Opinion
Publisher View — Kyle Troutman: Storm season kicking up
Storm season is upon us once again. In the past couple days, wind and hail damage has been reported all around us in the Ozarks, and close to home for some Barry County residents.
American Insights — Dakoda Pettigrew: James Otis’s fight
In February 1761, almost four months after George III’s ascension, the first major controversy surrounding imperial policy gripped Boston politics.
Staff View: Sludge is in the air — We ain’t seen nothin’ yet
After a relative lull, sludge is back in the spotlight this spring as the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) prepares to announce a public meeting, a preliminary step before issuing new operating permits for three storage tanks which can hold over 800,000 gallons of meat and food-processing residuals.
Community Voices — Jon Horner: Remembering Jill and Becky
In a span of nine days our community lost two educational icons and I also lost two dear friends in Jill LeCompte and Becky Henningson.
Publisher View — Kyle Troutman: Low turnout, big results
Municipal elections have a history of lower turnout, and while the April 7 election predictably followed that trend, the results will impact far, far more than those who cast the votes.
Community Voices — Melissa Hamilton: Barry County Community Garden opens; A new season of growth begins
The Barry County Community Garden officially opened for the 2026 growing season on March 15.
Community Voices — Jeremiah Buntin: History’s pipe dreams
While many consider Barry County to be paradise on earth, one item that many residents of past have envied of their southwestern neighbors was an ample supply of oil bubbling from their own backyard.
Letter to the Editor — Joanna Morgan: No proof of any wrongdoing
A few months ago there as an incident in Washburn, Mo. There as a wreck. A car hit a motorcycle. A couple had seen it and drove into the nearest driveway to turn around to see if they could help until help could get there.
Devotional Column — Greg Armstrong: What do I really need?
As we pass through the Easter season and spring begins across the Ozarks, the trees begin to green up, and the lake seems a little bluer than it did a week ago.
Publisher View — Kyle Troutman: Predictably sad
It’s a funny thing, news. Largely, it’s unpredictable what will elicit the biggest reactions from the public, especially on social media. Sometimes, what we feel like are our best stories get a mere flicker of attention. Other times, a story lands on my desk that I am certain will bring a waves of attention — and not always the good kind.
