Area News
A Missouri Thanksgiving: Words That Still Warm the Heart
Long before Thanksgiving became a fixed national holiday, Missourians were already being called to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the blessings of everyday life. In the fall of 1843, at a time when families gathered around wood-burning stoves and candlelight flickered across cabin walls, Missouri Gov. Thomas Reynolds asked the people of the young state to set aside a special day — not for labor or worry, but for gratitude. His words, written more than 180 years ago, still carry the warmth of a season meant for family, faith, and reflection. Here is the full proclamation that first called…
Read MoreOutdoors With Kevin Fox: More Thoughts About Trophies
If you have not yet filled your deer tag, there is still plenty of time. As a matter of fact, when you think about antlerless and alternative‑methods seasons, deer hunters will be hunting into next year. But as always, check the Missouri Whitetail Deer Digest on seasons and methods. Congratulations to all of you successful hunters. A whitetail deer is truly evidence of God’s handiwork. This past opening weekend was perhaps one of my favorites ever. I never saw what most would consider a “shooter” buck. I was happy about that— hard as that is to believe. My grandson and…
Read MorePalmyra High School Student Wins Local American Legion Oratorical Contest
Palmyra, MO — Palmyra High School is proud to announce that Tess Lehman has been named the winner of this year’s American Legion Oratorical Contest. This prestigious competition challenges students to demonstrate a strong understanding of the U.S. Constitution through prepared speeches and impromptu responses. Tess impressed the judges with a compelling and well-researched presentation, showcasing exceptional public speaking skills, confidence, and a deep appreciation for constitutional principles. By earning first place at the local level, Tess will advance to the next round of competition, representing Palmyra High School and the community with pride. “We are proud of Tess and…
Read MoreVeterans Day Brick Laying at Marion County Courthouse
The Marion County Courthouse was the site of the American Legion Auxiliary Veterans Brick Celebration on a brisk November day. Marcia Fohey, chairman of the Brick Committee and auxiliary vice president, welcomed guests. She reminded them how blessed we are as we head into the 250th celebration of our country, and that the following week is Veterans Day, a time to thank all veterans. She quoted Gen. George S. Patton: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” The pledge was led by Luke, Elijah and Jacob Shepherd.…
Read MoreMSHP To Increase Patrols Over Thanksgiving Weekend
Information provided by MSHP The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to expect heavier-than-normal traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Wednesday and Sunday afternoon and evening are typically the most congested times, and drivers should prepare for delays. The 2025 Thanksgiving counting period runs from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30. During this time, troopers will take part in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort), which includes increased patrol, strict enforcement of traffic laws, and providing assistance to motorists. Last year during the 2024…
Read MoreChristmas in Novinger Set for November 22
With the holiday season approaching, shoppers can prepare for the annual Christmas in Novinger event on Saturday, Nov. 22, when three shopping locations will offer a full day of browsing, gift-buying and seasonal festivities. Organizers say the long-running community tradition continues to draw visitors from across the region and serves as a kickoff to the town’s holiday spirit. The 39th Country Christmas Craft Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Novinger School on Highway 149. More than 70 booths will fill both gyms and surrounding hallways, including several first-time vendors. Handmade items will include quilts,…
Read MorePalmyra School Foundation Announces the Herbert, Guida, and Lucille Foster Opportunity Scholarship
Palmyra, MO — November 12, 2025 — The Palmyra School Foundation is honored to announce the establishment of the Herbert, Guida, and Lucille Foster Opportunity Scholarship, made possible through a generous gift of $687,921 from the estate of Lucille Foster. This remarkable contribution will provide financial support to Palmyra High School graduates pursuing postsecondary education or training in music, agriculture, or vocational trades. A 1947 graduate of Palmyra High School, Lucille Foster lived a life that embodied the values of hard work, dependability, and compassion. She worked alongside her father at his Standard Oil station on Main Street in Palmyra,…
Read MoreMarion County R-II Earns 95.2% on State Report, Among Top-Scoring Districts
PHILADELPHIA, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released the 2024-25 Annual Performance Report (APR) for the Marion County R-II School District, and the results place the district among the top-performing schools in Northeast Missouri. Marion County earned 95.2 percent of the total points possible under the state’s Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 6), keeping the district fully accredited and marking one of the strongest scores in the region. The APR evaluates districts on academic achievement, student growth, attendance, graduation rates, and readiness for college or careers. Marion County’s report shows high academic achievement, excellent…
Read MorePalmyra R-I Earns 86.2% on Annual State Report, Maintains Strong Performance
PALMYRA, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released the 2024-25 Annual Performance Report (APR) for the Palmyra R-I School District, showing that the district earned 86.2 percent of the total points possible under the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 6). The score keeps Palmyra fully accredited and highlights strong results in academics, attendance, and graduation rates. The APR evaluates each district on academic achievement, student growth, attendance, graduation, and readiness for college or careers. Palmyra’s scores indicate a solid balance across all areas, with results exceeding state averages in several subjects. In English Language…
Read MoreImagination Library Celebrates 30 Years
The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is celebrating 30 years of dedication to inspire a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age 5. Missouri is starting its second year of having the Dolly Parton Imagination Library available across the state! Dolly Parton shares, “The seeds of dreams are often found in books and the seeds you plant in your community can grow across the world”. In Missouri the program is administered through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, with funding from the State Legislature. Imagine your child receiving a book each month!…
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