Community Interest

By Kathy Miller

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with lifelong Defiance resident Mary Keiser. When I heard that her childhood home had recently been sold and completely remodeled, I became curious about what it was like to live in Defiance in the 1950s and about her thoughts on seeing it restored.
Mary spent most of her childhood in the home at 2934 S Hwy 94. Along with her parents, Clyde and Tootie Koelling, they moved into the house around 1949, following her grandmother's passing. They moved in to live with her grandfather, Charles Koelling.

The New Melle Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) honored long-standing member Janet Karrenbrock for her extensive contributions to both the Chamber and the community. She is among a few who have been recognized for their dedication over the years.

The New Melle VFW and VFW Auxiliary have proudly sponsored Wreaths Across America at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery since 2014.

Local Scout from New Melle Troop 856, Alex Gould, is working toward earning his merit badge. One requirement is to write an opinion piece for a local newspaper. Alex sent a letter expressing his opinion on the impact of Scouts on our community.

Peoples Savings Bank is proud to announce the promotion of Craig Daily to Regional President for the St. Charles Region.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our family, friends, and neighbors who came together to support us during Pat's eye surgery.

In October 2025, the Tom Shaw Foundation hosted its annual walk along the Katy Trail in Defiance, raising $4,000 for the St. Charles County Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Dear Friends Foundation Supporters,

For more than five decades, the Friends Foundation (formerly The Friends of Emmaus) has had the privilege of supporting individuals with intellectual and physical challenges. Since 1972, we have walked alongside so many extraordinary people, sharing their triumphs, struggles, joys, and heartbreaks. Through it all, our mission has been sustained by volunteers' unwavering dedication, compassion, and love, which have truly been the heart and soul of this organization.

Submitted By Gay Eskew

Happy New Year! The traveling KIDS’ “BEST OF AUGUSTA” PHOTO CONTEST display board is currently at the Augusta Library. It features all the entries from the Kids’ Photo Contest this past fall, with judging in November. Check out all the photos. If you know someone who entered, entered yourself, or just curious, stop by the library. The library is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Saturdays (9 a.m. to noon).

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

You arrive at the venue, greeted not by clouds of smoke but puffs of cumulus floating high on a ceiling of blue. The tables are ice floes, and that “cool” vibe is a crisp northern breeze. An audience of whispering reeds and grasses sways in anticipation of music to come.

Back for the first time after an extended break, Daniel Boone Elementary PTO presents a brand-new community cookbook, Raccoons In The Kitchen! 

 

Hermann, MO. — Peoples Savings Bank of Rhineland announced today that, effective January 1, 2026, the bank officially began operating under a new name: PSB Bank. The change is a name update only and does not affect the bank’s local ownership, leadership, employees, products, or day-to-day banking services.

  

We deeply appreciate the local fire departments' brave efforts in helping us extinguish the fire at our farm on December 14th. Your dedicated service is truly a blessing to our community. 

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful neighbors for their generous help and kindness. 

The Backhaus Family

Blondin Real Estate hosted its 11th Annual Light Up New Melle Contest in December. There were several spectacular entries this year.
As always, the judges enjoyed driving through the community and taking in all the beautiful displays from so many talented individuals.
Maureen Blondin expressed her gratitude to every participant, “The pride and joy invested by the entrants were clearly evident. We have appreciated everyone’s efforts over the past 11 years!” “Thank you to all the wonderful judges who take time out of their busy December schedules to judge the Annual Light Up New Melle Contest. Start planning your display for next year.”

The Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce hosted its 43rd Annual Christmas Candlelight Walks on two Fridays, December 5 and 12. The town of Augusta was transformed into a festive Holiday Wonderland with decorations and luminaries.
Local shops, wineries, organizations, and churches greeted visitors with tasty food, beverages, gifts, and pieces by local artists.

On Saturday, December 6, the Defiance Merchants Association hosted the Defiance Christmas Festival and Parade. It was a beautiful day for a parade!
The Festival and Parade kicked off with the Dashing Through Defiance 5K walk/run. Vendors were set up and ready to serve the crowd with delicious food and drinks, while others sold unique handmade items. Bounce houses and other kid-friendly activities were available. Live music entertained the crowd as spectators found their spots for the parade.
The parade made its way from Defiance Ridge Vineyards through Defiance to the “S” curve, with many great entries this year.

Submitted By Gay Eskew

The results are in! This year, we chose four winners from 31 entries. Thanks to all who participated in the 2025 Kids 12 & Under “Best Of Augusta” Photo Contest.

 

In November, Troop 856 from New Melle participated in Scouting For Food. The Scouts first dropped off empty bags for filling with canned goods, then collected donations the following weekend. Donations were accepted before Masses during the collection weekend.

On Saturday, November 29, the New Melle Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) hosted its 10th Annual Country Christmas. The grounds and hall at New Melle Sports and Rec were beautifully decorated, transforming into a festive Christmas Wonderland, thanks to the many volunteers whose dedication makes this event special every year.

St. Charles County, MO—Beginning Monday, January 5, 2026, operating hours at most St. Charles City-County Library (SCCCL) branches will change by one hour.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

It’s just an “ordinary bird” . . . yet it can carry itself across a continent with little more than the gentlest of scents.

By Brittany Schaaf, St. Charles City-County Library - Beginning January 2026, most library branches will be open until 8 pm, Monday through Thursday. Augusta and Boone's Trail branch hours will remain the same at 7 p.m.

Submitted By Gay Eskew - Fall flowers – “Bloom where you are planted*.” Mums and sunflowers grace the winning photos from the September “Best of Augusta” Photo Contest.

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation - The giant lake shimmers with the rising sun. Early morning mist caresses the water in an ethereal cloak. These aquatic depths conceal a monster of mythical proportions. A long and sinuous predator, its jaws bristle with sharp teeth to devour hapless prey.