Area News
A 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 MoreMilan Police Dept. to Purchase New Vehicle
City of Milan Awarded $50,000 Missouri Blue Shield Grant to Strengthen Public Safety Submitted by Crystal Bupp, City Administrator MILAN, Mo. (November 17, 2025) — The City of Milan has been awarded a $50,000 grant through the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS), Office of Homeland Security’s SFY 2026 Missouri Blue Shield Grant Program. The City of Milan Police Department will utilize the funds to purchase a new fully equipped police vehicle, ensuring officers have reliable, modern equipment to continue providing 24/7 law enforcement services to the community. The City of Milan was recently designated as a Missouri Blue Shield…
Read MoreRecognizing National Rural Health Day
Submitted by Billie Ryals Representatives from Sullivan County Memorial Hospital and the Sullivan County Health Department are pictured alongside the Sullivan County Commissioners as they officially sign a proclamation in honor of National Rural Health Day, to be observed on November 20, 2025. National Rural Health Day serves as an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and to highlight the unique challenges faced by rural communities. This day emphasizes the efforts made to enhance rural healthcare and build thriving healthy communities.
Read MoreSullivan County Public Administrator Charged With Eight Felonies
By Echo Menges MILAN, Mo. — Sullivan County Public Administrator Joan Brummitt, 65, has been charged with eight Class D felonies accusing her of financially exploiting a disabled person under her conservatorship and stealing more than $5,800 from the individual’s bank account, according to court records. Brummitt faces four counts of financial exploitation of a person with a disability and four counts of felony stealing. The charges stem from four online transfers authorities say she made from the victim’s bank account into her own on Oct. 14 and Oct. 16, 2025. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s probable cause…
Read MoreArea Veterans Honored At Green City Lions Club
Area Veterans were honored last week at the regular meeting of the Green City Lions Club. Eight veterans were served as well as spouses and friends. Veterans shared stories from their time in the service and Veteran Greg Bailey surprised everyone with MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) to take home at the end of the evening. The samples of the modern day C-Rations included Brisket, Chicken, Meatballs, and Vegetarian. The Lions Club is always proud to support our local veterans for their service.
Read MoreMilan C-2 GRC All Conference Band Recipients
Students from the Milan C-2 Band that were honored with GRC All-Conference were: left to right, Adrienna Hamblin, trumpet, Lillianna Perez, flute, Merkel Seddoh, flute, Maddie McCabe, trumpet, Amahi Caceres, trombone, Drew McAllister, trombone, Darelisse Aroche, clarinet, Ailen Callejo clarinet, Kiara Ramos, euphonium.
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,…
Read MoreOutdoors With Kevin Fox: Canada Goose Season Reopens
I am a waterfowler hunter — so much so that I would rather be hunting ducks this week than whitetail deer. Everyone has a favorite, and judging by how many side‑by‑sides and four‑wheelers are at the convenience stores and how few boats are loaded down with decoys, I must be in the minority. Prior to last week in general, and more accurately Nov. 11, Canada goose season reopened in what would probably be known as the regular goose season. Later in the year, after duck season closes, I’ll be left to hunt only Canada geese if I am to hunt…
Read MoreRhineland Bancshares to Acquire BancStar in 2026 Merger
RHINELAND, Mo. — Rhineland Bancshares, Inc., the holding company of Peoples Savings Bank, announced Monday that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire BancStar, Inc., parent company of Bank Star. The boards of directors for both companies have approved the merger, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026 pending shareholder and regulatory approvals. After the transaction, BancStar will be merged into Rhineland Bancshares, with Rhineland remaining as the surviving entity. The combined institution will have approximately $992 million in total assets and 18 banking locations across Missouri. Mark Laune, president and CEO of Peoples…
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