Santa Fe Times News
Superintendent Lark warns of dire times ahead
The Santa Fe Board of Education met in regular session Thursday, Feb. 12 at Santa Fe High School. In his report, Superintendent Derek Lark focused on the future of the Santa Fe school district. He reviewed several pieces of legislation for the board and indicated he intends to host a ‘Town Hall’ style meeting in the future to educate and inform interested stakeholders.
Program helps parents recover from childbirth
Born Strong, Stay Healthy is a researchbased strength and movement program designed to help people prepare for and recover from childbirth, says Melissa Cotton, MU Extension field specialist in nutrition and health. The program supports physical and mental well-being before, during and after pregnancy, with the goal of healthier outcomes for both parents and babies, Cotton says.
RSVP now for SWCD open house
The Lafayette County Soil & Water Conservation District will host the annual open house on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program will include Shelby Jenkins, MU Livestock Specialist, and Luke Skinner, NRCS Soil Scientist, who will present the Rainfall Simulator. The’winners of the 4th grade poster contest will be recognized. Lunch will be served by the SWCD board, past and present employees. The open house is free and open to the public. Come learn about conservation practices and cost-share opportunities available through the District. Please RSVP 660-584-8732 ext 3 by Friday, Feb. 27.

Governor, legislature, Missouri agriculture partner to feed food-insecure children
On Thursday, Jan. 29, Missouri agricultural leaders joined Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, First Lady Claudia Kehoe and members of the Missouri House and Senate in the State Capitol to pack 15,000 meals for food insecure Missourians. The event was an element of the year-long Missouri Farmers Care Foundation Drive to Feed Kids, presented in partnership with Brownfield Ag News and ADM.
Alma Council holds February meeting
The Board of Aldermen of the City of Alma met in regular session at Alma Police Station on Feb. 4, 2026 beginning at 6 p.m.
Waverly Council discusses changes to accommodate fireworks show
Waverly Mayor Richard Dodson called the Feb. 9 regular meeting of the Waverly City Council to order.

Santa Fe Community Planner (formerly known as News Briefs)
Waverly Masonic Lodge #61 A.F. & A.M. will hold their annual Soup & Chili Dinner on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The event will be held at the Waverly Christian Church Fellowship Hall for a free-will offering.

PAT Valentine’s Dance
On Saturday, Feb. 7, the Santa Fe Parents as Teachers held a Valentine’s Family Dance at Santa Fe Elementary school. The event included snacks, music, dancing, coloring pages, books for storytime and various games and activities. Here, Hadley Boland dances with her mom, Brittany Boland while other guests gather around the refreshment table. ( Santa Fe Times photo by Klarissa Olvera)
MSHP: Beware of common cryptocurrency fraud tactics
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control is warning the public about a growing number of cryptocurrency fraud cases reported across the state. Investigators have seen a considerable increase in scams often targeting older adults and other members of the public, resulting in significant financial losses.
Auditor releases monthly reports on municipalities, special district financial information
On Feb. 4, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick recently issued monthly reports detailing the compliance of municipalities and other political subdivisions with financial reporting laws.
