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

Audrain and Pike counties join forces to promote workforce retention

By Stan SchwartzLeslie Meyer, with the Audrain County Commission, said Audrain and Pike counties are joining forces to help local businesses with employee retention.“How many times have we heard as employers—or said things like, ‘People nowadays don’t want to work? Or I can’t fill the vacancies I have now, how can I add more?’”The cost…

Community

Young learners at NeNe’s Daycare celebrate Presidents Day with big ideas and even bigger dreams

By Brandie Gay Recently at NeNe’s Daycare, classrooms were filled with excitement as young learners explored the meaning of Presidents Day. Staff introduced the holiday with stories about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, touching on their lives, leadership qualities, and lasting impact. But the main focus of the day centered on helping children understand what…

Special Sections

Games and Puzzles Link

Sports

Strong turnout of Van-Far third grade girls wraps up fun-filled basketball season

By Sarah BurnettThe Van-Far third-grade girls basketball team recently took part in the Community R-VI Youth Basketball League playing seven games between Jan. 3 and Feb. 14. The young athletes showed steady growth on the court while building confidence and friendships along the way.Led by coaches Benny Burnett, Ryan Schuckenbrock, and Ashley Schlueter, the team…

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…