Sunday, Jan. 2, marked an unusual day in the history of Rhodes’ Market in Augusta. The store was practically full of people, but no money changed hands. They were all there to express their appreciation for the family’s 28 years of service to the community.
Weekend storm brings large hail, flooding to area
Rudy Kemppainen
Special to the Augusta Eagle Scribe, USA TOAY NETWORK
A powerful line of thunderstorms delivered a pounding to the area that lasted well over twenty-four hours, delivering both agricultural and structural damage to Plymouth, Augusta, Bowen and surrounding areas. Hail ranging in size from golf ball to nearly the size of small oranges pounded on home roofs and unprotected vehicles.
Some fairly large trees also fell victim to Saturday’s portion of the onslaught, including one on South Charles Street in Plymouth and another falling victim in Bowen. Unfortunately, though, tree damage proved to be only the beginning. Corn and bean crops in various areas surrounding all three towns received damage. Some were battered sufficiently to be considered total losses.
Bruno, bear who traveled across the Midwest, killed in Louisiana
Rudy Kemppainen
Special to McDonough County Voice, USA TODAY NETWORK
Bruno, the black bear that captured the imaginations of people throughout the Midwest in his travels from Wisconsin, reportedly met his end in Morehouse Parish, Louisiana on Wednesday, June 30th.
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Bruno had been struck by a vehicle several weeks before being found and euthanized. His injuries caused his back legs to be paralyzed.
The tenacious bear that gained the love and respect of the people who followed his progress on social media also strolled through the local area. He was notably seen by witnesses in the parking lot at Suzi-Q’s in Augusta, with some evidence of large bear droppings found along the road leading to the Southeastern Jr/Sr High School as well.