The last week of February every year has repeatedly come to be one of the most coverage-heavy weeks of the year — and while 2026 gave no shortage of challenges, it gave as many rewards.

After getting out our 22-page issue last week, I embarked on a five-day, weekend-consuming coverage-fest of sports and news, culminating in today’s issue that is packed with a bit of something for everyone.

The journey began last Wednesday with the annual trip to Columbia to cover the Cassville wrestling program’s nine state qualifiers. I make mention of state wrestling every year because it is such a unique and emotional event. Never in one place do you simultaneously see so many tears of joy and tears of despair as you do at state.

Cassville had its share of both. With high expectations coming in and the realistic goal of a team medal, the prospects did not pan out as hoped. Of the nine, four departed with medals, two in sixth place, one in fifth and one state champion.

Reflecting on the tournament, Cassville Coach Nathan Fortner believed the chink in the armor came at districts, when three-time state medalist Riley James suffered a season-ending knee injury. Momentum, he said, swung the direction of misfortune.

A mixed bag of results on Day 1 turned into an even more challenging Day 2. I interviewed each of the wrestlers Thursday afternoon when only Colton Roark’s championship match remained. Even though there was disappointment among the ranks that day, the overarching takeaway was the seniors left with a sense of accomplishment — having medaled or not — and the underclassmen left with a sense of resolve — also having medaled or not.

As for Roark, there was never any doubt why he was ranked No. 1 at 175 pounds. An 18-second pin, 45-second pin and a 15-0 tech fall in under 90 seconds put him in the title bout. 

I’ve covered this kid all four years, and watching the way he controlled that championship match — making history with a 6-3 decision to become the first-ever two-time state champ from Cassville — was absolutely incredible. His timing, his composure, his skill and his knowledge were all unquestionably on display. As good as he was as a freshman, it was incredible to watch how good he’d become as a senior. 

This senior wrestling class was a special one. With more than 600 wins and 10 state medals among the four of them, I will miss covering their accomplishments.

Returning Friday afternoon, I had a couple of hours’ break before heading to Verona to cover the Class 1, District 4 girls’ basketball championship, ensured a local winner since the battle was between Exeter and Wheaton. 

A rather slow first half devolved into a chaotic second half, with Exeter erasing a 5-point deficit in the final 5:29 to win the game by 4.

In that game, you had to appreciate the tenacity of Lady Tigers senior Shea Hilburn. Held scoreless in the first half and most of the third quarter, she knocked down 15 points in the final 12 minutes to propel her team to a victory — a vindicating result after falling to Hurley in last year’s district title game.

As small-school district championships go, it was a really fun one to cover.

Saturday was mostly spent putting together the March Monett Monthly, which I put to bed on Sunday after covering my 13th consecutive Opening Day at Roaring River State Park.

Opening Day has a “same story, different script” feel year by year. How many tags were sold and the weather are always the main points, but the underlying storyline weaves tales of traditions new and old, and countless memories being made on the banks or the stream.

As they did last year, Facebook Reels I posted about the event have brought the negative Nancys. Anyone who thinks Opening Day is “combat fishing” or “like shooting fish in a barrel” I would say is a bit misguided. 

While fishing is the main activity, Opening Day really isn’t about fishing at all. It’s about spending time with family and friends, enjoying the beauty of our slice of the Ozarks no matter where you are from, and most importantly, renewing or creating traditions that span generations — I frequently see three or four generations standing side by side on the banks.

From the wrestling pins to the fishing lines and everything in between and after, it has taken about 80 hours to produce this week’s issue.

As we move into spring and our next projects and goals, trying weeks like this inevitably remind me of the importance and value of community newspapers. From the stories to the photos and advertisements to the design, I hope this issue remains in the memories of the many, many people within its pages or not.

Being a historical record is one of our goals as an organization, and this week — mission accomplished..

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].