News

Audrain County Fair livestock auction sales top $169,000

Published by admin on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 8:13am

Bryce Oberlag-Jones expected his grand champion ham to sell at auction for “like, $100.”

Cured until hues of gold, amber and brown transformed the meat into a work of art, the ham drew more attention than he thought. The gavel dropped at $1,300.

The Audrain County Youth Fair wrapped up last week with the 4-H and FFA livestock and meat sale. The auction included 142 different lots, ranging from steers to meat goats, ham, bacon and a lone turkey — which the county commissioners gobbled up for $350.

All told, the event raised more than $169,000 for the organizations.

Revenue, expenses on target for year in Mexico

Published by admin on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 8:12am

When it comes to a city budget, a good fiscal year is one with no surprises.

That’s the philosophy of Mexico deputy city manager Roger Haynes. And with three quarters of the current fiscal year in the books, he reports that the budget is on target.

The fiscal year began Oct. 1, 2020, and runs through the end of September. As of June 30, expenses from the general fund stood at just over $4.2 million, or 70 percent of the total budgets for the year.

Pipe project, other work completed in Mexico

Published by admin on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 8:10am

A sewer pipe lining project and a survey to clear up road sign discrepancies were recently completed in Mexico.

The lining work covered sections of the sanitary sewer collection system around the city as part of the 2021 cured in place pipe project. It came in $12,719 over budget, increasing the total cost to almost $254,900.

According to Public Works director Kinsey Russell, the budget underestimated the materials actually needed to finish the project. However, the added expense was not unanticipated.

“We are still within the authorized budget,” he explained.

Everlast proves true to its name

Published by admin on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 8:09am

It’s been a trial by fire - literally - for Everlast Manufacturing and Distribution. Everlast is possibly one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, modestly tucked away behind Citizens Armory along Market Drive. But don’t let the building’s unassuming appearance fool you; inside, Everlast is a bustling place.

“A lot of people don’t know there’s a dog food company in Mexico,” Jim Raleigh says.

Raleigh and wife Carolyn are co-owners of Everlast; he has been in the pet food business since 1988, when he opened the doors at his original location in Auxvasse.

Faith in action: Church brings 200 teens on a mission to help

Published by admin on Mon, 07/26/2021 - 1:39pm

A few teenagers were spreading mulch. Another group stood with a couple of adults pondering the best way to heft the foundation of a wheelchair ramp into place. Others were clearing power tools from the yard.

“I found Harold,” one of them exclaimed.

While a friendly calico cat occasionally nuzzled members of the group, Harold was a bit less enthused by the activity around him.

“Harold is the snake,” explained Ames Puckett, looking up from a pile of mulch. “We met him yesterday.”

Vandalia native's hit book is a St. Louis scavenger hunt

Published by admin on Mon, 07/26/2021 - 1:37pm

Dea Hoover is a bit wary of saying too much about her new book.

While most authors eagerly walk through chapters in some detail, the St. Louis-based tour director hesitates to reveal anything beyond its title. But she has cause to be circumspect.

“STL Scavenger: The Ultimate Guide to St. Louis Hidden Treasures” is not an ordinary book. Instead, it is a challenge – a collection of clues with prizes waiting for those who correctly navigate both its pages and city streets.

10 questions with...Don Shire and Laura White Erdel

Published by admin on Mon, 07/26/2021 - 1:29pm

Don Shire and Laura White Erdel share several things in common. Both are former journalists, they worked for The Ledger -- Shire for 17 years -- and they are authors. The two collaborated on the popular Mexico, Missouri in the Making of the American Empire 1941-1945. It’s Shire’s third book on the city and Erdel’s first, although she has plenty to contribute.
 

Food and Drink: Paris-based Neale’s brings the outdoors in

Published by admin on Mon, 07/26/2021 - 1:26pm

Too many spice rubs impart an expected savor to whatever they touch. You can pick out Montreal seasoning, for example, whether it’s dusted on steak, deli meats or fish.

Chef Aaron Neale creates spice blends with a somewhat similar philosophy, yet with a different effect. A fan of outdoors, open flames and a well-used grill, he created Neale’s All Purpose Seasoning with the idea of bringing an earthy, smoky hue indoors.

Vaccination rate remains low in Audrain County

Published by admin on Thu, 07/22/2021 - 8:32am

With only 27 percent of Audrain County residents fully vaccinated and active COVID-19 cases again on the rise, the Audrain County Health Department issued an advisory last week urging people to get their shots.

“We don’t want to become the next COVID hotspot in Missouri,” said ACHD administrator and CEO Craig Brace.

ACHD recently concluded a series of clinics providing the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. A total of 84 people took advantage of the offer, not enough to boost county totals toward what Brace considers an acceptable level.

Newly built community center opens in Auxvasse

Published by admin on Thu, 07/22/2021 - 8:31am

It’s all about filling a need for Auxvasse leaders, and thanks to their efforts, Auxvasse has a new community center.

And it fills a void that’s been present since the last center shut down just over three years ago.

“The closing caused considerable problems for our community as they planned family dinners and other functions at the center,” said Donal Knipp, member of the Auxvasse Lions Club.

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