Here we stand at that annual strange feeling each year as we start to say goodbye to the year before, reflecting upon what has filled the past 365 days of our lives and beginning to see the possibilities which come with the shifting of the calendar to a new year. 

In many ways, a new year invites reflection — and responsibility. As we step into 2026, our community stands at a powerful crossroads, the crossroads of challenges and new possibilities. These crossroads provide the choices between reacting to change, or we can choose to shape it. 

Creating opportunities in our community isn’t the work of one leader, one organization or one moment. It’s a shared commitment to build pathways where our collective talents can grow, neighbors and businesses can thrive,and a future that provides the sense of possibility for everyone.

Opportunity often begins with access and open doors to education, skill enhancement, and information. That is why I’m so proud that our communities have great public schools. And, for those who desire to further their education beyond high school, having Crowder College here is such an incredible opportunity for those who want to remain and work in the area while obtaining a college degree. 

Speaking of Crowder, the past year has provided me with the opportunity to become acquainted with Terry Held, who became an instructor at their Cassville campus during 2025. Terry brings a great perspective for what our community can strive to be while cherishing our heritage and the attributes that make Cassville uniquely special and a place we are proud to call home. 

Opportunity is also about place. Vibrant communities, such as ours, are built in spaces where people feel safe, welcomed and inspired to gather together. On that note, I am excited about the improvements that will take place in the coming year for our town. From the opening of the new Seventh Street bridge, significant improvements for our airport, to the development of the Hall Theater Pocket Park we have a lot to look forward to in 2026, I truly believe that improvements of this magnitude, along with our incredible partnership with Barry Electric-goBEC fiber optic internet have the potential to be incubators for ideas, solutions and innovation for our community. 

Our community is poised to take advantage of growth in our surrounding communities because of the current and future advances in our town.

Opportunity also comes from the power of connection. Strong bonds and networks — between our neighbors, community organizations, churches, schools and local businesses — have the ability to turn our individual efforts into collective impact. In 2026, let us continue to prioritize the power of connection through the various opportunities available to all of us in our communities. 

Finally, opportunity grows where optimism lives. Belief matters. When one person steps forward to take action for the betterment of our communities that invites and initiates participation by others. It becomes contagious, but in a good way. 

Volunteering, mentoring, engagement, and simple acts of kindness all compound. Progress isn’t only measured in policies or projects, but in the everyday choices to show up for one another.

The year ahead will bring challenges we can’t predict. But it will also bring chances we can create. 2026 can be a year where opportunity isn’t a slogan — it’s a lived experience. 

And, we all have the opportunity to build it together. Happy New Year.

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 [email protected].