Today's News

She stands just 18 inches tall and weighs 21 pounds, but a tiny new arrival is making big news on the farm of Jerry and Teresa Smothers near Perryville.

Peanut, a miniature mule, gave birth to a baby on July 31. The birth is such big news because mules can’t give birth; or at least that’s what the experts say.

“We bought Peanut from a local veterinarian, Dr. Ross, 17 years ago, and he told us she would never be able to have babies,” said Jerry. He explained that mules have an odd number of chromosomes and therefore cannot reproduce.

Since the doors of St. Catharine College closed two years ago, members of the local community have been wondering what would happen with the property.

Now, one man knows what he wants to see happen, and he’s taking the steps to make it a reality.

The Washington County Commanderette volleyball team has seen it all before. The experienced squad features 14 returning members as well as 10 upperclassmen, meaning it could be a golden chance for the team to improve on last year’s 15-22 record and avenge the disappointment felt by finishing as runners-up in the district tournament.

Washington County Fiscal Court passed a motion that approved the raising of real estate property tax rates by less than a penny. The motion passed by a 4-3 vote.

The Fiscal Court was previously taxing real estate at a rate of 8 cents per $100 of the assessed value. A state bill allows the court to raise that amount by four percent without the use of a public referendum. The court’s vote raises the tax rate by one-third of a cent and is projected to bring in about $16,000 more than last year.