Community Interest

Free summer financial coaching workshops help to facilitate a path to homeownership 

ST. PETERS, Mo. (July 7, 2025) – Together with community partners, Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County is launching its annual free Homebuyer Readiness Program this summer.

Plans are underway for the Friends of the Library SUMMER BOOK FAIR happening August 1-3, 2025, at The Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles.

Did you know that the Library has a bookmobile? This "library on wheels" makes stops around the county and offers:

A new book hit the shelves in May, “Small Town Missouri: Legends, Lore, and Attractions in the Show Me State,” written by Caitlin Yager, a lifelong Missourian. This is her debut book.

The New Melle Chamber of Commerce proudly announced the recipients of its 2025-2026 Scholarship Program on Thursday, May 15, during an awards banquet held at The Quarry Wine Garden in New Melle. This year, four exceptional students were honored with $1,500 scholarships in recognition of their hard work and dedication to their education:

On May 3, Shawna Wheeler, Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce Chair, awarded two $1000 scholarships to deserving recipients, Ellie Hopen and Paige Walch.

The final winners of the 22nd Augusta Plein Air Art Festival were announced on Saturday, May 3, the closing day of the rainy 10-day outdoor event. All the art during this festival is created outdoors or “plein air,” rain or shine. Despite the rain this year, it inspired some winning creations.

 

By Brittany Schaaf, St. Charles City-County Library

Summertime is here, and I don’t know about you, but I am ready for backyard BBQs, swimming under the sunshine, and the annual Summer Challenge at the Library! This year’s theme, COLOR OUR WORLD, celebrates art in all its forms — from painting to dancing, fiber arts, and floral arrangements. There are so many ways that Libraries bring color and imagination to our community.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation - A surprise encounter with a cactus might be a sticky and painful situation. However, there’s a particular cactus that also holds some surprises that really are interesting. And what might surprise people the most is that this cactus lives naturally in Missouri.

The Wentzville Rotary donated to the "Beams of Hope" campaign through Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County. The fundraiser "Beams of Hope" will raise funds to help construct the 100th house built by Habitat for Humanity in St. Charles County. This milestone home will be located in Wentzville.

How MU Extension helps people help themselves—all across the state.

Guest column by Chad Higgins, Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement, University of Missouri

In a small-town firehouse, a paramedic completes training that helps save a life. On a family farm in mid-Missouri, a grower taps into expert advice to improve yields and connect to new markets. In a city park, young kids kick off a soccer season—learning teamwork and healthy eating habits along the way.

By Julie Lassiter, Co-Owner of New Melle Baking Co. with Erin and Chris Moore

New Melle Baking Co. announces our “Hometown Layers of Love” initiative, a new way to honor those who make a difference in our community. Our first guest is Jan McGhee, Manager of the New Melle Dollar General Store #19613. 

This year, three candidates are in the running for the 2025 New Melle Festival Queen: Morgan Molitor, sponsored by Tuepker Brothers Construction; Savannah Roberts, sponsored by DeWitt Insurance; and Addison Ropp, sponsored by Nance’s Contracting. The New Melle Festival Queen will be crowned on Friday evening during the festival.

By Brittany Schaaf, St. Charles City-County Library

Crocheting. Quilting. Painting. Drawing.

There is an endless list of crafting hobbies, and spring is the perfect time to explore them all. Whether you pick up a pen, a hook, a needle, or a paintbrush, get creative this month. The library is the perfect place to jumpstart a new creative endeavor through books, programs, and even virtual resources.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

This time of year, you might find yourself encountering a cuckoo. No, not a silly or foolish person. And not a cartoon character on a cereal box. Yellow-billed cuckoos—the real bird—can be found right here in Missouri. In fact, they begin nesting in the Show-Me-State this month.

Six local high school students will be attending this year’s National Youth Tour Conference in Washington, D.C. this summer.

The top six-scoring finalists were Aleksander Harman, Elsberry High School; Naomi VanDyne, Francis Howell North High School; and Chozen Coleman, Isabella Hufty, Gavin Sauer and Izabella Signaigo, all of Liberty High School.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

Let’s face it, moles aren’t exactly popular with many homeowners. They have a reputation for defacing lawns with their below-ground tunneling, making it more difficult to mow or walk.

Investing in Community—Every Day, for 90 Years

By Mark Laune, President & CEO, Peoples Savings Bank

April is Community Banking Month—a time to celebrate the impact and importance of community banks across the nation. As President and CEO of Peoples Savings Bank, I’m proud to lead an institution that has spent the last 90 years doing what community banks do best: investing in people, local businesses, and the communities we call home.

Submitted and Written by Paul Ovaitt

Gentle readers, Augusta Elementary School held its annual Curriculum Fair throughout the school building on Thursday evening, March 27, 2025.

On Saturday, March 15, the Defiance Merchants Association hosted its Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade.

Letter to the Editor: 03/19/2025

St. Charles County, Missouri and the City of O'Fallon, Missouri, propose extending Lake St. Louis Boulevard from Paul Renaud Blvd to Route DD. "Citizens for Smart Growth in St. Charles County LLC" is opposed to the extension as it will adversely impact the quality of life of local residents, irreversibly damage natural and historic areas, and provide only limited positive impact on local traffic. We ask you to join us in our opposition to this ill-conceived proposal.