Opinion

Jeremiah Buntin: A million ways to die in the Ozarks
The beginning of autumn signals the start of the spooky season, that time of year now rivaling Christmas in popularity among youth and adults alike, highlighted by tidings of fear.

Kyle Troutman: Talking to ourselves
Walter Cronkite once said, “Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy; it is democracy.”

Melissa Hamilton: From the Garden
The last tomatoes have been plucked, the vines are starting to wither, and the Barry County Community Garden is officially closing its gates for the season.
Dale Stillings: Gratitude goes to the city
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the City of Cassville, especially Richard Asbill and Mike Hagins, for their recent efforts on Walnut Drive.
Debbie Kensinger: We need a shelter
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I invite all Barry County community organizations to publicly get involved in educating citizens about domestic violence and come together in support of women and children experiencing it. We need to raise our voices!

Sheila Harris: Imagine unity
I recently remembered a phrase from a prayer that I heard in the church of my childhood: “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace.”

Jon Horner: 40+ years of gratitude
As I sat down to write this month’s column, I reflected upon what is taking place in our world now and what has taken place over the past forty years.

Scott Mitchell: Responding to evil with the Gospel
The news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination was heartbreaking.

Merlyn Johnson: Smooth start to school year
As we settle into the 2025–2026 academic year, I am pleased to report that the school year is off to a smooth and positive start across all of our Cassville R-IV campuses.

Kyle Troutman: Leave a better legacy
Since the killing of Charlie Kirk, I have spent more time than I would like in my own head formulating a column on the subject, and where I’ve landed has much more to do with us as Americans than Kirk as a person.



