August 27, 2026
Santa Fe Times News
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.
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.
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:
Lafayette County lottery player wins big
A Missouri Lottery player in Lafayette County has several reasons to celebrate after the June 13 Show Me Cash drawing.
Waverly pool opens after slight delay
After a short delay, the Waverly pool opened for the 2026 season on Tuesday, June 16. The bumpy start was due to much-needed repairs on the 56-year-old pool. Though she is getting up there in age, the Waverly pool is a muchloved asset to the City of Waverly. If we travelled back to 1969, we would see a group of Waverly community members who were tossing around the idea of a pool. As part of this process, a board of eight men was formed: Bob Sowers, Wendell Schmidt, Lawrence Gilpin, David Peters, Jack Peters, the gutters.
Bolser selected for National 4-H Congress
This November, 20 Missouri 4-H delegates will travel to Atlanta, Georgia, for a once-in-alifetime experience at National 4-H Congress. During the event, youth will connect with peers from across the country while participating in educational workshops, service-learning projects, and tours of Atlanta’s most notable landmarks.
Big Muddy Clean Sweep will return to Waverly
The Big Muddy Clean Sweep is back for Missouri River Relief’s 25th anniversary, and volunteer registration is now open!
Santa Fe FFA member attends HYMAX Academy
Santa Fe FFA member Abbie Gielseman recently attended the 2026 HYMAX Leadership Academy.
Missouri WIC announces updated income eligibility guidelines
The Missouri by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has released updated income eligibility guidelines for Missouri WIC, based on 185% of the federal poverty guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS releases annual adjustments to the poverty guidelines before June each year. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, administered in DHSS.
New scam utilizes MSHP name, image
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) is warning the public of a recent scam targeting residents. A growing number of financial fraud cases have been reported across the state and country, resulting in significant financial loss to individuals.