A THIRD INSTALLMENT – 2020 YEAR-END REVIEW

The third installment of headlines and events is offered here as ‘The I-J’ continues its series of the Year-End Review from our files of 2020.

This third part begins as the ‘virus’ had the community and the country at a stand still. Positive cases had begun to show up locally and concern was on the rise for everyone’s health.

Summer in Washington County had a totally different feel and look as most everything was cancelled and any gatherings weren’t happening.
Closings and quarantines were the top items to discuss and masks were already becoming a ‘debate’ for some people. Different opinions and views filled the air waves, social media and conversations about the health concerns and what to do, if anything.

2020 will be a year that everyone will remember and most would like to forget. While suffering through it all, together, we made it! Join us now for this brief look back - The following is the third of the “2020 In Review” Series:

-July-

The City of Potosi had cancelled the annual fireworks display honoring Independence Day early on in 2020 with concerns about the COVID-19 situation; luckily, the public had another option, Twin Eagle Lake hosted an evening of fun, music and fireworks for a $3 charge… Richwoods Wildcats celebrated 2020 Graduations with graduation ceremonies at the end of last month on June 26th and a Commencement Parade’ on June 27th… New Mom Ali Crocker thanked Washington County Memorial Hospital, especially Hannah, Doug and Kevin for a smooth delivery of her baby girl, Rebel Rose, in June. Ms. Crocker arrived in the E.R. with labor pains and within minutes the delivery was underway and once everything was fine, they were carefully transported to Parkland… Potosi R-3 had several building projects underway. Potosi Elementary got a new secure entrance and exit for the ‘riders’ side of the school as well as new construction in the gymnasium/cafeteria front entrance and approach… John Evans Middle School got an enclosed walkway to join the main building and the gymnasium and band room building on the Potosi R-3 Campus. Also at J.E.M.S., additional parking and ramped entrance on the ‘old high school building’. Trojan Intermediate got a new driveway for bus drop off and gymnasium entrance sidewalks… More than 240 people enjoyed a free drive-in movie and popcorn at Starlite Drive-In on the 2nd, sponsored by Belgrade State Bank… Shane Blair dropped off photos of he and his crew’s wins at Doe Run on June 19th and St. Francois County Raceway on June 13th… The Caledonia/Valley School Reunion was re-scheduled for Aug. 8th… Sunlight Road, off Highway JJ was closed and traffic had to take a detour due to a new culvert bridge being built… 2020 Ballot Measures were certified for the Aug. 4th primary election… The Washington County G.O.P. announced the second postponement for the Annual Lincoln Day Banquet due to health and safety concerns… The Annual Potosi All School Reunion was re-scheduled to a date to be announced in the Fall… A three vehicle accident closed Highway 21 on the 3rd, just South of Franklin Road, fortunately no fatalities occurred… The July 9th Issue of ‘The I-J’ was dedicated to the memory of Hugh Richards (July 10, 1956), co-editor and publisher… The Washington County Health Department reported a Health Alert due to a positive COVID-19 case, diagnosed for a guest of a student at the Potosi High School graduation… 118th District State Representative Mike McGirl presented a House Resolution to Ms. Haley Pickett recognizing her numerous achievements in high school culminated by her graduation from Potosi… Valley of Caledonia celebrated 2020 Graduation on the 11th at the High School. The 2020 Valley Viking Valedictorian was Heath Rhyneer and the Vikings’ Salutatorian was Skylar DeClue… The headliner for the issue on the 16th informed the public of the difficult and sad decision, after much discussion, to cancel the 72nd Annual Washington County Fair for public health and safety reasons related to COVID-19. The bright spot was the decision to allow local 4-H participants to be able to show and sell their animals… Chris West and Jon ‘Boo’ Boyer awarded Jerry West Scholarships to Jacob Swaringim of Valley High School and Lane Barton of Kingston K-14 School… Potosi defeated Kingston 6-3 in the MAAA Baseball Exhibition game at Kingston K-14 on the 13th… Washington County Airport ‘Broke Ground’ twice as new projects began moving along after interruptions due to COVID-19. The Airport Board Members and IDA representatives socially distanced for the groundbreaking photo. The Airport Hangar donated by the Purcell’s for public use was turned to face the runway and sit next to the airport building with concrete preparation by J. V. Contracting and Jokerst Construction was doing site