Opinion

Kyle Troutman: A stir about early out
When it comes to scrutinizing government entities, a frequent target is the local school district. Administrators do their best to provide quality educations that prepare students for the workforce or college, and the task is a monumental one, worthy of a healthy dose of criticism from time to time.

Trout Tales, Aug. 21
After enjoying 102 days of delayed alarms, on Tuesday I think I woke up earlier than an Opening Day Blue Wing Olive hatch at Roaring River. I got ready just fast enough to sit in the worst traffic of the year in Cassville, riding along with my bosses as we took their fourth-grade daughter into her new class.

Kyle Troutman: First-day differences
Having done news photography for going on 15 years now — and spending the last five years as the father of a school-aged child — not many mornings school. Through the chaos of parents and kids trying to get to their classes or lockers, the gamut of emotions is bottomless.
EJ Adams: Will you be planting this fall?
Fall can be a great time for planting potted perennials. Nurseries may have some great deals on them as the growing season winds down, and fall is a good time to get a new plant established before the cold of winter arrives.

Drake Thomas: ‘So, God Made A Teacher’
And on the 8th day, God looked at those made in his image and said, “I need a caretaker.” So, God made a teacher. God said, “I need someone willing to get up before dawn, collect last night’s grading, kiss their family goodbye, teach all day at school, bring home more grading, eat supper, then go back to school and stay until 9 to watch a student’s basketball game.

Kyle Troutman: This election had everything
I’ve been telling saying it for months at this point — I could write a book about the sheriff race in the Republican Primary Election. I feel like Bill Hader’s Saturday Night Live character, Stefon.

Michelle Hilburn: Librarians are on the front lines of literacy
The school year is quickly approaching, which means children are enjoying their last days of summertime and parents are preparing to send them back to school. As a school librarian, this is a very busy time of year, and I have already returned to work.

Jeff Fugitt: Find the beauty all around you
This devotional and directory is made possible by these businesses who encourage all to attend worship services. I heard some scientists on the radio this week discussing how even animals have an appreciation for beauty.

Kyle Troutman: Why not you?
It’s hard being the only sports fan in my household. As the summer Olympics in Paris have played out over the last couple weeks, I have had to Greco-Roman wrestle away the remote from my group of gals to get any significant watch time in.

Merlyn Johnson: Anticipation building for new school year
The 2024-2025 school year will begin on Tuesday, August 20. We are excited to welcome our students and staff back for another great year at Cassville R-IV School District.