Area News

By Shari Harris, Publisher K&J Smoke Shop and Resale held their ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday morning in downtown Licking, and followed up with free hamburgers and hot dogs at noon to celebrate the event. Brothers Kevin and James Hawkins have opened the store, which features a smoke shop and amusement machines on the left half…

By Scott K. Lindsey, Texas Co. Sheriff HOUSTON, Mo. – On April 15, 2023, Texas County deputies were dispatched to a residence on B Highway in the Raymondville area for a report of a sexual assault. A 19-year-old victim reported being sexually assaulted by Ray Rogers. The victim reported awaking to Rogers covering the victim’s…

Photos by Christy Porter

In addition to the current media postings, in this week’s print edition of The Licking News: Make plans to attend the 2023 Licking Junk Derby. “Scoop into Spring” at Licking Town & Country Bank with Custard C-Sue. The Licking Rural Fire Department has a new non-emergency phone number. Follow the ongoing teachings of “It Is…

  Photos by Shari Harris

By Christy Porter, Managing Editor Who doesn’t like being treated like royalty or having an opportunity to relax, retreat and renew? Queen’s Castle Spa and Boutique, owned by Michelle Whitaker, held their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, with family, friends and area residents. As a young adult, beauty school students practiced their art…

The Texas County Clerk has finalized the election results of the April 4 election. Out of 16,561 registered voters, 2,510 total ballots were cast, 15.14 percent. Ballots were cast in the county for local races as follows: Texas County Marijuana Sales Tax: 2,460 total votes, Yes 1,731 (70.37%), No 729 (29.63%). Texas County Hospital Trustee:…

By Scott K. Lindsey, Texas Co. Sheriff On March 30, 2023, Texas County deputies received a report that two juvenile victims under the age of 8 had been sexually abused. A deputy spoke with the family and made arrangements for a forensic interview of the victims at the child advocacy center. On April 7, 2023,…

By Pat Burton, LPD Chief of Police LICKING, Mo. –  On April 6, 2023, the Licking Police Department and the South Central Correctional Center’s (SCCC) Investigation Team concluded a long-term narcotics investigation involving a SCCC correctional officer. During the investigation, SCCC Investigators discovered a SCCC correctional officer, Paige Cook, was having telephonic communications with an…

By Scott K. Lindsey, Texas Co. Sheriff On April 4, 2023, Texas County deputies were patrolling Jackson Road in the Clear Springs area looking for a suspect in a stealing case. A deputy observed the suspect, Gaige Watts sitting in a parked vehicle at a residence in the area. The deputy approached the vehicle and…