preparation for the new road bed and entrance off Highway 8 East of Potosi… Brayden Blair, son of Mr. & Mrs. Shannon Blair, Potosi, was excited that his team, the Mineral Area Baseball Association’s National 10 year old team, won their regional/district tournament and was headed to State playoffs… Senior Night was celebrated for P.H.S. Softball & Baseball at the Trojan Sports Complex… Local racer, Shane Blair, was the Doe Run Feature Winner at the race on the 10th, happy to celebrate with his daughter, Myla Blair, age 10… The Valley Lions Club awarded their Annual Scholarship to Ms. Conner Payne, a 2020 graduate of Valley High School… Belgrade State Bank facility employees got to celebrate ‘Casual Fridays’ by bringing $5 worth of canned goods for local food shelters, items for the Blessed Box, or a $5 donation to the Community Love Fund, great for the employees and the communities… Potosi Lions Club President Carrie Richards closed out her service (2019-20) at the Lion’s Installation Dinner, catered by Black Bird Café, by passing the gavel to incoming President Bill Glore. The 2020-21 Officers were installed and they celebrated their 90th Anniversary as a Club… MAAA Exhibition Baseball saw Valley defeated by Kingston, 8-1 at Gene Lawson Memorial Field on the 21st… A Prayer Vigil held on the 23rd at the Washington County Courthouse brought community people together to pray for protection, wisdom, faith and grace for all those involved in the community and especially the planned protest the next evening… The planned protest brought out several men and women who have strong feelings on several issues that had been played out on the national stage and were coming to rural America’s streets. The protest, held on the 24th, brought people of all interests to downtown to express their feelings… The Washington County Farmers Market at the County Courthouse has had a good selection of locally grown vegetables and the farmers are reporting “sell-outs”… Chris Clapp, a former Kingston K-14 student, has been hired as Kington’s Facilities Director for the 2020-21 School Year… Potosi Pentecostal Church VBS theme this year was “Affirming Community in Times of Trouble” and part of the program was visiting and learning with the Washington County Ambulance District, Potosi Police Department and Potosi Fire Protection District… Winners were announced and pictured from June’s Jerry West Memorial 2nd Annual Golf Tournament. There were numerous winners, a great number of teams, good food and lots of fun in Jerry’s honor that day. The winning teams all donated their prizes back! The Jerry West Memorial Fund has donated over $13,000 to a large number of projects during the first year of its existence… On the 29th, Great Mines Health Center celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting and Open House at their new Pediatrics & Women’s Health Center at their complex just off Highway 21 South in Potosi… Torrential rain caused flooding in and around Potosi as a result of a heavy rainfall on the 29th with some measurements reporting 4 inches… The Bellevue Collegiate Institute Bell which had been stolen, was thankfully returned. Mike Sadler repaired the monument and with the help of Dean Johnson, secured the bell in place as his grandfather, Lyman Sadler had done some 51 years ago… Laney Credeur, a 2021 Senior at Kingston High School has signed a ‘Letter of Intent’ to attend the University of Louisiana - Lafayette and play D1 Softball for the ‘Ragin Cajuns’… ‘Soggy but Successful’ describes the ‘first ever’ Mississippi Valley Blood Services blood drive with the Potosi Lions in memory of Nancy Higginbotham, a long-time ‘Lioness’…

August:

August began with the Open House and Ribbon Cutting of Caledonia Vintage and Gifts in the middle of ‘Downtown Caledonia’, a shop with a wide variety of merchandise operated by Debbie (Dickey) Bay… 12 Mile Creek Emporium and Proprietor Pam Allen, celebrated an Open House and Ribbon Cutting at their new location, the ‘Eversole House’ (upstairs) which is now the Village of Caledonia town hall and home of ‘Miss Molly’s’… The Washington County Wildlife Assn announced the cancellation (due to health risks because of COVID-19) of the Annual Picnic/Barbecue that was to be held on the 22nd… The Warden Family Reunion that was scheduled for August was cancelled due to COVID-19… Kingston K-14 teachers were pictured as they went through two weeks of training for virtual teaching technology and advanced curriculum planning… Vern Bauman Contracting was in charge of asphalt paving for portions of the Kingston K-14 driveways… Mr. and Mrs. Thomas DeGonia, both of whom have been recognized numerous times for their community service, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary… On Tuesday the 4th the Polls were equipped with several