February 4, 1944

In spite of the contention of some persons that the intermittent fog  Wednesday morning was too heavy for the groundhog to see his shadow, others argue that there was plenty of sunlight for him to cast a reflection. So take your choice as to whether this section will have another six weeks of winter.

February 6, 1969

Several acts of vandalism have occurred, apparently in connection with a strike at Cox Brothers Hide Plant west of Rock Port. The vandalism has occurred to five different people connected with the hide plant which operates mainly as a hide processor for cattle hides from Missouri Beef Packers, Inc. Paul Cox, part owner of the plant, has a leaded glass window in his home broken, either with a rock, .22 bullet or air pellet gun. Gary Bogenrief had his car windshield broken and two tires damaged. William Black reported a broken windshield and three tires ruined. Vandals broke out a windshield for Bill Amthor and bashed in a side window and ruined three tires for Melvin Lueck. Saturday night nails were scattered on the road to the plant and both Sheriff Dean Lane and Deputy Sheriff  Paul Seymour had flats before they realized the nails were there. The FBI got into the act when a man appeared at the plant, which is adjacent to the Burlington railroad, and posed as an ICC representative by the name of Joe Mooney. He was questioned by an FBI agent after being located by Sheriff Lane at the Opp Hotel and told he would not be arrested but would be reported to the federal prosecutor with the decision up to them whether he should be prosecuted for impersonation. Mooney admitted to the agent that he was not an ICC representative, but a negotiator.

February 10, 1994

After being extensively damaged by the Flood of ’93 and then totally destroyed by fire, the Elk Plaza Cafe, owned by Phyllis Herron, has been rebuilt and is now open for business. The cafe is located southwest of Rock Port on Hwy. 136 and I-29. Phyllis commented, “Our hours are currently 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. We will have daily lunch specials and our regular Friday night fish fry.”