New 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 his big sister, Raeann, age 4.

To celebrate his arrival, the Walton family received a bundle of gifts donated by local businesses and community members, including: Community Bank of Memphis, Country View Store, Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri, Hawkins-Harrison Insurance, Kay Eggleston Bookkeeping & Tax, Kim Nicoli, associate circuit judge, Knox County Dental, NEMR Telecom, RPM Signs and Shirts, Sew and Go Quilt Guild, and Tinkle Small Engine Repair.

Grandparents of the new baby are Kevin and Jennifer Whitmire of Shelbyville; Brian and Deann Meeker of Kirksville; Randy and Lill Walton of Edina; and David and Paula Bascio of Hurdland. He is also the grandson of the late Ann Marie Meeker (Clary) of Hurdland.