The Weaubleau community recently lost one of its own with the passing of Roger Melvin. He was a youth coach and sponsor of the Weaubleau R-III Youth League and Booster Club, and his sudden passing …

This photograph of the sunset cascading off the Hickory County plain was recently submitted to The Index with our grateful thanks.

Wheatland’s Mariah Box headed down the court on her way to lay in another two point basket as the Hermitage Girls Basketball Tournament began this week. A series of games were played on Monday, …

The Hickory County Child Advocacy Council is continuing to accept applications for the Share Your Christmas” food basket program.  Baskets will be filled in December by Child Advocacy of …

Applications are still being taken for the Hickory County Toys for Kids program. “Christmas is just around the corner and Santa Claus has asked everyone to start gathering the names of Hickory County families who might need a little help with toys for their girls and boys this year,” said volunteers. For over 20 years, Toys For Kids have helped to make Christmas morning a happy time to open the toys and gifts Santa has brought. Last year, they distributed toys and gifts to more than 270 kids with newborns to teen receiving a bag of gifts. This year, they are taking applications from 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturdays, applications will be taken from 10 a.m. to noon. All are being taken at St. Bernadette Catholic Church near Hermitage. Hickory County Toys for Kids is a non-profit organization that relies on monetary and new toy donations during the Christmas season. Yearly boxes and money donation jars are already in local businesses. For more contact St. Bernadette Catholic Church.

The Cross Timbers City Council met at 6:01 p.m. Monday, Nov. 24, at the Cross Timbers Community Building. Mayor Brittany Pennington led the meeting and council members were present. Under Bills and Financial Reports, it was noted that bills from Core & Main and Hawkins were approved for payment. The financial report included balances and pending deposits for the Water, Sewer, City Tax, Gas Tax, Meter, and Community Building accounts. Several delinquent bills were noted, with warnings of potential lockout for nonpayment. Under Water and Sewer Updates, it was reported that repairs have been completed at the Martinez water pit, West residence grinder pump, and Nelson water leak. The Bilbrey grinder pump requires replacement and the City Council approved the purchase for approximately $2,233. Under the Mayor’s Report, it was noted that city tax collections have totaled $1,332.26 out of $3,491.17. An ordinance violation notice will be sent to Dudley regarding roaming animals. The City Council approved $500 for a new computer. Old and New Business: The City Council tabled an ordinance regarding animal regulations pending further discussion. There are plans to meet with contractors about obtaining a roof repair estimate for the Cross Timbers Community Building within the next week, weather permitting. Repairs to Ward Street were approved, with up to $1,000 allocated for gravel. John Bricker has been hired as a Meter Reader and Maintenance Tech at $150/month and $15/hour, pending a 90-day probation and yearly review. The Cross Timbers City Clerk’s wage set at $18/hour for a schedule of two days per week, five hours per day. This is subject to 90-day probation and yearly review. Interviews will begin soon. Under Community Discussion, no community members brought up any new issues. The meeting was adjourned at 7:53 p.m. and The next Cross Timbers City Council meeting was set for Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. in the Cross Timbers Community Building.

The Hickory County Library Board of Directors met at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at the Hickory County Library in Hermitage.   Vice President Ernest Jenkins called the meeting to order and …

The Hickory County Quilt Makers will draw on Saturday, Dec. 6, for the Bethlehem Star raffle quilt. This will be done during the Wheatland Christmas Bazaar, when the group will be set up selling a …

Galmey VFW Post members are inviting everyone to come join them for Pizza With Santa on Sunday, Dec. 7. This will be at Galmey VFW Post 9638 from noon to 2 p.m. It is free and open to the …

The Hermitage License Bureau is temporarily closed, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue. The office at 2313 Oakwood Circle, just off Highway 54 in Hermitage, closed on Friday, Nov. …

A small-town tradition with a big sparkle is back and brighter than  ever.   The Pomme de Terre Chamber of Commerce will once again transform the lakeshore into a glowing …

The Hickory County Traditions Committee will host the annual Hermitage Christmas parade this Saturday, Nov. 29, on the Square in Hermitage. Children can come and visit with Santa Claus at the …

The City of Urbana will present Santa’s Workshop on Saturday, Dec 6.   This will be the same day the Urbana Christmas parade, which will begin at 1 p.m. on Main Street, and the …

The Wheatland Settler Village Committee will hold this year’s Wheatland Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13. The parade will begin at 8 p.m. on Main Street in Wheatland, with several …

The Weaubleau R-III Board of Education met for regular session on Friday, Nov. 19. During so, it was revealed that High School Principal Matt Johnson has been hired to serve as Weaubleau R-III …

Hickory County R-I School District (Skyline) officials have announced that board of director candidate filings will begin on Dec. 9, at 8 a.m. and close on Dec. 30 at 5 p.m. This is for three …