeks, I hope that the voters of Barry County will consider the implications of voting "yes" on the 911 tax. A "yes" vote means that no effort will be made to address inadequacies in the mapping of emergency service areas throughout the county, which hinder our fire departments in the pursuance of their duties and render the county less safe. How can they, when the individuals responsible for the errors in the original mapping are now running the E-911 Center?...

The Y is an asset to the community (01/18/12)
Over the past several weeks, the Cassville City Council has been re-evaluating its contract with the local YMCA in an attempt to cut costs while still maintaining support for the organization that provides recreational opportunities for area citizens and also operates the city's Aquatic Center. ...

Letters (01/18/12)
Dear Editor: I just found out that by Dec. 31, Barry County 911 service will either be completely suspended or at best -- dramatically reduced -- without an increase in revenue. Right away I began thinking of the consequences: I was greatly relieved to learn that on Feb. 7 we will have an opportunity to vote for a one-eighth of a cent sales tax. This revenue will keep us from losing our Barry County 911 service...

Can you spare 20 minutes? (01/11/12)
Throughout the month of January, the Barry County E-911 Operations Center in Cassville will be open to the public each Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. County residents who attend the open house events will have the opportunity to tour the entire 911 Center, including the administrative offices and the dispatching area. Information will also be offered on the one-eighth of a cent sales tax that will come before voters for a second time on Tuesday, Feb. 7...

Letters to the Editor (01/11/12)
Dear Editor: I would like all the folks in Barry County to read this and take a serious look at voting "yes" on the E-911 tax. My career in the fire service in Kansas allowed me to assist emergency management in establishing our E-911 system. Let me assure you that when your child is not breathing or you have a structure fire or criminal activity going on, that's not the time for dispatching delays, outdated phone systems or outdated notification boxes. ...

A heart for young people (01/04/12)
Cassville is mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant. While on vacation for Christmas, I received word that long-time Cassville police officer and police chief Lonnie McCullough died on Dec. 26, 2011. I considered Lonnie a friend, and I am deeply saddened by his death...

Make a difference in 2012 (12/28/11)
This weekend, Barry Countians will celebrate the start of another new year. It is tradition for Americans to make resolutions to improve their lives at the beginning of each new year. According to USA.gov the following vows are among the top New Year's resolutions: drink less alcohol; eat healthier; get a better education; get a better job; get fit; lose weight; manage debt; manage stress; quit smoking; recycle; save money; and volunteer...

Sports writer shares memories of exceptional cat (12/28/11)
A great voice has been stilled. Diesel, our 16-year-old gray tabby with the purr to rival a Massey-Ferguson, passed away peacefully at Herrin's Animal Hospital on the first day of November. Most outdoor cats live less than four years. Pampered indoor felines average a life span of 11 years. ...

City aldermen deserve our thanks (12/22/11)
I want to publically thank Cassville City Council members Jeff Parsons, Terry Heinz, Bill Hill and Darrell Ledenham for seeking a compromise on the water and sewer rates that were initially proposed. On Monday night, the council entertained an amended resolution and voted to decrease the proposed rate increase to a more moderate percentage, offering relief to economically stressed city residents and businesses. ...

Thank you, public works team (12/21/11)
Over the last five months, the Cassville City Council has discussed an increase for city water and sewer rates. Last night, the aldermen finally reached a decision. The discussion surrounding the proposed rate increase was often controversial and created many volatile situations for Cassville officials, citizens and business leaders. ...

These cuts will hurt (12/14/11)
For those who thought the Barry County Commission was making idle threats about cutting law enforcement if the sales tax proposal did not pass, think again. Last Friday, Sheriff Mick Epperly was forced to layoff four hard-working deputies to meet the demands of another constrained budget year. It's a stark reminder of the county's current economic condition and the consequences of a "no" vote this past Nov. 8...

Let your Christmas spirit shine (12/07/11)
The seasonable temperatures and icy winds that have blown into Barry County have brought with them more than just bitter cold. Each year, when I drag out my heavy coat, scarves and gloves, it reminds me that not only is winter upon us, but so are the holidays. ...

Letter to the Editor (12/07/11)
Dear Editor: "Government cures are not only worse than the disease, but lead to future diseases." -- Friedrich A. Hayek, Nobel Prize-winning economist I was pleased to attend the Ozarks Property Rights Association, Barry County Chapter, monthly meeting on Nov. ...

Emailing news and photos 101 (11/30/11)
The Cassville Democrat receives hundreds of emails each week. Each of these messages contain valuable information, such as press releases, county calendar items, advertising information and submitted photos. This week, we would like to use this editorial space to offer a few suggestions for emailing information to the newspaper staff...

Yes, the newspaper looks different (11/22/11)
This week, you probably notice something different about the Cassville Democrat. Yes, the newspaper is slightly narrower in size. This change has been made to bring the local newspaper in line with the size of other publications, such as the Springfield News-Leader...

Officeholders appreciate efforts (11/22/11)
Dear Editor: We would like to thank the Barry County Commissioners, sheriff and prosecuting attorney for their effort to inform the voters of Barry County of the need for the 3/16th of a cent law enforcement tax. These individuals deal with the finances and needs of the county on a day-to-day basis. Knowing the needs and lack of funds available, they chose to present it to the taxpayers for their decision...

People's generosity amazes veteran (11/22/11)
Dear Editor: I was looking for something to take up slack in my spare time. Seeing as I had gone on an Honor Flight last April 26, I contacted the Honor Flight to see if I could help in some way. They said right at that time they had all the help they needed...

CHS student offers opinion on increase (11/16/11)
Dear Editor: I am a Cassville High School student and I would like to address my opinion about the water increase issue, as I have been to most of the meetings and understand what is going on. I agree that the rate increases should be done over a period of time and so did the Mayor herself as she stated so at the meetings along with the Council Members...

More information on rate increase (11/16/11)
Dear Editor: This letter is in response to questions raised by one of the local newspaper editors in the Nov. 9 newspaper. The request was for additional facts regarding the proposed rate increase. These are the facts: Engineers were hired to evaluate our water and sewer system. ...

Taxes should not subsidize utilities (11/16/11)
Dear Editor: We live outside the city of Cassville, in the county, as do many who form the customer base for Cassville businesses. We too have a stake in the water rate controversy. It is something of a shock to learn that when we have come into Cassville and spent our money, the taxes we have paid have been used to pay for other people's water. ...

The United States is not a democracy (11/16/11)
Dear Editor: In the Commentary Nov. 9, the mayor and two councilmen were critized for not doing the will of the people and voting to further the mayor's agenda. The commentary also said the city should function as a democracy. The United States is NOT a Democracy and never has been. ...

Thanks for the help and support (11/16/11)
Dear Editor: I just wanted to give a quick thank you to Mindi at the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Cassville for allowing the zombies to stomp the street to "Thriller" in front of the courthouse during Trick-or-Treat Around the Square...

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