By Mike Scott PALMYRA, Mo. — In 1876, the Centennial year reached Palmyra and Marion County in almost every form imaginable. There were public meetings, newspaper notices, patriotic speeches, business advertisements, church gatherings, warnings about fireworks, letters from other towns, reports from the great Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, and finally, Fourth of July celebrations marked…

By Ella Aguilar Marissa Gottman, a recent Palmyra graduate and incoming Harvard student, published her first book, titled Bleeding Sparks, on June 26th. The book is a fantasy novel about Nalara, a woman who became a criminal to support her sister after the mysterious disappearance of their parents. However, when desperate times called for desperate…

HANNIBAL, MO – [06/23/2026] The Douglass Community Services Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 Foundation Scholarships: Wesley Summers, Micah Daniels, and Zackaria French. Each recipient exemplifies the scholarship’s mission of supporting graduating seniors pursuing non-traditional post- secondary pathways, including technical education, workforce development, and career-focused training programs. The Douglass Community Services Foundation Scholarship was established to assist students who are pursuing two-year colleges, technical and trade schools, apprenticeships, certificate programs, or direct entry into the workforce. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, tools, equipment, transportation, technology, uniforms, or other expenses that help students successfully…

125 Years Ago June 26, 1901 Jas. Sparks, the ten-year-old son of WM. Sparks of Fabius township, died of lockjaw yesterday. Two weeks ago while played on a hay mow, he struck the tine of a pitchfork into his right foot. A week later lockjaw set in and after a week’s suffering death came to the little fellow’s relief. One night last week the lights in B. Zoller’s store began to grow dim and Will Freidank went back to replenish the generator, aceteline gas being used. Jas as he had opened the generator Mr. Zoller approached with a lighted lamp.…

Event organizers Kevin Peters and Aaron Peters have announced the rosters for the 2026 Missouri vs. Illinois All-Star Baseball Game, sponsored by Benson Financial Group of Hannibal, MO and Quincy, IL, Shottenkirk Toyota, and Refreshment Services Pepsi both of Quincy, IL. The game is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. (rain date July 12 at 7:00 p.m.) at Veterans Field in Hannibal, MO. Admission at the gate will be $10.00 and ages 5 and under free, gates open at 6:00 p.m. The game will feature the top 44 seniors representing 19 high schools from Hannibal, Quincy, and…

Artificial Intelligence is now present in the workplace, at schools and on personal devices. Having a personal assistant at your fingertips is exciting for many – but concerning for others, especially as AI becomes a common tool both for legitimate businesses and for scammers. Businesses in all sorts of industries are implementing AI-powered creative products, machine-backed sales pitches and automated customer service. However, BBB data shows that customers aren’t always happy with the results. Over the last three years, BBB has received over 100,000 complaints, reviews, and Scam Tracker reports mentioning artificial intelligence and automation. BBB’s recent study found that…

Shelbina Chapter #159 OES held a stated meeting Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with 17 members and guests present. Chapter opened in regular form with Joyce Viloria presiding. Other officers present were Charles Rosenkrans, WP; Nancy Thorndyke, AM; Eric Davis, AP Pro Tem; Lois Turner, Secy; Ruth Ann Dixson, Treas; Linda Sorrell, Cond; Leslie Rosenkrans, Chaplain, Mary Davis, Marshal Pro Tem; Linda Cullifer, Organist; Mary Ellen Parson, Adah; Carla Schoenborn, Esther; Jerry Bridges, Martha; Edra Beach, Electa; JoAnn Robuck, Warder Pro Tem and Jim Sorrell, Sentinel. All present repeated the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the National Anthem. Distinguished members introduced…

Elaine Schwartz Longacre, 82, of Nelsonville, MO, passed away at 1:28 PM, Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Palmyra, MO. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Pastor Marty Smyser will officiate. Burial will follow at Nelsonville Baptist Church Cemetery in Nelsonville, MO. Friends and Family are invited to Elaine’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Arrangements are under the…

I can’t believe it is already July; time is flying by way to fast. So, with that being said, here is wishing all of my followers A HAPPY 4th of JULY, enjoy and be safe. Another great week with temps that were tolerable, some more rain fell, and just an overall great week in the weather department. However, if you like hot temps and high humidity, this upcoming week will be for you. That is what the forecast is looking like with a heat advisory issued for most of the week. So, if you are outside, drink plenty of water…

Heritage Seekers July Program will be Hall’s Hall July 20 at 7 P.M. Joe Baldwin will be our guest speaker. In honoring the 250th Birthday Celebration, Joe will be sharing some of the famous Palmyra patrons, places, and events. Have you ever wondered what it would have been like riding a Stagecoach like the ones that were made here in Palmyra? I would imagine that it would be like a hay wagon ride without a soft cushion or bale of straw to sit on while going over a bumpy gravel road. The first stagecoach introduced to passengers was in Kentucky…