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Downing City Council Reviews Water System, Street Work
DOWNING — The Downing City Council met in regular session on March 2, 2026, at City Hall with Mayor Alan Garrett presiding. Aldermen Bob Garrett, Daniel Beeler, Ray Bange and Allen Middleton were present. Also attending were Water/ Wastewater Operator Tad Anderson, Contract Operator Eric Bowens and City Clerk Carol Dryden. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda, followed by approval of the minutes from the previous meeting and payment of bills. All motions carried unanimously. During the water and wastewater report, Anderson told the council that the city’s water loss rate was approximately seven percent, which he said…
Read MoreOutdoors With Kevin Fox: Early Spring Bank Fishing
I’ve been getting ready for spring for the past couple of weeks, and about the time I think it’s here, that stupid groundhog has to flex his forecast muscle and prove he was correct about six more weeks of winter. I was talking with family in South Carolina recently and told them I like the Midwest because of the change of seasons—sometimes you can see all four seasons in a single week. But spring is coming. The turkeys are already gobbling a little, and I’ve heard they are strutting as well. Besides, I had robins in my yard last week,…
Read MoreSchools 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 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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