South Missourian News

Well, it’s nearing the end of February 2021, and the coronavirus pandemic still lingers on, despite there being a new president in the oval office, plus at least two COVID-19 vaccines in circulation and two more within reach. We are now facing almost one-half million deaths resulting from the virus. ...

Thank you to members: Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout the winter storm! Due in part to member efforts to conserve electricity, your electric cooperative system was able to navigate through several record-setting days without the need for controlled service interruptions (or rolling blackouts). We are pleased to share that Associated Electric Cooperative and Sho-Me Power Electric Cooperative, our power suppliers, have now lifted the request to conserve electricity...

As of press time on Tuesday, Feb. 23, Oregon County Health Department confirmed 825 total cases of COVID-19 with six on isolation on Feb. 20. The number of cases off isolation is 819. There have been 2,327 negative test results and one inconclusive. There is one current case hospitalized and a total of 49 that have been. There have been four deaths. There was one additional case reported for Feb. 20, zero cases for Feb. 21 and two cases on Feb. 22...

The unusual cold weather impacted many area residents with frozen and even busted pipes. For area cities this meant dealing plumbing as well as clearing roads. The city of Koshkonong suffered a broken water main on the south side of the town. However, there was not a limit on the water supply because of this. The extreme cold caused the loss of several sewer pumps. The full extent of this damage will not be determined until the snow is gone...

If your farm has been in your family for 100 years and consists of at least 40 acres of land from the original purchase, then it may be eligible to be recognized by the University of Missouri Extension Century Farm program. Sponsored by University of Missouri Extension, the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and Missouri Farm Bureau, this program began in 1976. Since then, more than 8,000 Missouri farms have received this recognition...

With everything going on, the last thing anyone needs is to be scammed, however, these crooks have seen an opening to increase attempts to rob others of their money. One popular scam is the Publisher Clearing House scam in which scammers may use mail, telephone, internet, email and even social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to deceive people into thinking they have won a prize and a pre-payment is needed to claim the prize. ...

When thinking about my high school education and what lessons really stuck with me throughout the years, it’s my time spent in agriculture classes and experiences I gained as a member and officer of FFA which stand out the most. I grew up with uncles who owned and operated farms and going to friends’ houses whose families ran full time farming operations, and aside from all that, growing up in Myrtle, Mo., it is nearly impossible to not have some connection to farming. ...

Oregon County Sheriff Lottie Brooks, 42, of Thayer, was arrested Jan. 13 for possession of a controlled substance. Jacob Burmingham, 35, of Alton, was arrested Jan. 13 for possession of a controlled substance. Blake Horton, 30, of Thayer, was arrested Jan. 14 on a warrant for driving while revoked/suspended...

As a preferred retail pharmacy partner in 22 states, including Missouri, pharmacies at Walmart and Sam’s Club began administering COVID-19 vaccines on Feb. 12 Missouri through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program was recently stated in a press release...

After ice visited the Ozarks last week a historic blast of artic air has lingered bringing with it numerous rounds of snow resulitng in several inches of snow throughout the region. This unprecedented weather has impacted many with school closings, as well as businesses and even Ozarks Healthcare clinics closing early and not to mention those who have to brave the elements to tend to their livestock...

Despite winter weather and the COVID-19 pandemic, the region once again showed up to raise funds for the Annual Country Cares for Kids St. Jude Radio-thon. The successful event was held on Wednesday, Feb. 10 on KKountry 95, The Train and The Gift from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., raising more than $202,000 for children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital...

Oregon County Sheriff Austin McGinnis, 21, of Myrtle, was arrested Dec. 12 for possession of drug paraphernalia. He was   transferred to Shannon County. Amber Prewett, 23, of Winona, was arrested Jan. 2 for possession of a controlled substance. John Mcclelland, 27, of Alton, was arrested Jan. 3 for driving while revoked/suspended...

Koshkonong council addressed city business during their regular monthly meeting held on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Mayor George Hunt began the meeting with informing those present the agenda needed to be amended to add approving the six-month financial to old business...

If you’re looking for a magical escape from space and time, there’s no better sojourn than to soar through the ethereal mystique of Dylan Kane’s musical wonderland. His own spiritual world of nirvana lies not far away in the rolling Ozarks of Evening Shade, where echoes of blues and melodious rhythms reverberate through the leaves which flutter and dance to every tap on a key or stroke of a string. ...

This basketball season, the Alton community has been the recipient of a special feature for fans to view games, Alton Sports Network, which is live streaming Alton Comets and Alton Lady Comets high school home basketball games. This service is being provided by Andy Earls and his company, Redline Media Alliance...

Earlier this week, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft announced a new video available online for Missouri’s third and fourth grade students, providing them a virtual tour of the Missouri State Archives. “There is nothing like a field trip for an in-person tour of the Archives with your teacher and classmates,” Ashcroft said, “but I hope this online virtual tour can make the Archives available to any child in any type of schooling program and provide an opportunity for every child to learn about Missouri’s history during our Bicentennial year – the 200th anniversary of our state.”. ...

While State Representative Ron Copeland and Senator Karla Eslinger were in the area for a recent chamber meeting, they also met with individuals from Thayer and Mammoth Spring regarding economic development in the community. Thayer Chamber of Commerce President Scott Cecil visited with The South Missourian News for an update following the politicians' stop...

Mammoth Spring High School will hold its 2021 Prom on Friday, April 16. As a way to ensure the safety of students, parents and volunteers organize a Prom Lock-in each year, packed full of games and prizes. “Our main purpose is to keep them after prom, to ensure they have an alcohol and drug free night, so we do different kinds of 'Minute To Win It' type of games. ...

Twenty-seven fifth grade students at Bakersfield Elementary are about to embark on a journey. This journey will take them down a multi-disciplinary path towards nutrition education, publications, hands-on applications, and leadership. Thanks to a grant through Missouri 4-H, Bakersfield fifth graders will soon become 4-H SNAC club members...

The Mammoth Spring Chamber of Commerce met at Wood’s Riverbend on Thursday, Jan. 21. Seven members attended the noon meeting. President Trena Spears opened the meeting, followed by approval of minutes from the previous meeting. Treasurer Eli Judd gave the treasurer’s report, which stated the current is nearly $2,500. Out of expenditures for the month, $109 was spent on window clings. It was also reported several businesses paid new membership fees...

Thayer Chamber of Commerce welcomed important guests at their monthly meeting on Friday, Jan. 22. Newly in office Senator Karla Eslinger and Representative Ron Copeland were present for the meeting, and earlier in the day to meet with business owners and individuals about economic development for the area. A representative from Congressman Jason Smith’s office was also present at the meeting...

According to an arrest report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jordan S. Reed, 26, of Thayer, was arrested Friday, Jan. 22 at 4:30 p.m. Charges listed for Reed include: Felony warrant for harassment in the first degree and misdemeanor warrants for sexual misconduct in the second degree and assault in the fourth degree. He was transported to the Howell County Sheriff’s Office. The release info classified Reed as “bondable” but bond amount was not specified...