Opinion
Bob Mitchell: Proudly display your stars and stripes on Flag Day
Since we are just days before Flag Day on Tuesday, it seemed appropriate to tell a flag tale that involves the banner of the United States of America. The scene sets on the Amphibious Force Base in Coronado, Calif., back in the early 1950s.
Kyle Troutman: Again we ask, are we protected?
Our hearts this week go out to Uvalde, Texas. On Tuesday, an 18-year-old gunman crashed his vehicle into a ditch behind Robb Elementary School.

Bob Mitchell: Washboards, wringers were once Monday chores
Back in the days of washboards and wringer washers Monday washdays were not as quick or convenient as they are today, with computer-driven appliances such as the washers and dryers on the market these days.
Superintendent’s corner: Summer projects planned
We closed out the 2021-2022 school year on Thursday, May 19. It’s hard to believe this school year has already ended.
Kyle Troutman: The cost of summer fun
Summer is coming, and gas prices have been hotter than the weather. The national average per gallon at the pump is the highest it has ever been at $4.56, which thankfully is 57 cents higher than the gas station nearest me as I write this.
Bob Mitchell: Memorial Day, a time to honor our military
It is at this time during the spring when there comes an observance that is highly important to the American public — Memorial Day, which arrives next Monday. This special day is designated basically to honor those who died for their country in military action of one of our nation’s conflicts. At the same time people choose to honor those who served, could have been wounded in their service, or those who were among the more fortunate and came out of one of the wars unscathed.

Kyle Troutman: Hold yourself close
My wife is on a Teen Mom 2 kick. It happens once or twice a year, and I tolerate the show because hey, happy wife, happy life, right? In her latest binge session over last weekend, I heard through my peripherals that one of the stars of the show, Jenelle Evans, recently had an abortion.
Bob Mitchell: Sport, my first birddog and a friend
People need to be fair and acknowledge the traits of their dogs, because, remember — they are man’s best friend. In my adult years, my preferences had switched from a Pointer preference, because that was the one available, to that of English Setters, which in my opinion are among the most loving breeds of animals on this earth.
Bob Mitchell: Some interesting Cassville history
What now stands on the southwest corner of the square in Cassville once served as a hospital for Federal Troops during the Civil War. With the community pretty well split down the middle so far as loyalty was concerned in those days, Confederate forces roamed the streets at one time or another.
Superintendent’s corner: Appreciate your teachers
Expectations for public school teachers across our nation continue to become more and more complex and demanding. Especially the past two years as teachers bravely maneuvered through the uncharted waters of school closures, quarantines, masks, and virtual learning.