Garrett Fuller | Stories

Crime Watch learns more about CERT program JAMESTOWN -- A new program could help Moniteau County first responders during large-scale emergencies.A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) can assist first responders by helping them assist peop... June 7, 2023

Family fun at annual Annunciation Catholic picnic A dining room full of people enjoy home-style fried chicken, smoked pork and sides Sunday at the Annunciation Catholic Church picnic. Many came from all over for the meal, along with other activities ... June 7, 2023

Ed Morse Chevrolet California celebrates end of transition Many gathered Friday at Ed Morse Chevrolet California to celebrate the dealership's Grand Opening with hot dogs, hamburgers, T-shirts, hats and other giveaways. Micki Meyer, of California, won a p... June 7, 2023

Vietnam vet honored with Quilt of Valor Democrat photo/Garrett FullerConnie Richards, right, of Mid-Missouri Quilts of Valor, thanks Richard Ott for his military service after wrapping him Friday in his personalized quilt at the Latham Memo... June 7, 2023

Summer projects begin at California schools Most children and teachers have left for the summer, and contractors and maintenance crews are beginning work on projects throughout California schools.Security upgrades, new heating, ventilation and ... June 7, 2023

Federal grant could help district pay for school upgrades Completing a long list of security upgrades is expensive.California R-I Assistant Superintendent Matt Abernathy hopes a U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services School Violence ... June 7, 2023

Clarksburg native killed during World War II honored CLARKSBURG -- After many years of secrecy, the truth of Ned Stinson's death during World War II is finally revealed. Many gathered Monday as the Clarksburg native was honored during a Memorial Day cer... May 31, 2023

Getting dirty for a fireworks fundraiser RUSSELLVILLE -- Several all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders threw dirt high into the air as they demonstrated their skills and helped raise funds for an upcoming fireworks display.Riders slid around cone... May 24, 2023

Eagles president stepping down The president of a California nonprofit is stepping down to make way for a new leader. Steve Liebi, president of the California Fraternal Order of Eagles, is stepping down in June after three years in... May 24, 2023

School safety grants awarded to Clarksburg, Prairie Home Two area schools will be using grants to improve safety.Clarksburg C-II and Prairie Home R-V school districts each received $50,000 school safety grants through the Missouri Department of Elementary a... May 24, 2023

FFA champions recognized at school board meeting Eight state champion students received recognition last week.These aren't typical sports champions.The California FFA students are the best in Missouri at Conduct of Chapter Meetings, a FFA leader... May 24, 2023

Architect compromises on library design cost Sapp Design Architects slashed its bid to design a new Moniteau County Library by $50,000.The firm also extended a deadline to satisfy points of contention raised by the Moniteau County Library Board ... May 17, 2023

Jamestown graduates recognize moms JAMESTOWN -- Jamestown graduates celebrated more than the end of their high school journeys Sunday.They also celebrated the people who made their graduations possible -- especially their mothers.Gradu... May 17, 2023

More than $1 million awarded to California seniors in scholarships California High School's Class of 2023 raked in nearly $1.4 million in scholarships.Seniors gathered Thursday at the California Performing Arts Center to discover how much they received in scholar... May 17, 2023

California Eagles support Project Share expansion project The California Fraternal Order of Eagles presented a sizable check May 10 to the Moniteau Christian Ministries Center for their upcoming Project Share expansion. Steve Liebi, California Eagles pr... May 17, 2023

Health center starting naloxone program A life-saving drug is now readily available in Moniteau County. The Moniteau County Health Center, in an effort to curb opioid overdose deaths, is offering naloxone, a drug commonly known as Narcan th... May 10, 2023

Prairie Home school graduates 11 PRAIRIE HOME -- A teacher reminded 11 Prairie Home R-V School graduates of her love for them before they moved their tassels from right to left, making their transition out of high school.Before the g... May 10, 2023

Prairie Home graduates reunite 50 years later Eight of the 12 members of Prairie Home High School's Class of 1973 gathered Saturday in Prairie Home.Attending were: Glenda (Kirschman) Larm, David Wittenberger, Steve Zey, Lanny Lucas, Jane Mill... May 10, 2023

Commissioners collaborate for savings, improved quality "One county, one unit, moving forward." Whether they are working together or collaborating with outside agencies or officials, Moniteau County commissioners have discovered savings and improved produc... May 10, 2023

County road needs discussed at regional planning meeting It could cost $1.2-$1.5 million to fix a dangerous stretch of Missouri 179. Fixing a sightline issue on Missouri 179 near Lupus is one of many needs Moniteau County commissioners vouched for during an... May 10, 2023

Taco fundraiser helps Jamestown pool cover expenses A freewill taco lunch fundraiser for the Jamestown community pool was held Sunday, April 30. The fundraiser is helping to cover upkeep and maintenance expenses for the pool.    Democrat... May 3, 2023

Putnam-Ed Morse transition complete A new chapter is beginning for a California automotive dealership after a century-long chapter of local ownership ended.Ed Morse Automotive Group, of Delray Beach, Florida, finalized their purchase of... May 3, 2023

Prairie Home dedicates street for former mayor PRAIRIE HOME -- Prairie Home residents and city officials gathered to honor David Gann, a former mayor, with a street named after him. Less than six months after his death, community members and city ... May 3, 2023

Teachers, school staff honored with luncheon California R-I School District faculty and staff attended a teacher appreciation luncheon Friday, April 28, at Sweet Chipotle Event Center.After California R-I Board of Education Treasurer Derek VanLo... May 3, 2023

VanLoo returns to head Ed Morse Chevrolet A decade after leaving his job with Putnam Chevrolet, a California man has returned to lead the dealership in a new chapter.Much has changed since Derek VanLoo left Putnam Chevrolet in 2012 to accept ... May 3, 2023

