Opinion

Community Voices — Merlyn Johnson: New grading system coming to Missouri
Missouri is moving forward with a new A-F School and District Grading Framework designed to give parents and the public a simplified picture of academic performance.

Devotional Column — William Hodgson: The economics of Jesus
Most of Jesus’ parables began with a comparison identified like “the Kingdom of God is like…”

Publisher’s View — Kyle Troutman: May the odds be in our favor
I don’t often write about national politics in this space, but this week, I’m making an exception.

Community Voices — Melissa Hamilton: Fall is the time to improve your raised-bed soil
As summer begins to wind down in Barry County, many gardeners are looking at raised beds that do not look quite as good as they did in May.

Staff View — Sheila Harris: The geese are gathering
I’ve been sheltered here in Barry County. Until the recent purchase of the Neosho public water and wastewater systems by Missouri American Water (MAW), I didn’t realize that many public water systems in the state are owned and operated by shareholders in publicly-traded stock.

Community Voices — Terry Held: We the People…
…are more than mere words to dress a festival of patriotism; they are a solemn charge that requires an informed citizenry, beginning with robust civic instruction in our educational institutions. Those three words, written in an unmistakable flourish across the top of the United States Constitution, may be among the most consequential words ever put to paper.

Publisher’s View — Kyle Troutman: You won’t regret it
For the past few years, Cassville’s fall sports programs have been on the up, and this year, things have started exceptionally positive. On Friday, the football team lit up Wildcat…

Staff View — Sheila Harris: I miss Dolly already
Dolly Parton left us on Aug. 25, but her gigantic, generous spirit will live on. We loved her, because she loved us. She left us no doubt. As New York…

Community Voices — Melissa Hamilton: Time to harvest, prepare, and grow together
The last few weeks have been the busiest times in the garden. All across Barry County, folks are picking tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, beans, melons and plenty of other fresh…

Devotional Column — Jeff Fugitt: Adapting in the changing seasons
I love the long days of summer, so I’m always sorry to see the daylight getting shorter. Bike rides, walks and gardening become less and less doable before and after work…



