News

Julia M. Fennewald of Wentzville, Missouri, passed away on March 4, 2026, at the age of 83.

I truly appreciate the incredible work of the New Melle Fire Department and the dedicated responders from the Wentzville Fire Protection District, Augusta Fire Protection District, and St. Charles County Ambulance District who responded to my home early on February 5 during a house fire.

The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) provides compensation to people who developed certain radiation-related illnesses after exposure from U.S. atmospheric nuclear testing, uranium work, or proximity to Manhattan Project waste.

Thank you for the overwhelming presence, the kind condolences, and the gracious donations made in Dianne’s memory. Our family has been deeply moved by the beautiful comments and heartfelt tributes shared about her.

Dear Readers:

I write this letter with a very heavy heart. On February 9, after a long battle with cancer, Dianne Sudbrock, the creator and former editor of the Boone Country Connection, passed away. The community has lost an extraordinary woman.

By Kathy Miller

The following highlights are from the Tuesday, February 10, 2026, City of New Melle Regular Board of Aldermen Meeting.

The New Melle Chamber of Commerce 2026 Scholarship Program deadline is April 6. To qualify, applicants must live within the New Melle Fire Protection District; check your eligibility at newmellefire.org/district-map if unsure.

The Town of Augusta's Cemetery Committee has announced upcoming city cemetery cleanup days. The group will meet at noon at the Augusta City Cemetery on the following dates:

By Gay Eskew

Colors enhance our world. They exude vibrancy. Colors in nature are created to present a pleasing appearance. When we dress ourselves, most of us choose colors that complement one another: different shades of the same hue, colors that go together, or colors that do not clash, such as orange and red.

Rhonda Sue Ashley of Montgomery City passed away on March 2, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family at the age of 66. 

PSB Bank will award $1,000 scholarships to fifteen students, with one scholarship in each of several school districts. The following districts in our area are included:

The Augusta Chamber of Commerce plans to award two $1,000 scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year. Proceeds from the Augusta Plein Air Art Festival fund the scholarships.

Judith A. Moeller (née: Moehlmann), baptized with the hope of Christ’s resurrection, Judy passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by her family.

By Kathy Miller

Liz’s Bar and Grill, a local landmark for decades, has reopened. The corner bar in New Melle is once again a place where friends gather to share a meal and a cold one, swap stories from the day, and socialize with neighbors.

 Submitted by 4-H Reporter Aidan Lyons

We have had a busy start to the 2025-26 4-H year! We elected our new officer team for the year: President, Brayden Bynum; Vice President, Bransen Bynum; Secretary, Madi Coulter; Treasurer, Jack Lyons; Council Rep, Alex Bollman; Reporter and Photographer, Aidan Lyons; Historian, Riley Carlstrom; and Recreation Chair, Elaina Buescher.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Augusta Elementary School PTO Dinner Auction! Thanks to your support, we raised a little over $40,000!

Betty A. Mallinckrodt (née: Thilking) of Augusta, Missouri, passed away on February 9, 2026, at the age of 91. 

Mrs. Dianne M. Sudbrock passed away on February 9, 2026, peacefully at home in Foristell, after a long battle with cancer. Dianne, daughter of the late Stanley Koch and wife Lavern (née: Duello), was born November 8, 1957, in Troy, MO. She was 68 years old

The Women Legislators of Missouri (WLM) Caucus, a bipartisan group of women House and Senate members, has announced its annual education scholarship program for female high school seniors.

Bethel Hills in Dutzow wishes to thank the Knights of Columbus Father Berten’s Council #1927 of St. Vincent de Paul in Dutzow for donating part of their Tootsie Roll Drive proceeds to the community.

By Gay Eskew

What is the “WOW Factor”? It’s identifying a photograph or painting in a group that stands out from the “crowd”: all the other works. It captures your attention. It holds your focus. It tells a story visually or in your imagination. It entertains. It grabs your attention for no apparent reason. But the real reason is hidden in some basic, unexpected “secrets.”

By Dan Zarlenga, Missouri Department of Conservation

There was a time when the dawn was ushered in by the beautiful goddess, Eos. The earliest rays of dawn passed to the Earth through her rosy fingers. The beams brought new life to the land, awakened by the light of her brother Helios—the sun. The appearance of Eos symbolized the break of day, the first sight of rebirth and renewal.

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative is now accepting scholarship applications from graduating high school seniors, current college students, and adults pursuing continuing education in their chosen career fields.