Every now and again, when leafing through our bound editions for the weekly Through the Years page, my wife, Jordan, or I come across things from those days of old that make us ask: Why did the Democrat ever stop doing this?

A couple of weeks ago, that exact thing happened with a recurring series from the 1990s.

About once a month, there would be a specifically boxed article with the timeless catchy headline: “Everyday Heroes.”

An example of that series can be found in this week’s Through the Years. In February 1996, and in less than 350 words, two George’s employees received recognition for springing into action in the face of danger. 

John Moore and Josh Jones had just finished their shifts at the poultry processing plant and were going east down Highway W when they passed a chicken hauler that “didn’t look right” as it went by. In the rear view, Moore saw the truck and trailer topple over.

Rather than continue on their drive, or even just dial 9-1-1 and wait, Moore and Jones doubled back to the scene and pulled the driver — who needed 20 stitches — out of the vehicle a few minutes before the semi became fully engulfed in flames.

Better yet, when asked about it later, both men refused to take credit for their actions as “bravery.” 

“Anyone would have done what we did,” they said.

The fact Jordan had brought the “Everyday Heroes” series to my attention so recently made the piece stand out, and though I did take this space last week to make a timely commentary on the Super Bowl Halftime Show (which as expected was equally criticized as it was praised), naturally coming across the story of Moore and Jones a few hours before writing this was nothing short of inspiration.

As far as we can tell, the first iteration of “Everyday Heroes” came in 1995 while Bob Mitchell was in his final stretch of ownership before selling the Democrat to the Schlichtmans. We’ve seen it a few times more over the next few years and not exactly sure when it ended, or why. If my journalistic instinct is correct, sometimes, series like this just fall by the wayside for lack of time or lack of participation. 

Whatever the reason, seeing it so frequently recently has inspired us — and with good reason. There’s one story in this week’s edition that could qualify for two recognitions.

Two Cassville police officers received commendations last week for their actions. In November 2025, Officer Codie Evatt arrived to a house fire on Mill Street where a child caller was stranded on the roof. Before firefighters arrived, Evatt was able to help the child to safety.

Less than two months later, Officer Jacqueline Murray volunteered her connections and off-duty time to help locate a vehicle stolen from Evangel University in Springfield. Not only did the crime happen in another jurisdiction, but neither the victim nor her mother actually live in Cassville proper.

Evatt could have waited for assistance but acted with resolve. I reported that fire story back then, but was unaware of Evatt’s actions until weeks after the story was written. Murray’s actions I would have never known about if not for the commendation. It was the effort of Dianna Sexton, mother of the girl whose car was stolen, that led me to write more on the incident.

Sexton attended the City Council meeting to give further praise to Murray — a surprising and inspirational opportunity to share some good news in our community.

Beyond public-service minded acts of bravery or going beyond the required call of duty, there’s one more “Everyday Heroes” act I can think of in recent weeks. Last month, Grant Preddy and his father, Robert Preddy, worked together to drop a burning mattress from a second story and pull it out the front door of their home. 

That quick action meant the difference from being displaced and their home significantly damaged, or worse, but it was also a heroic act of bravery to get it done.

Beyond that, hundreds or even thousands of “Everyday Heroes” acts occurred in May 2024 when the windstorm blew through town. Every day, someone in Barry County does something brave, kind, gracious or incredible, we just need to know what they are.

So, to that end, if you know someone who has done something amazing, tell me about it. Call me at 417-847-2610, or email me at [email protected].

Whether it’s 350 words or 1,500, stories about the great things we do for one another should be shared. I can’t wait to hear them and have the honor to share them.

Kyle Troutman has served as editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014 and owner/publisher since 2023. He is a three-time ISWNE Golden Dozen award winner. He may be reached at 417-847-2610 or [email protected].