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Louisiana investor honored for restoring South Carolina Street property
LOUISIANA, Mo. — A Louisiana property investor has been recognized for helping restore a once-deteriorated home and contributing to neighborhood revitalization efforts in the city. The Louisiana Community Betterment Association presented its Beautification Award on May 11 to Ivan Malpica for renovation work completed at 708 South Carolina Street. According to the association, the property had suffered significant structural deterioration, including collapse in the rear portio
Mike Batchelor
8 hours ago1 min read


Armed robbery suspect captured after Bowling Green foot chase
BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — Bowling Green police say an armed robbery suspect was taken into custody following a neighborhood search and foot pursuit after a violent robbery incident in the city last week. According to a press release from the Bowling Green Police Department, officers responded Wednesday night after a victim reported being confronted by an unknown male suspect wearing a black ski mask and gloves. Police said the suspect displayed a Glock-style handgun with an extend
Mike Batchelor
8 hours ago1 min read


Summer concert series returns to Jellystone Park in Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD — Live music fans will have plenty of chances to enjoy outdoor entertainment this summer and into the fall as Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Pittsfield rolls out a packed concert lineup. The campground announced a full schedule of performances featuring several local and regional acts, with shows generally running from 8 until 11 p.m. around the campground’s entertainment area and campfire gathering space. The lone exception is the June 19 Exit 52 perfo
Mike Batchelor
8 hours ago2 min read


City budget committee to review department spending Thursday
LOUISIANA, Mo. — The City of Louisiana’s budget committee will meet Thursday afternoon as city leaders continue work on the upcoming municipal budget. According to an official meeting notice posted Wednesday morning, the committee is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, in the second-floor council chambers at Louisiana City Hall, 202 South Third Street. Agenda items include review of the license office budget, code enforcement budget, and maintenance department budget. T
Mike Batchelor
8 hours ago1 min read


Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals Open For The Season In Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD -- Kayak and paddle board season has officially returned in Pittsfield as lake water temperatures have now reached a consistent safe level for use without wetsuits. City officials announced the seasonal kayak and paddle board lockers are now officially open for the summer season. Residents and visitors can once again enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding on the lake as warmer weather settles into the region. The reopening marks the beginning of another busy summer sea
Mike Batchelor
2 days ago1 min read


South Jacksonville Splash Pad Repairs Temporarily Close Godfrey Park
SOUTH JACKSONVILLE — Godfrey Park in South Jacksonville is temporarily closed as crews complete maintenance and repair work on the village splash pad ahead of the busy summer season. Village officials say employees are working to prepare the splash pad and surrounding park facilities for warmer weather and increased community use in the coming weeks. The closure will remain in place until maintenance work is completed. Officials have not yet announced a reopening date but say
Mike Batchelor
2 days ago1 min read


Quincy Man Sentenced to 10 Years Following Police Pursuit Case
QUINCY — An Adams County man has been sentenced to ten years in prison following a police pursuit case that drew attention in the Quincy area. Court records show Brandon Schorn received the prison sentence after being convicted in connection with fleeing from law enforcement during the incident. Authorities say the pursuit involved attempts to evade officers before Schorn was ultimately taken into custody. The case moved through Adams County court proceedings before sentencin
Mike Batchelor
2 days ago1 min read


Major Charges Highlight Pike County, Illinois Arrest Report
PITTSFIELD -- Several individuals were arrested in Pike County, Illinois during the past week on felony and serious criminal charges, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Department weekly arrest report covering May 4 through May 10. Among the arrests, 37-year-old Marissa D. Lawson of Barry was taken into custody on charges including home invasion, aggravated battery, aggravated kidnapping and residential burglary. Authorities also reported the arrest of 25-year-old Kierste
Mike Batchelor
2 days ago1 min read


SNAP Cuts Could Hit Rural Illinois Communities Hard as Independent Grocers Warn of Ripple Effects
ILLINOIS -- Rural Illinois communities could soon feel the impact of federal SNAP benefit reductions as independent grocery stores across the state warn the cuts may threaten already fragile small-town economies. Independent grocers say many small-town stores operate on razor-thin profit margins, and any major drop in customer spending could create serious financial pressure for locally owned markets that serve as vital hubs in rural communities. The concern comes as changes
Mike Batchelor
2 days ago1 min read


Pike County, IL Fair Returning to Pleasant Hill June 2 Through June 6
PLEASANT HILL — The Pike County Fair is set to return to Pleasant Hill next month as organizers prepare for the 79th annual event running June 2 through June 6. Fair officials announced this year’s fair will feature several returning attractions along with a new carnival offering larger amusement rides. Organizers say longtime favorites including the Talent Show and Baby Contest will also return for 2026. Additional events scheduled during the fair include side-by-side barrel
Mike Batchelor
2 days ago1 min read


