Area News
A Multigenerational Legacy, Zell Family Spotlight
By Jaron VanHouden Long before he ever made a management decision of his own, Marc Zell was riding on the fender of his grandpa’s 4020 John Deere tractor, watching and learning. Born and raised in newly Agri-Ready Designated Linn County, he grew up immersed in agriculture, spending time on tractors and combines with his family.…
Read MoreMilan TAP Grant Sidewalk Project Underway
The construction is underway of a new sidewalk along Business Highway 5. The City of Milan is able to execute the project due to being awarded a Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant in 2022. Once completed the project will enhance pedestrian accessibility and ensure compliance with ADA requirements. Photo submitted…
Read MoreKnox Co. Voters to Decide 911 Funding Sales Tax on April 7
By Echo Menges KNOX COUNTY, Mo. — Knox County voters will decide during the Municipal Election on April 7 whether to approve a county sales tax of one half of 1% to help fund central dispatching and emergency communications services. The ballot question comes amid ongoing concerns about the long term sustainability of 911 funding,…
Read MoreDowning City Council Reviews Water System, Street Work
DOWNING — The Downing City Council met in regular session on March 2, 2026, at City Hall with Mayor Alan Garrett presiding. Aldermen Bob Garrett, Daniel Beeler, Ray Bange and Allen Middleton were present. Also attending were Water/ Wastewater Operator Tad Anderson, Contract Operator Eric Bowens and City Clerk Carol Dryden. The meeting opened with…
Read MoreSchools Could Soon Be The Ones Being Graded
By Brandon Lorenz and Emerson Smith, Missouri News Network JEFFERSON CITY — A bill passed by the state House on Thursday would create a standardized grading system that would be used to grade the schools themselves. House Bill 2710, sponsored by Rep. Dane Diehl, R-Butler, would grade all public and charter schools and their districts…
Read MorePHS Science Olympiad Competes in Regional Event
The Palmyra High School Science Olympiad team attended the Northeast Regional competition at Truman State University on Saturday, February 28th . Ten PHS students competed in a total of 19 scientific laboratory-based, construction-based, or test-taking events. The team placed fifth overall and earned the opportunity to compete at the state tournament at University of Central…
Read MoreCity Council Discussion Raises Question: Should Kids Need Business Licenses?
By Ella Aguilar PALMYRA, MO – The Palmyra City Council met on March 5 at Palmyra City Hall to discuss several items, including business licensing concerns, departmental credit cards, and a line of credit renewal. During the comments from visitors portion of the meeting, Brandy Huber, a member of the Palmyra Chamber of Commerce and…
Read MoreSpectator Shelf
125 Years Ago March 7, 1901 The county court has selected the electric light fixtures for the two new court houses. They are very neat and will cost something over $1200. The stationary furniture costing something over $3,600 has also been selected. The Stock Sale Monday encountered the active opposition of a blizzard and came…
Read MoreTax Changes To Senior Income, Car Loan Interest For 2025–28
COLUMBIA, Mo. — New federal tax changes will affect some seniors and car buyers beginning in the 2025 tax year, providing potential deductions on income for seniors and certain vehicle purchases, according to Andrew Zumwalt, director of the University of Missouri’s Personal Financial Planning program. Deduction for filers 65 and older For taxpayers age 65…
Read MoreJury Finds Scotland County Sheriff Not Guilty in DWI Trial
Deliberations Last 12 Minutes After One-Day Trial By Echo Menges SCOTLAND COUNTY, Mo. — March 1, 2026 — A Scotland County jury found Sheriff Bryan Whitney not guilty of driving while intoxicated Friday afternoon after deliberating for just 12 minutes. The one-day jury trial was held Feb. 27 in Scotland County Circuit Court before Shelby…
Read More