Appleton City Schools have an amazing group of staff that would like to make sure everyone gets a Thanksgiving meal this year. On Wednesday, November 26, volunteers are gathering together to prepare Thanksgiving To-Go meals for any community member, family, student, etc. that would like one. It is open to everyone in AC, so let them take care of dinner for you. If you would like a meal, please call the District Central Office at 660-476-2161 or sign up at https://forms.gle/ceoS7anWZ5ANALXo8. They need just a little information from you so they can get an accurate number of meals ready. Pickup will be in the Circle Drive on November 26 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Delivery is available for those unable to pick up. Meals will be free, but donations are accepted. Signups will end at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, November 20, so that ingredients can be ordered. They appreciate the support of the community throughout the year!
Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation Chili Cook-Off and dinner is 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 22, at the Forest Park Building. The fee is $15 per chili entry. The 3 categories are: Traditional Chili, Non-Traditional Chili and Spicy Chili. Chili needs to be fully cooked and in a warmer or crockpot. 1st place in each category will win $100 and a trophy. 2nd place in each category wins $50. There must be 3 entries per category to judge. The cost of a meal is $8.00 for adults is $5.00 for ages 4-12 and under 3 years old eat free. The meal is chili or soup, dessert and drink. There will be a 50/50 drawing for $1 per ticket or $5 for 6 tickets. They will also sell raffle tickets for 3 baskets: Seasonings and Grill Utensils, Chili Pot with Fixings and a basket of RevIVe Hydration and Wellness by April Loney. Each ticket for a basket it $5. Everyone is welcome to enter the cook-off, enter the drawings and eat. Drawings will be held at 7:00 p.m. You will also have the opportunity to order an “In Loving Memory” personalized Christmas ornament until November 26. Proceeds go to the Ellett Memorial Foundation Board.
Everyone is invited to the Community Thanksgiving Service sponsored by the AC Ministerial Alliance 6:30 p.m. Sunday, November 23 at the Appleton City Worship Center. The service will be conducted by Pastor James Oaks.
Meet Me On Main for Small Business will be Saturday, November 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Participating businesses include Jina’s Junque, Rural Roots, 3 Wishes, 4th Street Fika, and Cork and Keg.
The Montrose Knights of Columbus will hold their 66th annual Germantown Turkey Shoot on Sunday November 30, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Germantown ball field. Tickets are $3.00 each and advance sale tickets will enter the purchaser into a cash prize drawing. There will be youth shoot lines and a shotgun raffle. Tickets are available in Appleton City at Dr. Payton’s office, Fennewald Plumbing or any Knights members.
AC Public Library will be hosting a bake sale and book signing on December 6, during Christmas in the Country, 8:00 a.m. till they run out., The support from the bake sale will go to the continuation of the Library and its programs. They are also excited to be joined by Janna Elliston, a local author, who will be showcasing her new children’s book, The Legend of Maggie and Lance. She will have copies available for purchase and to be autographed. They hope to see you there! This event is made possible by Thrivent and the Staff and Volunteers of the AC Public Library.
The 29th Annual Christmas in the Country Depot Craft Show, December 6 will provide shopping pleasure for all. All items provided for sale are hand crafted by the vendors. Returning crafters and some new faces will make this a great show. Plan to attend and buy locally for those on your Christmas List. This annual event is sponsored by Appleton City Museum. Hours are 9-2
Christmas in the Country will be December 6. Organizers are planning a parade like last year but hoping for more businesses, churches and organizations to participate. They would like all floats, golf carts, rangers, etc. to be decorated with Christmas lights. The parade will be 6:00 p.m. Saturday night and lineup will be at the school. After the parade, the Mayor’s Christmas tree lighting will take place and then Santa Claus will visit with the children. If you would like to be in the parade, please contact Kristine Parks at 660-492-2171.
Women helping women with their education is what Chapter CC PEO Sisterhood has done since 1915 through grants and scholarships for women of all ages. Numerous local women have received PEO scholarships and grants. Local members are having a quilt raffle this month and will be selling tickets with the drawing December 6 at the Depot Craft Show.
The Montrose Cheerleaders are selling fresh Christmas Decor (wreaths, sprays, garland, mini trees, etc.). You may purchase online through December 15 at GiftItForward.com/fundraising using coupon code MONTROMO001 or contact a cheer member or Amy Wagner at 660-492-3370.
Ellett Memorial Hospital Appleton City offers outpatient specialist services for November and December 2025. Call 660-476-2111 for appointments. Thursday, Nov 20 – Podiatry- Dr. Pace, Friday, Nov 21 – Ortho-Noble, FNP, Tuesday, Nov 25 – Rheumatology-Dr. John, Wednesday, Nov 26 – Ortho-Dr. Gray, Wednesday Dec 3 – Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday Dec 4 – OB/GYN, Dr. Kallberg, Tuesday Dec 9 – Rheumatology-Dr. John, Thursday Dec 11 – Neurology- Dr.- Shoaib, Friday Dec 12 – Ortho-Dr. Gray, Friday Dec 12 – Dermatology-Timmerman, PA, Tuesday Dec 16 – Ophthalmology, Dr. Soni, Wednesday Dec 17- Upper GI, Colonoscopy-Dr. Namin, Thursday Dec 18 – Podiatry- Dr. Pace, Friday Dec 19 – Ortho-Noble, FNP, Friday Dec 19 – Dermatology-Timmerman, PA, Tuesday Dec 30 – Rheumatology-Dr. John
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Nov 22 Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation Chili Cook-Off and dinner 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Forest Park Building
Nov 23 AC Ministerial Alliance Community Thanksgiving Service 6:30 p.m. at the Appleton City Worship Center
Nov 26 Thanksgiving To-Go meals at AC Schools. Pickup in the Circle Drive 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Nov 29 Meet Me On Main for Small Business from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Nov 30 Montrose Knights of Columbus 66th annual Germantown Turkey Shoot, starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Germantown ball field.
