Tarkio’s community newspaper, The Tarkio Avalanche, started operations on Third Street in 1884. Its first publisher was C.B. Casper. From 1916 until 1981, the paper was owned and published by the Kaufman family. Annette Kaufman Secor sold the paper in 1981 to Will and Joy Johnson. A new building was constructed in 2000 and the former Avalanche building became vacant. It was demolished in the early 2000s. The weekly newspaper was blessed with employee longevity: Charles “Chub” McAdams, 50 years running the presses; Marilyn Nixon, 40 years news writing; and Jack Squier, 25 years. This picture was painted by Edna O’Dell and is featured in a book, “Tarkio Memories – Through the Art of Edna McCoy O’Dell,” being sold by Tarkio College. To request a copy of the book, contact Donald Jagger Photography, 12016 County Road 4001, Holts Summit, MO 65043, 660-623-0859, or email flasher@me.com.
The Tarkio Avalanche
November 26, 2019