Architect fees concern library board The Moniteau County Library Board of Trustees chose an architect for its proposed new library based on merit, but remained uncertain about how much the firm it chose might charge.From three options, t... April 26, 2023

Courthouse work to start soon The first of many maintenance projects at the courthouse is about to be bid out.Moniteau County Presiding Commissioner Joe Lutz said his office will begin soliciting bids to replace the courthouse roo... April 26, 2023

New members sworn onto California school board Three new members joined the California R-I Board of Education.Susie Gorrell, board secretary, swore in David Cook, Tony Haile and Jan Trachsel on April 18 at the board's meeting in the high schoo... April 26, 2023

Longtime Russellville athletics supporter donates signs Signs recognizing Russellville High School's state championships now stand outside the school in Russellville. Beverly Meyer, of High Point, paid for three signs to celebrate the school's athl... April 19, 2023

PHOTOS: Geraniums, birdhouses sold at California Nutrition Center fundraiser The California Nutrition Center held a geranium and birdhouse sale fundraiser Monday.    Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — PVC birdhouses, donated by Bonecutter Sporting Goods and d... April 19, 2023

PHOTOS: Finke Theatre prepares for ‘Newsies’ production California's Finke Theatre is the site for the production of "Newsies" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.For tickets, visit http://www.finketheatre.com/performances.html.    ... April 19, 2023

Proposed budget cuts would have minimal effects at library The Moniteau County Library is on solid ground financially, despite fears of state aid for libraries being slashed. More than $14,000 in state funding for the library is at risk of being wiped away if... April 19, 2023

Writing allows California native to ‘escape’ from stress While studying accounting and English at Lindenwood University, a California native looked to writing as an escape from the stress of being a student. Friends, family and other community members gathe... April 19, 2023

Wheatley named first Missouri WSSA rep Moniteau County Sheriff Tony Wheatley is Missouri's first representative for an organization connecting sheriffs from 17 other states. Missouri sheriffs unanimously chose Wheatley on March 8 to be the... April 19, 2023

California Police Department to ‘take back’ unwanted medicine The California Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across the country in promoting the safe disposal of drugs. The department is participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration'... April 12, 2023

Spring has sprung Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller The not-so-elusive "Grassquatch" is seen Friday ready for Easter near the railroad tracks on South Oak Street. The "Grassquatch" is maintained by Angel Lawncare. Democrat... April 12, 2023

Sweet tooths rejoice as Sweet Shoppe opens Sweet tooth or not, there's a new dining option in California. After months of delays caused by equipment and supply challenges, The Sweet Shoppe Cafe opened to the public March 28 on the eastern end ... April 5, 2023

Site, architect selected for sheriff office project The sheriff's office now has a site and architect for its new home. Moniteau County commissioners convened Thursday and Monday to pick an architect and site, respectively, for a new Moniteau County Sh... April 5, 2023

Girl Scouts move popular cookies Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller Children and adults with Girl Scouts Troop 72077 smile for a photo Saturday during cookie sales near Grind Coffee & Bistro. Children pictured in front, from left, are... March 29, 2023

Library selects architect to design new facility The Moniteau County Library has chosen an architect to design its new home. Following an architect showcase March 21 at the Moniteau County Library at Wood Place, the library's board of trustees narro... March 29, 2023

Fictitious report places California schools on lockdown A fictitious report made to Moniteau County's 911 dispatch placed California schools on lockdown.Superintendent Daniel Williams said the district took protective measures Monday afternoon after Mo... March 29, 2023

Pinto Pride Band ends ‘exemplary’ drought The Pinto Pride Band has a lot to be proud of, especially after bringing home its first "exemplary" rating in more than two decades.Hard work and dedication paid off for California High Scho... March 29, 2023

4-H Clubs running food drives Moniteau County 4-H'ers are giving back to those in need as they vie for a pizza party.The county's five 4-H chapters -- Eager Eagles 4-H, Shamrock 4-H, Show Me 4-H, Tipton 4-H and Twin City 4... March 22, 2023

California R-I Board approves girls soccer program A highly sought-after girls soccer program is coming to California.The California R-I Board of Education was met with excitement March 15 as it approved the new school-sponsored program in a packed ro... March 22, 2023

Donation remembers late library board member A memorial donation remembers a past library board member.Additional details about the upcoming architect showcase were discussed March 15 during a brief open session portion of a Moniteau County Libr... March 16, 2023

Jamestown struck with thefts from vehicles A recent spate of thefts from vehicles throughout Moniteau County is reminding people to lock their doors, regardless of where they live.Sheriff Tony Wheatley said the Moniteau County Sheriff's Of... March 8, 2023

Area churches celebrate World Day of Prayer A woman's story about being rescued from a baby mill and a "taste of Taiwan" were two highlights from World Day of Prayer, during which Christians gathered at two Moniteau County churches in support o... March 8, 2023

Commissioners plan preventive maintenance projects at courthouse Moniteau County commissioners hope to prevent future issues at the historic Moniteau County Courthouse by putting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to work on preventive maintenance projects. The ... March 1, 2023

Library boards discuss new facility, funding opportunities Architects will be coming to California to show off their creativity as they vie for the chance to design a new county library. The Moniteau County Library Board of Trustees approved a date for an arc... March 1, 2023

Sheriff’s office gets green light to proceed with new facility Instead of continuing to kick the can down the road, the Moniteau County commissioners gave the Moniteau County Sheriff's Office the OK to proceed with planning its new facility. Moniteau County Sheri... March 1, 2023

Stories by Garrett Fuller