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The Milan Standard

Ringing in the New Year, One Tradition at a Time

As the final seconds of the year tick away, people across the globe prepare to welcome the new year with traditions as varied as the cultures that celebrate them. Some rituals involve feasting. Others focus on reflection. Many are rooted in age-old beliefs about luck, prosperity and new beginnings. From fireworks in New York City…

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GARY EDWIN HANMAN

Gary Edwin Hanman passed away on December 5, 2025. He was born on January 30, 1934, in Enterprise, Missouri to Doris Lillian (Crist ) Hanman and John Edwin (Ted) Hanman. He was born in a blizzard, the doctor could not get there and no birth certificate was issued. Delivered by his grandmother, this challenging start…

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BARBARA EDNA JACOBS

Barbara Edna Jacobs, 91 years old, of Green City, Missouri, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital in Milan. Barbara was born November 9, 1934, near Sticklerville, Missouri to Lester Long and Maurine (Pipes) Downen. On December 8, 1951, she married Dwight Jacobs in Laclede, Missouri, he preceded her in death…

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RETA DIANNE SMILEY

Reta Dianne Smiley, 44, of Galt, Missouri, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025 at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. Reta was born August 12, 1981, in Trenton, Missouri to Jimmie Leon and Margie Dianne (Hudson) Thomas. On April 29, 2000, she married Brian Smiley, he survives of the home. Reta is also survived…

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JEFFREY DON WATKINS

Jeffrey Don Watkins, 53, of Greentop, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 11, 2025. Born June 5, 1972 in Kirksville, Missouri, Jeff was the son of Paul Eugene and Sandra Lea (Hollon) Henley. On July 7, 2012 in Greentop, Missouri, Jeff was united in marriage to Tosha O’Haver. Jeff is survived by wife, Tosha of…

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Community Raises More Than $15K for Milan Senior Center

MILAN, Mo. — The Sullivan County Senior Center received a significant boost this December as three local fundraising efforts brought in a combined total of $15,291 to support programs and services for older adults. The donations were presented on Friday, Dec. 19, by the Milan Elks Lodge and the Milan Chamber of Commerce. Each group…

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Milan Girls Edge Brashear

By David Sharp Two evenly matched girls basketball teams put on a hard fought but clean battle for supremacy during December 16, 2025 varsity girls non conference basketball at Brashear. Brashear and Milan remained within a five point differential most of the way. Marian Dabney sank a three ball with three minutes to play in…

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Brashear Boys Down Wildcats

By David Sharp A bigger and older Brashear Tiger boys team jumped out to an 8-4 lead in in December 16, 2025 varsity boys play at Brashear and powered to a 65-30 win over Milan in nonconference action. The Tigers (3-4) pushed the smaller Wildcats to the perimeter most of the night. Brashear led 13-9…

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BARBARA (BOWMAN) NEIGHBORS

Barbara (Bowman) Neighbors, 95, passed away peacefully in her home Sunday, December 7th, 2025. Barbara was born February 9th, 1930 to Carl and Julia (Worley) Bowman, who preceded her in death. She was the fourth born of seven children, growing up near Lemons, Missouri. Barbara enjoyed telling about playing paper dolls with her sisters and…

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