News

Commission reviews bridge work for 2025

The three Andrew County commissioners met with a representative from Great River Engineering LLC to discuss upcoming projects.Lindsey Chaffin, a professional engineer and Great River's project manager for Andrew County projects, brought information on two upcoming projects for Andrew County roads 311 and 44.The construction project on 311 will be over Long Branch Creek and is scheduled for construction in the second quarter of 2025. There will be a pre-construction meeting in February.

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County amends budget

The Andrew County Clerk held a budget amendment hearing to show increased revenue totaling about $22,550.Sarah Miller, the County Clerk, explained to Gary Baumann, the Western District commissioner, and Fritz Hegeman, the Eastern District commissioner, that the county had received some extra dollars in its Capitol Improvement account, the Deputy Salary Supplement account and the Opioid Settlement account.She said this would also allow the county to increase expenditures in the three accounts.The extra dollars in the Capitol Improvement account were from sales tax interest. If approved it would allow for some $5,800 to be expended on Andrew County Jail improvements.For the Deputy Salary Supplement account, thanks to a grant there would be an extra $3,000.In the Opioid Settlement account funds would be increased slightly to pay for intervention with Andrew County prisoners arriving high on illegal substances.The commission also accepted a proposal to increase the Andrew County Public Benefit Corporation's debt service fund by about $20,000.The two commissioners approved the changes, which Miller said should meet the future audit requirements..

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Applications available for 2025 Missouri Agribusiness Academy

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is offering 30 high school students representing 4-H clubs and FFA chapters, as well as farm families, throughout Missouri the opportunity to explore careers in agriculture through the 2025 Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA). MAbA is a competitive program for sophomores interested in pursuing agriculture-related degrees and careers.“We love providing an opportunity for Missouri youth to connect with peers and network with industry leaders,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn.

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CherryRoad Media acquiring eight Missouri publications

Effective Jan. 1, 2025, CherryRoad Media will acquire eight new Missouri papers from Lakeway Publishers, Inc.Among the new publications are the Pike County News, Centralia Fireside Guard, Elsberry Democrat, Hermann Advertiser Courier, Lincoln County Journal, Monroe City Lake Gazette, Troy Free Press and Vandalia Leader.“We are excited to be the new stewards of these community news outlets,” Jeremy Gulban, CEO of CherryRoad Media, said.

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County hears budget request

The three Andrew County commissioners listened to three groups about their financial needs in 2025 on the morning of Dec. 9.First up was the Andrew County Extension Council for University of Missouri Extension led by Council Chair Robert Jandorf.Randa Doty, Extension Engagement Specialist, started by talking about a number of 2024 Extension activities.

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'Sovereign American' has his day in Court

A self-proclaimed Sovereign American tried the afternoon before to get his trial delayed again despite that on Friday, Dec. 6, he presented paperwork to the court and told them he was prepared to go to trial.Bryan Clark Davison, 60, Savannah, would stand in the courtroom aisle for his bench trial.Monica Morrey, the Andrew County prosecutor, sat up front at a table for the prosecution.Associate Circuit Judge Emily Bauman presided over the second-floor courtroom.Bauman slowly and carefully explained Davison's basic rights to him and repeatedly said he had a right to file documents if he wished to do so.Then Bauman ordered the bench trial to begin.Morrey delivered a short opening argument saying the prosecution would prove Davison resisted arrest in two separate cases and failed to properly register his vehicle.Davison asked to reserve his opening statement which was granted.The first witness called was Officer Patrick Cleasby, who at the time of the original arrest was working for the Savannah Police Department.

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