Local News
Political Q&A Forum Set for July 19 in Lancaster
A public political question-and-answer forum will be held Sunday, July 19, on the Lancaster courthouse square. Food trucks are scheduled to arrive at noon, followed by a meet-and-greet with candidates from 1 to 5 p.m. A public forum will begin at 6 p.m. on the east side of the square at the grandstand. Music will be provided by Tim Cason. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, questions and concerns, and enjoy food, music and visits with candidates. For more information, contact Stephanie Campbell, Republican Committee chair, at 660-341-3070, or any member of the Republican Committee.
Read MoreDowning Board Reviews Water, Missouri Street Access
DOWNING, Mo. — The Downing Board of Aldermen reviewed water, street and access issues during its regular meeting July 6. Mayor Alan Garrett presided over the meeting. Aldermen Daniel Beeler, Ray Range, Bob Garrett and Allen Middleton were present, along with Water/Wastewater Operator Tad Anderson, contract operator Eric Bowens and City Clerk Carol Dryden. The board approved the agenda, minutes from the previous meeting and payment of bills. In the water and wastewater report, Anderson said there were no problems with the water system. Water loss was reported at 2.8%, with several meter replacements helping reduce loss. The lagoon remains…
Read MoreBluegrass Royalty Returns Home for Schuyler County Celebrations
Schuyler County welcomed bluegrass royalty Sunday as Rhonda Vincent and her brother, Darrin Vincent, returned home to celebrate two special occasions. Rhonda and Darrin Vincent are noted as the only brother and sister to hold separate Grand Ole Opry memberships. They performed Sunday with their mother, Carolyn Vincent; their youngest brother, Brian Vincent; and other musicians. The Vincents were in Schuyler County to sing at the 100th birthday celebration for Leona “Toadie” Ledford at Greentop Park. Ledford has been a longtime friend of the Vincent family. Later, they performed for the 50th anniversary of the Schuyler County Nursing Home. The…
Read MoreQueen City Board Approves CDBG Administrative Agreement
QUEEN CITY, Mo. — The Queen City Board of Aldermen accepted a professional administrative services agreement with the Northeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission for a Community Development Block Grant program during a recent meeting at City Hall. Mayor John March called the meeting to order at 6:29 p.m. Aldermen Brenda Barnes, Lewis McBee, Shane Aldridge and Dorothy McBee were present. Also attending were Police Chief Jason Bunch; City Clerks Kristy Hallgrimson and Tammy Veach; and city maintenance workers Carl McBee and Dale Yearns. Guests included Julie Yearns, Robin Jackson, Ally Murphy, Kendra Lusher and Karen Carolan. The board approved the…
Read MoreSchuyler R-1 Approves Budget, Sets Tuition Rate
QUEEN CITY, Mo. — The Schuyler R-1 Board of Education approved the district’s 2026-27 budget and handled several annual housekeeping items during its regular meeting June 17. The board met at 6 p.m. with President Jill Moncrief presiding. Board member Marti McGoldrick was absent. The board approved the agenda, minutes from the May 19 meeting, bills and the monthly financial report. Director of Finance Tiffany Newland reported total revenue of $677,193 and total expenses of $820,758 for May. The board also voted to amend the 2025-26 revenue and expenditure budget so all budgeted revenue and expenditures are equal, allowing final…
Read MoreSchuyler County Planned ‘Grand County Celebration’ for America’s Centennial
By Mike Scott LANCASTER, Mo. — In the spring of 1876, as the United States prepared to mark 100 years since the Declaration of Independence, Schuyler County residents were urged to make the nation’s birthday a countywide occasion. The call came through The Excelsior, which encouraged “all good citizens” to turn out for a Centennial Fourth of July celebration meeting at the courthouse in Lancaster. The message was direct: “By all means let us have a big county celebration this year.” That spirit had already taken shape a few days earlier. On Wednesday, May 24, citizens of Schuyler County met…
Read MoreGreentop Aldermen Approve Waste Plan Amendment, Metal Detector Purchase
GREENTOP, Mo. — The Greentop Board of Aldermen approved an amendment to the city’s solid waste plan and authorized the purchase of a metal detector during its regular meeting Thursday, June 4, at Greentop City Hall. The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mayor Sarah Crawford. Also attending were Mayor Pro-Tem Rob Small, Alderwoman Jacqueline March, Alderman Ashley Robeson by teleconference, City Clerk Janie Weber and maintenance worker Mike Corrick. Alderman Keaton Nelson and Sewer Technician Les True were absent. Luke Erwin, representing 4-H, reported that the group’s cook-off went well and drew good attendance. He said…
Read MoreSchuyler County Reports 1,048 Covered Jobs
Schuyler County reported 1,048 covered jobs and an average weekly wage of $860 in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS County Employment and Wages report showed Schuyler County with 102 covered establishments in December 2025. The county’s average weekly wage was below the Missouri average of $1,324 and the national average of $1,569. Among nearby counties, Schuyler County’s average weekly wage was higher than Clark County at $770 but below Adair County at $881, Knox County at $913, Lewis County at $935, Shelby County at $957, Scotland County…
Read MoreState Fire Marshal Urges Caution With Fireworks As Missouri Prepares For Big Celebrations This Summer
Seasonal retailers may legally sell fireworks in Missouri from June 20 to July 10 JEFFERSON CITY – As Missourians prepare for a summer filled with even more festivities and celebrations than usual – including the “America 250” commemoration and FIFA World Cup events in the Kansas City area – the Division of Fire Safety is urging residents to keep safety at the forefront of their planning. “Because July 4th – the largest fireworks event each year – is also the 250th anniversary of American independence this year, we expect to see more gatherings and an uptick in the use of…
Read MoreLancaster Fire & Rescue Fire Protection District Receives VFA Grant
By Ben Webster, Fire Program Supervisor, Missouri Dept. of Conservation The Lancaster Fire & Rescue Fire Protection District recently received funding awarded for this year’s Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) Grants. Equipment purchased by the grant include: One (1) Danko XL Skid Unit (300-gallon water/10-gallon foam). The Lancaster Fire District spent $18,400.00, and the Missouri department of Conservation 50/50 Match was $9,200.00. One hundred and twenty-six (126) fire departments will receive reimbursement of up to $10,000, to assist with the purchase of personal protective equipment, communications equipment, and wildland/structural fire suppression equipment to help increase the fire departments capacity to suppress…
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