Area News

UPDATED VERSION: The original posting omitted the final 5 paragraphs of Incumbent Erin Smith’s submission. We apologize for the error. Editor’s Note: Incumbents and candidates for county offices were contacted and asked to submit a short article regarding their attributes and campaign. Opposed races in the upcoming primary election will be presented first. This week’s…

An Open Art Show is coming to Licking, and three prizes will be awarded in two categories (under 18 years of age, and 18 years and over). Artists and art lovers are encouraged to participate in the event. Isabella Loncosky, of Cabool, is organizing the Open Art Show, which will be held at Texas County…

By Shari Harris, Publisher It has been more than a century and a quarter since The Licking News began publishing, sharing the local news not just with the people of Licking, but the surrounding area as well, from Montauk to Plato, Edgar Springs to Raymondville, and many other locales in the region. The newspaper has…

The community celebrated America’s 250th birthday Saturday with an evening of good food and live music in the park, followed by a fireworks display. Everything from burgers to fish, cotton candy to ice cream, fresh squeezed lemonade and more could be found throughout Deer Lick Park, and vendors were kept busy filling orders. The Hired…

Intercounty Electric Cooperative held their Annual Meeting of the Membership Friday at Licking’s Old City Park. Rain threatened throughout the evening, resulting in the cancellation of some events, but mostly storms bypassed the event. A new format accompanied this year’s event, beginning with the time of day, 3 to 8:30 p.m. The health fair was…

The Texas County Republicans hosted a Lincoln Day event Saturday evening at the Sherman Hill Field House on the campus of Licking High School. In addition to a panel of guest speakers, local candidates also spoke at the event. Texas County Central Committee Chair Ed Walton welcomed guests, and Jason Akers was the master of…

Scott K. Lindsey, Texas Co. Sheriff On June 22, 2026, Texas County deputies received a report of a stolen lawn mower at a residence on Highway Z in the Houston area. Deputies reviewed video from a security camera and identified a suspect for the theft. The suspect, Lloyd R. Hill, was located at his residence and…

Dust and Diamond Barrel Co. held the first race of the 5D Barrel Race Buckle Series on Wednesday, June 17, at the Licking Chamber of Commerce Arena. Featuring Peewee, Youth and Open races, the event attracted several area barrel racers. Winning first in the Peewee race was Blakely Eaton, riding Singer, with a time of…

First responders from the Montauk Rural Fire Department (MRFD), Dent County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), Salem Memorial Hospital and Air Evac joined members of the MRFD Board at an Open House on Saturday at the fire station. Children were offered a chance to view firetrucks, an ambulance and patrol cars, and could…