Area News

The city of Newtown, Missouri, has received a $35,000 Impact Grant from Smithfield Foods to help transform a vacant bank building into a community park across from City Hall. “This project is about creating a place where our community can come together,” said Amy Peterson, mayor of Newtown and Smithfield Foods team member. “With the support of Smithfield Foods, we’re able to turn a long-vacant building into a space that will serve families and future generations.” The project is primarily funded through a Community Development Block Grant, with Smithfield’s contribution covering the remaining costs needed to complete demolition and construction.…

SULLIVAN COUNTY, MO — The Sullivan County Education Association is proud to recognize three outstanding individuals as the 2026 Support Staff Members of the Year. One honoree was selected from each local school district— Green City R-1, Milan C-2, and Newtown-Harris— for their exceptional dedication and service. Support staff members play an important role in the daily success of schools, helping create positive, safe, and welcoming environments for students, staff, and families. These individuals were selected for their hard work, commitment, and the meaningful impact they make within their school communities each day. The Sullivan County Education Association is made…

SULLIVAN COUNTY, MO — The Sullivan County Education Association is proud to recognize two outstanding educators as the 2026 New Teachers of the Year. One honoree was selected from each participating school district—Green City R-1 and Milan C-2—for their exceptional early-career impact in the classroom. These educators have demonstrated strong dedication early in their careers, building meaningful relationships with students, collaborating with colleagues, and bringing enthusiasm and commitment to their school communities. Their efforts are already making a positive difference in the lives of students they serve. The Sullivan County Education Association is made up of local superintendents and community…

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…

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…

The Sullivan County Health Department has appointed Kelli Hillerman as interim administrator of the agency. Hillerman began serving in the role May 1 and will officially assume the administrator position Aug. 1. The transition follows the planned retirement of longtime administrator Deborah Taylor, who served the agency and Sullivan County community for 19 years. Hillerman, a Sullivan County resident, brings more than 26 years of public health experience, including work in communicable disease management, epidemiology, emergency preparedness, WIC, public health education and regional public health leadership. She holds a Master of Public Health degree from A.T. Still University and a…