Community Interest

After 18 incredible years as Principal of Daniel Boone Elementary, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the students, staff, families, and community members who have made this journey so meaningful.

On May 6, 2026, the Missouri House of Representatives, led by Representative Tricia Byrnes, recognized the Tom Shaw Foundation and its president, Tom Shaw Jr., at the Missouri Capitol. The celebration marked the foundation’s fifth anniversary with a ceremony on the House floor.

From in-state colleges to those across the country, 80 local students will benefit from scholarships provided through the Operation Round Up program.
This year, students from Cuivre River Electric Cooperative’s five-county service area are receiving scholarships totaling $80,000. A total of 171 completed applications were submitted.

 

Homebuyer Readiness is for anyone who may be interested in owning a home  

ST. PETERS, Mo. (June 11, 2026) – Habitat for Humanity of St. Charles County is hosting a one-day free Homebuyer Readiness class on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 3757 Harry S. Truman Blvd., in St. Charles. The class offers financial coaching skills to assist anyone interested in learning to independently navigate the traditional home-buying process.

The 73rd New Melle Festival Parade made its way through the streets of New Melle on the final day of the festival. The winning entry was "Sand Lot," by Workhorse Construction and Joerling Excavating. There was a good crowd cheering on the parade, and lots of goodies were thrown along the route. 

Daniel Boone Elementary (DBE) staff reminds parents that children who turn five by July 31 and have not yet registered for kindergarten should do so now for the 2026-2027 school year. 

On Thursday, April 30, as part of the 23rd Augusta Plein Air Art Festival, nearly 80 artists came to New Melle for a “Paint Out.” The artists checked in at The Quarry before heading out on a beautiful day to paint a spot or two around New Melle. They could paint from 1 to 5:30 p.m., with judging beginning at 6 p.m.

The final awards of the 23rd Augusta Plein Air Art Festival were announced on Saturday, May 2, the closing day of the 10-day outdoor event. All art at the festival is created outdoors, or “plein air,” rain or shine, day and night. This year’s beautiful spring views inspired some winning creations.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

Certain first-class fliers in the bird world must settle for coach accommodations during the month of June! And there’s no shortage of irritated, complaining customers either.

Missouri Job Center and St. Charles County Port Authority Host Employer Sessions

St. Charles, MO — Local employers can find out about new incentive packages and other help for their businesses at two special information sessions planned later this month.

 

When your Old Glory has lost its glory

ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO – If you have a worn or damaged American Flag and want to ensure that it is disposed of respectfully, you can bring it to a veteran-run flag collection June 12 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. outside the St. Charles County Government Administration Building.  

Source: Eden Stewart, 417-455-9500; Emily Althoff, 573-882-2229

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension specialists are urging farmers, gardeners, hunters, fishermen and other outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions against ticks by treating clothing with permethrin, a highly effective repellent that both repels and kills ticks.

 

St. Charles County is mourning the death of Scott Shipman, who served as the County’s elected assessor from 2002 to 2023.

In time for Show-Me Craft Beer Month this June, download the MO Craft Beer App and explore Missouri’s independent breweries

MISSOURI – May 28, 2025 – The MO Craft Beer App is the ultimate way to explore Missouri’s independent craft breweries. Created by the Missouri Craft Brewers Guild in time for Show-Me Craft Beer Month this June, beer lovers across Missouri can now download the app and unlock free rewards, including a buy-one-get-one-free beer at a brewery of their choice!

The New Melle Chamber of Commerce (NMCC), together with New Melle Sports and Rec, hosted the 31st Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4.

Is November Better Than April? The St. Charles County Council passed a resolution in support of a plan in the Missouri Legislature that would move local school board elections from April to November.

By Kathy Miller

On Wednesday, April 22, the Quilts of Valor Eastern MO gathered at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 8 W Hwy D, New Melle. More than 80 quilters joined the effort to sew quilts for the program. Much of the work is done by quilters at home or in groups.

On April 25, the newly reorganized New Melle Farmers Market celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the New Melle Chamber of Commerce (NMCC).

The St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in New Melle sincerely thanks the community for its generous donations during the Daniel Boone Elementary Food Drive.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

“One of the rain's greatest magic is that it suddenly makes thousands of umbrellas appear out of nowhere!”
― Mehmet Murat ildan, playwright, novelist, observer of nature

Unclassified Ads for May 

Looking for someone to cut, rake, and square bale hay from a 4-acre field in Defiance. Call Paul. 314 920 3944. THANKS.

If your farm has been in your family since Dec. 31, 1926, it’s not too late to apply for recognition as a Missouri Century Farm.

By Brittany Schaaf, St. Charles City-County Library

You know what is underrated? Picture books! I have a 17-month-old daughter, and as we work our way through the Library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge, I am in awe of so many of the picture books we have read together.