October 16, 2026
Santa Fe Times
Brockman brings home more Senior Games medals
Alma native J.D. Brockman has continued bring home medals from Senior Games competitions throughout the state.
Upcoming events at area State Parks
Make the most of your summer with unforgettable experiences at Central Missouri’s state parks and historic sites. Here’s a look at what area events are coming up:
NFHS, MSHSAA announce high school volleyball rule changes
The National Federation of High Schools announced some rule changes for this season. MSHSAA has adopted a few of them and will possibly adopt more next year. One major change would be the ability for teams to use two Liberos at the same time, however it is understood that at press time MSHSAA has not adopted that rule as yet, though we might see iit in 2027. (The Libero is a back-row defensive specialist and can substitute freely for any player in the back row without counting against regular team substitutions. The Libero wears a different color uniform so they can be easily identifiable). Here are some other key rule changes listed on the MSHSAA website that look to be in play this fall: A team may designate up to two liberos, but only one libero can be in the game at a time. When a team designates two liberos and one is injured/ ill, a new libero may be re-designated. When a team designates two liberos and one is disqualified; the team must continue with one libero. Rationale: Allows more student-athletes to participate by creating an additional opportunity for coaches without having to utilize a substitution.
PSC requests public comment on utility assistance programs
The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) is requesting public comment from Missourians who have personal experience with receiving assistance as part of investor-owned utility assistance programs. Investorowned utilities with assistance programs in Missouri include Ameren Missouri, Evergy Missouri Metro, Evergy Missouri West, Spire, Missouri American Water, Liberty Utilities and Summit Utilities. Citizens wishing to comment should do so no later than Aug. 31, 2026.
Super Farmer contest held
The Lafayette County 4-H Council hosted its annual Super Farmer Contest on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Soccer Fields, with an outstanding 102 youth participating in this long-standing fair tradition. The event challenged contestants to work together as teams while competing in a variety of farm-themed relay games that emphasized teamwork, communication, and good sportsmanship. Activities included the Fire Relay, Wet Torch Relay, Greasy Pig, Blind Wheelbarrow, Dress the Scarecrow, Dizzy Paint, Feed Sack Relay, Sack Race, Musical Sponges, and concluded with an exciting Tug-of-War competition.
Commissioners join community leaders to advance Honor Walk expansion
Lafayette County Commissioners recently met with members of the Friends of the Lafayette County Veterans Memorial to discuss progress on the next phase of the Lafayette County Honor Walk Project.
Third-quarter grants awarded by West Central Electric RoundUp Foundation
The third-quarter 2026 Round-Up grants were recently presented to area groups and organizations to help fund important projects. The following awards were presented: Helping Hands of Odessa received $2,500 for an industrial freezer.
Construction contract awarded for courthouse sidewalk project
Lafayette County has officially awarded the construction contract for its long-awaited Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Grant project that will improve sidewalks surrounding the Lafayette County Courthouse in downtown Lexington.
Soil and Water Conservation Program distributes nearly $45 million to Missouri landowners
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Soil and Water Conservation Program provided nearly $45 million to Missouri landowners in fiscal year 2026, saving more than 924,000 tons of soil. Since the first passage of the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax in 1984, this funding source has allowed Missouri to prevent more than 195 million tons of soil erosion while also improving the state’s water quality and keeping farmland productive.