guest column
Community Voices — Jon Horner: Remembering Jill and Becky
In a span of nine days our community lost two educational icons and I also lost two dear friends in Jill LeCompte and Becky Henningson.
Community Voices — Melissa Hamilton: Barry County Community Garden opens; A new season of growth begins
The Barry County Community Garden officially opened for the 2026 growing season on March 15.
Community Voices — Jeremiah Buntin: History’s pipe dreams
While many consider Barry County to be paradise on earth, one item that many residents of past have envied of their southwestern neighbors was an ample supply of oil bubbling from their own backyard.
Community Voices — Richard Asbill: The water rose, so did we: What the 7th street bridge represents
This week, the City of Cassville will reopen the 7th Street Bridge — a moment many in our community have waited years to see.
Community Voices — Merlyn Johnson: Implications of SB3 could create financial challenges
As the April 7 election approaches, Barry County residents will see Senate Bill 3 (SB 3) on the ballot.
Community Voices — Jon Horner: The meanings of March 1st at Roaring River
It’s almost March First, as we all know. For many reasons March First has special significance. When I was much younger than I am now, I had a special jacket. It was a Kansas City Chiefs coat. That coat also had a March First significance.
Janet Mills: A Christmas slowed by grace
December is the time of year when faith asks me to breathe, but life asks me to hurry. My heart wants peace, but my calendar demands performance. Christmas doesn’t enter quietly anymore. It seems to crash into our lives with noise, color and urgency. I find myself staring down a holiday to-do list longer than a receipt at the grocery store.
Michelle Hilburn: Fall into season’s readings
Even though summer temperatures are still lingering, the calendar says that fall has arrived, and I couldn’t be happier.
Melissa Hamilton: From the Garden
The last tomatoes have been plucked, the vines are starting to wither, and the Barry County Community Garden is officially closing its gates for the season.
Terry Held: The levers of Democracy — Finding our public voice again
After reading Ron Chernow’s biography Alexander Hamilton, I was struck by my own ineptness in supporting the freedoms granted by our founding fathers’ work.
