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Laddie “Lad” S. Denish Obituary

Laddie “Lad” S. Denish, 93, of Palmyra, MO, passed away at 11:20 AM, Saturday, May 23, 2026, at his home in rural Palmyra, MO. Private Graveside Services will be held at Durham Cemetery in Durham, MO. Pastor Jeff Voepel will officiate. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Lad was born February 3, 1933, in Durham, MO, to Vern and Willa Abell Denish. He married Jacke Ator on August 26, 1957, in Beverly, IL. She preceded him in death on March 17, 2012. Survivors include his 3 daughters, Cathy (Gary) Page of Emerson,…

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Palmyra 8th Grader Wins Statewide Essay Contest

PALMYRA, MO — Palmyra Middle School eighth grader Heidi Lehenbauer recently earned first place in the annual essay contest sponsored by The Missouri Peace Officers Foundation. The annual contest, now in its 34th year, encourages Missouri eighth grade students to reflect on important issues impacting society. This year’s essay prompt asked students to respond to the topic, “Will AI Be a Threat or Opportunity for My Generation?” According to the Missouri Peace Officers Foundation, the contest is part of the organization’s long-standing effort to support children through educational initiatives and community engagement. Essays are judged by a panel of Missouri…

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Northeast Missouri Genealogical Society to meet in Shelbina, MO on June 27, 2026.

The Northeast Missouri Genealogical Society will hold their second meeting of the year on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., at the Shelby County Historical Society and Museum, 210 East Maple Street, Shelbina, MO. 63468 Carol Hubbard will give a presentation about the history of the new museum, a tour of the new museum and all that is available at this facility. After the program Donna Lawson, president of the Northeast Missouri Genealogical Society, will conduct the business meeting. For year 2026 the other Officers are: Nancy Tiemann, Vice-President; Travelle Whitaker, Secretary; Ann Guymon, Treasurer. The Northeast Missouri Genealogical…

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Marion County Candidates Divided on Governor Kehoe’s $15 Billion Google Data Center Deal

By Ella Aguilar NEW FLORENCE, Mo. — Governor Mike Kehoe’s announcement of a $15 billion Google data center investment in neighboring Montgomery County is drawing mixed reactions from congressional candidates vying to represent Marion County and District 6, revealing a split among local leaders over economic development versus community protection. The project, which Kehoe celebrated on May 20 in New Florence, stands for one of the largest private investments in Missouri history. Google plans to build a $15 billion data center spanning 200 acres, promising thousands of construction jobs and long-term employment opportunities, along with a $20 million energy affordability…

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“We Just Want Our Sister Home” Community Rallies Around Watts Family During Prayer Vigil

By Echo Menges EDINA, Mo. — Hundreds gathered Saturday evening on the Knox County Courthouse lawn in Edina for a community prayer vigil for missing Edina woman Lindsey Watts as the search for the 35-year-old entered its fifth day. Residents from across Knox County and surrounding communities joined local pastors, law enforcement supporters, family members and friends during the hour-long vigil organized by the Knox County Ministerial Alliance. Pastor Brian Burton of Edina Assembly of God Church opened the vigil by encouraging the community to remain hopeful while continuing to support both the family and investigators. “We come together as…

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Summer Event Tickets

Summer is primetime for sports games, concerts, theatre, and more. But how can you make sure your tickets are legit? Buying online is the easiest way for many people to get tickets, and it’s usually safest to buy tickets directly from a venue’s, team’s or artist’s official website. However, sometimes it makes sense to buy…

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Lehman Earns National Recognition in American Legion Oratorical Contest

Palmyra High School junior Tess Lehman achieved national recognition at the 87th American Legion National Oratorical Contest held at Hillsdale College in Michigan, May 15th through 17th. Lehman represented Missouri at the national competition, joining 53 participants from across the United States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and France. During the preliminary round on Saturday, Tess…

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Areas Students Graduate from UCM

WARRENSBURG, Mo. – Area residents were among approximately 1,700 individuals who met graduate and undergraduate degree requirements and were eligible to participate in the University of Central Missouri’s (UCM) Spring 2026 Commencement exercises on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 in the Jerry M. Hughes Athletics Center. Spring and summer graduates were eligible to…

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Spectator Shelf

125 Years Ago May 22, 1901 Owing to the substantial increase in the business of the Palmyra Office, Postmaster Huggins has been notified that his salary will be increased $100 per year. His salary will be $1,600 and his allowed in addtion $310 for room rent and clerk hire. Last week, George Leggett bought the…

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Augspurg Added to Belmont University’s Spring 2026 Dean’s List

NASHVILLE, TN (05/20/2026)– Belmont University released the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester, with approximately 49% of the University’s 6,724 undergraduate students earning the academic recognition. Norah Augspurg is among the Dean’s List students. “The Dean’s List recognition reflects a commitment to excellence that is both personal and shared across our community,” said Dr.…

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