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Ordinance restricting heavy commercial truck traffic approved in Bland

BLAND — Bland aldermen on July 13 approved a new ordinance establishing restrictions for heavy commercial truck traffic on designated city streets in an effort to protect public safety, preserve … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/29/26

Bland PD reports busy month, grant funding to improve officer safety

BLAND — Bland Police Chief Charles (Chuck) Holtz spoke on his department’s work for the month during the July 13 Bland Board of Aldermen meeting, reporting increased law enforcement activity, a … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/29/26

Repeat water meter damage leads Bland officials to consider charges

BLAND — Bland aldermen discussed the growing cost of damaged water meter reading equipment on July 13 after Public Works Director Rodney Turner reported the city has nearly exhausted its supply of … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/29/26

Bland approves new city website project

BLAND — Bland aldermen voted July 13 to move forward with creating the city’s first official website, approving a proposal from a local web design company that officials said will improve access … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/29/26

Bland Municipal Court collects $5,190 in June fines

BLAND — The Bland Municipal Court collected $5,190 in fines during June, according to a court report presented during the July 13 meeting of the Bland Board of Aldermen. Of the total amount … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/29/26

Bland amends zoning ordinance to allow smaller homes, duplexes

BLAND — Bland Board of Aldermen approved an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance during its July 13 meeting, allowing smaller permanent single-family homes and duplexes in residential zoning … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/22/26

Alderman Steve Vogt, below left, presents a framed 500-piece jigsaw puzzle featuring a bald eagle to the city of Belle during the July 14 Board of Aldermen meeting. Vogt donated the piece in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday. Looking on are Aldermen Seth Klein, Jeanette Struemph and Mayor James (Pudd) Mitchell.

Belle approves additional spending to keep Rock Island Trail project moving

BELLE — Belle Board of Aldermen voted July 14 to approve a change order increasing the city’s financial contribution to the Rock Island Trail project after federal officials determined the city … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/22/26

unconditional carving owner Hank Scheel discusses his plans for the unfinished wooden base on a current life-size project depicting a horse and its indigenous rider.

Carving out a second chance at life in Bland

MARIES COUNTY — What first catches a passerby’s attention to the property on Highway B outside of Bland isn’t the unassuming workshop where hours, days, or even months are spent on projects, … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/22/26

Belle board revisits Planning & Zoning appointments

BELLE — The Belle Board of Aldermen voted July 14 to reconsider last month’s Planning and Zoning Commission appointments before approving a revised slate of nine commissioners to serve staggered … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/22/26

Bland celebrates successful July Fourth, begins planning October festival

BLAND — After drawing more than 1,200 people to its Fourth of July celebration, the city of Bland is already looking ahead to another major community event this fall. During the July 13 Bland … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/22/26

Belle plans park improvements, infrastructure investments

BELLE — Park improvements, infrastructure projects and equipment upgrades are among the investments included in Belle’s newly approved fiscal year 2026-27 budget. During the June 29 special … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/15/26

debris removal occurred July 10 after a branch fell over the roadway on Third Street. Jimmy Zumwalt, left, examines the damage alongside Public Works Supervisor Jim Goben as Public Works Director Darin Guinn, right, removes a problematic branch.

Large tree collapses on Third Street despite relatively calm weather

BELLE — A large tree unexpectedly split and crashed across Third Street in downtown Belle July 10, blocking the roadway and prompting a cleanup effort by city employees and volunteers from a local … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/15/26

Shannon Nelson could always be found at the same spot every year at the Belle Fair Livestock Auction, helping young sellers right before entering the ring. Quietly in the background always helping. Nelson (above left) making sure the hog is ready to enter the ring during the 2025 Belle Fair Livestock Sale.

Shannon Nelson remembered for a life of service, community spirit

BELLE — Some people leave their mark through a single accomplishment. Others leave it through the countless lives they touch. For many across the Belle community, Shannon Heath Nelson was one … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/15/26

Weller recognized as one of Belle’s biggest supporters

BELLE — Few people embodied the spirit of the Belle community quite like Jerry L. Weller. Whether he was cheering from the stands at a Belle sporting event, enjoying one of the Belle Fair’s … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/15/26

Marshal responds to Belle alderman’s ultimatums: more revenue or outsource services to county

BELLE — Belle Marshal Jerry Coborn is defending the city’s police department after comments made during the June 29 meeting where Alderman Steve Vogt suggested Belle should consider returning law … more

By Edward Gehlert, Staff Writer | 7/15/26

City employees and contractors with Power Connect work to access a damaged water line Wednesday, July 8, after it was accidentally struck during fiber optic installation near the intersection of Highway 28 and South Linn Avenue in Belle. The project, being completed on continue as crews remain in the area for several more days. As of Wednesday afternoon, no estimated time for completion of the repairs was available.

Utility strike damages waterline, highlights challenges of aging infrastructure

A contractor installing new fiber optic infrastructure in Belle accidentally struck a water line Wednesday, July 8, near the intersection of Highway 28 and South Linn Avenue. As of Wednesday … more