Area News

The Licking News is a great way to keep in touch with the Licking community. Great weekly columns, area-wide menus, sports schedules, city, county and state updates, obituaries, local area coming events, classifieds, and don’t forget comics and puzzles are all included in the print edition this week. In addition to the current postings on…

By Shari Harris, Publisher The 2025 LHS Homecoming Coronation was held Friday evening between the Junior Varsity and Varsity Boys Basketball games against Richland. The JV Wildcats started the evening right with a win, and the Varsity team wrapped up the evening on an equal note. In addition to the games and coronation, the evening included…

By Shari Harris, Publisher On Friday, January 24, Licking Mayor Keith Cantrell’s family, friends and community came together to honor his memory and his decades of service to the town he loved. Mayor Cantrell passed away on Tuesday, January 21. A three-hour visitation was held prior to his funeral service on Friday to allow all who…

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Texas County, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for illegally possessing firearms. Richard D. Sims, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 20 years in federal prison without parole.…

Chief Pat Burton, Licking Police Dept. On December 27, 2024, a Licking officer was advised of a stop-and-hold request from the Houston Police Department for a vehicle and its occupants. The suspects were being sought for questioning about their involvement in a theft investigation which had just occurred at a Houston business. The vehicle was observed…

There will be a Volunteer Clean-up Day at Montauk State Park to help restore the park after it was damaged during the November 5, 2024, flood. Extensive damage was done to the campgrounds, several cabins, the Hatchery, the historic Montauk Mill, and roads, which were washed away in several areas. Multiple agencies have already put…

By Shari Harris, Publisher Employees at Family Dollar-Dollar Tree in Licking are coordinating a Valentine’s Day program they have dubbed “Have a Heart, Give a Heart.” Customers may purchase Valentine Heart balloons or candy to send to the residents of Hickory Manor and Licking Residential Care. Balloons start at $2.00, and Reese’s candy specials are currently…

  News of the death of Licking Mayor Keith Cantrell has surprised and saddened the community. Cantrell passed away in Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday morning after a brief hospitalization. His loss is being felt not only by his family and at City Hall, but throughout the community he has served. More will follow in next…

  By Shari Harris, Publisher A benefit fish fry was held in memory of Kenny “Spare Tire” Hood on Friday evening at the Fox Fire House Community Room in Licking. Family and friends gathered to prepare and serve fish and all the fixings to those who showed up in support of his wife, Tina Hood, and…

By Shari Harris, Publisher Several local entities have announced the names of those who have filed for candidacy in the upcoming April 8, 2025, election. Terms of office are ending for members of local school boards, township boards, water districts and city governments. The status of the City of Licking Mayoral race will be updated…