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Community Foundation Press Release Edina, MO – A permanent investment in Knox County’s future is now underway with the establishment of the Knox County Endowment Fund, a new charitable endowment created through the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. Built to grow alongside the communities it serves, the Knox County Endowment Fund will provide a sustained source of support for local nonprofits, community projects, and charitable initiatives in Knox County — now and for generations ahead. Contributions to the fund are invested, with earnings distributed annually to address local needs as they evolve over time. Thanks to…
By Echo Menges KNOX COUNTY, Mo. — Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick’s Office has opened an investigation into the Knox County Public Water Supply District No. 1 at the request of State Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin, the senator confirmed Thursday. “The issues with the governance of the water district appear to be complex enough to warrant the oversight of the Auditor,” O’Laughlin told The Edina Sentinel. “He is best positioned to assess what needs to be fixed, and from there steps can be taken to get back on track. Local citizens deserve accountability.” O’Laughlin said the Auditor’s Office will examine district…
By Echo Menges EDINA, Mo. — Friday, June 19, marks one month since 35-year-old Lindsey Watts was last seen in Edina, a milestone that has left many in Knox County reflecting on the emotional toll her disappearance has taken on her family, friends, co-workers, clients, neighbors, investigators and the community as a whole. In a tight-knit community like ours, it can be difficult to escape the stress and uncertainty surrounding Lindsey’s disappearance. While law enforcement continues to investigate Lindsey’s disappearance outside of the public eye, the many unanswered questions have weighed heavily throughout the region. Prolonged uncertainty can affect emotional…
By Travis L. Mathes, Lewis County REC On June 13, 2026, Lewis County REC will mark the retirement of a man whose name has become synonymous with dedication, service, and commitment to rural electrification. After 38 years of faithfully serving the membership of Lewis County REC, David Cox will officially conclude a remarkable career that began on June 13, 1988. David’s story is one deeply rooted in the history and tradition of the rural electric cooperative movement. The Cox family’s connection to rural electrification dates back nearly a century. In 1939, David’s grandfather, Charlie Cox, set the first pole for…
By Gentrie Davis, Submitted by Missouri Farmers Care Dr. Dan Goehl has spent his life serving the people, livestock and communities of Agri-Ready Designated Lewis County. Dan has made a lasting impact on northeast Missouri agriculture through his dedication to producers, animal care, and the next generation of rural communities. Growing Up in The Farm Crisis Growing up on a family farm in northeast Missouri during the farm crisis of the 1980s, Dan witnessed both the challenges and resilience that define Missouri agriculture. That experience influenced his decision to pursue veterinary medicine while remaining connected to the livestock industry he…
By Echo Menges EDINA, Mo. — Knox County R-I music teacher Lisa Blake will return to the stage later this month for her 11th season with the Muddy River Opera Company during the annual Summer Sky Concert in Quincy, Illinois. Blake, a mezzo-soprano, has performed in numerous opera productions with the company over the past 11 seasons, including La Bohème, Carmen, The Magic Flute and La Traviata. She has also appeared as a featured soloist in works by Bach, Duruflé, Handel, Haydn, Mozart and Vivaldi. In addition to teaching middle and high school band and choir at Knox County R-I,…
By Echo Menges KNOX COUNTY, Mo. — Thursday, June 11, 2026 — A feed truck overturned on Missouri Highway 6 west of Edina Thursday morning, temporarily closing the highway while emergency crews and heavy wreckers worked for several hours to clear the scene. The crash occurred between Edina and Hurdland, where the semi came to rest on the driver’s side, spilling a large load of corn and blocking both lanes of traffic at approximately 8 a.m. Emergency responders from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Knox County Ambulance District, Knox County Rescue Squad and Edina Volunteer Fire…
Seasonal retailers may legally sell fireworks in Missouri from June 20 to July 10 JEFFERSON CITY – As Missourians prepare for a summer filled with even more festivities and celebrations than usual – including the “America 250” commemoration and FIFA World Cup events in the Kansas City area – the Division of Fire Safety is urging residents to keep safety at the forefront of their planning. “Because July 4th – the largest fireworks event each year – is also the 250th anniversary of American independence this year, we expect to see more gatherings and an uptick in the use of…
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Community Foundation Press Release Edina, MO – A permanent investment in Knox County’s future is now underway with the establishment of the Knox County Endowment Fund, a new charitable endowment created through the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri. Built to grow alongside the communities it serves, the Knox County Endowment Fund will provide a sustained source of support for local nonprofits, community projects, and charitable initiatives in Knox County — now and for generations ahead. Contributions to the fund are invested, with earnings distributed annually to address local needs as they evolve over time. Thanks to…
Read More By Echo Menges KNOX COUNTY, Mo. — Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick’s Office has opened an investigation into the Knox County Public Water Supply District No. 1 at the request of State Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin, the senator confirmed Thursday. “The issues with the governance of the water district appear to be complex enough to warrant the oversight of the Auditor,” O’Laughlin told The Edina Sentinel. “He is best positioned to assess what needs to be fixed, and from there steps can be taken to get back on track. Local citizens deserve accountability.” O’Laughlin said the Auditor’s Office will examine district…
Read MoreArea Obituaries
Michael Allen Hamlin, age 75, of Edina, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Columbia, Missouri. He was born in Kirksville, Missouri, on March 18, 1951, the son of Ralph Allen and Mildred Walter Hamlin. He was united in marriage to Roma Turpin in 1973, and to this union two sons were born, Michael Shane Hamlin and Ronald Allen Hamlin. On December 26, 1986, in Edina, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Theresa Allen and to this union, Allen Travis Hamlin was born. Surviving are his wife, Theresa Hamlin of Edina, MO; his mother, Mildred Hamlin of Edina,…
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Clayton Alfred Hustead, age 87, of Colony, Missouri, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 14, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. Born June 8, 1939, in Colony, Missouri, to parents, Granville David and Mary Isalona Hustead. Clayton was united in marriage to Carrol Jean Tibbs, February 6, 1959, in Gorin, Missouri, and to this union four children were born. Surviving are his wife, Carrol, of Colony and three daughters, Christy (Rocky) Riekeberg of Colony, MO, Carla (Ash) Hustead of Edina, MO, and Cherrie (Larry) Fraley of Edina, MO; daughter-in-law, Gale Hustead of Colony; one brother-in-law, Dean (Beverly) Tibbs of Eagen,…
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Eugene “Gene” Yoakum, 86, of Brashear, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at his residence north of Hurdland, Missouri. Gene was born March 23, 1940, in Kirksville, Missouri, the son of Orvie Leon and Agnes Theresa Rodey Yoakum. He attended Black Rural School before graduating from the Hurdland High School in the Class of 1958. On December 22, 1962, in Edina, Missouri, he married Reta Frances Rowlison, and they made their home north of Hurdland, Missouri. He farmed his entire life, was a NFO member and was a hog buyer for them for several years. He served on the…
Read MoreArea Sports
By David Sharp Brashear scored 14 runs on ten hits, powering to a 14-2, six inning win over Higbee (3-11) in baseball play at Kirksville High School. The contest was moved due wo wet grounds at Higbee. Cole Erwin and Quincy Chapman drilled one out RBI hits for a 1-0 Brashear (7-2) first inning lead. Bailyn Halley plated Kienii Scott with another run producing hit in the Wild Tiger second. Jacob Love reached on an error and stole home during the second inning rally. Chase Price led off the Tiger second inning with a double. Brashear hurler Bailyn Halley fanned…
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Missouri Independent
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- What Missouri loses when we cut YouthBuild