Schools Could Soon Be The Ones Being Graded
By Brandon Lorenz and Emerson Smith, Missouri News Network JEFFERSON CITY — A bill passed by the state House on Thursday would create a standardized grading system that would be used to grade the schools themselves. House Bill 2710, sponsored by Rep. Dane Diehl, R-Butler, would grade all public and charter schools and their districts on an A-F scale for their efficiency in educating students. The grading would be based on student performance, staff, finances and other categories. The proposed plan holds the the State Board of Education accountable for developing the annual report but leaves the option to have…
Read MoreRams End Season In Sectional OT Loss
The Schuyler County Rams ended their 2025-26 season with a 21-8 record, picking up the Classs 2 District 6 crown before fall to Clopton on Tuesday, March 3. The Rams were defeated 47-44 in overtime. Photos courtesy Brenda Linder.
Read MoreTax Changes To Senior Income, Car Loan Interest For 2025–28
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…
Read MoreOutdoors With Kevin Fox: Ice Out Fishing for Bass and Panfish
The weatherman had said that last Wednesday, February 25, temperatures should reach sixty degrees. Either he was wrong or the forecast had changed since I last looked at it. But in order to get to sixty degrees, it had to reach fifty first. I was busy most of the day, but I had made a promise to myself that when I got home — before dark — I would make perhaps thirty casts into the pond in the backyard. While I still had time, I went to the garage where my rods and reels hang and grabbed the smallest combo…
Read MoreAuditor Fitzpatrick Releases Compilation Of Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act (Cafa) Seizure Reports For 2025
State Auditor’s report shows $13,730 in total forfeiture activity across two Northeast Missouri counties; others report none JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (February 27, 2026) — Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick today released a compilation of property seizures made under Missouri’s Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act (CAFA) during calendar year 2025. The report shows law enforcement officials seized just over $3.4 million worth of property in 237 seizures. In 2024, law enforcement officials seized approximately $2.7 million worth of property in 230 seizures. Under the Criminal Activity Forfeiture Act, law enforcement officials may take possession of property or cash believed to be involved…
Read MoreJOHN WILLIAM TUTTLE
John William Tuttle, 88, of Greentop, Missouri, passed away peacefully at his home on February 27, 2026, under the care of Hospice following an extended battle with cancer. John was born in Borger, Texas, on January 9, 1938, to Birt and Mary (Burnett) Tuttle. His family later moved to Brownfield, Texas, where he graduated high school in 1956. In 1958, John married Bonnie Jean Quick, who survives. Also surviving are his three daughters, Tami Trost (Mike), Timi Heaton (Joe), and Tonya Steele (Russell); seven grandchildren, Kevin Jones (Miriam), Kalvin Jones (Becky), Jarrod Hollenbeck, Ryan Hollenbeck (Samantha), Sierra Kemp (Dahn), Eric…
Read MoreKATHERINE ELAINE (EWING) FORRESTER
Katherine Elaine (Ewing) Forrester, 79, of Memphis, Missouri, died February 25, 2026, at her home. She was born September 29, 1946, in Keokuk, Iowa, the oldest of two children born to Clark Baldwin and Katherine Madeline (Monroe) Ewing. Elaine attended elementary school (grades 1-3) at South Liberty Grade School, a country school north of Rutledge. When South Liberty Grade School closed, she attended grades 4-8 at Rutledge R-IV School in Rutledge. She was a 1964 graduate of Gorin High School in Gorin and a 1964 graduate of Gem City Business College in Quincy, where she served as president of the…
Read MorePrincess Tea Party to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday
KIRKSVILLE — The Kirksville Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #184 will host its 11th Annual Princess Tea Party on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Founding Daughters and Sons,” honors the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday. The event will take place at the Kirksville Masonic Temple, 217 E. Harrison St. Children and families can enjoy an afternoon filled with crafts, games, refreshments and plenty of princess fun. The cost is $5 per person. The event is presented by Kirksville Chapter #184, Order of the Eastern Star, with assistance from Sigma Kappa…
Read MoreSchuyler R-1 Board Hires Assistant Principal, Extends Administrator Contracts
QUEEN CITY — The Schuyler R-1 Board of Education approved the hiring of a new assistant principal and extended two administrative contracts during its regular meeting Wednesday, Feb. 18. Board members approved the hiring of Ryan Kaden as assistant principal on a two-year contract covering the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years. The motion passed 6-0-1, with Marti McGoldrick abstaining. Following executive session, the board voted unanimously to extend the contracts of Elementary Principal Katie Wayman and Special Services Coordinator Raven Weaver by one additional year. Both contracts now run through the 2027-2028 school year. In other personnel matters, the board…
Read MoreSchuyler County Boys Win District Championship Over Scotland County Tigers
By David Sharp Schuyler County and Scotland County met for the fifth time this season, this time to determine the boys championship of Class 2, District 6 basketball at Schuyler County. The Rams held a rebounding advantage in a physical game. Tyson Droste led three Rams in double figures with 15 points for a 67-51 Schuyler County win. The Rams (21-7) won their first boys district championship since 2010. Schuyler County led a closely contested first quarter by a 15-12 margin. The Rams went on a 7-3 second period run to a 24-17 lead at the 5:25 mark of period…
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