items to keep the public and poll workers safe including plexiglass dividers, masks, hand sanitizer, etc. due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Voter turnout was reported at 31.41% and the ‘headliner names’ elected were Gannon, Jacobsen & Gillam... The Washington County Health Department urged the community to practice safe measures as there have been 34 new COVID-19 cases in the past 11 days… The City of Potosi and Washington County announced they would be participating in the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday… Area Schools released their plans for the 2020-21 School Year… The Annual Price Family Reunion that was scheduled for September has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus… St. Joachim Catholic Church cancelled their Fall Festival for 2020 due COVID-19… The Caledonia/Valley R-6 All School Reunion was cancelled for the 2020 year due to COVID-19… The Potosi High School Athletic Department welcomed their new Head Coaches including Football with Dylan Wyrick, Volleyball with Kari Sadler, Girls’ Basketball with Jeff Gibson and Boys & Girls Track with Amanda Politte… The Washington County Fair 4H/FFA Livestock Auction was held on the 6th with several market animals on hand for a large number of bidders. The Auction had a single chicken, a sheep, several steer, swine and smoked bacon and hams. For the steers, Ryder Yount had the winning animal as Grand Champion Overall and Grand Champion Show. Ryder was first in the ring for the Steer Sale and Jason Marler, Poly-Sol, had the winning bid at $2.70 per pound. The Fair Weight was 1385 pounds… Tatumn Boyer had the Reserve Overall Champion Steer and saw the bid go at $2.40 per pound to Rockin C Ranch. Ms. Boyer’s steer weighed in at 1425 pounds. Harlee Smith had the only market sheep of the evening and Jason Marler, Poly Sol, purchased the sheep at $2.70/lb. Lily Murphy showed the Reserve Carcass Champion and her steer also tied for the Grand Average Daily Gain award with Tucker Utech and his steer. Theresa Rhyneer, representing Freedom Fence, bought Ms. Murphy’s steer at $2.80/lb and it weighed in at 1310 pounds. Lillian Thebeau’s Champion Chicken went to Falling Leaf for $400. Hayden Crocker’s 2020 Champion Ham was sold to Sarah Gibson at $170.The Community was well represented and paid some very good prices for the livestock to support the young ladies and gentlemen at the Annual Auction… The Washington County Chamber of Commerce announced they received notice from the State of Missouri that the contract to operate the License Office in Washington County has officially been awarded to another company, License Office Services… Workers from Missouri Floor Company (Maryland Heights) began a three week Kingston High School Gymnasium renovation with one quarter of the floor boards being replaced on the west end and the entire floor being stripped, sanded and refinished with brand new graphics… The Old Mines Area Historical Society’s Summer Picnic Basket fundraiser winner was Charles DeClue of Potosi… The Gibson-Allen reunion was cancelled due to COVID-19… Kingston K-14 reassigned veteran elementary teacher, Beth McCann, to be the District’s Remote Learning Lead Teacher for the upcoming 2020-21 school year… New Life Evangelistic Center’s Free Store announced they are open to the public again with regular hours… The 2020-21 Tyro Masonic Lodge in Caledonia Office Installation was held this month including newly installed Worshipful Master Joe Tiefenauer… The 34th recipient of the $6,000 Marvin Boyer Memorial Scholarship was P.H.S. Class of 2020 Graduating Senior Alexis Winick… U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, joined by Missouri State Rep Mike McGirl and W.C. Farm Bureau President Jim Reed, visited the Chicken and the Hare Farm as part of Smith’s Annual Farm Tour… Kingston K-14 welcomed 7 new Instructors to the District for the 2020-21 school year… Pastor David Hedrick, Potosi United Methodist Church, and his wife Patty were excited to announce the adoption of Carley and Alex, sister and brother, into their home… WCRSPA Membership Chair John Tweedie and his wife Mary Jo, WCRSPA President, delivered 536 MRTA brochure packages to the area School Districts since “in person” workshops were not possible… Old Mines Area Historical Society had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Annual Fete de la Automne traditionally held on the first Sunday in October each year… Belgrade State Bank made a generous donation of school supplies to St. Joachim School… Bob Hamby, local artist, was among the artists chosen for The American Cancer Society’s 42 Doors of Hope at St. Louis University Hospital which showcased local artists’ interpretations of cancer patients’ journeys. Mr. Hamby’s door pictured the story of hope, faith