News
Downing 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 MoreSchuyler R-1 Board Closes Semester with Audit Approval, Staff Changes, and Student Success Highlights
QUEEN CITY, Mo. — The Schuyler R-1 Board of Education met twice in December, addressing a full agenda of financial oversight, personnel updates, and student-centered reports as the district prepared to close out the first semester of the 2025-2026 academic year. At a special regular session held on Thursday, Dec. 11, the board reviewed the district’s annual audit report, presented by John Gillum. The audit confirmed that Schuyler R-1 is in full compliance with both state and federal requirements. Following the presentation, the board unanimously approved the audit and voted to retain Gillum’s services for the 2025-2026 school year at…
Read MoreBeta Sigma Phi Celebrates Christmas
Lancaster Preceptor Delta Psi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi celebrated Christmas in November on Wednesday evening, November 19, 2025, at the Lancaster Baptist Church which was decked out for the holidays. Hostesses Rhonda Steen and Cindi Stump greeted 17 members for the annual dinner event with gifts of gold, red, and green Christmas ball ornaments.. Following the sumptuous meal, a fun-filled gift exchange was held featuring the theme, “A Star is Born.” Our official shopper, Penny Brummer, is purchasing gifts for the Schuyler County Adopt-a-Child program. Birthdays were celebrated with a rousing “Happy Birthday to You”, and we closed with…
Read MoreSchuyler R-1 Board Accepts Key Retirements, Approves Winter Readiness Measures
QUEEN CITY, Mo. — The Schuyler R-1 Board of Education approved several personnel changes and winter preparations during its regular meeting Nov. 19, as the district heads into the holiday season. Board members accepted the resignations of Richelle Hinners, food service cook, and Sarah Hoehne, Parents as Teachers staff member. They also approved retirement notices from Frank Miller, special education teacher and bus driver, and Cristina Garrett, Title I teacher. The board awarded a $9,498 snow and ice removal contract to Tyson March and approved Morgan Buckallew as a substitute teacher. Madison Taylor was granted an extra duty contract to…
Read MoreFormer Schuyler Teacher Illustrates New Edition of “The Pretend Princess”
By Emily Bontrager Tiffany Harris has been illustrating children’s books for years, and her latest project is the newly released second edition of The Pretend Princess by Iowa author Lynne Roers. Harris, who lives near Moulton, Iowa, earned an English degree from Truman State University and a master’s in teaching from Purdue University. She taught in the Schuyler County School District for about 14 years, spending her first six years as an English teacher before moving into the art classroom, where she worked until her retirement last year. Art has been an important part of Harris’s life since she was…
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 MoreOutdoors With Kevin Fox: More Thoughts About Trophies
If you have not yet filled your deer tag, there is still plenty of time. As a matter of fact, when you think about antlerless and alternative‑methods seasons, deer hunters will be hunting into next year. But as always, check the Missouri Whitetail Deer Digest on seasons and methods. Congratulations to all of you successful hunters. A whitetail deer is truly evidence of God’s handiwork. This past opening weekend was perhaps one of my favorites ever. I never saw what most would consider a “shooter” buck. I was happy about that— hard as that is to believe. My grandson and…
Read MoreSchuyler County R-I Earns 79.5% on State Report, Maintains Accreditation
QUEEN CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has released its 2024-25 Annual Performance Report (APR) for the Schuyler County R-I School District. The district earned 79.5 percent of the total points possible, maintaining full accreditation under the Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP 6). The results show strong attendance, graduation rates, and student readiness for college or careers, along with continued progress in core subjects. The APR evaluates school districts on academic achievement, growth, attendance, graduation, and readiness for life after high school. Schuyler County’s scores showed a solid performance overall, with notable strength in…
Read MoreSchuyler R-1 Honors Veterans With Patriotic Assembly
QUEEN CITY, Mo. — Schuyler R-1 Schools commemorated Veterans Day with a heartfelt assembly on Nov. 11, drawing community members, students and honored guests together in a celebration of service and sacrifice. Veterans and their spouses were welcomed with coffee and refreshments prior to the program, which was organized by teacher Ryan Kaden. The assembly featured student participation and a keynote address delivered by Kaden, highlighting the importance of honoring military service and the deeper meaning behind the commonly spoken phrase, “Thank you for your service.” In his remarks, Kaden recounted the story of Kyle Carpenter, the youngest living Medal…
Read MoreChristmas in Novinger Set for November 22
With the holiday season approaching, shoppers can prepare for the annual Christmas in Novinger event on Saturday, Nov. 22, when three shopping locations will offer a full day of browsing, gift-buying and seasonal festivities. Organizers say the long-running community tradition continues to draw visitors from across the region and serves as a kickoff to the town’s holiday spirit. The 39th Country Christmas Craft Festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Novinger School on Highway 149. More than 70 booths will fill both gyms and surrounding hallways, including several first-time vendors. Handmade items will include quilts,…
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