Area News

COLUMBIA, Mo. — New federal tax changes will affect some seniors and car buyers beginning in the 2025 tax year, providing potential deductions on income for seniors and certain vehicle purchases, according to Andrew Zumwalt, director of the University of Missouri’s Personal Financial Planning program. Deduction for filers 65 and older For taxpayers age 65 or older by the end of the year, the law allows a deduction of up to $6,000 for single filers and $12,000 for married couples filing jointly, assuming both spouses are age 65 or older. “While this tax benefit is often referred to as ‘no…

Deliberations Last 12 Minutes After One-Day Trial By Echo Menges SCOTLAND COUNTY, Mo. — March 1, 2026 — A Scotland County jury found Sheriff Bryan Whitney not guilty of driving while intoxicated Friday afternoon after deliberating for just 12 minutes. The one-day jury trial was held Feb. 27 in Scotland County Circuit Court before Shelby County Associate Circuit Judge Mike Greenwell, who was assigned to the case after Scotland County Associate Circuit Judge Kimberly Nicoli recused herself. Approximately 80 prospective jurors were summoned for the trial. During jury selection, most members of the jury pool raised their hands when asked…

NEMO – Our changing economy illustrates how agriculture impacts our lives now more than ever. Farmers and ranchers provide the food, feed, fuel and fiber that serves consumers in Missouri and around the globe. Thanks to Missouri farmers, consumers have can also find locally sourced food and goods. Consumers around the world enjoy what our farmers and ranchers produce. Missouri Farm Bureau and county Farm Bureaus throughout the state are joining forces to celebrate the importance of agriculture from March 1-7 during Celebrate Agriculture: Thank a Farmer Week! According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, “A 2021 study of the…

Working smoke alarms reduce risk of dying in a fire by one-half JEFFERSON CITY – As Missourians prepare to “spring forward” for the return to daylight saving time on Sunday, March 8, State Fire Marshal Tim Bean reminds them to use the time change as a reminder to check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and home fire safety plans. Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 8, when clocks move forward one hour. “Changing your clocks is a perfect reminder to make sure your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working properly,” State Fire Marshal Bean said.…

Scotland County Hospital February Spirit Winner Congratulations to Tracy Simpson, the February Scotland County Hospital Spirit of SCH Winner. Tracy is a Respiratory Therapist and Supervisor of the Cardiopulmonary Department. She has worked at SCH since January 1996. Here is what her nominator said about her, “Tracy goes above and beyond her job duties to…