A BRIEF LOOK BACK- 2020 YEAR-END REVIEW

The media and individuals all across our county, state and nation and around the world traditionally use the final week of the year to wind down from the fast pace and pressures of the Christmas holiday season and to tie up any loose ends for the year just passed as they make plans for what hopefully will be a bright New Year.

The New Year 2021 (twenty-twenty one) will again be ushered in with the traditional watch night vigils, gospel singings, get togethers, parties, dances, dinners, etc. with possible ‘social distancing’ and the best health practices in mind, considering the pandemic.

At this time of year people everywhere have a tendency to reflect on the happenings of the year just passed and make a final evaluation of whether it was a good year or a bad one before moving on. This year has been like no other and most would agree that while there were some highlights this year, the pandemic stopped everyone in their tracks.

There are always those who will contend that little ever happens and things stay pretty much the same. There is no way that can apply to 2020, the year of the virus.

Despite conflicting opinions on time and events, it is only human nature to forget and set things aside, no matter how important they may have been at the time or how little time ago.

Join us now, if you will, for a brief look back at the year just passed.

We think you’ll agree that although the scene stays basically the same locally - it is really ever changing, evolving and hopefully improving - problems came up, then soon became history as life progressed rapidly, far too quickly many believe!

As people look back at 2020 the talk will be about the uncertainty of the virus and the efforts to battle the pandemic, Presidential and Congressional elections, as well as the uncertain economy everyone was left with as businesses closed and activities were limited due to COVID-19.

The biggest story of the year nationally had to be the virus and the action and reaction to it.

2020 will be a year remembered as one of hesitation and doubt, with no one knowing how to handle the health crisis and everything that went with it.

Refinancing and purchase of homes boomed while most of the economy took a back seat to quarantine. With attractive interest rates, home and property purchases increased locally.

Zero or lengthy deferred interest rates continued for vehicle purchases, etc. as efforts tried to revive a struggling automotive market.

Economists reported at year-end that a majority of retailers were counting on internet sales to try and replace the ‘brick and mortar’ shopping that has been traditional for years. The quarantine mind-set took buyers to online sights and kept them home and off the streets.

Remodeling, additions and facelifts have continued to supplement new construction as the building activity locally has continued to grow, while there has been some new homes and new businesses built throughout the year.

As usual some new businesses and industries opened, others remodeled or enlarged or downsized while others closed and faded from the scene being forced to fold under the downward spiralling economy of the virus.

Business was constantly challenged throughout most of the year as our county continued to fight the health issues and indecision.

The year was closed out with a conservative Christmas Shopping Season as shoppers stayed with a majority of online purchases versus face to face business. Many shoppers didn’t want to risk exposure in public while others were willing to get out with some caution in mind.

Also this year - as they all are - was filled with heartache, tragedy and despair for some, at the same time others experienced happy occasions that kept some of the despair in check. Families dealt with the virus and with loss while not being able to have traditional funeral services in the middle of a pandemic.

Industry continues a comeback of sorts as the county has seen some growth at the Industrial Park. The manufacturing sector has seen an uptick in employment and expansion.

It was a year unlike any other it seems. Join us now for this brief look back - The following is the first of the “2020 In Review” Series:

