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.
Timothy Patrick Davis of Foristell, Missouri, passed away on May 9, 2026, at the age of 65, surrounded by family at home.
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.
Submitted by Paul Ovaitt
Gentle readers, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Tell It Like It Was celebrates our nation’s 250th birthday with guest speaker, Cathie Schoppenhorst, on our stage. Cathie, a local historian and docent at the Warren County Historical Society, will connect the legendary Daniel Boone with this national celebration.
Doyle Dean Jackson passed away on May 4, 2026. He was born on January 23, 1937, in Portageville, MO. He was a graduate of Central High School, St. Louis, MO, and a Member of St.Patrick’s Church in Jonesburg, MO.
Layton Holt_Enid Holt Struckhoff_Crosby Brown_Augusta Bottoms Consort_W. C. Holt_Ben Filla
Gentle readers, when I wrote my blacksmith story in April of 2022, I wasn’t able to get my hands on this Washington Missourian article regarding the dismantling of the Augusta smithy. I had heard that it existed, but I couldn’t find it going through newspaperarchive.com.
Aloysius “Al” A. Struckhoff passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026, surrounded by his family.
With profound sadness and immeasurable love, we announce the passing of Tommy Shine, a devoted husband, proud father, and respected fire captain, who left this world far too soon.
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.
Gerald “Gerry” Lee Wolf, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and unwavering honesty. Born in Bucyrus, Ohio, Gerry most recently made his home in New Melle, Missouri, where he built a life centered on family, friendships, and the simple joys he cherished most.
Six local high school students will be attending this year’s National Youth Tour Conference in Washington, D.C. this summer.
Orville V. Munzer, Jr., passed away on April 3, 2026, at the age of 89 after an extended illness.
Thomas Neer of Defiance passed away in the early morning hours on Saturday, March 28, at the age of 82.
[Hermann, MO] - [4.1.26] - Rhineland Bancshares, Inc., (RBI), the holding company for PSB Bank, is pleased to announce it has finalized its acquisition of Bancstar Inc., the holding company for Bank Star.
By Kathy Miller
Roll Call: Mayor Steve Burt, Aldermen Nelson, Gust and Karrenbrock, City Clerk Marcia Gay and Cochran Engineering were present. Alderman Goodman and Code Enforcement Officer Tony Follmer were absent.
On Saturday, March 14, Defiance held its Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade. It was a beautiful March day and the Festival and Parade were a huge success this year. A fun run/walk kicked off the morning followed by the parade at noon. This year's Grand Marshall was NFL Hall of Fame legend Jackie Smith. Live music was featured at various venues throughout the day.
By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation
April lights the fuse for an explosion of life across Missouri. Bird choruses erupt at dawn, buds swell and burst from tree branches, and flowers scatter color across the forest floor. To us landlocked humans, these are the signs we recognize as spring.
Charlotte A. Sportsman (née Coffman) of Wentzville passed away on March 27, 2026, at the age of 89.
Betty Frances Bade (nee Parrott) of Augusta passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 98.
Henry Longfellow_Darold Rinedollar_ Wilbert Conrad Holt_ Fritz Schmidt_ plowshares_bucket to drink beer_forge welding_ George Miller_Crosby Brown
paulO: Henry, would you kindly start this story off?
Patricia W. Sinopole passed away on March 17, 2026, at the age of 93. Patricia was born August 14, 1932, in St. Louis, MO, to Jokshan and Elizabeth Wittmann, nee Dubbert.