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Mexico students return to the classroom

Published by admin on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 10:42am

On Thursday the Mexico School District announced that students would return to the classroom on Monday, Dec. 7 and that in school education would continue until the holiday break.

“We recognize educating children in-seat is always best, when possible, for our students,” Superintendent Dr. Tammy Lupardus said in a statement in which she also thanked the school community for their patience.

Jail takes in Pike County inmates

Published by admin on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 10:41am

Staffing shortages at the Pike County Jail forced the sheriff to temporarily shut the facility and transfer 26 prisoners to Audrain County’s custody.

“It’s pretty common for sheriffs to house prisoners in another jail,” said Audrain County Sheriff Matt Oller, noting that Missouri statutes allow for it.

The transfer took place on Nov. 30 and is for an indefinite period. Oller believes they will remain in the Audrain County jail until the end of the year, but the stay could be extended into early January.

Citizens warned about Social Security scam

Published by admin on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 10:40am

A number of area residents have reported receiving suspicious phone calls over the past several weeks.

The Mexico Public Safety Department reports that the calls follow a similar pattern. An automated message claiming to be from the Social Security Administration claims the person’s Social Security number has been “hacked” and “shut down.”

The message then tells the person to push a button to speak with someone.

If the person continues the call, they speak with someone who wants them to pay money with a gift card to secure their Social Security number.

10 questions with...Susan Rockett

Published by admin on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 10:37am

Susan Rockett is a collector.
 
Diecast cars, patches – she has them adorning the walls of her office. But her collections are specific to her job. Rockett displays model police cars, patches from various police departments and more.
 
Rockett serves as chief of the Mexico Department of Public Safety, a role she has held for the past 11 years. But her experience as a police officer goes back to 1992, when she first donned a uniform in Sikeston.
 

Buring Question: What is the best way to make popcorn?

Published by admin on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 10:33am

Movie theaters.

When you read those words “popcorn” popped – figuratively – in your head. It’s an association few of us can shake. And just as people believe hot dogs at the ballpark just taste better, many Americans have a thing for theater popcorn.

Wayne Robertson, owner of Mexico Cinema III, insists they start with the same kernels you can find elsewhere, but he understands the love affair.

“You walk in and it’s the smell,” he observed.

Food and drink: Tis the season for flavored coffee … or chai latte

Published by admin on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 10:31am

On the wall at Sailor’s Brew Coffeehouse in Mexico, owner Lori Hopkins keeps a list of seasonal flavors. Currently there are six coffees – three laced with pumpkin spice and three with caramel.

Christmas flavored coffees are in the works. But, said Hopkins, “We’re going to keep the pumpkin until after Christmas.”

At Color Me Bleu on Mexico’s downtown square, Sharon Koontz ticks off the flavors that sell during the holidays. People crave peppermint, so she sparks up a candied mocha. There’s pumpkin pie, of course. And “anything with cinnamon.”

Room at the Inn offers shelter, comfort

Published by admin on Thu, 12/03/2020 - 10:05am

There is room at the inn. Food, too. And warmth.

On Tuesday the Audrain County Shelter Resource Coalition marked its seventh opening of Room At The Inn, a cold weather shelter for men, women and children who need a warm, safe place to sleep.

The program has been a resounding success. From Dec.1, 2019 through Feb. 28, 2020 the coalition sheltered 28 people and provided 324 meals. The shelter was able to reopen in the spring as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. From May 1 to June 15, Room at the Inn housed four women and four children.

Mexico City Council grapples over words in vote over new police vehicles

Published by admin on Thu, 12/03/2020 - 10:03am

The Mexico Public Safety Department is slated to receive two new patrol vehicles to replace aging cars.

Both are 2020 Dodge Durangos equipped with four wheel or all wheel drive and up to law enforcement code. Mexico’s City Council approved the purchase on Monday after reviewing bids from three dealerships.

The SUVs replace a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe that had 97,000 miles, as well as a 2011 Chevrolet Impala with 75,000 miles.

Magic Tree brings color to Mexico’s square

Published by admin on Thu, 12/03/2020 - 10:00am

Ten minutes after the switch was flipped lighting up Mexico’s first ever Magic Tree, a young boy – a late arrival to the scene – rushed across the courthouse grass.

“It’s so cool,” he exclaimed before pointing out the different colors for his parents.

The Magic Tree was intended to bring a little holiday cheer back to the downtown square after the usual celebrations – Santa Claus, the Christmas parade – were canceled due to the pandemic. Speeches, singing and a dance performance were planned to make the lighting ceremony last Wednesday worthy of the season.

Two named to Mexico Zoning Board of Adjustment

Published by admin on Thu, 12/03/2020 - 9:57am

Murray Purcell received another term while Lew Melahn was named to an alternate spot on the Mexico Zoning Board of Adjustment during last week’s City Council meeting.

Melahn replaces Jacob Shellabarger, who moved outside the city limits and was forced to resign his post. Purcell’s five-year term expired in June, but he expressed an interest to City Manager Bruce Slagle in a reappointment.

The pair were named by Slagle with the unanimous support of the City Council.

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