Samara Jai’lyn Brush has successfully completed Initial Entry Rotary Wing training for the United States Army as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Brush’s entire career has been based entirely in Army aviation. Brush’s first MOS after joining the Iowa Army National Guard in 2015 was as an Aircraft Electrician. She graduated second in her class as an honor graduate. Brush’s deployment in 2017 to Iraq/Kuwait gave her many opportunities to expand her knowledge, cross-train, and help many different MOS’s with aircraft maintenance during this time and the years that followed. This knowledge provided her the path to further her…

The story of Scotland County’s most famous daughter is coming home. Ozarks Lyric Opera will bring its new folk musical ”Dream Big: The True Tall Tale” to the Memphis Theatre (106 E. Madison Street) on June 4, 2026 for a special hometown engagement. Inspired by the life of Ella Kate Ewing— known around the world as the “Missouri Giant”—the musical celebrates a remarkable Missouri story of perseverance, courage, and self-acceptance. The production is based on the award‑winning children’s book Stand Straight, Ella Kate by Missouri author Kate Klise, with music by Ruell Chappell of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils and arrangements…

Congratulations to Samantha Murphy, RN, the May Spirit of SCH winner at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, MO. Sam is a Certified Rural Health Clinic Professional and she currently wears many hats. She is the Clinic Informatics Analyst RN, Dr. Davis’ Primary Nurse, Immunization/Vaccine Coordinator and works PRN in OB delivering babies! Here’s what her nominator said about her: “I would like to nominate Samantha Murphy for this Spirit Award in recognition of her support, dedication, and positivity she brings to our team every single day. In an environment where technology and patient care intersect, she serves as a steady…

The Memphis Community Players opened the “Costumes and Vintage Fashions Fashion Show” at the Memphis Theatre on May 2, 2026, with the Color Guard from the Memphis VFW presenting the national flag to the audience. The group represents the Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial Post 4958. Twenty-four models showcased over fifty costumes from several of the Players’ theater productions, vintage fashions spanning decades from the 40’s, to the 1990’s, black dresses, formals, and unique/innovative “Just Because” designs. The master and mistresses of ceremonies, Scott Hathaway, Amber Brown, and Angie Tipling shared historical facts about the Memphis Theatre and the Memphis Community…

The community is invited to help celebrate a special piece of Scotland County history during a marker dedication ceremony for Revolutionary War Patriot Richard Gale Sr. The Jauflione Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will host the ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday, May 15, at the Downing House Museum Complex, 311 S. Main St., Memphis. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to the Memphis First Christian Church Fellowship Hall. The dedication is being held in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Gale holds a unique place in…