Year in Review: 2025
In the heart of northeast Missouri, where community roots run deep and neighbors feel more like family, 2025 was a year defined by growth, milestones, and memorable moments. From sidewalk upgrades in Kahoka to heartfelt volunteer efforts and school accomplishments, Clark County’s spirit of resilience and pride shone brightly through every season.
As we look back on the first half of the year, these stories offer more than just headlines—they reflect the values, traditions and everyday heroes who shape life in our corner of the state. Here’s a snapshot of the events and achievements that made January through June truly special.
January 2025
Several Clark County elected officials took their oaths of office on Monday, December 29.
The Clark County Nursing Home’s Residential Care Facility transitioned to an Independent Living Facility on January 1st.
Charlie Waterman became a new junior member of the American Angus Association.
The downtown Kahoka sidewalk project got back on track.
Kahoka Chapter #40 Order of the Eastern Star partnered with the Clark County Fine Arts Boosters to raise money for the music program. The $15,000 raised was double matched by the Masonic Home’s Create a Partnership program, bringing the donation to $45,000. The funds helped purchase new High School choir performance attire, new chairs and stands at the middle school, and several new instruments.
Ten dead or dying ash trees were cut down in Kahoka’s City Park. Alderman Carl Hayden suggested replanting several trees during Arbor Day at the City Council meeting.
Local students were named to Missouri State University’s Fall 2024 Dean’s List. Included were Annaley Smith and Blaine Wardlow.
Chelsi Nye was named to SNHU Dean’s List.
Young entrepreneur, Walter Dunlap, is the main baker for his family’s business, Gigglewoods Bakery & Farm. Walter loves to make tasty baked treats, and he and his family set up at many festivals during the year.
Senator O’Laughlin became the first woman to lead the Missouri Senate.
Clark County Indians boys’ basketball team claimed the Consolation title at the Highland Tournament.
Hannibal School Board selected Richie Kracht as their new superintendent.
The Clark County Senior Center completed some upgrades to the facility. They added new LED lighting fixtures and fans, painted the dining room, and tore out the old stage in the building.
Paula Gough retired from MoDOT after over 28 years of service.
The Clark County Boys basketball team captured the Tony Lenzini Tournament consolation title.
February 2025
After 45 years, John Huffman retired from the Clark Mutual Insurance Company board.
The Clark County High School’s 2025 Courtwarming Queen and King were Ava McKay and Isaiah Hardin.
Kahoka Motors closed after 68 years of service marking an end of a legacy that was built on trust, quality, and community.
Following Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s 2025 State of the State address, local superintendents weighed in on the impact of the proposals on public schools.
Kenny and Linda Dunn were this year’s Clark County Valentine Sweethearts. Their paths first crossed when Linda was a sophomore and Kenny was a senior all thanks to a golf ball. Their friendship grew and later they were married on July 29, 1966.
The Clark County Commission put a Sheltered Workshop Tax on the April Ballot. Voters are to decide on the proposed property tax increase to support the county’s sheltered workshop, Industrial Opportunities.
Madisyn Morgan was named to the UCM Fall 2024 Dean’s List.
The 8th grade Lady Tigers qualified for Iowa and Missouri State Championships.
Dean and Susanne Webster of Kahoka celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources awarded nearly $3.77 million in financial assistance to the Consolidated Public Water Supply District No. 1 of Clark County for upgrades to its water treatment plant.
Clark County centralized voting locations to cut costs and ease judge shortage. The location for voters to cast their ballots is now at the First Baptist Church in Kahoka.
For decades, Linda Dunn has crafted intricate dollhouses, each one transforming into their own miniature worlds.
The Montgomery Opera House was purchased by Jennifer Kauth and Jill Plenge. The new business Kahoka Trading Co. will provide vendor booths and eventually develop the top floor into a special events venue.
Sidney Brandon and Lucus Eddleman were named to the MACC President’s List. Bayern James, Camden Morss, and Bree Plenge were named to the Dean’s List.
March 2025
Kahoka Chapter #40, Order of the Eastern Star, recognized Marilyn Zinnert with a 70-year member pin.
Clark County R-1 named Lyndel Whittle as the new Superintendent.
Clark County Middle School students competed in a spaghetti bridge contest. 1st place went to Brayden Phillips.
The Clark County Extension Council held the 39th annual Farm/City Night on March 8. Chris Chinn, Missouri Department of Agriculture Director was the featured speaker.
Michael Phillips and Steve Krueger were honored with the Leaders’ Honor Roll award by Clark County Extension Council during Farm City Night. .
NEMR announced they were expanding and bringing high-speed fiber internet to Kahoka.
The Clark County Commission approved the purchase of a second mapping license to enhance E911 services.
Aynsley Harmon was named the Area Historian.
Clark County’s Harrison Parker was named to the Clarence Cannon Conference first team for basketball. Corrick Hunziker was named to the second team.
A few brave runners faced a chilly Leprechaun 5K Run/Walk at St. Patrick on March 16.
The Kahoka City Council approved a 16% electric rate increase.
Don and Rayline Perry celebrated 60 years of marriage. The couple were married on March 21, 1965.
National Craft Month is celebrated in March. Local crafters, Ed and Tammy Riney were recognized. The couple create unique handmade items that bring others joy. Also, local crafter Kathy Blythe was recognized. Kathy crochets items like blankets, outfits and animals.
David Bunker of Revere shared a photo of the Blood Moon eclipse which was taken on March 14.
April 2025
Miss Lewis and Clark’s Teen, Eden Kearse, taught an American Sign Language class at the Sever Library on April 3.
Andrew Deatrick embarked on a mission trip to Iqaluit, to support missionaries and help with service projects.
