Area News

By Marlana Smith   Becoming a principal has been something Shelby County R-IV Middle School Principal Curt Bowen wanted to do if the perfect opportunity presented itself and he felt ready.   “When I came to South Shelby, I knew right off if I ever became a principal that this is where I wanted to…

By Marlana Smith Blake Metzger was sworn in as a Shelby County Deputy on Friday, May 5, 2023. He was sworn in by 41st Circuit Judge Frederick Paul Tucker. Deputy Metzger has lived in the Bethel area most of his life. “I have always looked up to and respect law enforcement,” said Metzger. Around September…

Article Submitted Camp Jo-Ota, Clarence, Mo., is busy preparing for its 70th year of welcoming summer campers since it’s formation in 1953. The Camp is currently under the direction of Mrs. Ann (McCarty) Wood with the assistance of her husband, Kendel Wood.  Tara Mefford is Ann’s right-hand person as office assistant.  Both women wear many…

Governor Mike Parson announced last week the Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved 428 grants totaling over $6.3 million to law enforcement, fire service, and EMS providers across the state for new equipment, supplies, personnel, and training. Grant funded equipment includes patrol vehicles, mobile data terminals, firefighter turnout gear, extrication equipment, cardiac monitors, and…

HANNIBAL, MO –The Missouri Department of Transportation has selected Emily Edgar as the new central area engineer for the Northeast District covering Audrain, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Ralls, Randolph and Shelby counties. In this role, Edgar will serve as MoDOT’s primary point of contact in the central area and coordinate with local agency partners, community…

The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced last week that it has awarded a total of $30 million through the Local Tourism Asset Development Grant Program for 26 projects across the state. The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is focused on supporting projects that further the recovery of the tourism, travel,…

The State Capitol was taken over by high school students for a short time Tuesday, April 18, 2023 while in town as part of Missouri Farm Bureau’s (MOFB) Youth Leadership Day. Students came in from across the state to gather at the MOFB headquarters for a quick introduction by MOFB President Garrett Hawkins and orientation…

The North Shelby Scholar Bowl Team won district championship on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Front left to right: Aliza Yoder, Weston Christine, Austin Wilson, Zander Rupert  Christine Miles, Lindy Schwanke and Riley Dunn. Back row, from the left: Jack Hicks, Jared Johnston, Aden Johnston, Fady Francis, Sam Schwanke and Andrew Meyers. Houston Bichsel is their…

The 2023 Youth Tour Delegates who will be attending the trip to Washington D.C. in June are Emma Bell from Bucklin, Sylvie Christensen from Atlanta, Riley Stoneburner from North Shelby, and Sadie Copenhaver from North Shelby.  Twenty-eight students within the MEC service territory submitted a 500-1000 word essay on the topic “Cooperative’s operate on seven…

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Shelbyville donated a $2,600 check to the teen center to help with updates and maintenance of the building. The funds were raised during a soup luncheon held in March. Presenting the check to Peggy Gaines (left) who is representing the teen center is President Mary Kay Rich (center) and Vice…