In the peace of her home on January 7, 2026, surrounded by family and close friends, Erin Leigh Cox transitioned from wife, mom, daughter, friend and tireless community leader, to legendary inspiration.
In the peace of her home on January 7, 2026, surrounded by family and close friends, Erin Leigh Cox transitioned from wife, mom, daughter, friend and tireless community leader, to legendary inspiration.
Douglas Scott Karrenbrock (April 23, 1985 ~ January 6, 2026, age 40) went to be with the Lord and his precious daughter PK on Tuesday night, January 6, 2026.
Gene E. Joerling of Wentzville, Missouri, passed away on January 3, 2026, at the age of 79.
Mary “Jane” Toler, lovingly known as Jane, passed away peacefully at her home in Foristell, Missouri, on January 5, 2026, at the age of 80.
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.
Carrie Deeker, of Marthasville, passed away at home on Monday, December 29, 2025.
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.
Diane Jasper Kessler_Sherman tank_St. Francis Borgia_Carol Jasper Riegel_International and Deb_Roseland Ballroom
Gentle readers, sometimes things just fall into place. On the Thursday after Veterans Day (Nov. 13, 2025), I stopped at the Augusta Branch Library and noticed that the coffee clutch was still going on, so I asked the ladies what they were chatting about.
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.
Daniel "Gator" Daehnke of Wright City, Missouri, passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 71.
Dorothy "Dot" A. Clover of Wentzville, Missouri, passed away on December 21, 2025, at the age of 82.
Thomas “Tom” Darryl Kluesner of “beautiful downtown” Dutzow, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 74.
Aurea was born May 4, 1936, in Rhineland, MO, to Stephen Van Beek (1893-1961) and Florence W. (Knapp) Van Beek (1897-1987.) She passed early on the morning of December 15, 2025, at the age of 89, in Wentzville, MO.
Binding-shocking-threshing_first pack of cigarettes_hired lady?_Nona depot_Farmers Elevator Company of Nona_flooding_Chris Arnold_farewell to Jan Bruckdorfer
Joyce Ann Miller (née Bangert), of Defiance, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the age of 84.
Robert "Bob" Greiwe of Defiance, Missouri, passed away on November 22, 2025, at the age of 91.