-JANUARY-

Talon Worden, son of Joe and Erica Worden, an accomplished wrestler, model and actor, recently coordinated the donation of $300 including funds of his own, to his school cafeteria to cover lunches... Juanita Purcell, Purcell Tire, in Potosi, was the lucky winner of St. Joachim School’s Early Bird drawing and in kindness, donated the raffle winnings back to the school... Kevin and Tina Politte of Southpaw Graphix, serving the area with screen and contact printing and custom cut vinyl has moved to their new location for their growing business, just outside the Potosi city limits into their new building on Hwy. P... The City of Potosi installed and added water and sewer lines through Potosi City Park and the new parcel that belongs to the Potosi City Industrial Development Authority. The City Park plans to use the new lines by adding a handicapped accessible restroom at the south end of the property... The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that no one died in a traffic crash during the 30-hour 2020 New Year’s holiday counting period... Potosi Masonic Lodge #131 held its 167th Installation with the 2020 Installation of Officers... Kingston K-14 began the Superintendent Search process... Potosi Police Corporal Lauren Adams was announced as Officer of the Year... Rogue Creek Proerty Association continued the improvements with the addition of a security gate at the entrance and a new lift station... Skeletal remains were found off Pat Daly Road in Old Mines by an individual walking in the area. The remains were sent to an anthropologist in St. Louis for further investigation... Allison Moore, Potosi High School graduate and Maryville University graphic design student, completed a work of art at the Washington County Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department Pediatric Suite... Brad and Kelly Juliette announced the addition of two stores, one in Leadwood and one in Bismarck (formerly Patti’s Little Store)... St. Joachim’s January 11th Eucjre Tournament and Chili Supper was a big success with 26 teams...Heavy rains, ice and snow was thought to have contributed to the tragic accident that took the life of 38 year old Amy Strauser... The Potosi Correctional Center’s 4-H Life Program donated $500 to the Southeast Missouri Family Violence Council... The Washington County Farm Bureau received a special project award during the 105th annual meeting of Missouri Farm Bureau at Lake of the Ozarks. Washington County won for their “Agri-Land exhibit at the county fair... St. Joachim School’s 6th and 7th graders enjoyed a field trip to The Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis to listen to a concert performed by the UMSL choir... Torrential rains followed by a drop in temperature mid month saw much flooding and trees down in the area causing bridges to be blocked and low lying roads to be submerged in water... Red Wing Shoe Company donated generously to the Potosi Elks Lodge #2218 Backpack Program... The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts Annual Pinewood Derby held at the Potosi Elks Lodge #2218 was well attended and fun for all... Summer Lee Murdick, a Potosi High School Graduate, was announced to be on the Dean’s List at Iowa State University for the Fall Semester... Washington County Memorial Hospital hosted a “Meet the Staff” which was well attended by Representatives as well as individuals interested in medical careers... Adore Hair Salon had a successful Ribbon Cutting with a large crowd to mark the official opening of their business... Potosi High School had the induction of their 2nd Hall of Fame Class in conjunction with Basketball’s Homecoming where Chelsea Charboneau and Kaleb Coffman reigned as Queen and King. Those inducted into the Hall of Fame were Dr. Larry W. Allen, D.V.M (Class of 1959), Paul Fitzwater (Class of 1977), and John Huff (Class of 1978)... The 24th Judicial Circuit Treatment Court dedicated part of their 16th session to Washington County and to Tim and Karen Golden of the Family Steak House for their continued support of the Treatment Court Program... Washington County Clerk and Election Authority Jenny Allen announced that the filing for the upcoming April 2020 Elections had closed... Potosi High School’s Olivia Coleman, a Senior Lady Trojan, scored her 1000th career point during the game against Valley of Caledonia... Backwoods Convenience Bar & Grill celebrated their renovation, a complete new look, with a Grand Opening Celebration and a good time was had by all... Potosi City Park was closed for major construction of water and sewer lines installed through the Park to reach a newly annexed parcel being developed by the City I.D.A.... Kingston K-14 celebrated Basketball Homecoming in its 24th year with the theme of “Decades”, electing Kyle Reando King and Gracie Coleman Queen... Kingston High School Cross Country Sophomores Noah Estes and Dylan Morrison were honored by the Board of Education as qualifiers for the Missouri Class 3 Cross Country finals... St. Joachim kicked off their celebration of Catholic Schools Week 2020 with a Family Mass... The last few weeks of January was a snow and ice covered period for the area with many closings due to the dangerous conditions on the roadways... Valley Viking Homecoming was celebrated on the 31st with a game against Bismarck... The Queen and King for the evening were Jaimi Tuttle and Lane Hampton... The Washington County Commission recognized Washington County Farm Bureau President Jim Reed and officially signed the Proclamation for ‘Thank a Farmer Week’ to be celebrated February 2nd - 8th... -FEBRUARY-

