Local

‘Community where everyone matters’: Second class graduates from Getting Ahead program

Published by publisher on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 9:42am

Making a difference in the community was at the forefront as the Mexico Sustainability Project’s Getting Ahead graduation, held Tuesday, Sept. 8 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. It was a special night, recognizing the program’s second graduating class.

The Getting Ahead program curriculum provides support to people in poverty as they create their own plan for stability.

Nine area residents graduated: Renee Alksnis, Laura Kessler, Travion Taylor, Anne Fulton, Sara Kuda, Raynelle Wardlow, Cameale Kaiser, Rosita McQueary and Shanna Wheaton. Class facilitator is Carolyn Lewis.

Health Department donates emergency defibrillator to Vandalia

Published by publisher on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 9:17am

The Audrain County Health Department on Tuesday announced the donation of a new Automated External Defibrillator, which will be installed at the Lange Building in Vandalia later this month.

“We are providing the AED unit to the city of Vandalia and its residents at no charge,” Health Administrator Sandra Hewlett said in a news release. “By having an AED in the building 24/7, those individuals using the building for events in the future will have added peace of mind knowing this life-saving device is nearby for their use if a cardiovascular event occurs that requires its use.”

Presser Arts Center announces fall classes

Published by publisher on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 9:10am

Presser Performing Arts Center plans to hold some new art classes next week and next month. All classes have registration fees to help cover the cost of tuition and supplies

The first is a Cricut Workshop. There is a registration fee and participants should bring their own cricut and device.

Inktober classes start 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1 and are offered weekly. Participants will learn calligraphy, painting with ink, ink drawings and more. Participants must wear a mask to attend.

Major outbreak of COVID-19 hits Vandalia women’s prison

Published by publisher on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 9:08am

The Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia is facing a major outbreak of COVID-19 after 161 cases were confirmed there Wednesday by the Audrain County Health Department.

While the Missouri Department of Corrections was reporting case increases since Friday, the health department had not received the associated reports to confirm the cases until Wednesday, Health Administrator Sandra Hewlett said.

Mexico Council approves 2020-21 budget

Published by publisher on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 9:08am

Budget decisions were finalized Monday with the passage of the 2020-21 city budget by the Mexico City Council.

The budget approval was the final step in months of work, which included setting the next year’s tax levy and other decisions that could affect residential payments to the city.

“At the forefront of any decision made is how to fund our core and essential city services first as well as the needs of the citizens in the most effective and efficient manner possible,” Mexico City Manager Bruce Slagle said.

Killing suspect pleads to reduced charge

Published by publisher on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 9:04am

A Warren County judge last week accepted a plea agreement related to a 2019 killing in Mexico.

Dekhise E. Dorsey, 18, of Mexico, pleaded guilty Sept. 9 to involuntary manslaughter. Dorsey was charged in the February 2019 shooting death of Ta’Juan Williams, 27. The case was transferred to Warren County Circuit Court in June 2019.

A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 25 in Audrain County Circuit Court.

Dorsey had originally been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.

Audrain Youth awarded at Show Pig Circuit event

Published by publisher on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 9:03am

Audrain County Youth participating in the Missouri Pork Association Youth Show Pig Circuit received awards last month at an event during the Missouri State Fair.

Junior swine exhibitors have traveled to jackpot shows throughout the summer to compete for points in the show circuit.

Kidnapping phone scam reported to Mexico Public Safety

Published by publisher on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 9:03am

Mexico Department of Public Safety is warning residents against a phone scam where the caller claims a friend or family was kidnapped.

The caller says the family member or friend was kidnapped after a vehicle crash or witnessing a drug deal, according to a department news release.

The caller tries to get the resident to send money as ransom and in one instance convinced a resident to provide the phone number of the supposed victim, the release stated.

St. Joseph School celebrates 135 years of providing education

Published by publisher on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 9:02am

As schools return to in-classroom instruction, one school in Audrain County is celebrating a major milestone. St. Joseph School in Martinsburg is celebrating its 135th year of providing education to students in Audrain County.

Two new faculty members joined the staff for the 2020-21 school year. Teaching experience among all staff totals more than 100 years.

Positive news continues out of Audrain County nursing home after COVID-19 outbreak

Published by publisher on Fri, 09/18/2020 - 9:00am

News continues to be positive out of the Tri-County Care Center in Vandalia after a reported outbreak of COVID-19 among staff and residents last week.

Initial reporting had 42 active cases at the nursing facility, with 18 staff and 24 residents affected. Cases connected to the nursing facility are at 32, as of Wednesday, according to an Audrain County Health Department news release.

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