There is a tendency to romanticize new beginnings as fresh, clean slates — pristine, hopeful, full of promise.

But often, they don’t arrive wrapped in ribbons. More often than not, they show up after something bad has happened. In this situation, after a fire.

New beginnings are not always born as our choice of action, but of necessity.

There’s something deeply human about the instinct to build back, even when the situation isn’t pretty or the odds aren’t kind. The past is full of examples of situations where cities and individuals have faced a loss or a disaster. And history also shows us time and again, the same story repeats: people dig deep, get up and try again.

For the City of Cassville, this our time and opportunity to start anew following the fire, which destroyed the historic Hall Theater building on March 1, 2022. After three years of legal battles, property demolition and numerous obstacles, the City of Cassville is now the owner of the Hall property.

This wouldn’t have been possible without the plan put forth by city of Cassville Attorney Don Cupps, and Jerry James, the priority mortgage holder of the Hall property.

The question that has been raised many times over the past three years: “What is the City going to do with the Hall property?”

That remains unanswered at this time. However, the future of the property will become clearer over the next few months.

The Cassville City Council has formed a community committee to obtain feedback from our citizens for the future of the Hall property. My desire is for the Hall property to be something that will make our residents and businesses proud, while keeping in line with our financial practicalities.

Rebuilding after a loss doesn’t always look heroic. Sometimes it’s simply continuing to look and discuss ideas for a plan when no plans are in sight. That was definitely the case with the Hall property.

A few months ago, it looked like the City would never be able to obtain ownership due to the high level prior financial obligations ahead of the City’s lien on the property.

Sometimes, quiet optimism and open communication can pay off.

Myself and the citizens committee want to hear your ideas for the future of the Hall property. Like any project, not every idea can be used. But, they will more than likely spark discussion and possibly move the project in a direction that wasn’t foreseeable prior to the start of the process.

Please feel free to drop me a message at: jhorner@CityofCassville.com. The fire that destroyed the Hall property was definitely a setback for our wonderful community. And, as I mentioned, at this time we don’t have the plan forward figured out.

At this point, it’s similar to building a house. It starts with the first brick that is laid down, then another. Over time, what feels like rubble becomes foundation. What felt like failure becomes perspective. And what seemed like an ending — that becomes a beginning in disguise.

I’m truly excited to see what becomes of the Hall Theater property. This is definitely our opportunity to turn what was rubble into an opportunity fitting for America’s Real Hometown.

Jon Horner is a local community bank president, published author, newspaper columnist, motivational speaker, and mayor of America’s Real Hometown. He can be reached at jonhorner77@ gmail.com.