Year in Review: 2025
2025 was a busy year. Here’s a look back at July through December
July 2025
St. Francisville Masonic Lodge #588 and Kahoka Chapter #40, Order of the Eastern Star have utilized the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Creating-A-Partnership (CAP) Program for the last few years. The CAP Program double-matched funds raised. Some of the projects that were supported by the local Lodge and Eastern Star chapters were Wayland Head Start for hand-washing stations and playground equipment, new playground equipment at Black Hawk Elementary, new stage curtains and rails at the Clark County Middle School, and a reading-walking path and outdoor classroom at Running Fox Elementary.
Otts Auto Supply partnered with Parts City Auto Parts.
A new Missouri Senior Tax Relief Program offered a property tax freeze.
Lee and Karen Bartels of Kahoka celebrated 60 years of marriage.
NEMOnews publisher Mike Scott talked about how newspapers matter, but delivery delays are hurting everyone.
Local high school student, Isabelle Brotherton, participated in the Missouri Electric Cooperative Youth Tour.
The Clark County fair kicked off on July 16-20.
The Northeast Missouri Beekeepers Association held its Spring Bee Field Day at the Lewis County Regional Airport in Lewis County, Missouri.
The St. Francisville Lodge #588 donated $1,500 to the Clark County Middle School and High School Pantries to help purchase two small freezers and food to stock the freezers.
Andrewsky’s Cheese & Sausage Store opened in Kahoka. Owner Kevin Andrews opened the doors on July 3.
Clark County will see nearly $14 million in transportation improvements over the next five years under Missouri’s newly approved Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for fiscal years 2026-2030.
The Kahoka/Clark County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for NEMR.
Jackie Baker, RN, was named the July Spirit of Scotland County Hospital.
The St. Francisville Lodge #588 presented $540 to the Clark County Food Pantry. Matt Shannon won the Lodge’s 2nd Annual “Smoking in the Park” BBQ contest and chose to donate the money raised to the local food pantry. Exchange Bank of NEMO and Peoples Bank of Wyaconda matched the money raised at the BBQ event.
The Jason Steel family was named as the Clark County State Fair Farm Family.
The Larry and Caroline Arnold family were honored as the 2025 Clark County Fair Family.
The Clark County Fair Princess was Ariebella McDaniel. The Clark County Fair FFA Queen was Emma Harvey. The Clark County Fair Queen was Lana Boyd.
The Media changed its publication day to be mailed and delivered on Wednesday mornings. This was due to the print plant at Quincy Herald-Whig closing.
NEMOnews Media Group was named to E&P’s 2025 “Media That Matters” Class.
The 5th Annual Earl Hunziker Bow Shoot was held on July 26. The event is sponsored by the St. Francisville Lodge #588.
The Clark County Endowment Fund formed. The Clark County Endowment Fund is a permanently endowed charitable fund created through the Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri.
Community volunteers gathered at Steve’s Event Center to sort Back-to- School backpacks and supplies that were later distributed.
Dr. Davis-Humes completed the Leading Physician Well-Being Certificate Program.
August 2025
School leaders across Northeast Missouri prepared for several statewide changes that impacted classroom routines, staffing flexibility, and student participation in extracurricular activities.
Nathan Deatrick was named the new pastor of First Baptist Church of Kahoka.
Willing Worker’s 4-H Club sought out sponsors for wreaths to place at the Frazee Cemetery.
The National Weather Service office in Quad Cities confirmed a weak tornado touched down just outside of Kahoka on August 10.
Voters in Clark County approved two countywide ballot measures during the special election on August 5. The measures were the county sales tax proposal and a measure concerning the prosecuting attorney’s office.
Schools across the area had a Chalk the Walk event to make sure students were greeted with positive messages on their first day back at school.
Roberta McAfee was inducted into the Missouri State 4-H Hall of Fame on August 16. Roberta has served as a 4-H volunteer for many years.
Wyaconda Medical Services held an open house to showcase the clinic’s remodel.
The Kahoka/Clark County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a back-to-school fun day in the park, with lots of activities.
