The 67th New Melle Festival Queen Pageant is still accepting candidates. Potential candidates should be a member of the graduating class of 2021, and should also reside within the New Melle Fire Protection District.

By Tiffani Stewart
St. Charles City-County Library 

Over the past two decades, there has been a steady rise in the number of homeschoolers in America. According to the Institute of Education Sciences, approximately 3.4% of U.S. students are homeschooled; this represents close to 2 million students.  

New Melle Baptist Church invites all men and women who enjoy games and fellowship to join them the first Tuesday of each month for Game Day.

NEW START DATE FOR CHOIR REHEARSALS:  Rehearsals for the long-standing New Melle Community Passion Play begin the first week of February. The first rehearsal for Choir and Cast will be Monday, Feb. 3rd at 7 p.m. at Friedens UCC, 3560 Mill Street in New Melle.

The Flower Stop in Cottleville is currently offering the "Blooms for Babies" fundraiser for Our Lady's Inn Maternity Homes. Now through Valentine's Day, customers can order flowers for their valentine at https://www.theflowerstop.net/. In the Special Instructions box, type "Our Lady's Inn" and The Flower Stop will donate a portion of proceeds to Our Lady's Inn. Thank you to The Flower Stop for their support of local families in need this Valentine's Day!

2020 Bridal Shows

January kicks off Bridal Show season. Bridal shows offer a great opportunity to see new trends, shop and compare vendors, and take advantage of special deals and offers.

Put on your hiking boots and embrace the season! The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department is having a Winter Trails Day Hike. This annual event is from 1 – 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 1, and features an afternoon of winter fun at Klondike Park, 4600 Highway 94 South in Augusta. 

John Dickey, Agent - Shelter Insurance, thanks everyone who stopped by the Open House on December 17th.

When Scott Ellinger first decided to serve free meals on Thanksgiving six years ago, the idea started small for The Brass Rail restaurant owner.

“I said I’m just going to feed people who can’t be with their families,” he recalled.

Members of the Defiance Merchants Association and the community at large met Saturday, Nov. 30 to decorate the tree in Vera Jacobsen Park for Christmas.

The Augusta Candlelight Walks chalked up another successful year, with good attendance and cooperative weather both evenings. A huge thank you is extended to all who helped plan and execute this 37th annual community tradition, as well as all who attended.

By Amy Johnston, TREE House Board Member and Volunteer

Those of us who are lucky enough to live in this area might have chosen it because of the wildlife and scenery we often have in our own backyards, but there is another reason to love our area.