Despite being challenged to get ready for the season with so much snow, the Anderson Bluffs and River Trails (ABR) Foundation has gotten over 40 km of cross-country ski trails ready, with Operations Manager Matthew Shruck reporting excellent, near 40-inch “mid-winter conditions” despite drifts. To counter a slow start to the season, ABR introduced a 7.5 km “Early Snow Loop,” that was briefly open in early November, and is currently fundraising for its extension. Skiers are enjoying the the trails which opened last week. This is the ABR Trails Foundation’s first season operating the system, which was donated by Eric Anderson and Angela Santini to continue the legacy of silent sports; Eric is still involved in grooming. You can check out their conditions report and learn more about the foundation at abrtrails.com

A committee was recently approved to examine the potential benefits and challenges of a possible shift to a four-day school week in Ashland. District leaders are asking for community feedback on the idea. The district is exploring the option for several reasons, including the potential for improved mental health for students and staff, and easier recruitment and retention of teachers. Ashland community members are asked to fill out a survey, which is open through today. Contact the school district office for the survey link. Neighboring school districts, such as Carlton and Two Harbors, have already transitioned to a four-day week.

Before dissolving on Tuesday, the final act of the Downtown Poplar Bluff Inc. advisory board, was to allocate close to $50,000 for the expansion of the farmer’s market permanent structure. Downtown Poplar Bluff Director Morgan McIntosh was also recognized for her work over the past six years on projects and improvements, including lighting and murals added in recent months.

Work to construct a roundabout at the intersection of Route BB and Route Y in Sikeston will begin Monday, Dec. 15, weather permitting.And the Southeast Missourian goes on to say during the first phase, Route BB will be closed south of Route Y, and Route Y will be reduced to one lane with 12-foot width restriction. Completion of the first phase is anticipated Sunday, March 22, weather permitting.Construction will then shift to complete the north side of the new roundabout. Completion of the project in entirety is anticipated in May 2026.

Human remains found in rural Ripley County have been identified as a man reported missing in 2019. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the remains were identified as 53-year-old Jerry B. Hale following an autopsy on November 7.

20 year old Steven Parks who shot a gun at a Stoddard County Deputy on Christmas Day last year has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.According to the prosecuting attorney’s office Parks is sentenced for first degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon.

On Thursday, December 4, one eastbound lane on Jimmie Leeds Road in Galloway will be closed, 7 am – 3 pm, weather permitting, for county road repairs at the Garden State Parkway entrances and exits. One eastbound lane will remain open but delays may be experienced. Motorists should plan travel time accordingly or seek an alternate route.

A $10 million state water line replacement grant awarded to Lockport in November will now cover the costs of replacing lead-containing water connections for homeowners with the greatest financial hardship.

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is adding two new flights starting in March, it was announced Wednesday. The new direct flights will go to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Fort Myers, Fla. Both flights will be operated by JetBlue.

A Buffalo man, 44 year old Scott Sinwell, who repeatedly violated an order of protection to contact a victim and break into her home admitted to lighting a fire outside her house in 2023, according to the Erie County District Attorney’s Office.

Western New York residents can provide their feedback on the Kensington Expressway project in a new series of public listening sessions hosted by the New York State Department of Transportation. One’s happening Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Edward Saunders Community Center located at 2777 Bailey Ave.

On Tuesday, the FBI and Philadelphia police arrested 23 year old Louis Jackson from Galloway Twp., on the 5000 block of Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, for the murder of a 15-year-old juvenile from Atlantic City, and the attempted murder of a 17-year-old Atlantic City juvenile. On November 7, Atlantic City Police responded to the 800 block of Arkansas Avenue in reference to a shot spotter alert of multiple
shots fired. Upon arrival they located the 15 year old with multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to
the AtlantiCare Medical Facility in Atlantic City where he was later pronounced deceased.
Officers also located the 17 year old victim with a gunshot wound to the face. He was transported to the
AtlantiCare Medical Facility where he was treated and expected to survive.
Jackson fled from the area after the homicide. The F.B.I. was able to track Jackson to the 5000
block of Chester Avenue in Philadelphia where he was apprehended.

Lockport residents have the opportunity to comment on proposed changes to the city’s zoning code at a public hearing during today’s Common Council meeting at 6 pm. The changes amend the city’s comprehensive zoning plan, passed in March, which had reviewed and approved the uses for all city parcels.

Buffalo man, 34 year old Angel Valentin-Martinez, pleaded guilty on Tuesday for his role in a credit card scam that carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

A man arrested during an investigation into threats made against the Granger Homestead and Carriage Museum is now facing federal charges.
56-year-old Michael J. Keitz of Canandaigua was arrested on Nov. 9 for an unrelated incident.

The Salvation Army will shut down its stores on Military Road in Kenmore later this month, it said in a letter to employees. The stores will close on Dec. 27. Employees were given the letter on Nov. 27 informing them of the decision.