John and Kerry Skidmore were married on Jan. 12, 1964, at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Springfield. They have been blessed with three sons, John V. II of Alamo, California, Michael Skidmore of Bixby, Oklahoma and Marshall Skidmore of Jacksonville, Florida. John II and wifeTeri have three children, John III, Lauren and Lindsey. Michael and wife Julie have three daughters, Emily, Elizabeth and Mariah. John has been a banker in this area for many years and is now busy as a real estate broker. Wife Kerry is a retired minister, songwriter and author. The Skidmores currently reside in Collins. more

Applications for the Riedesel Charitable Trust scholarships given to seniors and graduates of Fair Play School District are now available. Renewal applications also are being accepted. more

Monday, Jan. 22 — Biscuits and gravy, sausage, cheese omelet, fresh fruit. more

Writer turns to a life of crime more

Runners are getting in shape for the 45th annual Polar Bear Run set to take place on Saturday, Feb. 17. Deadline to register is Feb. 7 to receive a commemorative sweatshirt. more

This Valentine’s Day, Citizens Memorial Hospice will be showing love for Hospice patients and families through their “Hug in a Mug” charity event. more

The construction crew at Mid-Missouri Bank have had less than favorable weather conditions to continue their work on the renovations taking place at the bank. But they have been on the job throughout whatever Mother Nature throws at them. The bank is undergoing renovations inside and out and are expecting a target date of mid-May for completion.  more

Don’t ignore the warning signs. more

Vickers embodies the spirit of El Dorado Springs. Born and raised on the family farm near El Dorado Springs, Vickers graduated from El Dorado Springs High School in 1980. He briefly ventured to Springfield to pursue studies at Missouri State University. His healthcare journey started soon after as the supervisor for maintenance, housekeeping, and laundry at Community Springs Healthcare Facility from 1984 to 1985. more

We have interviewed Georgia Payne (nee Barnes) before. Her life story needs telling and her many years as a Bolivar resident give us the honor and obligation to share it. more

Deaths more

How well do you know Polk County? more