The Golden Apples will meet Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Farmhouse Kitchen banquet room at 5:00 pm. This week’s menu is fried rish with hush puppies. Please bring sides and desserts to complement the main dish. There will be lots of bingo prizes up for grabs. There’s a winner every game, and sometimes two or three
Feeding management of cattle is important to the profitability of the cattle operation. Furthermore, forage is the main part of the diet for cow-calf producers, so economics related to acquiring that forage is important to an operations bottom-line. Therefore, MU Extension, with the help of Wheeler Livestock Auction, is providing a workshop to discuss these topics on December 15 at 6:00 p.m. at the Landmark Restaurant, 301 South Main, Lowry City, MO 64763. This workshop will discuss winter cattle management and economics related to forage acquisition. MU Extension Livestock Field Specialists Patrick Davis and Andy McCorkill will discuss winter cattle feeding. MU Extension Ag Business Field Specialist Jake Hefley will discuss economic consideration for buying versus baling hay. This event is free, and meal will be provided with support from Wheeler Livestock Auction. Registration is required to attend by December 8. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/bdntbsjx or by contacting the St. Clair County MU Extension Center at (417) 646-2419. For more info on the event, contact Davis at (417)276-3313 or by email at davismp@missouri.edu.
The Appleton City R-II School District encourages qualified persons interested in running for a position on the school board to file as a candidate for the April 7, 2026, election. Interested persons may file at the Superintendent’s office located at 408 W. 4th Street, Appleton City, MO. 64724. For more information, contact Sarah Miller at 660-476-2161. Filing will begin on December 9, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and continue during the district’s regular business hours, Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There are three positions available with three-year terms and one position available for a one-year term.
Understanding markets as well as suggestions on feeding cattle through the winter are important for a cattle operation to function properly. Furthermore, understanding financial tools that are available to cattle producers is helpful in planning for operational success in the future. Therefore, MU Extension is partnering with FCS Financial to provide a cattle producers meeting to cover these topics 6:00 p.m. December 11 at the Vernon County Fairgrounds Centennial Hall at 1641 E Ashland Street, Nevada, MO 64772. This meeting will cover cattle feeding and ag business topics related to cattle production. MU Extension Livestock Field Specialists Patrick Davis and Andy McCorkill will discuss winter cattle feeding. MU Extension Ag Business Field Specialist Wesley Tucker will provide a cattle market outlook. There will also be representatives from FCS Financial to discuss products available to cattle producers. This event is free, and meal will be provided with support from FCS Financial. Registration is required to attend by December 5. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/2mfhs4f4 or by contacting the Vernon County MU Extension Center at (417) 448-2560. For more information on the event contact Davis at (417) 276-3313 or by email at davismp@missouri.edu.
The Appleton City Ministerial Alliance meets throughout the year providing community services and opportunities for the area churches to gather together for worship. Additionally, the ACMA helps people through the region in a variety of ways. In 2023 the ACMA founded the Tony Reynolds Memorial Scholarship, which is a $1000 scholarship awarded locally to an area student pursuing continuing education post-high school. Some in the community have asked about the ability to make donations directly towards the scholarship fund that are not used in other ACMA endeavors. At any time, you may make donations towards the ACMA and they encourage you to do so. You may make donations at any of their community meetings, or feel free to contact one of the ministers serving in the ACMA for more information.
Volunteer drivers are needed ahead of the busy year-end season. New Growth Transit especially needs volunteers in the Appleton City and Montrose area to provide free rides for residents who aren’t able to drive themselves to medical appointments and other essential destinations. Drivers are reimbursed $0.70 per mile (not income), receive training and ongoing support, and choose when and where they’re willing to drive. Call 417-283-7991 or visit newgrowthtransit.org to learn more.
Funds are needed for the backpack program. Holy Trinity Church in AC houses this project, which is funded by you, the community. They now are sending 35 packs of food home with school kids weekly. The cost is $950 per month and they are reaching out for help. Donations are accepted at the church and may be made to: TUMC, with memo: Backpack. Thank You.
The Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation was established in 2000 by a local couple to benefit and carry out the purposes of Ellett Memorial Hospital. The Foundation has played a major role in the Hospital’s recent renovation/expansion project. The Foundation is a 501c3 organization and plays an important role in ensuring the future of the Hospital by providing an avenue for individuals, groups and corporations to lend their financial support through tax-deductible contributions. The Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation would like to extend an invitation to the community to assist with this project. They would like to welcome all current and past members of the community and service area to make a donation to the Ellett Memorial Hospital Foundation. Donations can be restricted or non-restricted for use as the donor identifies. Recognition will be given for all contributions. For further information, contact Julee Snyder, Ellett Memorial Hospital, 660-476-211.
“The Little Apple” was started by the A. C. Economic Development as way of informing residents of news and events sponsored by area businesses and organizations. Items of a clearly personal nature, such as birthdays, anniversaries, awards (not group sponsored), personal sales and the like are not accepted for publication. Items may be edited for accuracy, grammar or space restrictions. Please email articles for “The Little Apple” to dcp81@embarqmail.com by Tuesday evenings or bring them to Dr. Payton’s office to be included in that week’s edition. To receive “The Little Apple” free by e-mail, or to be removed from the email list, send your e-mail address to dcp81@embarqmail.com If you have changed your email address, please send the current address, so the list can be updated.
