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Ringing in the New Year, One Tradition at a Time

As the final seconds of the year tick away, people across the globe prepare to welcome the new year with traditions as varied as the cultures that celebrate them. Some rituals involve feasting. Others focus on reflection. Many are rooted in age-old beliefs about luck, prosperity and new beginnings. From fireworks in New York City to grape eating in Madrid, these customs reveal how the human desire for fresh starts is both universal and deeply personal. A World of Celebration In Spain, New Year’s Eve calls for a quick snack: eating 12 grapes at midnight — one for each chime…

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GARY EDWIN HANMAN

Gary Edwin Hanman passed away on December 5, 2025. He was born on January 30, 1934, in Enterprise, Missouri to Doris Lillian (Crist ) Hanman and John Edwin (Ted) Hanman. He was born in a blizzard, the doctor could not get there and no birth certificate was issued. Delivered by his grandmother, this challenging start seemed to predict his passion for life and determination. He was the second of four children. Mary Jo was a year older, Patricia and Barbara three and five years younger. Barbara and her family still reside on the six generation family farm. Gary grew up…

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BARBARA EDNA JACOBS

Barbara Edna Jacobs, 91 years old, of Green City, Missouri, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital in Milan. Barbara was born November 9, 1934, near Sticklerville, Missouri to Lester Long and Maurine (Pipes) Downen. On December 8, 1951, she married Dwight Jacobs in Laclede, Missouri, he preceded her in death in 2010. She was also preceded by a grandson, Will Jacobs; her brother, Jerry Long; half-brothers, Phil Long, Randy Long, Sam Long, and Delbert Downen; half-sisters, Leila Walsh, and Carol Hartz; stepfather, Raymon Downen; stepmother, Evelyn (Reger) Long; step sister, Dixie Maurer. Barbara was survived…

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RETA DIANNE SMILEY

Reta Dianne Smiley, 44, of Galt, Missouri, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025 at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. Reta was born August 12, 1981, in Trenton, Missouri to Jimmie Leon and Margie Dianne (Hudson) Thomas. On April 29, 2000, she married Brian Smiley, he survives of the home. Reta is also survived by: her mother Margie Thomas of Harris on the family farm; her children, Dustin Johnson and spouse Clinton of Chesapeake, Virginia, Colton Smiley and significant other Sheyenne Downing of Gallatin, Missouri, and Tracen Smiley and significant other Mariah Baugher of Galt; Grandchildren, Chaylynn Tucker and…

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JEFFREY DON WATKINS

Jeffrey Don Watkins, 53, of Greentop, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 11, 2025. Born June 5, 1972 in Kirksville, Missouri, Jeff was the son of Paul Eugene and Sandra Lea (Hollon) Henley. On July 7, 2012 in Greentop, Missouri, Jeff was united in marriage to Tosha O’Haver. Jeff is survived by wife, Tosha of the home; his parents, Paul and Sandra Henley of Milan, MO; four sons, Blake (Jordan) Watkins, Brody Watkins, Kaden Watkins, and Nathan Shively; two daughters, Abbi Shively and Breanna (Traven) Miller; one brother, Shane (Cindi) Watkins; his grandmother, Phyllis Hollon who he was very close…

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Community Raises More Than $15K for Milan Senior Center

MILAN, Mo. — The Sullivan County Senior Center received a significant boost this December as three local fundraising efforts brought in a combined total of $15,291 to support programs and services for older adults. The donations were presented on Friday, Dec. 19, by the Milan Elks Lodge and the Milan Chamber of Commerce. Each group coordinated separate initiatives aimed at supporting the center, which provides meals, wellness checks and social engagement opportunities for seniors across the county. The Milan Chamber of Commerce raised $10,100 through contributions from Chamber-affiliated businesses and community members. Efforts took place throughout the fall as part…

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Milan Girls Edge Brashear

By David Sharp Two evenly matched girls basketball teams put on a hard fought but clean battle for supremacy during December 16, 2025 varsity girls non conference basketball at Brashear. Brashear and Milan remained within a five point differential most of the way. Marian Dabney sank a three ball with three minutes to play in the game then popped two more clutch home run balls helping Milan (4-3) to a 41-39 win. Marian Dabney poured in a game high 26 Wildcat points. Mya Pauley sank two key third quarter field goals and finished with nine Milan points. Jasmine Cisneros scored…

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Brashear Boys Down Wildcats

By David Sharp A bigger and older Brashear Tiger boys team jumped out to an 8-4 lead in in December 16, 2025 varsity boys play at Brashear and powered to a 65-30 win over Milan in nonconference action. The Tigers (3-4) pushed the smaller Wildcats to the perimeter most of the night. Brashear led 13-9 with 3:10 remaining in the first quarter on Kienii Scott’s three point play. Brashear took off on a run to a 24-11 lead at the first break. Cade Erwin drove the lane for the final first quarter score. Brashear took the ball to the rim…

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BARBARA (BOWMAN) NEIGHBORS

Barbara (Bowman) Neighbors, 95, passed away peacefully in her home Sunday, December 7th, 2025. Barbara was born February 9th, 1930 to Carl and Julia (Worley) Bowman, who preceded her in death. She was the fourth born of seven children, growing up near Lemons, Missouri. Barbara enjoyed telling about playing paper dolls with her sisters and her ornery brother Fred coming along and blowing on the paper dolls, scattering them. When met with protests he would innocently reply “a fellers got to breath.” She attended the Chappell school in elementary and then later Lemons Highschool. After high school she attended North…

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EMMA LOUISE (CUNNINGHAM) LALIK

Emma Louise (Cunningham) Lalik 89, a resident of Richmond, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City. Emma was born on August 11, 1936, the daughter of Harvey and Havaleen Florence (Bailey) Cunningham. On March 3, 1957, Emma was united in marriage to E. Thomas Lalik; he preceded her in death in 1986. She is survived by: two sons, Michael Thomas Lalik and Earl T. Lalik; daughter, Lola Florence Lalik Towne; four grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Emma was preceded in death by her parents,…

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