Stories from Sunday, January 5, 2025

Gary W. Rust, founder of Rust Communications and a visionary leader in the media industry, passed away at 89. His legacy includes a thriving newspaper business, impactful civic service, and a strong family foundation. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly….”...

Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” speech lauded those who take on challenges, shoulder responsibility, dare to excel. Gary Wayne Rust of Cape Girardeau demonstrated that visionary character. Heralded scholar. Talented athlete. Successful business founder and owner...