Area News

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…

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…

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…

By Shari Harris, Publisher The Licking Mill Craft and Junk Festival was held Saturday at the historic Licking Mill. Activities were kicked off by a tribute to Veterans in honor of Armed Forces Appreciation Day, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Vendors offered pots of flowers, repurposed items, wood crafts, 3-D printer items, canned goods,…

  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…

Chris Pyle will be announcing at the 40th Licking Chamber of Commerce Rodeo on May 30 and 31. This will be Pyle’s 19th appearance as announcer for the event. He has been a member of PRCA since 2003. Chris and his wife, Lisa, live in Pilot Grove, Mo. His family includes daughter, Kendall and son,…

Old Mill Day was held at Montauk State Park Saturday. There was something for everyone, with vendors exhibiting their craft and selling their handiwork, old time games, food trucks, exhibits and more. At the pavilion you could find information on the history of the park, including the CCC Camp which was located there. The Missouri…

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 have…

Saturday was beautiful weather for the Kids Free Fishing Day at Montauk. The event is hosted by both the Missouri Department of Conservation and Missouri Department of Natural Resources, with the help of the Missouri Trout Fishermen’s Association, Montauk Rural Fire Department, and other volunteers. Booths set up near the fish cleaning station registered children…

Chief Pat Burton, Licking Police Dept. On May 5, 2025, at approximately 2:19 a.m., a Licking police officer observed a vehicle traveling southbound on US Highway 63 failing to maintain its lane and crossing into the northbound lane of traffic. The officer initiated a traffic stop, but the driver accelerated and attempted to flee. After…