Opinion

Rich Cummings: The hope of Spring
For many of us, the older we get the less winter weather it takes to make us long for its end.

Dakota Pettigrew: Words worth remembering — The enduring experiment
On Thursday morning, Nov. 7, 2024, New Yorkers — and general readers everywhere — who grabbed a copy of The New York Times were greeted with a historic front page.

Merlyn Johnson: Education legislation review
As legislative discussions continue in Jefferson City, several key bills and budget considerations are progressing that could impact our students, staff and community.

Trout Tales, March 5
We made the jaunt to Columbia this week to watch our high-flying wrestilng squads win 6 medals — including Colton Roark winning the Cassville boys’ second-ever individual state championship! So much credit goes to our athletes for the months, and years, of work that go into competing at such a high level; but I also have to say, our coaches are the best. Here, we see coach Tegan Nickle, left, leaning into a cheer for Analeigh Winchell as she won her medal bubble match. Meanwhile, Head Coach Casey Parsons is being hit by a Harry Potter spell — WRESTGARDIUM LEVIOSA! Huge congrats to our amazing athletes and enthusiastic coaches. All your efforts noticed and appreciated!

Kyle Troutman: Beyond the mat
There are not many moments in high school sports as electric as when a wrestler pins their opponent to win a state championship.

Greg Armstrong: Youth on the move
God is on the move. No, God is not renting a U-haul for a work relocation. God is on the move in the lives of children and students.
Sheila Harris: A sinking ship
According to media sources, President Donald Trump recently said on his social media site that, “He who saves his country does not violate any law.”

Trent Oliphant: Art close to home
Barry County, Missouri, is not the first place I think of when you think of “The Arts.”

Kyle Troutman: Capturing Opening Day
As we put the finishing touches on Trout Times this year — my 10th as editor of the annual publication — there was a nifty little hole left for a few words from yours truly.