Area News

The Texas County Fair was held last week at the fairgrounds north of Houston, culminating in Saturday’s awards ceremony, tractor parade, supporters’ appreciation dinner and livestock sale. Thursday afternoon, the Fair Board purchased the fairgrounds located south of the large arena, including the livestock buildings and livestock arena, from the Houston Chamber of Commerce. Texas…

Everyone has a story; this week we share the U.S. Army veteran’s story of Dennis McKinney, who served from 1975 to 1984. as told to Christy Porter, Managing Editor Veteran Dennis McKinney was born in Enterprise, Ore., on January 8, 1956, and was raised in Bucyrus, Mo. He was the fourth of nine children and…

Submitted LICKING, Mo. – This coming Saturday, August 5th, the 100AW Performance Rally Group will conduct the second annual Missouri Ozark Rally (MOR) in Texas County based entirely out of the beautiful community of Licking. Rally has been in the area for most of the past 45 years, anchored by the iconic Rally in the…

By Shari Harris, Publisher Storms swept a path across northeast Texas County on Tuesday, July 18. Damage was reported to trees, utility lines and structures along Cadle Road, Highway 32, and Pigeon Creek Road east of Licking. Tree tops were broken and battered among a stand of century-old walnut trees on Pigeon Creek Road, which…

In addition to the current media postings, in this week’s print edition of The Licking News: Follow the ongoing teachings of “It Is Written,” by the Licking Church of Christ. LHS-JH Registration is coming soon, and Licking Elementary will host an upcoming Open House. Registration is going on now at Missouri State University-West Plains. You…

By Shari Harris, Publisher The Licking Bridge Builders hosted a Side-by-Side Ride Saturday, raising funds for the organization. Between 55 and 60 units registered to participate and over 100 people gathered Saturday for their trip to Saltpeter Cave, Big Rock Candy Mountain, and back to Licking for a silent auction. Registration fees and auction items…

By Christy Porter, Managing Editor The Licking Library Summer Reading Program ended with a splash Saturday evening at the Licking Aquatic Center. All participants were invited to a pool party that included pizza, prizes and an evening of swimming fun. Twenty-nine participants completed the program, which included weekly events with interesting and fun presenters of…

By Shari Harris, Publisher A petition drive which started earlier this year asked for road improvements to Shafer Road in Sherrill Township, in northern Texas County. Close to 500 signatures were collected from citizens concerned about the condition of the approximately 6.9 mile stretch of paved road, which passes multiple residences and farms and offers…

By Brian Allgire, LPD Sergeant On July 20, 2023, officers with the Licking Police Department were dispatched to the Corner Express gas station for a report of a male subject using a hatchet as a weapon and attacking people. Upon arrival, officers located Shawn Sisler, age 33, at the gas pump, and an uninjured victim…