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University of Missouri Extension NOVELTY, Mo. – Waterlogging and flooding are among the most damaging weather-related stresses in crop production worldwide, and their impacts are increasing as extreme rainfall becomes more frequent. Flooding ranks second only to drought among abiotic stresses. Research by Gurbir Singh, a soil scientist with University of Missouri Extension at MU’s Lee Greenley Jr. Memorial Research Farm, along with Gurpreet Kaur, assistant research professor in the MU School of Natural Resources, and others, shows how excess water affects crops, soils and nutrient management, and outlines strategies farmers can use to reduce losses. Flooding submerges plants, while…
“We Just Want Our Sister Home” Community Rallies Around Watts Family During Prayer Vigil
By Echo Menges EDINA, Mo. — Hundreds gathered Saturday evening on the Knox County Courthouse lawn in Edina for a community prayer vigil for missing Edina woman Lindsey Watts as the search for the 35-year-old entered its fifth day. Residents from across Knox County and surrounding communities joined local pastors, law enforcement supporters, family members and friends during the hour-long vigil organized by the Knox County Ministerial Alliance. Pastor Brian Burton of Edina Assembly of God Church opened the vigil by encouraging the community to remain hopeful while continuing to support both the family and investigators. “We come together as…
By Echo Menges MEDIA: Video Interview YouTube Link Below EDINA, Mo. — 1 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 — Knox County Sheriff Carl Knoche said Friday that “hundreds” of man-hours have already been invested in the investigation into the disappearance of missing Edina woman Lindsey Watts as multiple agencies continue working the case around the clock. Watts, 35, of Edina was reported missing Wednesday after family members discovered she was no longer at her residence on North Fifth Street. Authorities have described the disappearance as “very concerning.” Speaking Friday afternoon outside the Knox County Courthouse, Knoche said investigators are…
Search Underway for Missing Edina Woman
By Echo Menges EDINA, Mo. — 5:45 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2026 — Law enforcement agencies are investigating the disappearance of a missing Edina woman described by authorities as “very concerning.” Lindsey Watts, 35, of Edina was last seen Tuesday night, May 19, at approximately 11 p.m. by a family member after returning home to 510 N. Fifth St. following her shift at The Blessing Center in Edina. According to Knox County Sheriff Carl Knoche, family members discovered Wednesday morning, May 20, that Watts was no longer at the residence. Watts did not report to her scheduled shift at work…
Attendees travel from across Northeast Missouri for hands-on training focused on open meetings and public records laws By Echo Menges EDINA, Mo. — A strong regional turnout filled the Knox County Community Center on Thursday, April 30, for a Missouri Sunshine Law training, with nearly 100 attendees gathering to learn more about open meetings and public records requirements. Organizers said approximately 95 people signed in for the session, though actual attendance was likely higher. At one point, attendees lined up to get into the training as additional tables and chairs were brought in to accommodate the crowd. The training was…
I parked the truck, and as soon as I had grabbed my gear, I knew it was going to be a good afternoon. I crept along carefully, placing one foot in front of the other in an effort not to spook the target of this hunt. As I neared a likely looking location, I could look ahead and see that the creatures had other ideas and were more concerned with mating than they were in me. Still, if I was careless, they would easily be spooked and just as quickly take off. Like all hunts, the closer I could get,…
2026 Missouri’s Tax Holiday Creates Savings
JEFFERSON CITY, MO — The Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday returns this spring giving Missourian’s the opportunity to save money on select purchases while stimulating economic activity in the state. “All Missouri cities, counties, and districts participate in the appliance sales tax holiday,” said Missouri’s Director of Revenue Trish Vincent. “This event not only encourages Missourians to be energy minded but it also contributes to increased revenues for local businesses across the state who sell these appliances.” According to Missouri statute, from April 19 through April 25 state sales tax will be waived on qualifying ENERGY STAR® certified appliances.…
Readers Across Northeast Missouri Call for Continued Coverage as Cases Move Forward By Echo Menges, The Edina Sentinel/NEMOnews Media Group EDINA, Mo. — Two related child abuse cases filed in Adair County in 2024 are now proceeding on separate legal tracks, with one set for a trial setting in Shelby County next month and the other scheduled for trial later this year in Adair County. Court records show that Cody Allen Murphy, 35, of Kirksville, formerly of Queen City, in case 24AR-CR00126-01, and Destiny Ann Stufflebean, also known as Destiny Ann Ferdig, 34, of Lancaster, formerly of Edina, in…
Ring of Smoke BBQ Fundraiser to Kick off April 17 With Cruise- In, Corn Hole, Wing Ding, and Live Music
By Echo Menges EDINA, Mo. — The Knox County Ring of Smoke BBQ Competition Fundraiser will begin Friday, April 17, with an evening of activities at the Knox County Fairgrounds aimed at supporting 4-H fairground improvements. Opening night will start at 5 p.m. with a cruise-in featuring cars, trucks and motorcycles. The come-and-go event is presented by Hunters Hot Rods & Customs and is open to all vehicle types. At 6 p.m., the Hurdland Volunteer Fire Department will host a cornhole tournament, offering a $500 payout. The tournament is part of the evening’s lineup of activities designed to engage the…
Shelby County R-IV Bracing for State Funding Cuts
By Mark Requet The Shelby County R-IV School Board met in regular session on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in the middle school library. The meeting was called to order and the current agenda and minutes from the previous meeting were approved. The current board was resolved, and board members Jeanette Poore, Stewart Hatcher, Kim Buckman, and Lindsey Perotti were sworn in. Perotti was elected President and Aaron Kendrick was elected Vice President. Outgoing board members Darin Eleazarraraz and Kendal Wood were presented a plaque and several gifts for serving on the board. A motion was seconded…
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- First-time homebuyers face hurdles despite gradual improvement
- New medical guidance affirms Tylenol safety during pregnancy months after Trump sows doubt
- Missouri to start using anti-trafficking app ahead of World Cup
- State takeovers of local school districts impact more than grades and finances
- Treasury’s Bessent mum on Trump’s IRS immunity deal
- US House approves measure to restrain Trump action in Iran
- Congress weighs cuts to states’ already ‘insufficient’ election security dollars
- Farm animal welfare rules might be rolled back by Congress
- Black midwives are suing Southern states, claiming regulations make it harder to help patients
- VA clinical trial on psychedelic-assisted therapy gives Missouri lawmakers hope
