Opinion
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.
Cheryl Williams: Great libraries have something to offend everyone
I recently read a children’s book entitled “Ban This Book” by Alan Gratz. The story involves a fourth-grade student who visits the school library to check out her favorite book.
Kyle Troutman: Vote ‘yes’ on proposed use tax
For the second time in as many years, Cassville voters who go to the ballot box on April 4 will see the same question concerning a local use tax. The proposal was made in all seven incorporated Barry County cities in April 2022, but the measure only passed in three, Seligman, Exeter and Wheaton.
Master Gardeners: What to plant in your garden?
Barry County Master Gardeners have been invited to write a monthly column for the Cassville Democrat and we will take turns writing articles about a variety of topics. Master Gardeners take 30 hours of classes, online or in person, covering a wide variety of gardening topics.
Jeremiah Buntin: Artificial history
When I was a child, I often wondered how a fish could be so dumb as to be fooled by artificial baits and lures. Later, I learned that it was just the fish’s nature to bite hard on anything that looked like the real thing.
Trout Tales, March 22
Like about half of the March Madness field this year, I’m upset. I entered the Cassville Chamber’s bracket challenge, but my poor bracket is more busted than Tom Izzo’s white board. I picked Kansas to win, and I know here I will get little to no sympathy for the Jayhawks’ exit. How ‘bout them Hogs, though? It’s not your Kansas, it’s Arkansas! A certain Cassville School Board member was openly supporting Illinois at the meeting on Thursday, much to his fellow board members’ chagrin. How the tables have turned. It sure was nice Missouri won its first tourney game since 2010. Maybe in a few decades they’ll have a run of three straight Sweet Sixteen berths like Arkansas! Shout out to bracket contest top three Kristen Houston, Gerry Mann and Mindi Artherton. Hope more upsets don’t upset you!
Amanda Reed: Surrendering all
My whole life, I always felt out of place, with no sense of belonging or direction in life. I knew in my heart something was missing.
Kyle Troutman: Examples to follow
As I venture deeper and deeper into business ownership in Cassville, being employer rather than employee, nights like Saturday’s Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet also take on an expanded meaning.
Trout Tales, March 15
Strutted in my tailored scales this weekend at the annual Cassville Chamber Banquet. The sweet southern sounds of the 221 Band had my tail flipping all night, and I was relieved to see pork, brisket and chicken on the menu — no fish! I want to congratulate my friend David Cupps on his Lifetime Achievement Award. His speech was a tear jerker. According to unoffishial reports, leakage from Cupps and others in the room has led to a 6-inch rise in Roaring River Spring. Thanks for keeping our dogs, cats, cows, horses and fellow trout alive, David!
Jon Horner: The financial impact of public education
I love public education! As a product of public education in Missouri and a board member of Cassville R-IV School District, I find the impact and the concept of offering all children in our state an education to be amazing and life changing. Other than my parents, some of the greatest influences on my life have been educators.
