Community Interest

Stone Ledge Distillery has opened a tasting room in Defiance, where whiskey enthusiasts, cocktail and martini lovers, and cigar fans can enjoy their superior offerings in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Updated with name correction on March 11, 2025:
On Saturday, February 8, the New Melle Fire Protection District held its Annual Awards Banquet at Defiance Ridge Vineyards. With over 100 guests present, it marked the largest crowd ever.

The Augusta Chamber of Commerce intends to award two $1,000 scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year. The application deadline is April 2.

On Saturday, February 22, the Defiance Merchant’s Association (DMA) had the remarkable honor of receiving the iconic red caboose, a nostalgic landmark that has welcomed visitors to O’Fallon Plaza since 1990.

The St. Charles City-County Library Board of Trustees has named a new leader as CEO. After reviewing 32 resumes and conducting many interviews, the Board of Trustees met in closed session on Monday night to name the new CEO.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

If there was ever a creature that was innocent of what its name accuses it of, it’s got to be the eastern screech owl.

On Saturday, February 1, The Creative at Klondike hosted a Winter Family Art Carnival featuring activities for both adults and children.

The St. Charles County Economic Development Council (EDC) is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 Randy Schilling STEM Educators Grant application period.

Dear Readers and Advertisers,

As we begin 2025, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your continued and loyal support. Thank you for taking the time each month to read the Boone Country Connection. As you read, please be sure to look through the ads as well and let the advertisers know you appreciate their support of the paper.

By Gay Eskew

Success scores, once again, for the three 2024 competitions in the “Best of Augusta” Photo Contest. Photograph quality is improving, according to our judges and others who assist in the picture-taking process.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

Are you looking for something that reminds you of spring on these short, cold winter days? You might not have to wait until leaves green up and flowers bloom. A hint of spring might just flutter your way in the form of a winter butterfly.

Submitted by Ellen Knoernschild and written by her husband, Bob, who lived from 1935 to 2017. Bob wrote about life growing up in Augusta at Centennial Farms.

Before the sausage making could start, the hams, shoulders, feet, bacon and ribs had to be separated. In earlier times, there was no way to keep pork chop or loin meat, so it was separated from the backbone and used in summer sausage.

This past November, Scout Troop 856 in New Melle participated in Scouting For Food in our community. On November 16 and 17, troop members dropped off bags at residents' homes and after Masses at IHM Church in New Melle.

Alice Freese Molitor was recently celebrated for her 60 years of membership in the now St. Charles County Association For Family & Community Education, an educational partner of the University of Missouri Extension programs.

Education and technical training are essential for today’s youth to thrive in the future. The MFA Foundation offers scholarships to help students pursue their studies and develop careers that will contribute to the future of rural America.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Augusta Elementary School PTO Dinner Auction. Thanks to your support, we raised $36,895.30!

On Saturday, November 30, the New Melle Chamber of Commerce, along with sponsors and volunteers, hosted the New Melle Country Christmas and Tree Lighting at the snow-covered grounds of New Melle Sports and Rec.

On Fridays, December 6 and 13, Augusta hosted the 42nd Annual Christmas Candlelight Walks. The Town was illuminated with 1,000 luminaries, while the newly renovated Town Square, featuring a new gazebo, was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

In December, Blondin Real Estate held its 10th Annual Light Up New Melle contest, open to residents of the New Melle Fire Protection District.

On Saturday, December 7, Defiance celebrated its 15th Annual Christmas Festival and Parade. The morning started chilly and windy but warmed quickly.

By Brittany Schaaf, St. Charles City-County Library

Did you know that new books are released every single Tuesday? How is a bookworm expected to keep up with the plethora of upcoming titles, let alone read all of them?

By Brittany Schaaf, St. Charles City-County Library

As 2024 wraps up, I’ve been journaling about my 2025 New Year's Resolutions (and anti-resolutions, as I like to call them): hobbies to start and habits to stop. I figured if the Library was a place to learn, create, collaborate, and read, there were bound to be resources to help me achieve my goals for 2025, right?

By Kathy Miller - This past September, Tropical Storm Helene caused historic flooding and devastated communities in several states. In western North Carolina, twenty to thirty inches of rain fell across the Black Mountains.

Submitted by Tiffany Blondin Rovin, Blondin Real Estate

January? That’s likely what you’re thinking, right? Well, timing can make a big difference when selling your property. The local professional Sales Advisors at Blondin Real Estate in New Melle know firsthand how crucial it is to plan ahead, especially during the winter months.