Obituary – Bonita “Bon Bon” Alers
Bonita Ann (Moorfield) Alers was born January 21, 1947, in Danville, Va., to Dudley and Vinnie (Fielder) Moorfield. She left this world May 23, 2025, after a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Frederick W. Alers. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Mark Yates,…
Read MoreObituary – Clyde “Boogie” Backues, Jr.
Boogie went home to be with our Lord on May 22, 2025. He lived in the Philippines with the love of his life, Maricris, and their one-month old son, Chris Aaron Buco Backues. Boogie loved the Phillippines; the ocean, nature and great weather helped him enjoy building a small home with a large garden for…
Read MoreObituary – Angelica L. Swinchoski
Angelica Leigh Swinchoski, of Duke, Mo., passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the age of 25. She was born on August 26, 1999, in Kansas City, Mo., to Timothy J. Swinchoski and Kristin (Buddenhagen) Swinchoski. Angel was preceded in death by her grandfather, Edwin Swinchoski, and Emmett Merklin. Angel was employed as a para…
Read MoreIn this edition: May 22, 2025
Please note our new web address – www.thelickingnews.net – and new email addresses – shari@thelickingnews.net and katey@thelickingnews.net. We regret that these changes had to be made, but unfortunately they were unavoidable. Contact us at 573-674-2412 if you are having problems emailing us or accessing the website. Our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this may…
Read MoreThe Class of 2038
By Katey Wesley, Staff Reporter On Thursday evening, May 15, the Wildcat Early Learning Center in Licking held their graduation ceremony. Mrs.Clonts welcomed everyone, and after her introduction, the graduating pre-school Class of 2025 began to walk the best little line they possibly could. Many students had big smiles while some had shy little faces.…
Read MoreNew Licking Fire Chief takes the helm
By Shari Harris, Publisher Newly appointed Licking Fire Chief Bobby Hearty serves a double role with the rural and city fire departments. He is also their training officer. He took some time away from the department’s Thursday evening training session to share with the community a little about himself. Chief Hearty has 23 years of…
Read MoreLicking Rodeo to celebrate 40 years
Outlaw/5J Rodeo Company, owned and operated by the McCollum family, will return to Licking on Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, for the 40th annual Licking Chamber of Commerce Rodeo. Since 1988 Outlaw/5J Rodeo Company has entertained more than two million fans across the Midwest, and this will be their third consecutive year stocking…
Read MoreArmed Forces Appreciation Day event serves 125 Veterans
By Shari Harris, Publisher The fifth annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day event was hosted by local Veteran organizations at Intercounty Electric Auditorium on Saturday, in Licking. Registering for the event were 125 veterans, with 350 people attending overall, many of whom were family and/or caregivers of Veterans. American Legion Post #41 Commander Bob Joens explained…
Read MoreShafer Road Project approved by legislature, heads to Governor’s desk
Office of Bennie Cook JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A $2,000,000 appropriation for critical improvements to Shafer Road in Texas and Phelps counties has been approved by both the Missouri House and Senate as part of the FY26 state budget. The funding, outlined in Section 4.490, now awaits final approval from Governor Mike Kehoe. Shafer Road…
Read MoreThe search for John (J.P.) Dudding
A much-loved member of the Clear Springs Community went missing on Jan. 28, 2023. John (J.P.) Dudding’s residence had been set on fire and his belongings were still there, including his cell phone and wallet, but he was nowhere to be found. The community held a fund raiser on May 3 at the Clear Springs…
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