Area News
Outdoors 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 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…
Read MoreDowning Community Fire Association Approved for State Equipment Grant
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Downing Community Fire Association has been approved for a state equipment grant of up to $15,000 through the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The funding is part of a new initiative aimed at helping small volunteer fire departments purchase critical firefighting equipment. The grant program, announced in October, is designed for departments with annual operating budgets of $50,000 or less. It requires a 5 percent local match, which means for equipment valued at $15,789.47, the department’s contribution would be $789.47, with the state covering the remaining 95 percent. Eligible equipment includes radios, turnout gear, hoses…
Read MoreScotland County Commission Reviews Minutes, Discusses Office Space, Insurance and Building Plans
MEMPHIS, Mo. — The Scotland County Commission addressed routine business, office-space needs and ongoing administrative building projects during meetings held Nov. 6, 12, 13 and 19. Commissioners Duane Ebeling, Brent Rockhold and David Wiggins met Nov. 6, approving the consent agenda and minutes from the previous day. The commission also reviewed checks, discussed a workspace utilization study with NEMO Regional Planning Commission, and contacted Hawkins Harrison Insurance regarding driver coverage. Commissioners later met Holt Construction at the administrative building before adjourning shortly after noon. On Nov. 12, commissioners approved the Nov. 6 minutes and signed invoices for Memphis Farm &…
Read MoreA Missouri Thanksgiving: Words That Still Warm the Heart
Long before Thanksgiving became a fixed national holiday, Missourians were already being called to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the blessings of everyday life. In the fall of 1843, at a time when families gathered around wood-burning stoves and candlelight flickered across cabin walls, Missouri Gov. Thomas Reynolds asked the people of the young state to set aside a special day — not for labor or worry, but for gratitude. His words, written more than 180 years ago, still carry the warmth of a season meant for family, faith, and reflection. Here is the full proclamation that first called…
Read MoreMemphis Chamber to Host Annual Lighting of the Square on Dec. 5
The Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Lighting of the Square on Friday, December 5, 2025, bringing family fun, community spirit, and festive lights to the heart of downtown Memphis. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m., when attendees can buy raffle tickets on the courthouse lawn. The official lighting of the square will take place at 6:00 p.m., followed immediately by the prize drawing. All drawings will be held on the east side of the square on the Courthouse lawn, and participants must be present to win. This year’s raffle includes Memphis Bucks giveaways, offering several chances for…
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