and recovery of his daughter, Melissa Horton, a breast cancer survivor… Potosi R-3 Schools welcomed students back to class on the 24th after an extended ‘Summer’ off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic… The 24th was also the day for the Washington County Tax Sale where a large number of bidders were assembled on the Courthouse lawn where 162 parcels were sold and over 272 parcels went to the County Trustee… The P.H.S. Alumni Scholarship was awarded to 2020 Potosi High School graduate Alexis Winick… Mary Jo Tweedie, President of the W.C. W.R.T.A. Chapter, joined by Don Meloy, M.R.T.A. Region 11 Vice President, presented Portia Boyer, Trojan Intermediate School Math Teacher, a $500 Grant from the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation… The Jerry West Memorial Fund purchased a market hog at the 2020 Washington County Fair Livestock Auction and Mercille’s Meat Market provided the processing and the whole hog sausage was donated to the St. James Catholic Church food pantry for local distribution… Brooke Murdick, 2020 Potosi graduating Senior, has signed to Cheer at Mineral Area College… The City of Potosi rebuilt the low water bridge crossing on Water Street behind the McCaul building and Legendary Cuts in ‘Downtown Potosi’ due to recent heavy rains… Valley Vikings honored their Senior Volleyball athletes for their dedication and hard work over the last four years… Kingston K-14 students headed back to school on the 27th, welcomed by their ‘unofficial greeter’, student athlete and Student Council member, Junior Wyatt Jessen… Potosi R-3 High School celebrated Senior Night on Friday, the 28th prior to the first football contest against The Owensville Dutchmen. They later celebrated a ‘Home Opener’ win over Owensville, 12-0… The 11th Annual HomeGrown Farm Tour was held on the 29th and was a great success with many booths having over 50 visitors thanks to the efforts of a small army of volunteers. Additionally, due to the organization efforts of Xanthia McCaul and Jim Reed, the Towne Square Marketplace was better than ever. Thanks also went out to Deb Tolstoi for redesigning the website and of course to all of the farms and growers who participated. The fund raising Field Dinner and Silent Auction were held a little differently than past years due to pandemic precautions. Instead of a sit down dinner, pre-ordered picnic baskets filled with a 5-course fried chicken dinner for two were arranged for pick up at Edg-Clif. The picnic sold out 60 baskets and thanks went out to many people who made that possible. The Silent Auction raised $1,450 better this year than any previous year thanks to Renee Godinez who collected items and organized the auction. All together these volunteers raised just under $6,000 for 2021 Farm Grants and Scholarships… The 2020 Homegrown Farm Tour Grants and Scholarships, funded by the past annual Field Dinner were awarded; the Farm Grant recipients were Crystal Yarbrough, $1,000 for a chicken brooder and incubator, FFA Valley of Caledonia School Farm, $1,000 for a tiller and Forshana Bakes, Lora Bridges, $1,000 to upgrade to a Certified Kitchen and the County Farm Tour Scholarships were awarded to Luke Short, $1,000 who will be studying wildlife management and to Stetson McCoy for AI breeding certification… The P.H.S. Sophomore Girls took 1st place at the Jackson Cross Country Invitational and among other P.H.S. team members, 22 medals were earned… The Jerry West Memorial Fund announced the holding of a ‘year-long’ fund raiser that offers 12 guns over 12 months with the first drawing being October, 2020… The 31st was the 4th Annual Random Act of Kindness Day in Washington County, proclaimed in honor of suicide and depression awareness…

September:

Representatives of the Sarah Barton Murphy Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution joined City of Potosi Mayor Joseph Blount as he presented a Proclamation for Constitution Week, the 17th-23rd. The D.A.R. Ladies expressed their appreciation and support as they encourage Americans to celebrate the United States Constitution and recognize its importance and how it sets the framework for our government… Fourche Valley Golf Course recognized the 2020 Spring League Champions: the 1st Place Team was Terry Reed, Kelly Eye, Bryne Nicholson and Randy Reed… Richwoods Lions Club, represented by President Delbert Cardwell, and the Richwoods R-7 Alumni, represented by Grace Schneider, awarded their annual scholarships to Ms. Karlie Schneider and Ms. Malena McConnell… Local Salvation Army representative Eddie Strauser presented a plaque of appreciation to Linda Woods on her retirement as S.A. Welfare Secretary. In addition to the plaque, Ms. Woods was honored for her years of service with the S.A. and the E.M.A.A. with flowers, a County