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

Dr. Crisanto Gualberto retires after more than five decades of care

By Cami BlackmanVandalia, Mo. — After more than 54 years in medicine, including nearly five decades serving the Vandalia community, Dr. Crisanto Gualberto officially closed the doors of his family practice on March 31, 2026, marking the end of an era in local healthcare.A graduate of University of the East in the Philippines, Gualberto began…

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

Van-Far track team glows at Clopton and Bowling Green meets

By Brandie GayThe Van-Far High School track and field team turned in an impressive series of performances this week, opening competition at the Clopton Mini Meet before adding more medals at the Bowling Green Mini Medal Meet. Across both events, the Indians showcased depth, speed, and strength, collecting numerous top finishes and even setting 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…