Daily Digest

Rolla Daily Digest Saturday, July 18, 2026

Ty McDuffey

18 Jul 2026 — 1 min read

Ty's Take

The Phelps County Democrats held their stump picnic last weekend, which means somewhere around here a handful of people sat under trees eating potato salad while a few candidates made their case for the November ballot. It's the kind of event that doesn't move needle counters or draw cable news trucks, but it's how things actually work in rural Missouri—you show up, you talk to your neighbors, you see who's serious about the job and who just likes the sound of their own voice. In a county where engineering students and timber country Republicans probably outnumber the faithful by a good stretch, these gatherings matter mostly because they're real, because the people showing up actually know the candidates or will know someone who does. The general election's still half a year off, but the work of building a campaign in Phelps County happens at picnics like this one, not in paid media or polling firms.

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Weather Alerts

Heat Advisory

Heat Advisory issued July 18 at 12:43AM CDT until July 21 at 7:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY

* WHAT...Heat index values between 100 to 105 expected. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From noon today to 7 PM CDT Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Higher humidity...

Phelps County Focus

PHELPS COUNTY DEMOCRATS Party hears from candidates at Stump Picnic

Democratic candidates gathered at Lions Club Park Saturday for Phelps County's annual Stump Picnic, where hopefuls for Congress, state auditor, and local offices delivered 10-minute pitches to party voters. Most nominees seeking the August primary ballot appeared at the event, continuing a...

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