By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

Many of us live with cats in our homes, and the furry felines can make excellent human companions. But did you know there are native wild cats that live in the woods of Missouri? You might not be aware of them because these cats are quiet and secretive.

By Shawna Wheeler, St Charles City-County Library

What will you be reading this summer? There are “Oceans of Possibilities” at your library. Our Summer Reading Challenge begins June 1. Maybe you are taking a vacation to the beach, a book makes a great vacation companion.  Books can actually be a great vacation in and of themselves, a vacay taken from your very own comfy chair.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

May is the time when many of us start thinking about summer vacations. Some might even be planning to take to the road in an RV. Coincidentally, some reptiles are taking to the roads also, except their RVs are “built-in.” These critters are Missouri’s box turtles.
The two species of box turtles found in our area are the three-toed and the ornate box turtles. The three-toed variety is the most common. The sturdy, domed shells on their backs make natural RVs. The turtles can simply tuck inside when it’s time to sleep. As a bonus, these lucky creatures don’t even have to set up a tent or find hookups.

Aisling Med Spa, owned by Lauren Tripp, MSN, FNP-C, has opened a new location in the New Melle Town Square (previously occupied by the New Melle Clinic) at 30 West Highway D, Suite 201. Aisling Med Spa opened at the beginning of April and plans to have its grand opening in early summer.

By Kathy Miller

On Saturday, April 30 the New Melle Fire Protection District (NMFPD) held its Annual Awards Banquet at New Melle Sports and Rec. Chief Dan Casey opened the evening with a toast and a moment of silence to all the fallen brothers and heroes.

By Kathy Miller

On Saturday, April 9, the New Melle Chamber of Commerce hosted the 27th Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the soccer field at Immaculate Heart of Mary in New Melle. Despite the chilly temperatures early that morning, 246 children and over 60 adults participated in the Easter Egg Hunts.

This year the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival Scholarship Committee awarded two $500 scholarships. The scholarships are funded by the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival proceeds.

By Kathy Miller

The 19th Annual Augusta Plein Air Festival was held from April 21 - 30, with 115 artists registered from all over the country. The Festival held 13 “paint outs” in and around the Augusta area; four themed paints; four workshops; and two pop-up galleries, all in ten days.

The 2022 Augusta Community Food Drive runs from Easter to Pentecost (April 17 – June 5.) Collection boxes are set up at Christ Lutheran Church, Immaculate Conception Church, True Vine Fellowship, Ebenezer UCC and Mid-America Buddhist Association in Augusta; at Augusta Shores (Ken Daming); at S&R Convenience Center and K&R Market in Marthasville; and at First State Community Bank in Dutzow.

By Kathy Miller 

On Thursday, April 28, the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival held a “Paint Out” in New Melle. Some area residents invited the artists to paint on their property, or the artists could choose a location in and around town.

By Kathy Miller

The Augusta Plein Air Art Festival held a New Melle "Paint Out" on Thursday, April 28. You may have seen the flags around town on Thursday, they were to mark the locations of properties that the artists were invited to paint.

By Kathy Miller

On Friday, April 22, the Great Day St. Louis, a morning show that airs on KMOV Channel 4, broadcasted their Great Day on the Road Live Show at Defiance Ridge Vineyards. KMOV personalities Laura Hettiger and Kent Ehrhardt interviewed several local businesses in the area giving them an opportunity to showcase their business or upcoming events.