Seven 4-H members from Clark County went to the State Capitol for 4-H Day.
Neva Selway was recognized as a 75-year member in Kahoka Chapter #40, Order of the Eastern Star.
Some volunteers were recognized for National Volunteer Month. Mike and Allys Murphy have volunteered at the Clark County Food Pantry for many years.
The Clark County voters approved the property tax measure to support the Industrial Opportunities sheltered workshop during the municipal election.
Kahoka Mayor Tony Anderson was re-elected.
Rose and Rusty Smith were recognized for volunteering at the Clark County Senior Center.
Clark County Health Department urged residents to vaccinate against measles, citing outbreaks reported in other states.
Joanne Ragan celebrated her 90th birthday.
Trinity Little and Brendan Harvey were named the Clark County R-1 High School Prom Queen and King.
On April 15, East Main Street was closed in Kahoka as MoDOT crews started resurfacing and patch work on the roads.
Mark Plenge and Erick Arnold were sworn in as members of the Clark County R-1 School Board.
The Kahoka/Clark County Chamber donated $300 to the Sewcial Quilters of Clark County for Quilts of Valor.
The Clark County Health Department presented Audrie Howe, RN with a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing her for 10 years of dedicated service.
Doris Krueger was recognized for dedicating her time to volunteering. She helped at local blood drives and at the Clark County Senior Center.
Amber Hall was named as the Principal at Running Fox Elementary.
Over 100 Clark County kids hunted 6,000 Easter eggs in O-Mak-O-Hak Park. The annual Easter egg hunt is sponsored by the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
The Clark County Commission advanced on the jail repairs. There were concerns about mold and the jail needing multiple renovations.
May 2025
The 110th annual Wyaconda C-1 Alumni Banquet was held on May 10 at the Clark County Middle School.
Clark County FFA member, Lexi Oilar, won the State Poultry Production Proficiency Award.
The Clark County Health Department celebrated Nurse Week.
The Clark County R-1 School Board met to discuss potential consolidation of elementary school facilities, with a proposed building addition at Black Hawk Elementary school.
After decades of dedication to agricultural education and FFA leadership, long time Clark County R-1 Ag teacher, Mr. Lemmon retired.
The Clark County Scholar Bowl Varsity team reached the State quarterfinals. The team wrapped up their regular season, finishing 41-9. Led by Mr. Reardon, the Scholar Bowl team demonstrated exceptional growth and teamwork throughout the season. The team featured Liam McIntire, Zac Irvin, Lexi Oilar, Brody Davis, Breckin Webster, and Vivian Reardon.
Clark County High School qualified eight athletes and two relay teams for the sectional round after a strong showing at Class 2 District 3 track and field meet.
The Clark County High School Class of 2025 received their diplomas during the commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18. Ava McKay was the Valedictorian and Trinity Little was the Salutatorian.
Noreen Whitney opened Nordic Farms Country Store in St. Patrick, MO.
Clark County’s Mason McDaniel won first place in the 3200m race at the Class 2 State Track and Field championships.
Ava McKay placed 9th in the Pole Vault at the Class 2 State Track and Field championships.
The 4×800 team of Mason McDaniel, Kai Binsbacher, Austin Day, and Quinton Roach took 7th place at the State championship.
Kahoka Trading Company, located in the former Kahoka State Bank building, held their grand opening.
St. Francisville Lodge #588 A.F. & A.M. raised $1,000 for the Wayland Head Start with a spaghetti meal fundraiser. The money was double matched by the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Creating a Partnership program, resulting in a $3,000 donation.
June 2025
Two young women prepared to take the stage at the Miss Missouri’s Teen pageant. Miss Clark County’s Teen Emma Pitford and Miss Lewis and Clark’s Teen Eden Kearse competed.
Miss Clark County Evan Jones competed for Miss Missouri.
The St. Francisville Masonic Lodge #588 hosted its annual “Smoking in the Park” BBQ contest at Omakohak Park in Kahoka.
The city crew tore out a sidewalk on the north side of West Main in preparation for new sidewalks to be installed.
A 100-year-old barn was given new life. The structure was lifted into the air and a new foundation, and pillars were poured to preserve the barn. In the future the owners plan to put metal siding on the barn.
The Clark County Commission approved two ballot measures for the August 2025 election, including a proposed half-cent sales tax to support jail operations and a measure to make the prosecuting attorney position full time.
The Kahoka Board of Alderman approved the purchase of a $113,250 hydrovac unit, marking a major step toward safer and more efficient underground utility work in the city.
The Clark County Fairboard worked on upgrades before the Clark County Fair. The flooring of the box seat and walkway areas were replaced.
Local hero Ron Ash and several other good Samaritans helped a local woman after she had wrecked along Highway 136. The woman’s dog, Roscoe, had been in the car with her and had run to Ron’s home and sat down on the porch couch next to Ron’s wife.
The Clark County Fire Corporation received an Equipment Grant through the VFA program.
Seven Clark County veterans received Quilts of Valor for their service during the annual Flag Day ceremony. The Sewcial Quilts of Clark County made the quilts. Receiving them were Ron “Duckie Gates, Ralph “Bud” Laymon, Gary Doty, Mike Doty, Shawn Doty, Chris Hessley, and Tyler Ramsey.
Clark County R-1 administrator Megan Wendling retired from the school district.
Dr. Ritchie Kracht accepted a plaque from CC R-1 school board president Kevin Ross, thanking him for 21 years of service to the district.
The Clark County DAR collected crayons for the Crayon Initiative, a national nonprofit that collects used crayons, melts them down, and remakes them into new ones to distribute to children’s hospitals.
Clark County was reported as one of the lowest averages in weekly wage in Northeast Missouri.
