August 27, 2026
Santa Fe Times News
Hazel Hill Club plans trip to Arrow Rock
The Hazel Hill Community Club met at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, at Thomas Hall in Waverly. Anna Mae Closterman and Mary Salyer were the hostesses. Others attend the meeting were Audrey Campbell, Lois Graf, Mary Ellen Kitchen, Pat Maycock, Shirley Maycock, Diane Schmidt and Lolly Schmidt.
Tieman-Blackburn American Legion Post 478 holds annual Family Night dinner
From left: This year the Tieman-Blackburn American Legion Auxiliary sponsored two girls from Santa Fe High School to attend Girls State. Those girls attended the Legion’s Family Night on July 26 to speak about their Girls State experience. The attendees were, from left: Maleigha Mullins, Sophia Dodson. Additionally, the Tieman-Blackburn Post 478 sponsored a third student to attend Girls State, Abby Rhea of Houstonia, who attends Sweet Springs High School. She was also present to speak about her experience. ( Santa Fe Times photos by Klarissa Olvera)
Upcoming events at area State Parks
Make the most of your summer with unforgettable experiences at Central Missouri’s state parks and historic sites. Here’s a look at what area events are coming up:
PSC requests public comment on utility assistance programs
The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) is requesting public comment from Missourians who have personal experience with receiving assistance as part of investor-owned utility assistance programs. Investorowned utilities with assistance programs in Missouri include Ameren Missouri, Evergy Missouri Metro, Evergy Missouri West, Spire, Missouri American Water, Liberty Utilities and Summit Utilities. Citizens wishing to comment should do so no later than Aug. 31, 2026.
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.