The children of St. Michael’s and the Shire of St. Patrick Vacation Bible School raised funds and donated them to the Clark County Food Pantry. They raised $750 to donate.
Father and Son, Brad and Caleb Nelson, compete in Run-N-Gun challenges across the country. The duo enjoys spending time together and testing their skill and endurance on the courses.
The Willing Worker’s 4-H Club hosted a fried chicken buffet fundraiser to help buy wreaths to place at the Frazee Cemetery for Wreaths Across America.
Brenda Cottrell was recognized for 25 years of dedicated service at the Clark County Health Department.
Reading signs were installed along the walking path at Running Fox.
September 2025
Humphrey’s Haul’n LLC rolled into Clark County. Owners Chad and Natalie Humphry launched their new business.
The Kahoka City Council appointed John Gaus as the East Ward alderman to replace Carl Hayden, who resigned after moving out of the city.
Samuel Buescher is a rising talent in the community. He spends much of his free time creating cinematography and taking photographs.
A northeast Missouri felon was caught twice with drugs and guns. Darek A. Wilson’s home was searched on July 31, 2024, and a large cache of weapons, suspected illegal drugs, and cash were found.
Peoples Bank donated a Blackstone griddle to the Clark County Sports Boosters. Green Construction & Plumbing donated the first propane tank and Duer’s offered to keep the tank full for the seasons.
Mason McDaniel won the Keokuk Invitational Cross County meet, with an official time of 15:58.9, a new personal record for the senior.
Sisters Connie Gutting and Kathy Smith of Kahoka, raise Monarch butterflies and share their butterflies with local kids and students.
Regional officials gathered for a Commissioners and Clerks fall meeting at the Knox County Community Center.
NEMOnews Media Group won five first-place awards at the 2025 Missouri Press Association Better Newspaper Contest. The Kahoka Media earned two first-place awards: Mike Scott won Best Editorial for “What would you do if your local newspaper suddenly disappeared?”; Emily Bontrager earned Best Story About Rural Life or Agriculture for “Guiding the Flock: Rex Nelson Shares His Expertise as a Poultry Judge.” The Media also received a second place in Best Overall Design and Best Story About Education for work by Scott.
Mason McDaniel won at the Highland Cougar Charge, with a time of 17:07.40. Presley Ames placed 6th with a time of 24:02.30.
Mason McDaniel broke the record at the Palmyra Invitational with a finishing time of 16:55.83.
The 39th Annual Clark County Mule Festival was held September 18-20.
Nine23 Barber Shop opened on the Kahoka Square. Owner Conner Mack is offering haircuts and shaves.
The 141st Old Settlers celebration took place in Kahoka on September 27. The Old Settler’s Princess was Violena Houck. The Old Settler’s Queen was Kensley Ball.
The oldest resident to attend Old Settlers was 100-year-old Rovene Lipper.
October 2025
NEMO Auto Sales and NEMO Tire & Auto relocated to Kahoka. Owner Cole Hays decided to relocate from Memphis to Kahoka after being in Memphis for nearly a decade. He is renting a space in a building just south of Kahoka on Highway 81.
The Harlem Wizards came to Kahoka for a fundraiser for the Running Fox and Black Hawk Elementary PTOs.
The 34th Clark County Parade of Champions returned to Kahoka on October 11. Many bands attended to march in the parade and perform their field shows. .
Greg Sutterfield retired after 31 years with the Lewis County REC. He began his career on September 1, 1994.
Steve Smith was inducted into the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) Truck Driver Hall of Fame.
Carl and Charlotte Davis celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Lindsay Gravett was appointed as the Circuit Judge in the First Judicial Circuit.
Owners Corby and Britni Hawkins opened Hearth & Homestead on the Kahoka square. The store offers a refill station, handcrafted local items, fresh greens, bakery items, and low-tox, eco-friendly products.
Crews from Patterson Asphalt finished paving on West Main Street.
The Sub Shack opened in Kahoka on the square. Owners Kassi and Dusty Davis are excited to welcome the community and offer subs, salads, and soups.
