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

Watering

Future of water: Farmers, policy leaders confront growing crisis across the Plains

By Jason VanceAt the annual meeting of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, one issue rose above the rest: water. From the declining Ogallala Aquifer to increasing urban demand and emerging technologies, panelists painted a complex—and urgent—picture of agriculture’s future.The discussion brought together farmers, policy experts, and industry leaders to examine how water scarcity is…

Community

Volunteer

Celebrating service to Missouri during National Volunteer Month

By Eric JacksonUniversity of Missouri Extension Director of Risk and Volunteer ManagementEvery April, National Volunteer Month invites us to pause and appreciate something remarkable: Giving your time doesn’t just strengthen your community. It can strengthen you. Studies show that people who volunteer experience meaningful personal benefits, including improved mental and physical well-being, stronger social connections, greater…

Special Sections

Games and Puzzles Link

Sports

Aces Mid-MO battle through 6-game weekend; Van-Far’s Dickerman contributes in key moments

By Brandie GayThe Aces Mid-MO 14u softball team pushed through a demanding six-game weekend, opening pool play with a 1 – 2 record before making a strong run-in bracket competition. While the roster delivered a collective effort throughout the tournament, Van-Far athlete Rayne Dickerman provided steady contributions in several key moments.Pool Play Opens with a…

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…