Northeast Missouri Caring Communities Partners with Salvation Army for Second Annual Bell Ringing Campaign in Scotland County
Northeast Missouri Caring Communities Partners with Salvation Army for Second Annual Bell Ringing Campaign in Scotland County Northeast Missouri Caring Communities (NEMOCC) is a proud partner of the Salvation Army in Scotland County’s efforts to raise money through the annual bell ringing campaign. Scotland County retains 80% of funds to assist residents in need. During the 2025 Christmas season the local Scotland County R-1 NHS, FBLA, FCCLA, and FFA organizations and community members volunteered to ring the bell at Gas N More, TJ’s Hometown Grocery, and Boyer Event Center. Hair Co., Scotland County Pharmacy, and Corner Studio Salon also agreed…
Read MoreVIRGINIA ANN (HYDE) BERTRAM
Virginia Ann (Hyde) Bertram, age 83 of Gorin, Missouri, passed away on December 24th, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Virginia was born January 26, 1942, to Hollis and Nellie (Smith) Hyde. On August 11, 1963, Virginia was united in marriage to Frederick Nelson Bertram. Fred and Virginia were blessed with 55 years of marriage when Fred passed in 2019. Virginia is survived by their children: Tina (Kirk) Townsend of Wyaconda, Tracy (Leslie) Waterman of Donnellson, Iowa, and Timothy (Melissa) Bertram of Kahoka; five grandchildren: Bradley (Marci) Waterman of Marion, Iowa, Joshua (Taylar) Townsend of Arbela, Taylor (Cole) Waterman Courtney,…
Read MoreOutdoors With Kevin Fox: New Year’s Resolutions or Promises Made and Promises Kept
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…
Read MoreRinging 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 to grape eating in Madrid, these customs reveal how the human desire for fresh starts is both universal and deeply personal. A World of Celebration In Spain, New Year’s Eve calls for a quick snack: eating 12 grapes at midnight — one for each chime…
Read MoreFFA Member With Local Ties Competes In State Farm Bureau Speaking Contest
Grant Cottrell, son of Wally and Trina Cottrell of rural Franklin County and the grandson of Bill and the late Cindy Cottrell of rural Scotland County competed in the State Farm Bureau Public Speaking Contest which was held during the recent Missouri state Farm Bureau annual meeting at the Lake of the Ozarks in early December. Cottrell is the vice-president of the Washington FFA Chapter and also serves as the vice-president for Area 14, which is part of the South Central District FFA. Cottrell advanced through the Area and District competitions, winning both those divisions before advancing to state. At…
Read MoreHighland Girls Top Tigers
By David Sharp Highland blew open their December 15, 2025 varsity girls game at Scotland County (4-2) with a defensive driven 16-3 second quarter run and powered to a 58-39 win. The Tigers started off well, scoring the first five points of the evening. The Lady Cougars (6-1) exploded on a 16-6 run to a 16-11 first quarter lead. Emma Berry buried a Highland three with 45 seconds in the first period for the five point edge after one period of play. Chevie Sharpe nailed a Cougar home run ball for a 33-13 lead with 3:49 to play in the…
Read MoreScotland County Holds Off Highland Cougars
By David Sharp Scotland County (7-1) was able to get to the free throw line 29 times, sinking 16 charity tosses during a 62-58 win over Highland (0-5) during December 15, 2025 non conference boys basketball play at Scotland County. The Cougars made one more field goal and one more three ball on the night. Highland was able to cash in seven of 14 from the free throw line. Scotland County started with a 6-0 run to a 12-6 lead early on. A very solid Highland team led between five and 11 points most of the night. Highland was able…
Read MoreJACQUELINE “JACKIE” ANN SMALL
Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Small, 67, of Memphis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025, under hospice care at the Bloomfield Care Center in Bloomfield, Iowa. Anyone who knew Jackie would tell you she lived with equal parts heart, grit, and honesty. Jackie was born February 2, 1958, in Kirksville, Missouri, the daughter of Francis Nelson and Patty Sue Egbert Golbricht. She grew up in Gorin, Missouri, and graduated with the Class of 1976. Her son, Matthew, was born to her first marriage. Jackie met the love of her life, turned life partner, David Peterson, beginning a relationship filled with…
Read MoreJOE BARTON MCVEIGH
Joe Barton McVeigh, of Memphis, Missouri, passed away Saturday, December 6th, 2025. Joe was born on April 16, 1934, in Fulton, Missouri, to Joseph Yates and Gladys Ruth Acree McVeigh. He spent his life rooted in faith, family, and service to his community. Joe attended Fulton High School and later graduated from the University of Missouri–Columbia. He dedicated his professional career to agriculture and education, serving as a Farm Management Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension. A man of deep faith, Joe was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Memphis before moving his membership to Arbela Baptist…
Read MoreNeagle Wins 2025 Rural Health Champion Award
Cheyenne Neagle, RN, BSN, CRHCP, Director of the Rural Health Clinics at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis has received the 2025 Rural Health Champion Award from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Rural Health and Primary Care. The award recognizes Neagle’s visionary leadership and tireless dedication to improving the billing/finances and processes of the Rural Health Clinics that are owned and operated by Scotland County Hospital. This recognition reflects a deep commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for the rural communities served by Scotland County Hospital in Northeast Missouri. According to her nomination, “She has…
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