Area Sports

PALMYRA — Palmyra delivered a complete performance across three games to claim the Tony Lenzini Boys Basketball Tournament championship, opening with a lopsided win over Clark County, cruising past Van-Far in the semifinals, and closing the week with a hard-fought 44-33 victory over Monroe City Saturday night on its home floor. The Panthers combined defensive pressure, balanced scoring, and depth throughout the tournament, improving with each game and pulling away late when it mattered most. First Round: Palmyra 54, Clark County 14 Palmyra wasted little time establishing control in its tournament opener Tuesday, jumping out to an early lead and…

I wrote last week about thinking of planning a fishing trip for 2026. I hope it at least got you thinking about getting out and enjoying the many opportunities God has provided us on this planet. Many, many years ago — perhaps 30 if not a little more — a friend, my dad and I traveled to Upton, Wyoming, to go on a pronghorn antelope hunt. I’ll be honest: I was nervous about the trip. I planned for it all summer and did a lot of shooting with my Remington Model 788, chambered in .243. I did this because I…

Another year has arrived, and with it, many resolutions will be made by people who know full well they will never keep them. The usual one is to lose weight. I’ve done that— maybe not as much as I should have—but 40 pounds over a couple of years was enough for me. Besides, I just looked it up: The Earth is spinning right now at a speed of 1,000 miles per hour. There’s probably no danger of my suddenly losing 10 pounds and being thrown into outer space, but why risk it? My resolutions are more like goals for the…

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…

I am a waterfowler hunter — so much so that I would rather be hunting ducks this week than whitetail deer. Everyone has a favorite, and judging by how many side‑by‑sides and four‑wheelers are at the convenience stores and how few boats are loaded down with decoys, I must be in the minority. Prior to last week in general, and more accurately Nov. 11, Canada goose season reopened in what would probably be known as the regular goose season. Later in the year, after duck season closes, I’ll be left to hunt only Canada geese if I am to hunt…

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Marion County’s Ella Dougherty capped her season with a determined performance at the MSHSAA Class 1 Girls State Cross Country Championships, held Nov. 7–8 at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia. Dougherty, a sophomore, crossed the finish line in 23:11.4, placing 59th overall in a competitive field of more than 150 runners. Her time reflected consistent effort throughout the rolling 5K course, which featured a challenging middle section that tested runners’ endurance and pacing. Also competing for Marion County was Sophia Martin, who posted a time of 24:53.3, finishing 115th overall.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Palmyra’s Audrey Reid carried the Panthers’ banner at the MSHSAA Class 2 State Cross Country Championships, held Nov. 7–8 at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia. Reid, a sophomore, finished the demanding 5K course in 22:10.2, earning 81st place overall in a deep and competitive Class 2 field featuring more than 170 of Missouri’s top runners. Competing on one of the state’s most challenging courses, Reid ran a consistent race and closed strong through the final stretch at Gans Creek. The state title was claimed by Addison Smith of Lexington, who crossed the finish line…

Palmyra, MO — [November 10, 2025] — The Palmyra School Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its Teacher Innovation Grants, awarded quarterly to support creative classroom projects that enhance learning opportunities for students across the Palmyra School District. Each quarter, the Foundation provides funding to teachers who bring innovative ideas, hands-on learning, and enrichment experiences into their classrooms. Through an application process, selected grants allow educators to implement programs and projects that go beyond the traditional curriculum, directly benefiting students and strengthening the district’s learning community. This year’s recipients include: Elementary School -Michelle Harris, Pre-K: Tonie box audio…