Bluffs Preparing Busy Summer Season with Farmers Market, Yard Sale and Cleanup
BLUFFS — The village of Bluffs is gearing up for a busy summer season with several community events and improvement efforts planned over the next several weeks. Village officials announced that a citywide yard sale will be held June 20. Residents interested in participating are being encouraged to contact village board member Brenda Kauffman for additional information. The Bluffs Farmers Market is also set to return beginning June 2. Organizers say this year’s market will fea
Mike Batchelor
2 days ago1 min read


WBBA To Celebrate 60 Years on FM in August
PITTSFIELD — On August 1, WBBA will celebrate a milestone few local broadcasters can claim — 60 years on the FM dial. The FM signal signed on in 1966, nearly 12 years after WBBA’s original 1580 AM station first began serving the Twin Pikes and Two Rivers Region in 1954. Today, WBBA proudly holds the distinction of being the longest-serving local radio voice in the region, with no other station matching its continuous legacy of service to Pike County and surrounding communitie
Mike Batchelor
4 days ago2 min read


Louisiana Cancels May 11 Work Session; Multiple Committee Meetings Scheduled
LOUISIANA — City officials in Louisiana, Missouri have announced the cancellation of the May 11 Work Study Session while also scheduling a series of committee meetings over the next two days as part of an effort to establish more consistent committee operations. According to the city announcement, the Budget Committee will meet Monday, May 11 at 10 a.m. Additional meetings scheduled for Monday evening include the Housing, Health, and Senior Service Committee at 6 p.m., the Tr
Mike Batchelor
6 days ago1 min read


Barry Woman Charged After Kinderhook Home Invasion And Child Abduction Investigation
KINDERHOOK — A Barry woman is facing multiple felony charges after Pike County deputies say a domestic disturbance investigation in Kinderhook escalated into an alleged home invasion, assault, and child abduction that crossed state lines. According to the Pike County Sheriff's Department, deputies were dispatched at approximately 5:44 p.m. on May 4 to a residence in the 100 block of Van Buren Street in Kinderhook following reports of a domestic disturbance. Investigators say
Mike Batchelor
6 days ago1 min read


Missouri Senate Committee Kills Video Lottery Proposal For Another Year
JEFFERSON CITY — A Missouri proposal that would have legalized video lottery machines in gas stations and retail businesses across the state appears dead for the year after a Missouri Senate committee voted unanimously Wednesday to reject the measure. The legislation would have authorized regulated video lottery terminals in convenience stores and other retail locations statewide while attempting to replace the thousands of currently unregulated slot-style machines operating
Mike Batchelor
6 days ago2 min read


Roodhouse Public Library Celebrates 100 Years
ROODHOUSE — One of Greene County’s longest-standing community institutions is preparing to celebrate a century of service later this month as Roodhouse Public Library marks its 100th anniversary with a public celebration on Saturday, May 16. Library officials and the Roodhouse City Council will host the event from 1 until 3 p.m. on the downtown square in Roodhouse. The celebration will include cake, cookies, historical exhibits, and a special program highlighting the library’
Mike Batchelor
6 days ago2 min read


Louisiana Man Arrested On Alleged DWI Charge In Pike County
LOUISIANA — A Louisiana man was arrested by the Pike County Sheriff’s Office on an alleged driving while intoxicated charge. According to reported booking information, 52-year-old Sylvio E. Scola Jr. of Louisiana was taken into custody on a patrol charge of driving while intoxicated. Authorities later listed him as released. No additional details surrounding the arrest were immediately available.
Mike Batchelor
May 61 min read


Blowing Dust Severely Reduced Visibility Across West Central Illinois
WEST CENTRAL, IL -- Drivers across West Central Illinois dealt with dangerous travel conditions as a blowing dust event swept through the region, significantly reducing visibility and creating hazardous road conditions. The dust storm went through the area during the daytime hours Monday , at times cutting visibility to near zero in open rural areas. The conditions were driven by a combination of strong winds and dry soil, allowing dust to be lifted and carried across roadway
Mike Batchelor
May 41 min read


Marine Veteran Credited With Helping Students After School Bus Rollover
GREENE COUNTY -- A Marine veteran is being credited with jumping into action to help students following a school bus rollover in Greene County. Kendrick Ballard, a North Greene alum and Marine veteran, was driving near the scene when he came upon a school bus that had overturned. Without hesitation, Ballard pulled over and began assisting students and staff, helping them safely exit the bus and move away from the roadway before emergency crews arrived. Authorities say 11 stud
Mike Batchelor
May 41 min read


Bridge Replacement To Close Pike County Route B Near Frankford
PIKE COUNTY, MO -- Drivers in Pike County should prepare for a long-term road closure as a bridge replacement project is set to begin soon. Weather permitting, as early as May 18, Pike County Route B will close as work begins on a bridge replacement over Peno Creek. The closure is located about 0.4 miles east of U.S. Route 61, near Frankford. The project is expected to be a lengthy one, with all work scheduled for completion by December 2026. During that time, motorists will
Mike Batchelor
May 41 min read
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