Santa Fe Times News

Blackburn resident is HHC Employee of the Month

The Higginsville Habilitation Center April 2026 Team Member of the Month was Anna Hunter of Blackburn. She was selected because she is a very hard-working person that goes above and beyond in what she does. HHC recently started EHR (Electronic Health Record) and during this process Anna was very helpful, making sure everyone knew what they were doing, working many days in a row and being available. If someone needs assistance, they can ask her and she doesn’t mind taking the time to go over it making sure they understand. She also does things like working overtime and coming in at undesirable hours to help with coverage (hours like 2 a.m.). She has been flexible with people coming in to do things even when she doesn’t have to and she communicates well. She makes sure everyone knows if she will not be attending something or if something needs to be rescheduled.

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Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce Announces New Executive Director

The Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the selection of Jill Nienhiser as its new Executive Director. Nienhiser was selected based on her strong leadership and management experience, community engagement, and vision for the future. As Executive Director, Nienhiser will oversee Chamber operations, membership engagement, community relations, partnerships, and strategic initiatives supporting the Lexington community. The position also provides oversight and coordination related to the Chamber’s affiliated operations. Nienhiser brings over 25 years of experience in consulting and working with commercial, nonprofit, and governmental organizations, along with a strong commitment to collaboration, community growth, and organizational leadership. Nienhiser said, 'I grew up in Lexington and have enjoyed being back. I'm excited to take on this new role helping to promote local businesses and community events. I look forward to meeting business owners and anyone interested in helping our town flourish.' Nienhiser will officially begin the role on June 1, 2026.

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Santa Fe students receive President’s Education Award

Founded in 1983, the President’s Education Awards Program honors students for their achievement and hard work. The program has provided individual recognition from the President and the U.S. Secretary of Education to those students whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet challenging standards of excellence. Each year, thousands of elementary, middle, and high schools participate by recognizing deserving students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the entire academic year. Congratulations to the following 41 Santa Fe High school students who were honored at the annual End of the Year Awards Assembly on Thursday, May 14, 2026: Daniel Alvarado-Perez, Keyla Alvarado-Perez, Jaelah Arnold, Wyatt Aversman, Daniel Ballance, Michael Barrett, Addison Beumer, Isabel Boehmer, Adalynn Boland, Caleb Brooks, Koewen Dierker, Quadyn Dierker, Mackenzie Dooley, Kadie Drunert, Audrey Finkeldei, Tatum Fitzwater, Abbie Gieselman, Jonathan Hyde, Samuel Hyde, Jamie Johnson, Kenzi Kallenberger, Khloe Kallenberger, Tynlee Koch, Brayden Livingston, Olivia Long, Malcolm Lundy, Sophia Lundy, Destiny Medina, Harrison Meyer, Elise Michael, Madilyn Montgomery, Victoria Morton, Ava Plattner, Wyatt Rardon, Raven Richardson, Hallie Schuster, Gracie Smith, Makenna Stephens, Adryen Tice, Sueanna Vandiver, Carleigh Winter.

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SF Comprehensive School Improvement Plan receives strong approval during state review

The Santa Fe Board of Education met in regular session Wednesday, May 13. After approving the consent agenda, Mr. Lark shared that Mrs. Stacey Smith had received ‘Administrator of the Year’ from the Central Missouri School Counselors Association. “Stacey continues her outstanding work at Santa Fe Elementary, and she continues to be recognized for that work… we are so very lucky to have her talents and effort here at Santa Fe,” stated Mr. Lark. Next, Mr. Lark shared that their regional DESE Supervisor had been in district to review findings from the assessment of Santa Fe’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). “I’m happy to report that as a result of the hard work of our students, staff and community, Santa Fe’s school improvement plan scored a perfect 42/42 points during this review. I am grateful to those who helped in developing our CSIP and to those who help carry that vision out day in and day out; maintaining high expectations should always be the standard.”

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