Opinion

Merlyn Johnson: District updates and thankfulness
The first half of the 2023-2024 school year is nearing an end. We have joined in celebrating many awesome student-centered accomplishments so far this year and are hopeful to continue more great things as we move into the Spring semester.

Al Slavik: A note from God
Are you worthy of God’s love and forgiveness? I am surprised at the people that don’t think they are. If God was to leave you a note on the kitchen counter this morning it might read something like this: “To my precious child.

Home for the holidays
As that most wonderful time of the year quickly approaches, I am reminded that there is no place quite like home for the holidays. I think of the many traditions, elaborate feasts, gift-giving and time spent with loved ones far and near.

Jacob Brower: Mitchell was a newspaper giant with a heart of gold
It was April 6, 2017, and I was a nervous wreck. Bob Mitchell, editor of the Cassville Democrat from 1954-1995 and columnist through 2022, was to be inducted into the Regional Media Hall of Fame at Missouri Southern State University that night.

Kyle Troutman: A legacy to follow
When I profiled Bob Mitchell in Connection Magazine in 2016, he delivered one of the most memorable quotes I’ve heard from a newspaperman. As we wrapped up the interview at his home in Cassville, my final question was, “Would you have done anything differently?” ““I’ve got no remorse about anything,” he said resolutely.
Darlene Wierman: Bob Mitchell lived a life full of loves
When I was asked to write something about Bob, I said I would have to think about it, and after thinking back over 25 years I worked with him at the Democrat office, a lot of things did come to mind. Bob was a good boss.

Lisa Schlichtman: Remembering Bob Mitchell, the man who taught me how to be a community newspaper editor
I will never forget how nervous I was walking through the doors of the Cassville Democrat office for the first time. It was 1986, and I was a recent graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

Kyle Troutman: A step toward progress
A step was made toward progress for the Citizens For Justice — Barry County on Nov. 3, though in the wake of the group’s second meeting, there seemed to be as many questions as answers.


Scott Mitchell: God are you there?
Christians, we are not exempt. We too go through seasons where we feel tired, weary, exhausted, or even broken. These are the times when Christians also start to feel there is nowhere to turn. We can feel alone or like everyone is wanting something from us that we just can’t seem to give them.