Opinion

Kyle Troutman: Back in the swing
After nearly two months of being displaced, Jordan and I — as well as our staff — were beyond elated to get back into the swing of things at our office on Main Street. On the morning of May 26, we, like many of you, awoke to the hail-acious windstorm that caused millions in damage to property and homes in Barry County.
LETTER: Correcting misinformation on jail GED program
Dear Editor: There has been misinformation circulating Barry County concerning the GED program that will be offered at the new county jail. The program will not use any tax dollars.

Jeremiah Buntin: ‘Black Gold’ of the Ozarks
Many Ozarkers have the shared memory of picking-up black walnuts in the fall harvest each year, along with stained hands as souvenirs. The black walnut tree has been providing extra income for folks in the area for generations.

Trout Tales, July 17
I stopped by the FEMA Event Center last week to see my favorite hillbilly, Rusty Pliers. This magician and ventriloquist performed for the Cassville Branch Library’s Summer Reading Program, and the YMCA day campers enjoyed the show, too.

Randy Crane: How to be safe
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear….

Kyle Troutman: Taking the leap
In August 2012, my friends and I took a day trip to Greers Ferry, Ark., for a few hours on the lake and an early-20s pasttime — cliff jumping. Looking down over the edge of the 30-foot cliff was a little dizzying, and if we’re being honest, even after watching my buddy launch himself off without a bit of hesitation, I was scared.

Drake Thomas: All aboard for imagination station — Nurturing creativity in children and ourselves
The human brain is responsible more functions than we can count, but the phenomenon of imagination is one that I can never get enough of. When you stop to think that in your mind’s eye, you can conceptualize and visualize a project or idea, and make it come to life — that’s incredible.

Jon Horner: Lessons from Mom
There’s an old line that time heals all wounds. I truly believe that line is true in most cases and situations in life.

Kyle Troutman: Join us for Friday’s forum
Have you ever lost sleep from a mixture of excitement and anxiety? Such has been the case for me the past couple nights as my mind has raced and raced in anticipation of this Friday, when the Cassville Democrat will host its first political forum under Troutman Media LLC ownership. At 7 p.m.

Janet Mills: Swatting flies and eating fries
Summer’s here, and along with it comes our routine pastimes and experiences. Fans are whirling 24/7 as the hot and sticky summer days have settled in.