By Emily Bontrager Lance Smith has been named the 2026 Middle School Regional Principal of the Year, an honor that recognizes his leadership and the efforts of the school community within the Clark County R-1 School District. Smith’s journey into education began with strong influences during his own school years. He attended Scotland County R-1 School District from kindergarten through high school before continuing his education. “I got my Bachelor’s in History Education from Culver-Stockton College. I earned a Master’s Degree in 7-12 Principal from William Woods University and an Educational Specialist Degree in Superintendency from Northwest Missouri State University,”…

CLARK COUNTY — Clark County voters approved both countywide and Kahoka ballot questions in Tuesday’s General Municipal Election, while contested races in Kahoka, Wayland, the Clark County R-1 School District and the Clark County Nursing Home District were also decided. Turnout was 759 ballots cast out of 4,884 registered voters, or 15.54 percent. The countywide tax question passed, with 444 yes votes to 277 no votes. The measure asked whether Clark County should exempt eligible taxpayers from certain tax increases on their primary residences above the liability incurred during the initial credit year. In Kahoka, voters also approved a local…

By Mike Scott KAHOKA — The Kahoka City Council swore in newly elected aldermen, approved equipment purchases and adopted the city’s annual wage ordinance during its regular meeting Monday, April 13. Incumbent Larry Young and newcomer Ruth Brotherton, winners of the April 7 municipal election, were officially sworn into office. Brotherton is believed to be the first female alderman in Kahoka history. The council accepted bids for new security camera systems at three city locations. M6 Security submitted the low bid of $2,415 for the ball field and street shed. NEMR was awarded the low bids for both the Wayland…

By Emily Bontrager April is National Volunteer Month, a time set aside to recognize the millions of Americans who give their time and talents to help others in their communities. In Clark County, one of those volunteers is Gloria Allen. For nearly 20 years, Allen has helped ensure a steady supply of lifesaving blood is available for patients in need. Gloria, 79, who lives near St. Patrick, Missouri, serves as chair of the community blood drives held in Kahoka. Working alongside a dedicated group of volunteers, she helps organize and coordinate the drives held six times a year at First…

By Emily Bontrager The Running Fox Elementary PTO is raising funds to purchase smartboards for the elementary classrooms this year. Each year the PTO puts on a Monster Garage Sale fundraiser. This year’s garage sale will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Running Fox Gym. A bake sale will also be held during the event. PTO chairperson Teri Hooper said the garage sale has supported several school projects in recent years. Funds previously helped rebuild the PTO account after purchasing playground equipment, and last year’s sale, with help from the Masons, contributed…