Community Interest

Peoples Savings Bank sponsored a table at the Spooky Trivia Night at the New Melle VFW on October 7 and won the costume contest.

By Kathy Miller

Local artist and entertainer Karen Mary Becker gives back to her community by “Give a Gift of Song.” Karen Mary, upon request, will visit a loved one, neighbor or friend and sing a song, free of charge. She wants to share her gift from God by spreading joy to those who need it. If you would like to have Karen Mary sing for someone you love, contact her at 636-542-2317 or krnmary52@gmail.

Compiled by Robert and Ellen Knoernschild from Town Board records

Augusta Brooms was started in December 1944 in the old wine hall as a way to increase employment in Augusta. It was financed with a $4300 loan from John Paul and his Bank of Dutzow; 152 shares at $10 each were also sold. Equipment was purchased from John McVey, who operated a one-person shop in Marthasville. The equipment cost $1300. Of this, $500 was paid upfront, and the rest was carried as a loan from Mr. McVey. He also trained the employees on the machinery to make the brooms.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

During November, the sun’s rule gives way and the darkness of night claims more and more hours of life’s daily cycle. Listen carefully in that darkness; overhead, it might sound like someone is laughing at you. A group of giggling children, perhaps?

On Sunday, October 15, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Melle held its Oktoberfest and new this year, a free Kinderfest for the kids. In addition to the sausage dinner, there were kids' games, the Straatmann Feed Corn Trailer, the New Melle Fire Department display, face painting, balloon animals, the Bubble Bus, a petting zoo and more.

Expanding west, St. Charles Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, for its new, innovative, future-focused, Regional Workforce Innovation Center. It will be the first building on the college’s new 55-acre campus, at the corner of Interstate Drive and Schaper Road in Wentzville.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

October is the essence of autumn. It also embodies the spirit of Halloween. And for many of us, there’s nothing more iconic to Halloween than the Jack-o’-lantern. But did you know Missouri also has a Jack-o’-lantern mushroom? While pumpkins are edible, in the spirit of a spooky holiday, the mushroom Jack-o’-lantern is poisonous.

By Brittany Schaaf, St. Charles City-County Library

October is my favorite time of year. The crisp fall breezes, the cozy cardigans, the spooky Halloween decorations, reading outside without sweating. It’s a time to borrow the Library’s DVD copies of Halloween Town and Hocus Pocus, heat mugs of apple cider (or pumpkin spice lattes), and slice up a caramel apple or two. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to cozy up with one or two of these book recommendations for October.

On September 30, Catala House held its Annual Fall Fashion Show and Social with 12 models showcasing Catala's fall styles. Carla Brakensiek would like to thank everyone who attended. 

The Augusta Harvest Festival was in full swing on Saturday, September 16, and downtown Augusta was buzzing with activity.

On Saturday, September 9, the 2023 Festival in the Ville and St. Paul’s Car & Bike Show was held in the City Park and on the streets of Marthasville. It was a beautiful day and evening with an outstanding turnout.

Submitted by Ellen Knoernschild

When 1929 began, Augusta, MO was enjoying the results of a massive street improvement program. Bonds had been issued which committed the Town to $38.75 per year towards their repayment. The Town also paid $365 a year in drainage tax, an amount which was never lowered during the depression years which followed; the rate now is $385. The tax rate was 25 cents/$100 ($17.16 cents now); taxes collected in 1929 amounted to $1122. Receipts for 1929 were $2147 and expenditures $1970. Laborers were paid 35 cents per hour.

KaBella Bruno, a 12-year-old in 7th grade at the Freedom Christian Learning Center and St. Gianna's Friday Coop, recently made it to the State Speech Competition. This is KaBellas’s fourth year in the Boone Country 4H Club, third year in public speaking and her second State Competition for Public Speaking.

By Kathy Miller - This past August, The Red Beauty Salon, owned by Sarah Hayek, moved to a new location in the New Melle Town Square. The Red Beauty Salon outgrew its space at Catala House and has expanded. The new location is conveniently located at 30 West Hwy D, Suite 106, in between the New Melle Baking Company and the Post Office.

When the Marthasville Fire Protection District responds to its next call, it will be doing so with a new set of gas monitors. The district was recently awarded an Operation Round Up (ORU) grant totaling $1,998 to go toward the purchase of two gas monitors. The monitors test for carbon monoxide, oxygen, hydrogen sulfide and various flammable gases.

By Kathy Miller - In August 2003, the Boone Country Connection featured a story by Dianne Sudbrock about Dolores Preis and her life-saving daughter-in-law, Peggy Preis.

Citizens for Smart Growth in St. Charles County, would like to thank everyone for the tremendous support from the community. Thanks to the voices of concerned citizens like you, the County Council unanimously voted this project down on August 28th.

Dan Boenker, from the Marthasville area, won top honors at the Quigley Black Powder Rifle Shoot in Forsyth, Montana this past June. He was the Overall and Men’s Division winner. Considering that there were 589 shooters from around the world, this was quite an accomplishment. Dan’s winning score was 41 hits out of a possible 48.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

During the heat of August, people often turn to a cool Missouri stream for relief. The calmly flowing waters provide welcome refreshment from the late summer sun. While there, you might notice a very interesting aquatic critter that’s so shy that it never comes out of its shell. That would be one of the Show-Me-State’s freshwater mussels.

By Kathy Miller

On July 11, Dianne Sudbrock, the founder and previous editor of the Boone Country Connection, was the featured guest for the July Live “Tell It Like It Was” at the Augusta Harmonie Verein.

Dianne shared her background, memorable stories and pictures with the audience.

Daniel Boone Elementary in New Melle, part of the Francis Howell School District, is hiring for the upcoming school year. Positions available include Vacation Station Lead Facilitator, Special Education Para, Custodian and Instructional Para.
For more information and to apply, see the ad below. 

By Alice Freese Molitor

On June 25, 2023, Alice Freese Molitor of Foristell and her daughter, BeverlyAnn Creely from Troy attended the Meinershagen Reunion in Higginsville, MO. Alice is related through her Great-Grandmother, Christine Wilhelmine Amelia Meinershagen, from Wersen, Germany.

The Augusta Museum was gifted an 1890s player-piano from Alan and Kathryn Frazier on June 14th. It sure was heavy, but we had the help of Thomas Whelan Jr, Eric Gargrave and Micah, Rob Gaugh, Judy Renner, Sally Heining and Angela Stephens.