Cassville Democrat

Cassville Democrat is a weekly community newspaper serving Cassville and the surrounding areas of Barry County, Missouri, with a focus on local government, schools, sports, community events, and everyday news relevant to residents across central and southern Barry County. With a weekly print circulation of about 1,000, the Democrat is a primary source of local reporting, offering both print and online editions to its readership. The paper was founded in 1871 by John Ray, who led the publication until his death in 1889, making it one of the oldest continuously published newspapers in the region. Over the years it passed through family ownership and corporate chains, and on January 1, 2023 it was purchased by Troutman Media LLC, marking a return to local, family ownership. Publisher Kyle Troutman and General Manager Jordan Troutman now lead operations, emphasizing community engagement and local coverage. The Cassville Democrat’s business model centers on advertising revenue, including display ads and sponsorships from local businesses, paid subscriptions, and legal/public notices, which are key revenue streams for many weekly newspapers. Its editorial focus remains intensely local, with little national or international coverage, ensuring readers stay connected to issues impacting Barry County residents.