Opinion
Trout Tales, Dec. 18
By my estimation, there’s only one time a year parents allow their kids to just run all willy-nilly
through the street — and you’re looking at it! The Wheaton parade is a big draw for kiddos, especially
because of the International Attractions guy in the Slingshot flinging bouncy balls and stuffed
animals up and down Main Street.
’Twas on the press before Christmas
’ Twas 7 days before Christmas, and at The Cassville Democrat, Busy hands were a’typing requests for iPhones and snacks. Each year we ask second- graders their wishes from Santa, And while most requests are common, some make us say, my lanta! There are more than 250 printed for Kringle this year, And we hope they bring parents and and the jolly ole elf cheer.
Debbie Kober: Gardening beyond annuals, a fresh look at perennials
Seed catalogs are out, and it’s time to select spring garden plants, with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans and squash being the popular choices. These are all grown as annuals, plants that grow for a single season and are started again from seed the following year.
Michelle Hilburn: Cherishing the love, the magic, and the moments
The holiday season is here, and like many educators, I’m running on fumes. The holidays are stressful both in and out of the classroom.
Trout Tales, Dec. 11
What a night it was Saturday on Main Street! The Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Christmas Parade had more than 130 entries, and the parade itself lasted nearly 90 minutes.
Kyle Troutman: Jail time
Last Wednesday, I spent some unexpected time in jail. Following a ribbon cutting to officially celebrate the newly constructed Barry County Sheriff’s Office and jail on Old Exeter Road, attendees were invited to tour the facility.
Merlyn Johnson: 2024 year in review — Reflections and gratitude from Cassville R-IV Schools
It’s hard to believe how quickly 2024 has passed! As we approach the end of the year and look forward to 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our accomplishments and express gratitude for our community’s support. This year has been filled with milestones and moments of pride for Cassville R-IV Schools.
Randy Crane: Doubts and faith
“Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.
Kyle Troutman: Sunshine shade
The Missouri Sunshine Law, enacted in 1973, declares Missouri’s commitment to openness in government, and there have been some interesting changes this year to the way some records are handled. Probably the biggest change came very early in the year, when files like probable cause statements for criminal charges became publicly accessible on CaseNet without the need for a login.
Jeremiah Buntin: The Recorder of Deeds
The Missouri Governors Records from the Missouri State Archives and accessible through the Missouri Digital Heritage website is an interesting place to investigate the nooks and crannies of history. These records from 1837-1901 mostly consist of handwritten letters asking the governor for favors such as pardons and appointments, or signed petitions for various causes, or resignations from local offices. In 1852, Barry County Clerk William Hubbert, of Cassville, wrote Missouri Governor Austin Augustus King notifying him of a vacancy in the State Senate caused by the death of Littleberry Mason and that an election would be held immediately.
