“That’s powerful. That’s America.”
The Inside Story About One Northeast Missouri Man’s Journey to Become a U.S. Citizen By Echo Menges For those of us born into it, citizenship is often something we don’t think much about. We grow up with a passport, the right to vote, the ability to work and live freely — and rarely question whether that will ever change. But for Javi Gil, 51, of rural Rutledge, none of those things were guaranteed. Not even after spending decades in the United States, raising a family, leading a fire department, and dedicating his life to public service. When delays in renewing…
Read MoreBrummitt Felony Charges Bound Over to Circuit Court, New Circuit Judge Assigned from Outside 9th District
By Echo Menges MILAN, Mo. — The case against Joan Brummitt, a former estate administrator facing multiple felony charges tied to alleged financial misconduct, is moving forward in Sullivan County Circuit Court following a preliminary hearing held Jan. 14, in case No. 25SU-CR00227. Associate Circuit Judge Terry Alan Tschannen found probable cause to support all eight felony counts filed by the state and ordered the case bound over to the circuit division for further proceedings. Brummitt, who appeared in court with her attorney Mark L. Williams, is charged with four counts of financial exploitation of an elder or disabled person…
Read MoreLARRY DEAN COOK, SR.
Larry Dean Cook Sr., age 89 of White Hall, Ill. passed away Thursday, January 15, 2026 at White Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born April 26, 1936 in White Hall, the son of Floyd and Imogene Sitton Cook. He married Nell Vanderford and later divorced. He later married Carol Westnedge February 16, 2002 in Jacksonville and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Larry Dean (Anne) Cook Jr. of Milan, MO, Jeanna (William) Dinan of Birmingham, AL, Debby (Lynn) Ash of Roodhouse, Duane (Patty) Westnedge of White Hall, Kevin Westnedge of Carrollton, Darin Westnedge of Carrollton,…
Read MoreMilan FFA Leaders Share Classroom Success With Gov. Kehoe
Submitted by Jared Sayre Missouri FFA is the state chapter of the national youth organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Ag Education on the Move Agriculture Education on the Move is a 10-week hands-on education program delivered by educators, such as FFA members, to elementary school children about where their food comes from, how farmers support their communities and more. The program identifies key classroom objectives and meets standards primarily in the areas of science, math, reading and…
Read MoreNominations Open for Gaber Founder’s Award for Excellence at Hospice of Northeast Missouri
Nominations are now open for the Gaber Founder’s Award for Excellence. The award was established in 2023 thanks to the generous donation by Drs. Ron and Elsie Gaber of Kirksville to the Hannibal Regional Foundation to support hospice services in northeast Missouri. The endowment created assists in recognizing hospice care workers and volunteers who go above and beyond in their service to hospice care and the patients of Hospice of Northeast Missouri. Nominations for this prestigious award are accepted for both hospice team members as well as volunteers. Nominations are open until March 9, 2026 and the nomination form can…
Read MoreMyFreeTaxes.com Available for Free Tax Filing through United Way
Hannibal, Mo. – In partnership with United Way Worldwide, United Way of the Mark Twain Area is promoting My Free Taxes®, a free and secure online tax filing service for individuals and families who earned less than $89,000 in 2025. With no local VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites available in the five counties of the United Way of the Mark Twain Area (Lewis, Marion, Monroe, Ralls, and Shelby Counties), this is the only option to file federal and state taxes for free locally. MyFreeTaxes.com allows residents to file from their phone, tablet, or computer, often in under an hour.…
Read MoreOutdoors With Kevin Fox: Making Plans for 2026
I wrote last week about thinking of planning a fishing trip for 2026. I hope it at least got you thinking about getting out and enjoying the many opportunities God has provided us on this planet. Many, many years ago — perhaps 30 if not a little more — a friend, my dad and I traveled to Upton, Wyoming, to go on a pronghorn antelope hunt. I’ll be honest: I was nervous about the trip. I planned for it all summer and did a lot of shooting with my Remington Model 788, chambered in .243. I did this because I…
Read MoreGreen City Faces Heat After Trash Piles Up, Employees Resign, and Complaints Rise
By by Stephanie Nau, Printed with permission from KTVO-TV, Channel 3 News GREEN CITY, MO — The issue began Dec. 9, when the Green City Board of Aldermen abruptly removed the city maintenance supervisor without a replacement ready, leaving no one to handle trash collection or disposal. The only other employee expected to do the work, Kelly Cochran, was already on medical restrictions, bringing trash service in the city to a screeching halt. For nearly a month, trash piled up outside homes and at the city’s maintenance facility, and residents were still billed for December services they never received. City…
Read MoreGreen City Homecoming Royalty Crowned
Green City held their Homecoming game and King and Queen coronation on Friday, January 9. This year’s Homecoming King and Queen are Senior Dalton Youngman, son of Damon Sizemore and Junior Jireh Spears, daughter of Sonny Spears and Kathy Cline and Keith and Jamie Hammons. Photo submitted
Read MoreState and Federal Workforce Development Agencies Aid Displaced Simmons Plant Workers
Workforce Partners Deliver Rapid Response Services and Job Fair for Simmons Animal Nutrition Employees in Milan, Missouri Submitted by Brent Stevens, Workforce Development Board of North Missouri Executive Director Milan, MO – The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of North Missouri, in partnership with the Missouri Office of Workforce Development, Missouri Division of Employment Services, Gamm Incorporated, and the U.S. Department of Labor, conducted on-site Rapid Response meetings for employees affected at Simmons Animal Nutrition in Milan, Missouri. Rapid Response resources were available on-site for two days, ensuring impacted employees had direct access to information and support during the transition period.…
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