Palmyra Spectator

06/24/2026

🎓 Palmyra School Foundation highlights scholarships, teacher grants and community support

The Palmyra School Foundation shared several exciting updates during the June 9 Palmyra Chamber of Commerce gathering at El Nopal.

One major announcement was a $700,000 gift from Lucille Foster to create an opportunity scholarship to help students attend trade schools.

The Foundation also awarded more than $91,000 in scholarships this year for students pursuing both vocational training and four-year college programs.

The Foundation currently manages about $1.5 million in assets, with interest income helping fund teacher grants for the coming school year. Past grants have supported classroom tools such as teacher-directed headphone systems and wobble chairs to help students focus and learn.

The group also celebrated the success of Foundation Wednesday, a partnership with local restaurants and businesses. The first year raised $4,400, while this year’s effort brought in just under $10,000 thanks to strong community participation.

Also speaking at the gathering was Ashley Bode, current Miss Marion County, who shared updates on fundraising, community appearances and plans for a Princess Tea Party.

The meeting highlighted the Foundation’s growing support for Palmyra students, teachers and classrooms — and the strong community partnerships helping make that work possible.

📖 Read the full story here:
https://www.nemonews.net/2026/06/17/palmyra-school-foundation-discusses-achievements-from-foundation-wednesdays/

06/22/2026

🚲 Palmyra council discusses e-bikes, golf cars and UTVs in town and park

The Palmyra City Council discussed growing concerns about the use of e-bikes, golf cars and UTVs inside city limits and especially in Flower City Park during its June 4 meeting.

Council members said the goal is to balance recreation with public safety, particularly on park walking paths and pedestrian areas.

Parks & Recreation Director Doug Meyers said the number of these vehicles being seen in the park is increasing. Council members agreed to bring the issue back for further discussion so clearer park policies can be considered.

Police enforcement options also were discussed, including stricter action for underage or unsafe operation. Officials noted that city ordinances already regulate ATVs, golf carts and UTVs on public streets and alleys.

The council also heard updates from several city departments, including street work, police training, the Blue Shield Grant, a new phone system, yard-waste pickup and recent water and wastewater projects.

The council is expected to revisit rules for e-bikes, golf cars and UTVs at a future meeting.

📖 Read the full story here:
https://www.nemonews.net/2026/06/17/city-council-discusses-concerns-about-e-bikes-and-off-road-vehicles-in-town-and-the-park/

06/20/2026

🇺🇸 Palmyra celebrates Flag Day

Downtown Palmyra was filled with patriotic pride Saturday, June 13, during the annual Palmyra Flag Day Parade.

David Lomax, grand marshal of this year’s parade, rode through downtown as the community gathered to celebrate the American flag and the freedoms it represents.

Following the parade, the celebration continued on the courthouse square with a flag raising and flag folding ceremony, patriotic music and remarks.

It was a meaningful day of tradition, community and red, white and blue pride in Palmyra.

06/19/2026

🚧 Roadwork advised in Marion County

Drivers in Marion County should be aware of upcoming roadwork and an ongoing closure in Hannibal.

According to MoDOT:

⚠️ U.S. Route 36 eastbound
A lane restriction is planned Tuesday, June 23, for patching operations from U.S. Route 61 to Missouri Route 79.

🕖 Work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

🚧 Missouri Route 79 northbound / Mark Twain Avenue
The roadway remains closed from North Street to Reservoir Street as part of Hannibal’s stormwater construction project.

That closure is expected to remain in place through July 1.

MoDOT reminds drivers to buckle up, put the phone down, slow down and move over in work zones.

📖 Read the full story here:
https://www.nemonews.net/2026/06/17/roadwork-advised-in-marion-county/

06/18/2026

🎆 Fireworks season is almost here — celebrate safely!

As Missouri prepares for a busy summer of celebrations, including America 250 events and FIFA World Cup activities in the Kansas City area, the State Fire Marshal is reminding residents to put safety first.

Seasonal fireworks retailers may legally sell fireworks in Missouri from June 20 through July 10, but local rules can vary. Some cities and communities restrict or ban fireworks use, so residents should check local laws before lighting anything.

The Division of Fire Safety also reminds the public that fireworks, smoke bombs and other pyrotechnics are not allowed at Arrowhead Stadium, FIFA Fan Fest, public events, large gathering places and many Kansas City-area communities.

Fireworks can be dangerous. In Missouri in 2025, 358 people sought hospital care for fireworks-related injuries.

A few important safety reminders:

🎇 Buy only from licensed retailers
🎇 Use fireworks only in open areas away from flammable materials
🎇 Keep children away from fireworks
🎇 Have water or a garden hose nearby
🎇 Light only one firework at a time
🎇 Never relight a malfunctioning firework
🎇 Never use fireworks while drinking alcohol
🎇 Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them away

Public fireworks displays are still the safest way to enjoy the biggest and best shows.

Celebrate big — but celebrate safely! 🇺🇸

📖 Read the full story here:
https://www.nemonews.net/2026/06/18/state-fire-marshal-urges-caution-with-fireworks-as-missouri-prepares-for-big-celebrations-this-summer/

06/17/2026

🚧 Marion County drivers: Watch for June road restrictions

Motorists in and around Hannibal should be prepared for traffic impacts this month as highway maintenance and stormwater construction work continue.

According to MoDOT:

⚠️ Eastbound U.S. Route 36
A lane restriction is planned June 17 for patching work from U.S. Route 61 to Missouri Route 79.

🕖 Work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Drivers should expect slower traffic and possible delays through the work zone.

🚧 Ongoing Hannibal closure
Northbound Missouri Route 79/Mark Twain Avenue remains closed between North Street and Reservoir Street as part of Hannibal’s stormwater construction project.

That closure is expected to remain in place through July 1.

Drivers are encouraged to use caution, allow extra travel time and check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for the latest updates.

📖 Read the full story here:
https://www.nemonews.net/2026/06/10/marion-county-drivers-advised-of-june-highway-restrictions-and-ongoing-hannibal-street-closure/

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

🚌✅ Palmyra buses earn perfect inspection rating

Palmyra R-I earned a 100 percent approval rating during the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 2026 annual school bus inspection program.

The district presented 18 buses for inspection, and all 18 were approved during the initial inspection.

For Palmyra R-I:

✅ 18 buses approved
🎉 0 listed as defective
🎉 0 placed out of service

Marion County R-II also completed its inspection with no buses placed out of service. The district presented six buses, with three approved during the initial inspection and three listed as defective.

Buses listed as defective must be repaired within 10 days. The annual inspection program is conducted by the Patrol’s Driver and Vehicle Safety Division and helps ensure student safety on the road.

Congratulations to Palmyra R-I and its transportation staff on a perfect inspection!

📖 Read the full story here:
https://www.nemonews.net/2026/06/13/palmyra-buses-earn-perfect-inspection-rating-2/

06/14/2026

Photos from Palmyra's Flag Day Parade