Area News
Uncertain Future for Kahoka Blood Drives
By Emily Bontrager After nearly five decades of serving the community, the future of the longtime blood drives held in Kahoka remains uncertain, leaving many local donors and volunteers heartbroken. The most recent blood drive was held Thursday, May 21, at the First Baptist Church in Kahoka, Missouri. For almost 20 years, Gloria Allen served as chair of the local drives, helping coordinate volunteers, organize appointments and support donors. Allen said she was recently informed the local drives were being discontinued by the Red Cross due to what representatives described as larger operational and cost-related changes. “They are calling it…
Read MoreMcDaniel Breaks Two School Records, Leads Clark County at State Track Meet
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Mason McDaniel broke two of his own school records leading Clark County at the MSHSAA Class 2 state track and field meet May 22-23 at Jefferson City High School. McDaniel turned in a standout state meet for the Indians, placing third in both the 1,600-meter run and the 3,200-meter run. He shattered his own school record in the 1,600, finishing third with a time of 4:20.01. He also ran a personal-best 9:31.57 in the 3,200, again breaking his own school record while earning a third-place medal. McDaniel also competed in the 800-meter run, placing 10th with…
Read MoreJim and Shirley McCoy To Celebrate 60th Wedding Anniversary May 29th
Jim McCoy and Shirley Branson were married in St. Francisville, MO, on May 29, 1966, with Rev. Hollis Wilhelm officiating. Shirley was from St. Francisville and Jim grew up in Canton, MO. Jim was drafted into the Army just a few weeks after their wedding and was stationed in Frankfort, West Germany for two years. Shirley joined him over there nine months after he left. Upon returning to the States, they lived in Canton for a short time until making their home with their daughters in Wayland, MO. Both are retired from factories in Keokuk and live in Kahoka where…
Read More“We Just Want Our Sister Home” Community Rallies Around Watts Family During Prayer Vigil
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…
Read MoreCommencement Held for Clark County R-1 Class of 2026
Clark County R-1 High School held its commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 17, at the high school gymnasium with family, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate the graduating Class of 2026. The ceremony opened with the traditional processional, “Pomp and Circumstance,” performed by Robert Dooley and the Clark County High School Band. Isabelle Brotherton, Class Vice President, welcomed those in attendance with her speech, “The End of the Beginning.” Musical selections during the ceremony included “I Was Here,” by Hillary Scott and “Climb Every Mountain,” by Rodgers & Hammerstein, which were performed by Robert Dooley and the Clark County…
Read MoreSheriff: ‘Hundreds’ of Hours Invested in Search for Missing Edina Woman
By Echo Menges MEDIA: Video Interview YouTube Link Below EDINA, Mo. — 1 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2026 — Knox County Sheriff Carl Knoche said Friday that “hundreds” of man-hours have already been invested in the investigation into the disappearance of missing Edina woman Lindsey Watts as multiple agencies continue working the case around the clock. Watts, 35, of Edina was reported missing Wednesday after family members discovered she was no longer at her residence on North Fifth Street. Authorities have described the disappearance as “very concerning.” Speaking Friday afternoon outside the Knox County Courthouse, Knoche said investigators are…
Read MoreKahoka Collision & Restoration Opens to Meet Growing Local Need
By Emily Bontrager A new business is now serving the community with a strong focus on safety, education, and quality service. Kahoka Collision & Restoration officially opened its doors in January 2026, bringing experience and decades of industry knowledge to the area. The shop is located just south of Kahoka at 24115 State Route 81, Suite 1. The business is co-owned by Brad and Audrie Howe and Brent and Miranda Goings. The business currently employs three full-time team members and one part-time employee, all working to meet a growing local need. “We decided to do this because it is a…
Read MoreMcDaniel, Weaver Win District Titles
SHELBINA, Mo. — Mason McDaniel and Lukas Weaver led Clark County with district championships Saturday, May 9, at the MSHSAA Class 2 District 3 track and field meet at South Shelby High School. McDaniel won the boys 3,200-meter run in 10:24.36 and added runner-up finishes in the 800 and 1,600. He placed second in the 800 in 2:01.72 and second in the 1,600 in 4:40.98, advancing to sectionals in all three individual distance events. Weaver won the boys triple jump with a mark of 12.98 meters and also qualified for sectionals in the long jump, placing fourth at 5.92 meters.…
Read MoreCCR-1 Holds Academic Awards Night
On Monday evening, the Clark County R-1 gym was packed with students and families gathered to recognize their academic achievements for the school year. For more than an hour, students in all high school grade levels were recognized for their accomplishments in the classroom. We will publish that full list in next week’s newspaper Following a short break, the focus turned to seniors receiving college scholarships. The first awarded Jack and Ladene McAndrew Flagship scholarship to the University of Missouri, founded by Mark McAndrew in honor of his parents. This year’s recipient was Braelin Baugh. Other scholarships and winners were:…
Read MoreClark County Fair Board Completes Grandstand Improvements
The Clark County Fair Board’s grandstand improvement project was completed last week at the Clark County Fairgrounds, giving the grandstands a clean new look while also improving airflow throughout the seating area. The old wooden doors and structure along the back of the grandstands were removed, and new wood framing was installed with sliding doors that open in ten-foot sections to allow better airflow. Inside the openings, metal panels were installed for safety so children cannot access the openings. The new metal wall will also include a section for permanent sponsor signs recognizing those who support the fair at a…
Read More