Washington County Airport Manager Danny Wilson reported that a wedding dress was found on the grounds, on the edge of Highway 8... Allison Hahn, Hayden Pena and Tyler Vandergriff of Kingston Junior High earned top spots on the East Central All-District Choir for 2020... Richwoods R-VII celebrated 8th Grade Night with the Wildcats... Brennon Blair, son of Shannon & Kiley Blair, won twin races in Springfield, Illinois at the “Clash At The Coliseum” and then had many wins in Oklahoma at Outlaw Motorsports... WCMH debuted it new digital signage with wait times part of a campaign to better inform the community about health matters... MAAA Conference Tournament was held Feb. 8th... Washington County Farm Bureau celebrated their newly proclaimed ‘Thank a Farmer’ Week with several displays of information and give-a-ways around the County... Annie Bush, age 10, originally from Mineral Point, was the 2020 State of Alaska Elks Hoop Shoot Champion... Mrs. Pam and her students at St. Joachim had the privilege to attend the Region 6 Mass with students throughout our region... The Washington County Airport Board hosted a round table for elected officials at the federal level to update everyone on projects, and goals for the Airport... Sheriff Zach Jacobsen announced he was seeking a second term and a party affiliation change to the Republican Party... The Old Mines Historical Society announced the purchase of the Juliette property lying on the north side of Wallace Road in Old Mines which adjoins the already owned property, LeVillage... Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts Hosted Impressive Flag Retirement with Potosi Elks #2218... Three Potosi Trojan wrestlers went to State competition this season, Keki Ortiz, David Coroama and Caleb Land... Twin Eagle was getting ready for Spring and Summer at the campground, noted that the swimming pool and shower house is nearing completion and plans were announced for a Hotel and Wedding Venue later in the year... JV Construction finished a remodeling project at DeClue Funeral Home, replacing the front doors along High Street... WCMH announced Don Manarang, D.O. as a new Primary Health Physician at Healthway Primary Care... John Huff, while visiting Potosi High School for his induction into the P.H.S. Hall of Fame, took time to make a generous donation to the P.H.S. Band Boosters... The Valley R-VI Varsity Basketball teams hosted 8th Grade night, during which they honored the 8th Grade Basketball Athletes... St. Joachim celebrated Valentine’s Day with many parties at the school... February 25th saw many Washington County candidates filing for seats... Kennedy Coleman signed her ‘Letter of Intent’ to attend Mineral Area College and play for the M.A.C Lady Cardinals Softball team... Brett Lynch signed his ‘Letter of Intent’ to attend U.M.S.L. and run for the Tridents on the Cross Country and Track teams... Kyle Miller signed his ‘Letter of Intent’ to attend Missouri Baptist University and run for the Men’s Track Team... Richwoods V-VII School District achieved a 100% on bus inspections this school year... ‘Frontier of the Past and the Future’ - the detailed financial statement of Washington County, Missouri was published... Winter Shoot and History & Tourism Expo... Dollar Tree prepares to open at Health Way Drive in Potosi... Kingston was well represented at the MJHAA Spelling Bee; 8th graders Allison Hahn and Gabi Delapaz placed in the Top 10… The Annual Blue and Gold Banquet was held at Potosi Elks Lodge #2218 with the Awards Ceremony, Crossing Over Ceremony, Dinner and Cake Auction… Three of Potosi High School’s Future Business Leaders of America members placed at the District 12 Contest at Mineral Area College: Abby Weston, Rachel Brown and Emmy Knapp… Sayers Senior Center’s Valentine Dance and Celebration was well attended and a fun time was had by all. Day time King and Queen were announced as Bob Hamann and Mary Ann Horton. The evening was topped off with the announcement of evening King and Queen Mike Bishop and Linda Courtois… Valley R-VI Honored their Senior athletes for their dedication and hard work… The Washington County University of Missouri Extension Dinner was held on the 20th with a good number of current and former Board Members and supporters in attendance for a delicious meal and 2019 recap, and recognition of service and awards. Among those recognized was Kris Richards, “The I-J” for continued and long term support. The Brinleys, Extension Farm Family, talked about their experiences at the Missouri State Fair… Kingston Sophomore Madison Nelson earned her membership into the ‘1,000 Point Club’ after just two seasons… Washington County Handicapped Services brought together a large group of assorted service workers for a meeting at the County Library to discuss employment and support that is available for individuals with disabilities across in the State… February 21st was also date to remember for two shootings across Washington County, one was officer-involved and resulted in the subject receiving fatal injuries… Washington County Commissioners were pleased to report that the U.S. Department of Justice released the County from the Settlement Agreement and Extension regarding A.D.A. compliance issues with the County… The Winter Shoot at Old Mines and the History & Tourism Expo had all of the traditional festivities and interesting booths - what was unusual was the weather - an unseasonably warm February day… Dr. Lee Ann Wallace, current Primary Principal in the Hillsboro R-3 School District, became the new Kingston K-14 Superintendent of Schools effective July 1. She replaced Kingston Superintendent Alex McCaul who became superintendent of the Potosi R-3 District… Four Kingston Junior High Students, Brendan Yates, Allison Hahn, Gabi Delapaz and Hayden Pena earned top spots on the MAJHAA All-Conference Band… Potosi Police Officer Scott Pratt and his K-9 partner Benito received a new service unit, a 2016 Ford Explorer which came from the Missouri State Highway Patrol… Old Mines Knights of Columbus Free Throw winners from Kingston were announced: Eli Pyatt, Allison Hahn, Brady Thompson and Brendan Luna; the three young men won at Regionals and advanced to State level… Mayor T.R Dudley and the Potosi City Council announced the progress and completion of the paperwork portion of the Diamond Senior Villas of Potosi; the company undertaking the project is 3 Diamond Development, the company that completed the Georgian Gardens facility… Roy’s at Leadwood enjoyed a beautiful day on the 28th for their Grand Opening, well attended by folks excited to see the new store and welcome the business to the community. Meanwhile, plans for a Bismarck store was announced - Brad and Kelly Juliette took over Patti’s Little Store, formerly owned by Eddie Mosier for 20 years, located in downtown Bismarck… A lengthy narcotic investigation spanning several months came to a close with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by Franklin County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and the Multi-County Narcotics and Violent Crimes Enforcement Unit making arrests in Old Mines… The Potosi Police Department also called in assistance from the M.S.H.P. Bomb Squad for a live pipe bomb… February’s ‘Leap Day’ was the Potosi Lion’s Club annual Pancake Day and as usual, Dr. Paul Villmer, D.D.S. was pouring plenty of ‘cakes’ with over 200 orders… also on the 29th, Leap Day baby Blake Boyer was born.

