Memphis Democrat
First Baptist Church Welcomes New Pastor
By Emily Bontrager The First Baptist Church in Memphis, Missouri welcomed its new senior pastor, Patrick Wilson, in December. Pastor Wilson and his wife, Donna, recently moved to the area and are excited to become part of the community. Pastor Wilson, 59, grew up in Emerson, Missouri, and graduated from Marion County R-II in 1984.…
Read MoreOutdoors With Kevin Fox: Now Is the Time to Make Plans for That 2026 Fishing Trip
Bond and Wayne’s friendship goes back to their days playing on the USC college football team. In the movie, Bond’s character works hard at maintaining the peace, but he also enjoys fly fishing for a huge salmon that lives in a particular stream near the town of Innisfree, Ireland. I know full well it’s just…
Read MoreNWS Storm Spotter Training Schedule and Locations
Storm Spotter Training in Edina on Jan. 27 By Echo Menges The National Weather Service St. Louis office has released the 2026 list of on-site and online storm spotter training opportunities. The training is a free offering to communities throughout the office’s coverage area, and everyone with an interest—especially those living in a severe-weather-prone region…
Read MoreNew Year’s Baby Arrives at Scotland Co. Hospital
By Echo Menges MEMPHIS, Mo. — The first baby of the new year has arrived at Scotland County Hospital. Abel Drew Walton, son of Andrew and Rebecca (Whitmire) Walton of Hurdland, was born at 8:03 p.m. Jan. 7, 2026. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Abel was welcomed home by…
Read MoreYear in Review: 2025
2025 Year in Review July through December July 2025 The Scotland County Fair was held July 5 through July 12. The Scotland County Fair Queen was Zada Ketchum. The Ketchum family was named the 2025 Scotland County Farm Family. Scotland County R-1 announced a new cross-country program. Toni Middleton was hired as the new cross-country…
Read MoreMore Than $1.5 Million Awarded to Area Communities Through State CDBG Program
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced Monday that more than $16.7 million has been awarded to 43 community improvement projects statewide through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program’s Fiscal Year 2025 competitive cycle, with several Northeast Missouri communities receiving funding. Governor Mike Kehoe said the grants are aimed at…
Read MoreTaking Advantage of What’s Left
We sat in the dark, listening carefully for any noise to let us know our target creatures were getting close. Years of shooting a gun without hearing protection has curtailed my hearing, but when I heard my hunting buddy say, “I just heard them,” I walked out quickly and turned on the H.S. Undertaker electronic…
Read MoreMarge Ward Welcomes Visitors for 100th Birthday
By Echo Menges RUTLEDGE, Mo. — Family, friends and neighbors gathered Friday, Dec. 20, 2025, at the Rutledge Community Center to celebrate a milestone few reach — Marge Ward’s 100th birthday. Ward officially turned 100 on Dec. 21, but the celebration came a day early, filling the community center with conversation, laughter and a steady…
Read MoreBOBBY G. TRUEBLOOD
Kahoka, Missouri 1933 – 2025 Bobby G. Trueblood was born on January 7, 1933, to the late Glenn and Margaret (Finch) Trueblood in Ottumwa, Iowa. He passed from this life on December 22, 2025, in the Clark County Nursing Home, Kahoka, Missouri, at the age of 92 years and 11 ½ months. Bob was a…
Read More2025 Year in Review: January through June
January through June January 2025 Several Scotland County elected officials took their oath of office on December 29, 2024. The first baby of the New Year was born at Scholand County Hospital. Macie Autumn was born at 10:54 a.m. Payton Miller received the DAR Good Citizens Award. The driving while intoxicated criminal case against Scotland…
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