The Macon County Home Press is offering free help-wanted ads through March 1, 2027, to help workers who will lose their jobs when Conagra closes its Macon plant.

The offer appears in an advertisement headed "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" that is set to run on page 6A of the Nov. 13 Home Press / Journal.

"We are joining with other local businesses to help displaced ConAgra workers find new jobs," the advertisement says.

Businesses may email a help-wanted ad at no charge to news@maconhomepress.com through March 1, according to the advertisement.

"This is an opportunity for all of us to help our own," said Macon Chronicle Publisher Patrick Nolan.

Nolan said Sharon Coram at the Home Press is taking the lead…

Conagra Brands' federal WARN notice says 435 workers in two job groups will lose their jobs when the company closes its Macon plant, though the notice's total line reads 442. The state's Rapid Response team is expected in Macon this week, according to Macon County Economic Development.

Chariton Media Group first reported the closing Monday in "Conagra Brands to close Macon plant Jan. 15." Conagra told employees Monday it intends to close the plant Jan. 15, 2027.

The notice, dated Nov. 9 and provided Monday by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, says Conagra will close the manufacturing facility at 204 Vine St. in its entirety and that the closing is expected to be permanent. Employee separations…

Conagra Brands intends to close its Macon plant Jan. 15, 2027, the company said Monday after telling employees.

Conagra spokesperson Christina Gales said in a written statement provided to the Macon Chronicle: "On Nov. 9, we informed employees at our Macon, Missouri, facility that the company intends to close the plant on January 15, 2027."

The statement continued: "The decision follows a careful review of our manufacturing network and reflects our ongoing work to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible while supporting the needs of the business. This decision was not made lightly, and we are grateful for our employees’ contributions and we are committed to treating affected employees fairly and with respect throughout the transition."

The statement did…

Locator map of the closed Crystal Avenue bridge over the BNSF Railway tracks near Ethel. Chariton Media Staff graphic. Source: FHWA 2025 National Bridge Inventory; base map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Photos by StaffMacon County commissioners are reviewing an application to replace the closed, century-old Crystal Avenue bridge over the BNSF Railway tracks near Ethel, a project estimated at $3.5 million.

Commissioners Dean Still, Matt Shoemaker, and Jeff McLin and Road and Bridge Supervisor Mike Teter reviewed the application for the bridge Sept. 28, according to the commission's minutes. The estimate is based on replacing a 250-foot structure over the railroad, and the cost would be split 80/20, the minutes say. On $3.5 million, an 80/20 split works out to $2.8…