Resolution, and a dinner complete with a cake… After a cancellation on the P.H.S. Cross Country schedule, the team invited West County and Arcadia Valley teams to come run at the Potosi City Park… P.H.S. honored their Volleyball and Cross Country Seniors prior to the Volleyball game against Union… Washington County Farm Bureau President Jim Reed visited Hillside Vineyard & Orchard as they prepared to open to the public later in the month. The new business venture, owned by W.C. Farm Bureau Board Member George Goss, along with his wife Vicky and son Thomas are opening pre-order sales on grapes and apples from their vineyard and orchard, located off Highway 8 East of Potosi on Old Highway 8 at Stony Point… The Potosi R-3 Superintendent released a public statement that sadly, one of their beloved teachers, AshLee DeMarinis passed away after losing her battle with COVID-19… Kingston Junior High Volleyball practices were pictured illustrating how, in this COVID-19 year, schools can practice indoor sports safely with masks, social distancing, sanitizing and a few extra subtle precautions… Awakening Events announced a Fall tour package with CCM Titans Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman and Mac Powell. The tour came to the Star-lite Drive-In on the 21st… ‘Political Headquarters’ was cancelled by both the Washington County G.O.P. and Democrat Clubs for the General Election in November due to COVID-19 concerns… Kingston Cougars announced an indoor attendance limit for health and safety reasons… Headlining ‘Reminders To Count’ referenced the very important 2020 Census and Voter Registration deadlines… The P.H.S. Alumni Association cancelled the 26th Annual All School Reunion for 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns… Richwoods Wildcats were back to school as of the 8th… The Potosi Trojans had a tough time with the Knights as a game of turnovers cost Potosi the win… Soule’s Chapel cancelled their annual Homecoming due to the ongoing pandemic… Patriot Day, September 11th, was remembered on the day as the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, City of Potosi Police Department, Potosi Fire Protection District and the Washington County Ambulance District stood at the Towne Square parking lot and sounded sirens at the times of the plane impacts and the towers falling. Bryan Buckley, Washington County Ambulance, led the Pledge of Allegiance and closed the service with a prayer. Later on the 11th, the local Veterans presented the colors at the 50 yard line prior to the start of the P.H.S. football game. The Veterans were joined on the field by representatives of the Washington County Ambulance District, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Potosi Police Department, the Potosi Fire Protection District and Mayor Joseph Blount. A tribute to those who lost their lives and those who serve their communities and a moment of silence were observed along with music by the P.H.S. Marching Band marking the solemn occasion. The Varsity Football Trojans of Potosi High School honored the memory of AshLee DeMarinis, a junior high school teacher who recently lost her fight with the COVID-19 virus, at the start of that night’s Potosi home football game. They led the field with a banner ‘This one is for you Ms. D’ and later that night topped the Blackcats and won big for “Ms. D.”… The Caring Hearts Annual ‘Walk for Life’ was hosted by First Baptist Church and held on the 12th with a good group gathered to support the Pregnancy Resource Center. Wendy Gant sang to open the Morning Assembly, Dr. Terpstra thanked everyone for their support, Kayla Smith, Director, announced that the Center is now a medical center, being able to provide ultrasounds for expectant mothers in addition to their support opportunities for mothers and families… The Washington County Clerk’s Office at the Courthouse has announced the annual Spookfest will not be held this year due to the pandemic… Louise Newcomer who has worked at Potosi R-3 School District for over 50 years has been home because of the threat of the virus and was missing everyone when her family surprised her with a special birthday treat, a roadside parade at the family farm on ‘Old Hwy. 21’ of over a hundred people bearing birthday wishes… Archery Deer/Turkey 2020 Season opened the 15th… The 16th Annual St. Joachim Glow Ball Golf Tournament held at Fourche Valley Golf Course enjoyed a great turnout and was a huge success… Kingston High School Junior Noah Estes placed ninth at the annual Arcadia Valley Cross Country Invitational… The 26th Annual Washington County Health Fair was different this year amid concerns due to the pandemic. The ‘Hybrid’ County Health Fair, held the 13th-19th was a ‘Curbside’ Format with pre-set appointments… The P.H.S. Cross Country team ran the Bismarck