Opinion
Kyle Troutman: 2024 in review
I’ve been pondering this piece for a few days, and every time I do, I land at the same question — where do I even begin? To say this year has been a whirlwind is an understatement. We started 2024 with a gleam in our eyes, coming off our first year of ownership of the Democrat where we enjoyed incredible support and success.
Janet Mills: Thrive in 2025
Make a toast, sing Auld Lang Syne, and eat some black-eyed peas for good luck! The clock strikes twelve midnight on Dec. 31, and a fresh New Year is ushered in.
Kyle Troutman: A completely Cassville Christmas
Idon’t know about you, but this year, I feel like my heart has grown a size or two amidst the outpouring of local Christmas cheer. I’m no Scrooge by any means, but Christmas — especially as a parent — can bring equal amounts of stress and joy.
Trout Tales, Dec. 18
By my estimation, there’s only one time a year parents allow their kids to just run all willy-nilly
through the street — and you’re looking at it! The Wheaton parade is a big draw for kiddos, especially
because of the International Attractions guy in the Slingshot flinging bouncy balls and stuffed
animals up and down Main Street.
’Twas on the press before Christmas
’ Twas 7 days before Christmas, and at The Cassville Democrat, Busy hands were a’typing requests for iPhones and snacks. Each year we ask second- graders their wishes from Santa, And while most requests are common, some make us say, my lanta! There are more than 250 printed for Kringle this year, And we hope they bring parents and and the jolly ole elf cheer.
Debbie Kober: Gardening beyond annuals, a fresh look at perennials
Seed catalogs are out, and it’s time to select spring garden plants, with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans and squash being the popular choices. These are all grown as annuals, plants that grow for a single season and are started again from seed the following year.
Michelle Hilburn: Cherishing the love, the magic, and the moments
The holiday season is here, and like many educators, I’m running on fumes. The holidays are stressful both in and out of the classroom.
Trout Tales, Dec. 11
What a night it was Saturday on Main Street! The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Christmas Parade had more than 130 entries, and the parade itself lasted nearly 90 minutes.
Kyle Troutman: Jail time
Last Wednesday, I spent some unexpected time in jail. Following a ribbon cutting to officially celebrate the newly constructed Barry County Sheriff’s Office and jail on Old Exeter Road, attendees were invited to tour the facility.
Merlyn Johnson: 2024 year in review — Reflections and gratitude from Cassville R-IV Schools
It’s hard to believe how quickly 2024 has passed! As we approach the end of the year and look forward to 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our accomplishments and express gratitude for our community’s support. This year has been filled with milestones and moments of pride for Cassville R-IV Schools.
