Santa Fe Times

Local student honored at SkillsUSA event

A career and technical education student in Missouri was recognized with a certificate of accomplishment at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) held June 1-5 in Atlanta. An all-time high of 7,000 students competed in the 2026 SkillsUSA Championships at NLSC, which is the largest gathering of the future skilled workforce.

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CCMH welcomes Dodge as COO

Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Laura Dodge as its new Chief Operations Officer (COO) effective June 22, 2026. Dodge brings a unique blend of front-line clinical experience and strategic healthcare leadership that will support CCMH’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality care across Carroll County and surrounding communities.

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Odessa man sentenced for possession of child sexual abuse material

William Mort, 32, of Odessa, appeared before Judge Josh Taylor, in the Lafayette County Circuit Court and entered pleas of guilty to six counts of the Class B Felony of Possession of Child Pornography. Lafayette County Prosecutor, Kristen Ellis Hilbrenner, represented the State at the plea and sentencing. By pleading guilty the defendant admitted to possessing moving images or videos of obscene materials involving children under the age of eighteen as participants in sexually explicit conduct.

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Speed limit reduced to 55 mph in Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa project limits

Speed reduction expected to be in place through 2028 As work progresses on the Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa project, the speed limit has been reduced to 55 mph within the entire project area, beginning at MO Route 7 (mile marker 20) and MO Route H (mile marker 45.3). This reduced speed limit will remain in place for the duration of the project, which is scheduled to be complete by late 2028. MoDOT reminds motorists to do their part when traveling through work zones:

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Blind Pony tours

During the months of June-August, area residents are invited to visit Blind Pony Hatchery in Sweet Springs every Tuesday at 10 a.m. for free summer tours. No reservation needed! Guests will receive a free guided tour through an operating fish hatchery. No registration is required, just show up at 10 a.m. any Tuesday in June or August. Blind Pony Hatchery is located at 16285 BP Hatchery Dr, Sweet Springs MO 65351.

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