Opinion

Sunshine laws keep government in the light

As U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously described, sunlight is the best disinfectant. In American democracy, that idea takes legal form through Sunshine Laws. These open-record laws require government…

Lifestyle

March 2026 Library Staff Book Review

Reviewed by Kasi WelbornCirculation AssistantMexico-Audrain County Library (Headquarters)‘Deer Run Home’ by Ann Clare LeZotte Effie is deaf. She speaks a different language than her entire family. She goes through her…

News

Missouri attorney general says federal probe drove Torch to shut down slot machines

Rudi KellerMissouri IndependentTorch Electronics shut down its slot machine-like games across Missouri this week under pressure from a federal investigation, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said Thursday, marking a sharp reversal for a company that spent years insisting the games were legal.In an interview with The Independent, Hanaway also said her office will consider dropping charges already filed against…

Community

Classroom

WRAP training set to help improve workforce retention

The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce along with the Workforce Assistance Program and the Audrain County Commission will hold a free extended Lunch ‘N Learn program to help local businesses improve workforce retention and employee morale.The training will take place on April 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Farnen Community Room, downstairs…

Special Sections

Games and Puzzles Link

Sports

Van-Far Junior High performs well at South Shelby Invitational

By Brandie GayThe Van-Far Junior High track and field team turned in a strong, well-rounded performance at the South Shelby Middle School Invitational on April 14, earning multiple medals and team point finishes against a competitive field.Van-Far brought home two, third-place medals on the day. Emma Evans placed third in the shot put, while Eli…

Opinion

Sunshine laws keep government in the light

As U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously described, sunlight is the best disinfectant. In American democracy, that idea takes legal form through Sunshine Laws. These open-record laws require government agencies to conduct business transparently…

Lifestyle

March 2026 Library Staff Book Review

Reviewed by Kasi WelbornCirculation AssistantMexico-Audrain County Library (Headquarters)‘Deer Run Home’ by Ann Clare LeZotte Effie is deaf. She speaks a different language than her entire family. She goes through her days being stomped at and…