This Charming Little Missouri Town Is So Budget Friendly It Feels Almost Too Good To Be True

Most things that sound too good to be true actually are, but Farmington, Missouri keeps being the exception that breaks that rule. Sitting comfortably in the rolling hills of St. Francois County, about 70 miles south of St. Louis, this town has quietly assembled a combination of affordability, charm, and genuine quality of life that most people spend years searching for and never quite find.

Farmington Inmate Dies at St. Louis Hospital

St. Louis, Mo. (KFMO) - A Missouri Department of Corrections inmate has died at a St. Louis hospital. According to the Missouri Department of Corrections, 39-year-old Terry Benson was pronounced dead at Mercy Hospital St. Louis at 4:48 p.m. Monday, November 9, 2026. Benson was serving a five-year sentence at...

Public Comment Rule in Place

(Farmington, Mo.) Public comment guidelines are now in place for St. Francois County Commission meetings after the proposed rules were approved by St. Francois County Commissioners. Presiding Commissioner, Kent Scism, says with the guidelines in place it gives everyone who wants to talk during the public comments section of commission meetings an equal opportunity.

Missouri high school forfeits playoff football game for interesting reason

This season has been one to forget for The Principia School's high school football team (St. Louis, Missouri). Now, the Panthers' 2026 season is over despite still having a playoff game on the schedule. According to a report from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the team forfeited its second-round postseason game against Crystal City (MO). The reason for the forfeit? To address culture issues. “While we’re disappointed with how the season ended, we believe this was a necessary step in moving our program forward,” The Principia School athletic director Shawn Brown told the Post-Dispatch. With the loss, the Panthers finish the season with a 2-7 record. The team gave up 54 or more points five times and 60 or more points four times. In their six on-field losses, the Panthers lost by an average of 29 points. In their two wins, the Panthers did put up a ton of points, scoring 70 against Veritas Christian Academy (MO) and 66 against Confluence Prep Academy (MO). This year is just the latest what's been a trying near-two-decade stretch for the Panthers. Principia School last won more than five games back in 2009. Since that season, the Panthers have compiled an overall record of

Local Author Pens Historical Fiction Book

(Farmington, Mo.) Local author, Jack Ward Skinner, has a new book. It’s the second installment in his continuing saga of the Calliott family. Skinner says The book is called “War and Promise” and it’s set in the time of the War of 1812. Skinner says he has several book signings coming up for those who wish to purchase a copy.

MAC Museum of College & Community History Announces Expanded Hours and New Exhibits

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - The MAC Museum of College & Community History is expanding its operating hours beginning Friday, November 13, 2026, allowing more opportunities for visitors to explore the history of Mineral Area College and the surrounding communities. Under the new schedule, the museum will be open whenever...

After 26 Years, Farr Takes Reins at St. Francois County 911

More than a quarter-century ago, a young Chuck Farr was determined to land a job as a dispatcher with St. Francois County 911. He repeatedly approached then-Director Alan Wells, hoping for a chance to begin a career in emergency communications. Wells initially turned him down, believing he was too young...

Farmington Football Seeks Second Straight Class 5 District 1 Title Against St. Mary’s

(St. Louis) The Farmington Knights football team will play for their second straight Class 5 District 1 Championship Friday night against St. Mary’s South Side. Farmington is 6-5 on the season after a 28-7 victory over Fox last week. St. Mary’s is 7-3 following last week’s 19-14 win over Cape Central.

CCC introducing new program in 5 southeast Mo. counties

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Heartland News) - The Community Counseling Center (CCC) is introducing a new program that will serve Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry and Ste. Genevieve Counties. The Early Diversion program will help people facing mental health challenges get treatment and support before an arrest or being booked into...

Catch A Shuttle Up The Mountain And Ride Back Down At This Missouri Bike Park

A mountain that once held Civil War cannon positions now sends mountain bikers flying down rocky downhill trails. You can still spot those old cannon spots up there. You can also find leftovers from a former ski operation. The best part is the ride to the top. A shuttle hauls...

Commission Hears Updates on Downtown Revitalization

The Madison County Commission discussed progress on a proposed downtown revitalization grant, county road improvements and preparations for the general election at its regular meeting Monday, Nov. 2, at the courthouse in Fredericktown. Although no new or old business was scheduled on the agenda, commissioners heard updates from county officials...

Land for new Dollar General approved

The final plot of land for a new Dollar General Store was among the resolutions approved during the City of Perryville’s regular Nov. 3 meeting. The plot is located on South Kingshighway at the former site of the old Bailey Stave Mill property, which has been subdivided to allow for construction of the store. The plans for the plot were recently revised to show the sewer line easement, as recommended by the planning and zoning commission, before they were approved at the meeting.

District football championships decided tonight

Eureka, Festus and St. Pius X host district championships tonight, while Crystal City, Jefferson and Seckman have tough road tests if they’re to play another week. Bundle up because playoff football weather arrived just in time for high school football’s stretch run that ends up with the Show Me Bowls in St. Joseph in December. Hillsboro, Festus and St. Pius were state finalists the last three years. That’s new territory for county teams. All that remains is closing the deal with Jefferson County’s first state title.

"Don't Give Up the Ship" Flag Arrives In Annapolis

Bryant Wolfin wins race for district seat

Bryant Wolfin, the incumbent republican candidate for the 145th district of the Missouri house of representatives, won over democrat Carl Kinsky in last week’s midterm election. Wolfin received 65% of the vote in Ste. Genevieve county and 75% of the vote in Perry County. “I have to thank the...

MoDOT Plans Route U Bridge Replacement in Iron County

Iron Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Transportation is planning improvements to a bridge along Route U in Iron County, with construction potentially beginning in early 2029. MoDOT plans to replace the Route U bridge over Logan Creek, located between County Road 28 and Logan Road, east of...

New U.S. 67 and Route CC Interchange Opens in Jefferson County

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A new interchange at U.S. Route 67 and Route CC in Jefferson County is officially open following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday. The Missouri Department of Transportation, along with KCI Construction and Bartlett & West, held the ceremony to celebrate the completion of the project, which transforms the former signalized intersection into a grade-separated interchange.

Missouri National Veterans Memorial unveils Gold Star monument in Perryville

Perryville, Mo. (Heartland News) - The Missouri National Veterans Memorial unveiled a new Gold Star Memorial Monument in Perryville. The monument represents families who have lost a loved one serving in the armed forces. Judy Redmond, a veteran and a Gold Star sister, called the event an emotional experience. She...

Festus council considers altering decorum rules

The Festus City Council briefly discussed changing some of its rules of decorum during Monday’s work session, including shortening the amount of time people from outside city limits could speak. Following mounting tensions over a CRG data center development project, the council in August changed some rules of decorum,...