March:

St. Joachim School hosted a Children’s Paint Night… Washington County Teachers visited local elected officials at the Capitol… Guardian Home Services opened an office in Potosi offering home repairs and improvements with zero out of pocket expenses to Senior Citizens… Belgrade UMC reported that their January EPAT Dinner Fundraiser for the Valley Elementary Parents and Teachers was a huge success and thanks all who helped and donated to this event… Eight Kingston High School Future Business Leaders of America students qualified for State: Noah Bowers, Hannah Gann, Christalina Freedman, Grace Miller, Kyle Reando, Shyanne Stark, Amy Cook and Mark Upchurch… The 2nd Opioid Info meeting was held at the P.H.S. Round Room where many speakers from local law enforcement, service agencies and medical facilities spoke about the crisis… MSHSAA Class 3 District 3Kingston All-District Players were Madison Nelson and Matt Nelson… The Annual NWTF Turkey Banquet held at the Potosi Lions Club had a good crowd for a good cause… Letters of encouragement for all to respond to the 2020 Census poured in to The I-J… Corporal Dallas Thompson presented the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Active Shooter Program for the community, hosted by the Potosi Lions… The Washington County Chamber of Commerce announced their new Executive Director, Angella King… St. Joachim’s Barbecue & Blessings was a great success - they send many thanks to all those who coordinated, served and donated… The Voice of Democracy Essay Contest Winners were announced at a recognition dinner… Mr. Adam Portell, Assistant Superintendent of the Potosi R-3 School District was contracted by Iron County C-4 School District as the new High School Principal for the 2020-2021 school year… Shane Blair won the Championship at St. Francois County Raceway for the 2019 B Mod Series… Potosi Southern Baptist Church held its annual Community Servants’ Appreciation Dinner on the 9th, sponsored by Men on Mission and held at the Christian Life Center… March 12th marks the first headline relating to the “Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)” in the form of a W.C.M.H. Q&A and an Update from the Health Department regarding readiness… Missouri’s first reported case of COVID-19 was March 7th… Democrat Club President Linda Whitley presented Ryan Weeks with the Washington County Democrat of the Year Award at the Annual St. Patrick’s Banquet at the Potosi Elks Lodge… St. Stephen Church held their annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner which was a good success and ended up being one of the final community activities to be held… Jalynn Orrick was announced as the “Ye Olde Ed” NWTF Scholarship winner during the NWTF Banquet where she received a plaque and a check… Kayley Heeter signed a letter of intent to run Cross Country and Track at the University of Missouri - St. Louis… Mackenzie Coleman-Portell signed a letter of intent to attend Culver-Stockton and participate in the Culver-Stockton Marching Band’s inaugural season in the Color Guard… Ozark Trail Association was named Conservation Organization of the Year… Kingston Junior High School Scholar Bowl Team members celebrated a Second Place finish at the MAJHAA Conference Tournament... Blake Buckley, Potosi R-# Senior was awarded the President’s Scholarship, based on academic excellence, an $11,500 per year Scholarship, to Culver-Stockton… Bismarck V.F.W. #6947 hosted Voice of Democracy Winners, a large crowd and carry in dinners were the backdrop for the presentation of awards to 1st Place “What Makes America Great” essay contest winners Carlie Loughary, 7th Grade and Heath Rhyneer, Senior… UM System Universities suspended In-Person classes for Spring Semester to combat COVID-19… Harps Food Stores acquired 20 stores across Arkansas and Missouri, including the Potosi Country Mart… Governor Parson issued a statement regarding recommendations from the CDC on Mass Gatherings and Large Community Events; subsequently event and meeting cancellations became the ‘new normal’… Potosi R-3 School District Interim Superintendent Randy Davis announced school closings through April 3rd and the other area School Districts soon followed… Baseball’s Spring Training was cancelled… NASCAR Racing was cancelled… Mercy Hospital opened the first COVID-19 Test Collection Site in St. Louis… YMCA Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood announced their temporary closure… M.S.H.P. suspends Driver Road Testing statewide… The Washington County Retired School Personnel cancelled Association meetings through May… NAIA cancelled the Spring 2020 Sports Season… Missouri State Parks postponed events and programs… Missouri State University suspended athletic