Invitational at the M.A.C. home course with Varsity Girls and Boys both taking 2nd place as a team and 11 runners ran their personal best times… The Caledonia Methodist 69th Annual Auction on the 19th had beautiful weather, good attendance and enjoyable fellowship. Auctioneering services by Andrew Turner, Jamie Hiatt and Josh Campbell included lots of ‘vintage’ items sold along with new donations… Representative Chris Dinkins was recognized by the Missouri Chamber as a 2020 Business Champion… Don Thompson, Caring Hearts Resource Center Board Member received a $500 donation for the P.R.C. on the 18th from Jon Boyer and Chris West of the Jerry West Memorial Foundation for the Walk of Life… The Football Trojans were dominated by the Dragons, 42-7… The Cricket Wireless Grand Opening at the Parkway Center was celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting, drawings and giveaways… Construction was completed on the new bridge across ‘Fourche Renault Creek’ on Highway AA between the YMCA of the Ozarks and Edg-Clif Winery… Absentee Voting began on the 22nd for the General Election to be held November 3rd… The Washington County Commission awarded the project to modify the ‘Lawson Building’ adjacent to the County Courthouse to LCG Contracting Group. The building is to be used as a Court Annex and Offices for the Circuit Clerk … The Village of Caledonia announced the Theme and Grand Marshall for their upcoming 19th Annual Pumpkin Festival: Lilian Moses will be honored as Grand Marshall and the theme will be “A Patriotic Pumpkin Fest”.… The Washington County Farm Bureau Celebrated their 71st Annual Member Dinner, prepared and served by the Ladies of Assembly of God Church in Potosi on the 25th with many guests in attendance. State Rep. Dinkins was honored for her continued service and support of agriculture and farmers and speakers talked about the challenges and successes of today’s farmers. Richard & Judy Heeter received a plaque in honor of their years of service and commitment to the organization as they retired from the Board… The Annual Deputy Michael Triplett Memorial Golf Tournament held on the 26th at Fourche Valley Golf Course showed that good support continues for Backstoppers locally. Ready for play among the 17 teams were Presiding Commissioner Dave Sansegraw, Potosi Police Chief and Tournament Coordinator Mike Gum, Corporate Sponsor Marty Simpson with American Family Insurance and Tournament Coordinator and Sheriff Zach Jacobsen… Wayne Coleman was pictured with a nice 8 point buck that he took archery hunting on the 26th, thanks in part to Ryan Aubuchon and his blood hound… Twin Eagle Lake now features a new event venue and hotel that has opened to the public. Finishing touches are being done with the building and rooms. Tyler and Jennifer Juliette will be hosting an Open House and Ribbon Cutting next month… Potosi High School 2020 Football Homecoming Maids were announced… P.H.S. Cross Country ran at Columbia with a 2nd place overall plaque in their division for the Girls and while the Boys fought hard, their top finisher was Zeke Sisk placing 26th… One of the Enhancements recycling trailers, accepting paper, cardboard and some types of plastics was set ‘Downtown” at the end of Reed’s Relics … The Central Rebels won over the Potosi Trojan Varsity Football team, 33-6… The Delta Regional Authority congratulates five new Missouri graduates of the Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy including two local residents, Gregory Roeback, CEO, Great Mines Health Center and Krista Snyder, Executive Director, Washington County Industrial Development Authority… “Eighth Grade Night” was held on the 28th at the Primary Gymnasium for the Kingston High School Volleyball team… “Senior Night” was held on the 28th at the Kingston Gymnasium for the Kingston High School Volleyball Team … Also honored on Senior Night was Brianna Reed, the lone Senior on the Kingston Cross Country Team, for her four year commitment to the team… Valley R-VI School Superintendent Michael Silvey announced that the campus would be closing for two weeks on the 30th due to positive COVID-19 tests of personnel and students… The Washington County Ambulance District hosted a ‘Drive-Thru’ Flu Clinic that offered seasonal flu shot vaccine to the public in conjunction with the County Health Department, the County Hospital, Great Mines Health Center, County Staff and Paramedic Students on the 30th. The clinic worked well, with over 100 patients receiving the vaccine… On the evening of the 30th, Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft stopped in at the Washington County Courthouse and delivered the ‘Washington County Bicentennial Banner’ and the State of Missouri Bicentennial Flag as the State of Missouri prepares to celebrate 200 years in 2021…