August 26, 2026
Santa Fe Times
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.
Reward offered in relation to 1985 Dent County death investigation
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, criminal investigators with the MSHP’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) are seeking the public’s assistance regarding… Login to continue reading Login…
CCMH welcomes Dr. Jared Smith as general surgeon
Carroll County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) is pleased to announce the addition of Jared B. Smith, MD, a highly experienced and board-certified general surgeon, to its… Login to continue reading Login…
Back-to-School sales tax holiday will be Aug. 7 – Aug. 9
Missouri’s annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, and run through midnight on Sunday, Aug. 9. During this time, certain purchases such as school supplies, computers, clothing, and other qualifying items as defined by statute are exempt from all state and local sales tax.
Blackburn Council discusses financials, schedules citywide cleanup
The July 13, 2026 regular meeting of the Blackburn Board of Aldermen was called to order at 7 p.m. at Blackburn City Hall.