• Congratulations to Tpr. Stacy Crewse of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, who serves Texas County and was named the The Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Advisory Council Officer of the Year for patrol.
• In the area: Echo Bluff State Park at Eminence invites the public to a “Ride with the Rangers” bicycle safety event 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the park. Participants will join the park’s rangers on a bike ride through the campground, by the lodge and over to the park’s amphitheater. There participants can test their biking skills on an obstacle course and have their bike go through a thorough safety inspection.
• Odds and ends: Former county official Betty Sue Crow of Licking celebrated her 90th birthday last Thursday and was honored at surprise party July 1 in downtown Licking’s community room. She and her late husband, Wilford, operated that community’s Ford dealership for many years…. Ava will join Houston during the upcoming school year in hiring a school resource officer. The city and school district recently signed an agreement.
• Leaders in Dent County are seeking bids for a new jail. They will be opened Aug. 9. The two-story complex also has space for expansion. The first level includes areas for intake and processing, laundry and kitchens, and the second floor includes the holding portion of the jail, security and guard posts….In Douglas County, a three-year project to renovate the courthouse has come to a close. The effort included 68 new windows.
• Sunday afternoon at the Melba Performing Arts Center features the Elmore’s and New Heart Quartet from 2 to 5. There is no admission charge, and an offering will be taken. The Melba reopened late last year after being closed for more than 30 years. To monitor the entertainment, persons can find a calendar at melbaperformingartscenter.com.