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Cox Recognized for 38 Years of Dedicated Service to Lewis County REC

June 18, 2026

By Travis L. Mathes, Lewis County REC On June 13, 2026, Lewis County REC will mark the retirement of a man whose name has become synonymous with dedication, service, and commitment to rural electrification. After 38 years of faithfully serving the membership of Lewis County REC, David Cox will officially conclude a remarkable career that began on June 13, 1988. David’s story is one deeply rooted in the history and tradition of the rural electric cooperative movement. The Cox family’s connection to rural electrification dates back nearly a century. In 1939, David’s grandfather, Charlie Cox, set the first pole for…

Sewcial Quilters Honor Veterans During Flag Day Ceremony

June 18, 2026

KAHOKA — Patriotism filled Kahoka City Park on Friday morning as the community gathered for the annual Flag Day parade and ceremony, where several veterans were honored with Quilts of Valor. The presentation was made June 12 by the Sewcial Quilters of Clark County, who presented handmade quilts to veterans in recognition of their service, sacrifice and commitment to the nation. The ceremony served as a meaningful reminder of the freedoms represented by the American flag and the men and women who have defended them. Those honored included veterans of the Vietnam War, the Korean defense era, Operation Iraqi Freedom,…

Grab Your Smokers for the Annual Smokin in the Park BBQ Competition

June 18, 2026

The St. Francisville Masonic Lodge #588 is preparing to host its Annual Smokin’ in the Park BBQ Competition on Saturday, June 27, at Omakohak Park in Kahoka, Missouri. The idea for the event took shape when lodge members, many of whom enjoy grilling and smoking meats, decided to organize a friendly barbecue competition. This year’s competition features several categories, including Wet Ribs, Dry Ribs, Kabobs, and Open Class, where participants can cook whatever they want. The entry fee is $10, and all proceeds will benefit a local charity selected by the event’s overall winner. All donations collected will be matched.…

Joyce Elaine Meinhardt

June 18, 2026

Joyce Elaine Meinhardt, 92, of Kahoka, Missouri, died on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the Clark County Nursing Home in Kahoka, Missouri. The daughter of Winfield Wayne Hanan and Lois Irene Latimer Hanan, Joyce was born on June 22, 1933, in Waukegan, Illinois. She lived with her parents in Villa Park, Illinois, until she was in high school, when they moved to Ashton, Missouri. She often told stories about moving from the suburbs of Chicago to the rural area of Clark County, Missouri. She rode her horse to Ashton from the family farm, and kerosene lamps provided the only light…

MICHAEL LOUIS ALDRIDGE

June 18, 2026

Michael Louis Aldridge, 65, of Florissant, Missouri, formally of Williamstown, Missouri, passed away at 8:20 pm on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois. Michael was born on May 13, 1961, in Scott Air Force Base, Illinois to Walter Louis and Dorcas J. (Clines) Aldridge. In 1979 he graduated from Hazelwood Central High School. From high school he served in the United States Army. He was united in marriage to Kathleen (Hessley) Aldridge at the Florissant Presbyterian Church on May 5, 1991, and she survives. Michael was a truck driver for General Pet Supply and retired in…

Kahoka Council Declines Water Plant Loan Forgiveness, Approves Mosquito Spraying

June 18, 2026

KAHOKA, Mo. — The Kahoka City Council agreed Monday, June 8, to decline approximately $1.163 million in proposed principal forgiveness from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for the city’s water plant project. City Clerk Sandie Hopp told the council that Engineer Mark Bross had advised that if the city accepted the principal forgiveness, it would give up that amount from its voter-approved bonding capacity of $8 million. “I recommend preserving the bonding capacity,” City Attorney Brett Bozarth said. “If there is a cost overrun, we can tap into it, or use it for a different project.” Following discussion, the…

State Fire Marshal Urges Caution With Fireworks As Missouri Prepares For Big Celebrations This Summer

June 18, 2026

Seasonal retailers may legally sell fireworks in Missouri from June 20 to July 10 JEFFERSON CITY – As Missourians prepare for a summer filled with even more festivities and celebrations than usual – including the “America 250” commemoration and FIFA World Cup events in the Kansas City area – the Division of Fire Safety is urging residents to keep safety at the forefront of their planning. “Because July 4th – the largest fireworks event each year – is also the 250th anniversary of American independence this year, we expect to see more gatherings and an uptick in the use of…

Kahoka, Area Contestants to Compete at Miss Missouri and Miss Missouri’s Teen Competitions

June 13, 2026

By Emily Bontrager Two Kahoka contestants and several local titleholders will compete during this year’s Miss Missouri and Miss Missouri’s Teen competitions June 10 through 13 at the Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri. Kampbel James, of Kahoka, will compete for the title of Miss Missouri. James is the only local contestant competing in the Miss Missouri competition, although she represents the Miss College Town crown rather than a local pageant title. According to the Miss Missouri Scholarship Organization, James’ Community Service Initiative is “Next Kid Up: Tiny Votes, Big Voices.” Her talent is dramatic monologue. James is no stranger…

Clark County Bus Fleet Earns 100 Percent Approval

June 13, 2026

KAHOKA — Clark County R-I earned a perfect rating in the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 2026 annual school bus inspection program. The district presented 31 buses for inspection, and all 31 were approved during the initial inspection. No buses were listed as defective or placed out of service. The inspections are completed each year by the Patrol’s Driver and Vehicle Safety Division. Statewide, the Patrol reported 10,239 buses approved on initial inspection, 849 rated defective and 283 placed out of service. Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said the program is one of many ways…

New Medical Staff and Board Officers Elected At Scotland County Hospital

June 13, 2026

MEMPHIS, MO – The new medical staff officers of Scotland County Hospital officially took office at the April Board meeting. The officers are Kelsey Davis-Humes, DO – Chief of Staff, Matthew Ragsdell, DO – Vice-Chief of Staff, Nicholas Comstock, DO – Secretary Dr. Davis-Humes is a Family Medicine Physician and works at Memphis Medical Services and Wyaconda Medical Services. She is also one of the physicians that delivers babies in the Women’s Center at the Hospital. Dr. Matthew Ragsdell is an Orthopedic Surgeon and he works at Memphis Medical Services. Dr. Comstock is a Family Medicine Physician and he works…

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