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

Pops Playground named February Business Spotlight

By Brandie GayThe Vandalia Area Chamber of Commerce has selected Pops Playground, located at 213 Forrest St, as its Business Spotlight for February, recognizing the daycare’s meaningful origins, community involvement, and continued growth.Owner and operator Kendra McBride first entered the childcare field in 2020, caring for six children out of her home. What started as…

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…