What’s Black and White and Read All Over? The Moberly Mirror and County Observer!

Welcome to the Moberly Mirror and County Observer, a new source of local news for Moberly and Randolph County.

In the Mirror, readers will find stories regarding city and county government, school events, club/organization information, political columns, park events, art/entertainment, and even sports. The Mirror will not only cover the 9-5 happenings but also those things that bring the area to life at night, on weekends and holidays. <!–more–>

The Moberly Mirror, in an effort to gauge interest, will be online only for the first couple of months. If our readers and advertisers support this endeavor, we will begin printing a color weekly newspaper in the spring.

About me

I started in the newspaper business in the early ‘60’s loading my brothers’ bags as they prepared to deliver papers on the six-mile long Route 8 in southeast Moberly. The Samp family owned that route through the end of 1976. I had my own papers to deliver before I was old enough to cross the street – 10 all on our side of E. McKinsey, and I was one of the first female route owners in Moberly.

I love to write and finally found an outlet when my husband, daughter and I moved to California, Missouri. There I worked as a reporter for the California Democrat and covered the news of Moniteau County. Afterward, I taught Spanish in nearby Tipton then in Paris and Moberly when we moved back here.

I got the job I had always dreamed of when I became a reporter with the Monitor-Index in August 2006. I covered everything from the first babies of the year to a police standoff downtown. I met the governor, U.S. representatives and senators, state representatives and local movers and shakers. I have probably taken a picture of you.

Last year I turned in my resignation at the Index and enjoyed the time off. But I need to write, and you are seeking something of local interest to read. So I’m back, but with my own paper.

My husband is affectionately known as Mr. Mo at Westran High School where he teaches history. Our daughter Elizabeth, I mean Liz, is 20 and is finishing up at MACC. You will see articles by the two of them in the Mirror from time to time. See Liz’s article on the Tullintrain Bagpipes in today’s edition.

Kris Childs, an alumnus of Westran High School, will serve as our sportswriter. Thanks to all who give him a helping hand as he starts out in this new area of his career.

Jeff, Jenn, and Alex Schulte of the SBS Art Department, across from the Funny Pages on 4^th Street, are my experts in web design and accounting. In the spring they will also be my landlords when the Mirror gets a permanent home next door.

I am willing and eager to get as much local news as possible covered but I don’t always know about things so please tell me of planned events or things you see outside your window. I am always looking for pictures of dads pushing daughters in park swings on Father’s Day, butterflies breaking loose of cocoons in elementary classrooms, giant pumpkins and prize goats at the fair, children blowing bubbles on the sidewalk in summer or climbing the snow mountains in winter.  If you would tell someone else about it, tell me.

Our first edition is introductory and short but we are already working on next week’s so we will be more complete. Check with us each Wednesday for a fresh look at local news. If you have news to include, tips, comments or questions, contact me at mirrornews@moberlymirror.com

The Moberly Mirror and County Observer, with your support, will reflect the news and interests of our community.