Opinion
Jon Horner: To refund, or not to refund
As we all know, it’s that dreaded time of the year. No, I’m not talking about the six-month dental checkup.
Al Slavic: God is love
This devotional and directory is made possible by these businesses who encourage all to attend worship services. Do you believe in God? If you do, then there is plenty of evidence that God is there and He loves you.

Trout Tales, April 5
I put on my formal scales Friday and went to take in the Enchanted Ball for K-5th graders at Cassville High School. I’m still not sure what the most enchanting part was. There were about 40 girls armed with fairy wands and spinny dresses, barely visible as they twirled and skipped around the commons.

Kyle Troutman: Being everywhere
I always hear it: “Troutman, I see you everywhere.” Yes, I tend to be “everywhere,” and not only due to the nature of my job. Last week was one of those fast-moving weeks, starting on Monday at the Cassville High School baseball field.

Lisa Roark: Spring is in the air
The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and snot is flowing. Oh, the joys of spring in the Ozarks.
Aaron Hadlow: State funding cuts to public libraries a bad idea
Like a book on a shelf, the Shell Knob Branch of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library is nestled at the end of a row of shops on the “Plaza,” a few doors down from the laundromat, and caddy- corner from the Thrifty Closet.
Dayton Brattin: There is only one ‘Truth’
We are undoubtedly living in some very interesting and difficult times; a time in which many are searching for peace and hope.
Trout Tales, March 29
Went over to the Cassville baseball field on Monday to see the new turf and ceremonial first pitch. School Board President (and prolific baseballer in his younger days) Jeremy Marple made the toss. I made sure to stay at a safe distance, but Jeremy actually CAN hit the broad side of a barn, so no players, fans or fish were in dange. In this picture, I believe Jeremy is giving umpire Mike McClintock the signal for the right call. The pair back to Marple’s coaching days, and although the toss looked a little low, McClintock still called it a strike for his old buddy. I’m hope that’s the only time Jeremy has ever “bribed” a blue! Way to set an example, Jeremy!
Kyle Troutman: Qualities of a quality school board member
The first school board meeting I ever attended was in Searcy, Ark., in the summer of 2011. Having recently graduated college and attended some city council meetings, I was excited to see what kind of news school boards would offer to an up-and-coming journalist.

Merlyn Johnson: Explaining school district funding sources
Missouri’s public school foundation formula was created to ensure every district has enough funding to provide an adequate education for students, no matter where they live. The foundation formula starts with an adequacy target, which is the amount of money needed to educate a single student.