JEFFERSON CITY – The Department of Public Safety has awarded a total of $1.455 million to 108 fire departments across the state to bolster the firefighting capabilities of small volunteer departments that provide critical protection to their rural communities. The Missouri Volunteer Fire Department Grant provided up to $15,000 for the purchase of equipment to small volunteer departments with annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less, where resources for essential firefighting equipment can be strained. “Missouri’s firefighters stand guard, protecting our communities from fires, natural disasters and other emergencies each and every day,” Governor Mike Kehoe said. “We’re glad to…

By Echo Menges EDINA, Mo. — Hundreds gathered Saturday evening on the Knox County Courthouse lawn in Edina for a community prayer vigil for missing Edina woman Lindsey Watts as the search for the 35-year-old entered its fifth day. Residents from across Knox County and surrounding communities joined local pastors, law enforcement supporters, family members and friends during the hour-long vigil organized by the Knox County Ministerial Alliance. Pastor Brian Burton of Edina Assembly of God Church opened the vigil by encouraging the community to remain hopeful while continuing to support both the family and investigators. “We come together as…

MEMPHIS, Mo. — A bright sun shone over the Scotland County Courthouse lawn Monday morning as about 300 people gathered for a tradition built on memory, gratitude and sacrifice. The 81st annual Memorial Day Service, hosted by Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial Post 4958 VFW, brought veterans, families, local residents, students and community members together May 25 in downtown Memphis. Flags moved gently in the morning air as the crowd gathered not for a celebration, but for a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom. Air Force veteran Billy Davis, a 1969 graduate of Gorin R-III, served as the featured speaker.…

Peightyn Johnson, 10, of Revere, Missouri, was awarded the Northeast Missouri Beekeepers Association Youth Beekeeping Scholarship. The scholarship opportunity was released to the public in December 2024, and all youth (ages 8-18), in Lewis, Clark, Scotland, and Knox counties were eligible to apply. Peightyn Johnson is a 4th grader who loves learning new things and staying busy. Her favorite subject in school is math, and she enjoys reading the Billie B Brown series. Peightyn enjoys dance, tumbling, and pageants, and she stays involved in many activities. She is active in 4-H and was proud to serve as Treasurer for Student…