Kerby Lynn Mitchell, 84, a resident of Columbia, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Boone Hospital Center. Kerby was born on October 19, 1941, in Kahoka, Missouri the son of Colin Kerby Mitchell and Daisy Pearline (Perry) Mitchell. On July 19, 1975, in Columbia, he was joined in marriage to Evelyn Stone, and she survives of the home. Kerby was a man deeply devoted to his family and his work. He spent his life working hard, driven by a steadfast desire to ensure his family was always provided for. An avid NASCAR fan, Kerby and his wife, Evelyn,…

Virginia Catherine Webster, 84, of Medill, Missouri, passed away at 5:30pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Capital Region Medical Center, in Jefferson City, Missouri. Virginia was born May 10, 1941, in Kahoka, Missouri to Walter and Helen (McDonnell) Morris. Virginia was united in marriage to Stanley Webster on October 21, 1960, at St Michael’s Catholic Church, in Kahoka and he survives. Virginia was a 1959 graduate of Kahoka High school and a faithful member of the St Michael’s Catholic Church in Kahoka. Virginia was a hard worker and immediately after graduating high school she started working at the Kahoka…

Samuel Buescher recently represented his community with distinction by participating in Missouri 4-H’s The Great Outdoors Photography Contest, showcasing both technical skill and a strong appreciation for Missouri’s natural world. Samuel earned blue ribbons in three highly competitive categories: Entomology, Outdoor Education, and Wildlife & Fisheries. His award-winning photographs included “The Quiet Hunt,” a striking praying mantis image; “Owl at Dawn,” capturing a quiet wildlife moment; and “Campfire Reflections,” a creative outdoor entry. In addition to his blue ribbon achievements, Samuel received overall medals in both Entomology and Wildlife & Fisheries, placing his work among the top entries statewide. His…

Storm Spotter Training in Edina on Jan. 27 By Echo Menges The National Weather Service St. Louis office has released the 2026 list of on-site and online storm spotter training opportunities. The training is a free offering to communities throughout the office’s coverage area, and everyone with an interest—especially those living in a severe-weather-prone region like ours— is encouraged to participate. There is no prerequisite to take the two-hour training for the first time or to refresh your knowledge for those who have taken storm spotter training in the past. This year, The Edina Sentinel/ NEMOnews Media Group is partnering…

By Echo Menges MEMPHIS, Mo. — The first baby of the new year has arrived at Scotland County Hospital. Abel Drew Walton, son of Andrew and Rebecca (Whitmire) Walton of Hurdland, was born at 8:03 p.m. Jan. 7, 2026. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Abel was welcomed home by his big sister, Raeann, age 4. To celebrate his arrival, the Walton family received a bundle of gifts donated by local businesses and community members, including: Community Bank of Memphis, Country View Store, Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri, Hawkins-Harrison Insurance, Kay Eggleston Bookkeeping & Tax,…

ATLANTA, Ga. – Twenty Missouri 4-H members were selected to represent the state at the National 4-H Congress, a premier leadership conference held Nov. 28–Dec. 2 in Atlanta. The delegation joined more than 700 youths from over 40 states for a week of leadership development, as well as an evening of culture at the Atlanta History Center and a morning community service. National 4-H Congress offers Missouri youths the chance to connect with peers from across the country while strengthening skills they bring back to their local clubs and communities, said Megan Kershner, state 4-H leadership and civic engagement educator…

We sat in the dark, listening carefully for any noise to let us know our target creatures were getting close. Years of shooting a gun without hearing protection has curtailed my hearing, but when I heard my hunting buddy say, “I just heard them,” I walked out quickly and turned on the H.S. Undertaker electronic call. After returning to my makeshift blind of stacked dead brush, I settled in. That’s when I saw the crows heading across the field, winging in our direction. They were higher than I would have liked, but these were not the foolish birds that come…