Area News
Outdoors With Kevin Fox: More Thoughts About Trophies
If you have not yet filled your deer tag, there is still plenty of time. As a matter of fact, when you think about antlerless and alternative‑methods seasons, deer hunters will be hunting into next year. But as always, check the Missouri Whitetail Deer Digest on seasons and methods. Congratulations to all of you successful hunters. A whitetail deer is truly evidence of God’s handiwork. This past opening weekend was perhaps one of my favorites ever. I never saw what most would consider a “shooter” buck. I was happy about that— hard as that is to believe. My grandson and…
Read MoreScotland County and Knox County Eagles Play at Canton Jamboree
By David Sharp Scotland County swept both their boys and girls scrimmages at the November 26, 2025 Canton varsity basketball jamboree. Scotland County took an 11-10 lead after the opening period. Knox County missed layups contributed to an 18-12 Tiger lead after two periods of play. Scotland County had a good third period and claimed a 32-19 win in the girls game. Knox County turnovers helped Scotland County build a ten point first period lead in the boys game. Jaden Bergeson canned a Tiger home run ball for a 10-4 advantage with 2:30 to play in the first period. Bergeson…
Read MoreFederal Award Reporting Error Found in Scotland County Audit
MEMPHIS, Mo. (AP) — An independent audit of Scotland County, Missouri’s 2024 financial statements found the county’s records to be accurate under state-prescribed accounting rules but identified a material weakness in its federal award reporting. The audit, conducted by McBride, Lock & Associates, LLC and published by Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, determined that the northeast Missouri county failed to properly complete its Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA), a federally required report detailing the use of grant funds. Auditors recommended Scotland County implement internal controls to ensure the SEFA fully and accurately reflects all federal expenditures. The reporting…
Read MoreChristmas in Novinger Set for November 22
With the holiday season approaching, shoppers can prepare for the annual Christmas in Novinger event on Saturday, Nov. 22, when three shopping locations will offer a full day of browsing, gift-buying and seasonal festivities. Organizers say the long-running community tradition continues to draw visitors from across the region and serves as a kickoff to the town’s holiday spirit. The 39th Country Christmas Craft Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Novinger School on Highway 149. More than 70 booths will fill both gyms and surrounding hallways, including several first-time vendors. Handmade items will include quilts,…
Read MoreScotland County R-I Maintains Accreditation with 69.3% Score on Annual Report
MEMPHIS, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released the 2024-25 Annual Performance Report (APR) for the Scotland County R-I School District. The report shows that Scotland County earned 69.3 percent of the total points possible, maintaining full accreditation under the state’s Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 6). The APR measures how districts perform in academic achievement, attendance, graduation rates, and college or career readiness. Scotland County’s report showed strong attendance, excellent graduation outcomes, and full compliance with state requirements, though academic scores in some subjects remain below state averages. In English Language Arts, the…
Read MoreOutdoors With Kevin Fox: Canada Goose Season Reopens
I am a waterfowler hunter — so much so that I would rather be hunting ducks this week than whitetail deer. Everyone has a favorite, and judging by how many side‑by‑sides and four‑wheelers are at the convenience stores and how few boats are loaded down with decoys, I must be in the minority. Prior to last week in general, and more accurately Nov. 11, Canada goose season reopened in what would probably be known as the regular goose season. Later in the year, after duck season closes, I’ll be left to hunt only Canada geese if I am to hunt…
Read MoreScotland County Commission Discusses Road Projects, Tree Planting, and Administrative Building Progress
Memphis, Mo. — November 6, 2025 The Scotland County Commission met on Oct. 30 and Nov. 5 to review county infrastructure projects, facility updates, and other county business. Presiding Commissioner Duane Ebeling, Eastern District Commissioner Brent Rockhold, Western District Commissioner David Wiggins, and County Clerk Tammy Kirchner were present at both sessions. Road and Bridge Updates On Oct. 30, the commission met with Greg Neagle of Tri- County Electric to discuss trenching work on County Road 256. Commissioners decided that boring, rather than trenching, would be the better option. Road and Bridge Supervisor Michael Billings also updated the commission on…
Read MoreMoore and Taylor Represent Scotland County at State Cross Country Championships
COLUMBIA, Mo. — Scotland County was well represented at the MSHSAA Class 1 Girls State Cross Country Championships held Nov. 7–8 at the Gans Creek Cross Country Course in Columbia, as freshman Kierstyn Moore and sophomore Georgia Taylor both delivered strong performances against Missouri’s best small-school runners. Moore led the Lady Tigers with an impressive time of 21:36.0, earning 27th place overall in the 5K race — a top-third finish in a field of more than 150 competitors. Her performance capped a standout debut season, establishing her among the top freshmen in Class 1. Taylor followed close behind, clocking 22:07.1…
Read MorePepsi-Cola Memphis Bottling Company Sold to WP Beverages After 96 Years of Local, Family Ownership
By Emily Bontrager A nearly century-long era of local, family-owned business in Memphis is ending. Pepsi-Cola Memphis Bottling Company, founded in 1929 and operated by three generations of the Johnson family, has been sold to WP Beverages, a Midwest-based Pepsi bottler and distributor. The transition in ownership took effect on November 3, 2025. The business began when J. Harold “Pop” Johnson and his wife, Muriel, opened Memphis Bottling Works in a small building at 204 S. Market Street. In the early days, the company bottled its own line of flavored soft drinks known as “Johnson’s Target Beverages.” After securing a…
Read MoreNortheast Missouri Schools Earn Strong Marks In 2024-25 Annual Performance Reports
By Mike Scott, NEMOnews Media Group The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released its 2024-25 Annual Performance Reports (APR), giving a data-driven look at how public schools are performing across the state. For Northeast Missouri, the results are encouraging — every district remains fully accredited, and most continue to exceed state averages in attendance, graduation, and career readiness. The MSIP 6 reports measure academic achievement, student growth, attendance, graduation rates, and how well districts prepare students for life after high school. The numbers reveal a story of resilience, strong community support, and steady academic progress throughout…
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