The Clark County Homecoming King was Dylan Butler, and the Homecoming Queen was Maci Cochenour.
Lindsay Gravett was sworn in as the first female presiding judge of the 1st Judicial Circuit of Missouri.
The Clark County Health Department recognized Gena Ellison, RN, with a certificate of appreciation for 5 years of service.
Three Clark County softball players earned all-conference honors in the Clarence Cannon Conference. Grace Parker was named to the second team, Hayden West and Cabell Palmer also received second team selections.
November 2025
After 30 years, Evelena Sutterfield retired from the Clark County Health Department. She served as the Administrator for many years.
The Clark County Senior Center faced a funding crisis during the federal shutdown.
The Miss Clark County Scholarship pageant took place on November 8. Celia Medeiros was crowned Miss Lewis & Clark’s Teen; Ananya Senthil, Miss Lewis & Clark; and Darby Rollins, Miss Clark County’s Teen.
The northern lights lit up the sky, an uncommon sight in northeast Missouri.
The Kahoka Board of Aldermen greenlit the waterline replacement project for 2026.
The Korner Cafe, owned by Katrina McMann, moved to a new location in Kahoka. The restaurant is now located in the old Steve’s Family Dining building across from the Clark County Courthouse.
The Clark County Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution honored nine veterans at the Clark County Nursing Home on November 8. Veteran John Olenick was awarded a Quilts of Valor.
Clark County R-1 delayed the elementary consolidation plans, citing tight finances and a 2026 bonding capacity far short of what the project would require.
Audrie Howe is the new Administrator at the Clark County Health Department.
The Sewcial Quilters of Clark County presented Quilts of Valor to six local veterans during the Veterans Day ceremony at the Clark County R-1 High School on November 11. Honorees were David Birky, Matthew McDaniel, Dwayne Kerr, Lt. Col. Lisa Ware, Gregory Sutterfield, and James Lewellen.
More Clark County residents turned towards getting food necessities from the Clark County Food Pantry as the federal government shutdown continued.
Members of the Clark County Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, presented U.S. Army veteran Joe Randall Paul with a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his service during the Vietnam War.
The Clark County Food Pantry passed out their Thanksgiving Baskets at Steve’s Event Place.
The Sever Memorial library launched a new After-School Study Buddies Program.
December 2025
Automated license plate reader cameras are expanding across Northeast Missouri, helping law enforcement track stolen vehicles and criminal suspects.
Exchange Bank of Northeast Missouri helped provide meals at no charge to 125 seniors during the Clark County Nutrition Center Thanksgiving luncheon.
MFA Oil Foundation awarded a grant to the Clark County Council on Aging to assist with purchasing a heated holding cabinet.
The Clark County Fair Association wrapped up another round of improvements to the Grandstands at the Clark County Fairgrounds. Eicher Contracting LLC replaced the floor of the box seat area and the South Ramp. Support posts and the first three rows of seating were removed and replaced with all new lumber.
The 6th Annual Christmas on the Square was held on December 13. The theme was “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree!” Joyce and Larry Young were the King and Queen.
Santa found his way to the Sever Memorial Library in Kahoka on December 5.
Kahoka residents will see a $2 monthly increase in water bills following the Board of Aldermen’s approval of a new ordinance. The city officials attributed the 9.5% rate hike to the rising cost of replacement water meters.
The Clark County Health Department announced a continuance on the WIC services for the federal fiscal year 2025-2026.
Helping Hands Food Distribution of Clark County asked for community support to help feed local families seeking food assistance.
With the winter weather forcing school closures, some residents were wondering why student activities sometimes still go on. NEMOnews Media Group contacted several area school superintendents who said student safety is always the top priority.
The Willing Workers 4-H Club gathered at the Frazee Cemetery south of Wayland on December 20 to honor local veterans through a Wreaths Across America ceremony.
Bonnie Sheffler was selected as the grand prize winner in The Media’s Candy Cane Guessing Game. Sheffler won $250 in Clark County Cash.
The Clark County Fire Corporation and the Kahoka Fire Department were approved for state equipment grants of up to $15,000 through the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