competitions… MDC cancelled most programs and events through April 15th… Missouri’s Supreme Court Issues statement modifying operations… Potosi Municipal Court was postponed… President Trump declares a national emergency… Governor Parson follows with the signing of Executive Order 20-02 declaring a state of emergency in Missouri… St. James Catholic Church cancels Quilt Bingo… Sayers Senior Center announces that it will be closed to the public until further notice but will offer carryout meals… Heart of America suspends Spring Competitions… 100 Acre Wood Rally cancelled… Bridge replacement at Fourche-A-Renault on Highway AA will began; MoDOT awarded the contract to Pace Construction to replace the bridge which was originally constructed in 1960… W.C.M.H. announces a physician was removed from patient care after learning that she had cared for a patient in another state that had tested positive for COVID-19… Area School Districts began “meals on Wheels” programs to feed children during the school closings… Mercy Jefferson began restricting visitor access… Washington County Wildlife Protection Association’s Annual Wild Turkey Calling Contest was rescheduled… MDC closed staffed shooting ranges… Washington County Commissioners declare State of Emergency for the County… Governor Parson and Rep. Smith both push for relief and disaster loans for small businesses and rural areas… Sam Scism Ford welcomes Matthew Eaton of Potosi… Bro. Don Strauser retired from weekly service at The First Freewill Baptist Church in Potosi after being in the ministry field for 47 years… Bipartisan House Leadership issued a statement concerning the first confirmed case of Coronavirus within the Capitol… Ethan Matthews, Senior at Valley R-VI was awarded a baseball scholarship and continued education to Hannibal-LaGrange University… WGU Missouri announced plans to fund dozens of classroom projects across the state with the realization that the spread of COVID-19 will require extra creativity on the part of teachers… Showboat Branson Belle suspended cruises… MSU Spring practices and team activities were canceled… Sayers Senior Center’s fundraising auction was canceled… Municipal Elections scheduled for April 7 were postponed until June 2nd… The Washington County Health Department received a multi-year grant from the E.P.A. … Local School Districts’ staff continued to coordinate meal delivery to students during school closures… The Potosi Elks Lodge #2218 Backpack Programs continued despite COVID-19 conditions in an effort to ensure children had the food they needed… John Tweedie, WCRSPA Membership Chair presented a check donation to Missy Mercer, Washington County Librarian, to be used to buy books in the memory of eight retired WCRSPA members who passed away in 2019… The State Historical Society announced its closure through March… Washington County Library announced its closure and highlighted its online options and later offered curbside service… Washington County Courthouse announced its closure and published phone numbers for staff who will be continuing to work… Local restaurants announced closures but offered curb-side service… Fourche Valley Golf Re-Set its schedule… Washington County Commissioners enacted emergency steps to help protect and provide for the Washington County residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first step was taken by signing an order establishing the Washington County Emergency Operations Center at the W.C.A.D. headquarters… St. Francois County confirms its first case of COVID-19 on the 22nd… The phrase ‘Social Distancing’ was not only new but became part of the Governor’s mandate… Caledonia/Valley R-6 All-School reunion was cancelled… The Prayer Initiative for Washington County was held on the 27th with Social Distancing and some folks remaining in their vehicles… Transportation requirements were relaxed to keep the supply chain moving… Secretary of State Ashcroft announced Public Library closures and issues statement on how to deliver services… Rural Parish Mobile Medical Clinic temporarily suspends service… MDC temporarily waives permit requirements for sport fishing… Churches were closed for services; when possible, services were aired on the internet or via social media…

These are headlines and happenings from the 2020 year of ‘The Independent-Journal’ and include just some of the highlights from the year. The Year-End Review will continue next week with another installment of memories from the year 2020.

While this year started off with a somewhat normal beginning, we all quickly learned how easy it was to change everything with a virus. Something we can’t even see, but that has dictated our actions and our lives for at least the majority of the year.